Aug 19, 2007 9:27 pm US/Central
Cold Case: Lakeview Murder Remains A Mystery
Young Woman Vowed Not To Be A Victim Again
by Jim Williams
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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The story of a young woman whose move into a Chicago neighborhood made her family nervous. 26 years ago, their greatest fears played out in front her apartment building. now, police need help identifying evelyn hampton's killer, as CBS 2's Jim Williams reports.
Lakeview, blocks from Wrigley Field, is home to quaint shops and outdoor cafes. Property values are skyrocketing and families are comfortable in the area. But in 1981, the neighborhood was different – it had a seedy, sometimes dangerous side.
Evelyn Hampton, 29, was at home in the locale -- though her family worried about her safety.
"But she was excited about it. She liked the apartment. She really wanted to live here," said Detective John Campbell of the Chicago Police Department.
She was a popular member of the Windy City Gay Chorus and worked part time at a bar.
"She was very supportive of her friends. If they needed someone to talk to, she was the person to go to -- the confidante, counselor that was able to help you with problems," said Campbell.
On November 19, 1981, Hampton returned home at 631 W. Roscoe shortly before 8 p.m. Police say a man snatched her purse and Hampton would not let go.
"I believe the struggle started here," Campbell said. "When the individual grabbed her purse, she fought back."
Hampton was stabbed several times. Two witnesses – a man and a woman were nearby.
Evelyn Hampton's friends told police she had been a victim of crime months before she was attacked here and she vowed not to be a victim again. On that November night, she was carrying a knife. That knife was used to kill her.
"As the struggle took place, they came outside right here and witnessed the end of the incident," Campbell said.
The witness was able to flag down a police car, but the suspect got away.
Investigators had promising leads, the witness' description, and the attacker himself was cut – leaving his blood at the scene, along with the knife.
Police drew a sketch. Investigators identified a person of interest who later died. Charges were never filed. Nearly 26 years later, cold case detectives need someone to help them identify Evelyn Hampton's killer.
"If they can get a hold of us we would appreciate it," said Campbell. "Bring some closure to Evelyn's family."
If you know someone who fits the description of the man in the police sketch and/or someone who snatched purses in the early 1980s, please call the Chicago Police Cold Case Squad at (312) 746-9690.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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