38 Years After Mom Vanishes, Agents Find Suspect Clippings In Her Purse

In 1981, Tim Slaten lost his mom, Linda, after she was killed in the home that she and her sons shared. The culprit seemed to have gotten away with this heinous crime for almost forty years.

In 2019, however, technology had advanced far enough that DNA evidence found a new suspect and it was someone that Tim knew!

Fond Memories

Tim and his brother Jeff both have very fond memories of their mother. She took them to a music concert that featured Kiss and Van Halen when they played in their hometown of Lakeland, Florida.

They also cherish all the photos of their mom that they still have, reminding them of a happier time before Linda’s life was cut short.

Wonderful Mother

Linda was a vibrant woman who had a love for life and she loved her son deeply. She enjoyed going to the beach or the park and had many skills, including making clothing.

As Jeff told a local paper: “She enjoyed life.”

Fateful Day

Linda, Tim, and Jeff all moved into a new apartment on Brunnell Parkway in Lakeland in August of 1981. Unfortunately, they would only be in their new home for less than a month when the tragedy would hit the family. On September 4, 1981, Linda brutally murdered in her bedroom.

In The Moment

Tim and Jeff would constantly relive the hours leading up to the discovery of their mom’s murder for the rest of their lives. The Tampa Bay Times reported that the two boys went home hungry after football practice.

When they got home they didn’t find much to eat so later in the evening, Jeff cycled to his grandparents’ home at around 9 p.m.