Tinley Park, IL — February 2, 2008, began like any other morning at the Lane Bryant store in Brookside Marketplace. By 10:44 a.m., it had turned into a scene of unimaginable horror. A man posing as a delivery worker entered the store, forcibly leading six women into the back room. Armed with a .40-caliber Glock, he restrained the women with duct tape and executed five of them in cold blood. The sixth survived by playing dead, narrowly escaping the same fate.
Seventeen and a half years later, the case remains unsolved, a grim reminder of a day that shook the suburban Chicago community to its core.
The Victims: Remembering Lives Taken Too Soon
The five women who lost their lives were:
- Rhoda McFarland, 42, Joliet – Store manager
- Connie Woolfolk, 37, Flossmoor
- Sarah Szafranski, 22, Oak Forest
- Carrie Hudek Chiuso, 33, Frankfort
- Jennifer Bishop, 34, South Bend, Indiana
These women were mothers, daughters, friends, and coworkers. Their lives were abruptly and violently cut short, leaving families to grapple with unbearable grief.
The lone survivor’s testimony became vital to the investigation, offering critical details about the suspect and the sequence of events. Her bravery in recounting the trauma allowed investigators to construct a description of the man responsible.
The Suspect: A Description That Has Yet to Lead to Justice
Authorities described the suspect as a Black male, approximately 6’–6’2” in height, with a husky build. His hair was braided, with one braid featuring four distinctive light-green beads. Composite sketches and a 3D-aged image were released to the public, but the identity of the killer remains unknown.
Surveillance footage from nearby stores captured two vehicles near the scene at the time of the murders, sparking theories that the crime may have involved accomplices. Despite thousands of tips over the years, no concrete lead has resulted in an arrest.
The Investigation: Thousands of Leads, Yet No Breakthrough
Tinley Park authorities have remained committed to solving the case. Over 7,500 tips have been submitted, each carefully reviewed. Forensic experts, including the Vidocq Society, have assisted in cold-case analyses. Investigators continue to examine potential evidence, including DNA, fingerprint, and voice analysis from the 911 call that captured McFarland’s desperate plea for help.
Despite advancements in forensic technology, the case has remained frustratingly out of reach. Authorities believe that new breakthroughs in DNA and digital forensics may eventually provide the clues needed to identify the killer.
Voices of the Families: A Pain That Endures
For the victims’ families, the passage of time has done little to ease the pain.
“I think about her every single day. Seventeen years feels like an eternity,” said Michele Talos, sister of Jennifer Bishop.
“You had the courage to commit this act. Be a man and turn yourself in,” urged Maurice Hamilton, brother of Rhoda McFarland.
The community continues to mourn the loss, united by the shared trauma of a crime that defies reason and understanding.
Renewed Attention: Documentary and Public Appeals
Recently, a documentary filmmaker brought renewed focus to the case, hoping to generate fresh leads. The film emphasizes community involvement and encourages anyone with information to come forward.
Authorities maintain a $100,000 reward for tips leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator. The case remains active, with detectives dedicating resources and attention to follow up on every new lead.
Legacy and Hope
The Lane Bryant murders of Tinley Park are one of Chicago’s most notorious unsolved crimes. The story is a testament to the resilience of law enforcement, the enduring grief of families, and the unwavering hope that justice will one day prevail.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Tinley Park Police Department at 708-444-5394 or email lanebryant.tipline@tinleypark.org. Anonymous tips are accepted.
While nearly two decades have passed, the memory of the victims lives on, and the pursuit of justice remains as urgent as ever.