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PX00149_9Out of all the true crime stories I’ve read, one sticks with me and won’t let go. It’s the strange case of Julie Weflen, who went missing near Riverside State Park in Washington state in 1987.

Gentle, good-hearted, and strong-willed, Julie was one of the few female operators for the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). Her job required her to work at power substations in remote locations.

On the day she disappeared, there was a report that nitrogen was low in one of the transformers at the Springhill substation.

Her coworker told Julie she could let it go for the day, but she told him she had time to resolve the issue. The twenty-eight year old disappeared at about 3:30 p.m. from the substation near where the Four Mound and Coulee Hite roads meet, northwest of Spokane.

Her hard hat and toolbox, a water bottle and a pair of sunglasses lay on the ground next to the truck. Her purse was still in the work rig. The truck’s driver-side door and back hatch were open.

Randy Ridenhour, who was BPA’s liaison for law enforcement, said police told him at the time it appeared Julie had been overpowered by two people.

Gravel showed signs of a struggle, including what appeared to be drag marks. A fresh tire pattern, not belonging to Julie’s vehicle, was found near the substation.

Mike Weflen, Julie’s husband, was originally a suspect, even though he was painting a house fifty miles west of Spokane when she disappeared. He searched for his young wife for years with a devotion bordering on obsession, until finally accepting he would most likely never find her. Weflen eventually remarried and had a family.

A retired BPA engineer sparked new interest in the case three years ago when he decided to investigate Julie’s disappearance with a group of fellow retirees. The group has amassed a list of about fifty women who went missing or were killed in the Spokane-Coeur d’Alene, Idaho area from the mid-1960s through 2011. Among them:

— Laurie Partridge, 17, disappeared while returning home from Spokane’s Ferris High School in 1974.

— Kathryn R. Gregory, a 24-year-old nurse, disappeared Nov. 5, 1981, from a parking lot in Spokane’s South Hills.

— Schoolteacher Debra Jean Swanson, 30, failed to return from a popular lakeside hiking trail in nearby Coeur d’Alene on March 29, 1986, and hasn’t been seen since.

— Sally Stone Ries, 22, vanished May 16, 1986, while employed as an exotic dancer at a Coeur d’Alene resort-tavern.

Julie is not believed to be a victim of notorious serial killers Robert Lee Yates Jr., the so-called “Spokane Killer” who confessed in 2000 to thirteen murders beginning in 1975, or “Green River Killer” Gary Ridgway, who murdered forty-nine people between 1992 and 1998.

So what happened to Julie? Even though she was tiny, at five-foot-two and just over one-hundred pounds, she was strong and34740052_125195051762 competent. Those closest to her are certain she would have fought for her life. This could explain the signs of a struggle, which made it seem like two people kidnapped Julie. While there have been cases of murderous pairs, most crimes of this nature are committed by one person.

Local police no longer consider Julie a missing person. Her disappearance is regarded as a homicide. But if she was killed, where is her body?

Sadly, Julie’s mother passed away in 2006 without ever knowing what had happened to her daughter.

BPA is offering a substantial award of $25,000 to anyone who comes forward with information that leads to the resolution of this troubling case.

Julie is Caucasian with brown hair and brown eyes. She has a scar on her back, and a metal rod implanted in her spine. If you have any information concerning Julie Weflen, please call the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office at (509) 477-4760.

What do you think happened to Julie?

With files from The Spokesman Review.

1 part newsletter, 1 part unnerving updates,
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107 Comments

  1. Shauna

    I love this post!! Thanks for sharing her story. I cannot get enough of unsolved mysteries! 🙂

    Reply
    • JH

      Thanks so much, Shauna. I really appreciate the feedback…and your help. Hope to see you here again. 🙂

      Reply
    • Lynn Berk

      I wrote a story for the Coeur d’Alene Press about the disappearances of Julie, Swanson, and Ries. I was told off the record that the investigating officer for the Swanson case was counting the days to his retirement and bungled the case. I was ALSO told by numerous people, after the damn story ran, that there was a prime suspect in all three who was, and may still be, a member of the Spokane Mountaineering Club who sued the Spokane cops for harassment when they couldn’t pin anything on him, and so he still goes about his everyday business. Don’t know his name–just repeating what I was told.

      Reply
      • JH

        Wow, Lynn, thanks for your input. To be honest, I was disappointed with the lack of response this post received compared to the other unsolved mysteries I’ve written about. Perhaps it’s just too cold, and a lot of people have given up hope.

        I’d read that there was another suspect. I will never forget Julie, and hope that one day justice is done.

        I really appreciate your comment and the information!

        Reply
        • Cass Anderson

          I have some really strange and interesting information regarding this case if you would please contact me…

          Reply
          • JH

            If you’re serious, feel free to email me. I get lots of strange messages and requests, so it’s difficult to know which are legit.

        • Steve

          I would have thought you would have had more interest too about Julie’s case. It was so prominent to those of us in Spokane because her husband had flyers and posters everywhere for a very long time so it’s been kind of a haunting mystery that a lot of people wanted solved but it is just so old and cold I guess like you said. But those of us who lived in Spokane it was spooky. And the fact that she was so pretty just made the case even more prominent. You’re certainly not the only one that is curious or struck by this case. I wish they could close it but everything that that husband did along with the police I just don’t know what else they could do.

          Reply
        • Patricia Bell McCall

          This reminds me of the “Candy Rogers” story. I often wondered if her murderer was ever found. I lived in Spokane at the time. So very, very, sad!

