# Lovers Lane Murder

The Lovers Lane murder is the unsolved 1990 homicide case of Cheryl Henry and Andy Atkinson in Houston, Texas. The case is one of the city's most notorious cold cases, characterized by ongoing investigations and sustained public interest due to its brutal nature and lack of resolution.

## The Crime

On the evening of August 22, 1990, Cheryl Henry, a 22-year-old college student with ties to exotic dancing, and Andy Atkinson, a 21-year-old aspiring model, went on a date to Bayou Mama's nightclub in Houston. After leaving the club, the couple drove to a secluded area off Enclave Parkway near Eldridge Parkway, locally known as Lovers Lane. They had initially planned a double date but separated from their companions, choosing to spend time alone at the isolated spot.
When Cheryl failed to return home, her family contacted the Houston Police Department. The following day, August 23, a security guard discovered Andy's white car abandoned at the scene, containing Cheryl's purse and shoes. A subsequent search revealed their bodies: Cheryl had been raped and murdered, her body buried under fence boards, while Andy was found tied to a tree with his throat slashed, nearly decapitated.

## Investigation

The initial investigation focused on collecting physical evidence and interviewing potential witnesses, but no immediate suspects emerged. In 2004, advancements in DNA profiling enabled the Houston Police Department to link the DNA from Cheryl's rape to the earlier June 1990 rape case, confirming a serial offender. The DNA profile was entered into CODIS (the Combined DNA Index System), but no matches have been identified.
Over the years, more than 25 individuals have been tested as potential suspects, with all cleared through DNA analysis. An FBI profiler provided a description of the likely perpetrator as an intelligent but underachieving male, approximately the same age as the victims (early 20s in 1990), and possibly someone interviewed during the early investigation.
Despite significant evidence, the Lovers Lane murder remains unsolved due to several challenges:
* No DNA match: The absence of a match in criminal databases suggests the killer has not been arrested for other crimes requiring DNA collection.
* Lack of witnesses: The secluded location provided no eyewitnesses, and no one has come forward with a credible confession.
* Inconsistent methods: Differences in the killer's tactics between the linked crimes—such as the use of a golf club in the murders versus the absence of such items in the 1990 rape—may indicate experimentation or intentional variation to evade detection.
* Unreported crimes: The perpetrator may have committed additional unreported offenses, particularly against marginalized individuals less likely to involve police, further complicating the investigation.

## Current Status

As of March 2025, the Lovers Lane murder remains an open cold case. The Houston Police Department is exploring familial DNA testing, a technique that could identify the killer through genetic matches to relatives in DNA databases. No breakthroughs have been reported, but the case continues to garner attention through true crime media, including podcasts and books, which sustain public interest and encourage new tips. The Houston Police Department maintains a cold case unit for public tips.

## Impact and Legacy

The Lovers Lane murder left a lasting mark on Houston, raising awareness about the vulnerability of secluded areas and the persistence of unsolved crimes. The brutality of the killings shocked the community and underscored the need for advancements in forensic science. The families of Cheryl Henry and Andy Atkinson have remained vocal advocates for justice, with Cheryl’s sister, Shane Craig, actively working to keep the case in the public eye. The murders have been featured in various true crime outlets, ensuring continued discussion and the potential for new leads.