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Mothers plea for help in 15-year-old murder mystery

http://www.khou.com/news/local/crime/stories/khou050823_mh_loverslane.a09f08f1.html

07:48 PM CDT on Tuesday, August 23, 2005

By Nancy Holland / 11 News

It was 15 years ago today that a couple was killed at the end of a lover's lane in West Houston.

Andy Atkinson and Cheryl Henry were just 22 when they were killed in 1990.

Someone tied up Cheryl Henry and Andy Atkinson before slitting their throats. Henry was also raped. Both victims were 22 years old.

They were found in the 1300 block of Enclave Road, a popular parking spot for young couples at the time.

Fifteen years later, office buildings have replaced lover's lane.

But nothing has replaced the pain.

The victims' mothers joined police Tuesday in pleading for someone to come forward with information leading to the killer or killers.

"He didn't deserve to be murdered. He was just starting his life," said Ann Fowler, Andy Atkinson's mother. "He wanted a family, children, grandchildren. I'll never have any grandchildren or live to see him have all these things."

"Losing Cheryl was like losing a daughter and my dearest friend," said a tearful Barbara Craig, Cheryl Henry's mother. "She was the kind of daughter that I could, I could count on her. I could count on her to watch the other kids... I could count on her to run to the store and bring me the change. I could count on her support."

Four years ago, a letter promised answers for a $100,000. But the writer didn't deliver.

Despite years of chasing leads, The case was never solved. It continues to haunt detectives who worked it.

They know they are looking for a white male.

"We only know of one suspect because of the DNA profile. But there is a second person there. I will bet my career on it," said Sgt. Billy Belk.

Police thought they had identified a suspect nearly two dozen times over the years. But all 23 times, DNA proved they were wrong.

Four years ago, a letter promised answers for a $100,000.

Officers responded. But the writer did not.

Now 15 years after the deaths, parents keep alive memories

They were tortured and knew they were going to die. So, please come forward," said Atkinson's mother.

And hope for answers yet to come.

If you have any information about this case, please call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

All callers will remain anonymous.