          Reply
    • John Polos

      I am John Polos, P.E., retired BPA Engineer. I have been working the Weflen-Swanson-Gregory cases for 10 years, not 3 years. Will Parks absolutely abducted Julie Weflen and Debora Swanson. No doubt. We developed circumstantial evidence that he is involved in the Nurse Marie Rae Gregory case. All of Spokane. We believe he is guilty of something in Tennessee, which he fled and changed his last name from Powell (or Vowell), to Parks. We could not use his name, as he has threated many people and sued the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. Parks accidentally killed himself on Jan. 16, choking in his own vomit. Good riddance! (You can not liable a dead person). Bodies have never been found. Julie’s nephew is on our team. Further, Julie’s step mom has been told. She has always wanted closure on the case, but not body ever found. Local law enforcement has been informed of out findings, including the eye witness to abduction, who just came forward. He was A 13 year boy, bike riding substation. He and 2 friends witnessed abduction, but did not report it. They thought it was a husband-wife domestic argument, as Julie and Will called each other by name. The local law enforcement agency responsible, has never called us back, to check details.

      Reply
      • Lori

        Hi John, I talked with you about this case on the phone a few years ago. You mentioned Will then. So he recently died? Did the 13 year old boy give a description of the man? Did he hear Julie use the name Will? I would love to see this solved, and I’m wondering what all you’ve learned in detail. Thanks!

        Reply
      • LH

        I also learned online that Will’s business location wasn’t that far from the substation. I’m wondering how he became a suspect?? He must’ve been known as having sociopathic behaviors and harassing women!? I wish Law enforcement would finally wrap the case, like they did with young Adam Walsh’s case. Even without a trial, they could name a suspect and say what they think happened. I’ve wondered about what happened to Julie for many years now. Keep hoping to hear a case closed with details. I think he, Will May have seen her as she was leaving the substation.

        Reply
      • Dee

        I knew Will as a personal friend for many years until he sadly passed this year. I know of the incredible pain and suffering he went through as a result of people like you and others who accused him of a crime he never committed. He was an innocent man and people like you tried to ruin him. He was right in fighting back against vigilantes who wanted to do him harm when he had done no harm to anyone! You all should be ashamed of yourselves!

        Reply
        • Kim Krieger

          Thank you for this Dee. How could he have changed his name when his parents in Tennessee have the same last name? It is my understanding that Will was cleared. Innocent until proven guilty. It saddens me to see the assumptions.

          Reply
      • Kj

        If you want pressure on the family, get the parcel taxed based on its current market value.

        Reply
      • Jennifer Davis

        I went to his adventure park and ended up in an area by myself. When he found me, he was outraged and screaming at me. Dig up that whole park and you will find them, no doubt

        Reply
        • JH

          Whaaa? The guy had an adventure park?!

          Reply
      • Robert Burns

        Hi John, I’d like to talk with you.

        Reply
    • louise harraway

      Did they ever check if the sub station did need nitrogen or was it a hoax to get her to go out there alone.

      Reply
    • Pam

      There is a Julie weflen living in Arkansas. Seems to look like her at her current age.

      Reply
  2. Toby

    Fascinating! Sounds like it would make a good story for the next season of Serial…

    Reply
    • JH

      Thanks, Toby. That’s not the first time I’ve heard that about my posts.

      Reply
  3. Jen Letts

    Unsolved mysteries really can wriggle into your mind and not leave, can’t they?

    Reply
    • JH

      Most definitely! This one really bothers me. I hope someone finds her.

      Reply
  4. carrie @carrieloves

    Gosh, that is a frightening scenario… because you just don’t know what happened, and it’s been so long. I admire her husband and the BPA retirees for searching & investing for clues.

    Reply
    • JH

      Thanks for commenting, Carrie. It has been way too long. I can’t imagine what it’s like to lose someone you love that way.

      Her husband looked for Julie for years, but finally realized he had to put her disappearance behind him and move on with his life. Her coworkers have never given up. They recently put together a list of eleven suspects for the police. They’re convinced that whoever took Julie is a local.

      Reply
  5. Lisa Buie-Collard

    As a mother this terrifies me. I have a hard time reading things like this, much less the statistics. It is my worst fear and hopefully I will never live it. It is good to keep these events in people’s minds so that there is hope for those missing to one day be found… Lisa @ http://www.lisabuiecollard.com

    Reply
    • JH

      One of my greatest wishes is that we’ll find out what happened to Julie one day. It’s so troubling that she could disappear in the middle of the day, and never be seen or heard from again.

      Thanks for reading and commenting, Lisa.

      Reply
  6. Frank

    The man being investigated from the Spokane Mountaineering club had the first name of Will. He used to own and run the ropes course off of River Road (I think)… It leads from the valley to Hillyard… Perhaps Euclid?

    Reply
    • JH

      Thanks for letting us know, Frank. Did anything come of it?

      Reply
      • M

        His name is Will Parks.

        Reply
  7. D K

    Will should be carefully looked at again especially with new technology. Rip peace julie

    Reply
    • JH

      Thanks for your comment, DK. I hope all suspects have been closely investigated. What a terrible tragedy!

      Reply
    • summer

      any other suspects?

      Reply
  8. Richard

    I found a Will Parks who runs something called Adventure Outdoors, does that sound right? Did all three women have a connection to that course?

    Reply
    • summer

      will parks lives off pine bluff and owns adventure dynamics

      Reply
  9. Scott

    I live about 2 miles from that sub-station. I was in 8th grade when Julie disappeared and I still remember all the posters and billboards around the area. Seemed like everyone was searching for her. I wanna know what was in the footlocker they found at the main office she was based out of. The contents has never been made public that I know of. I think the poor girl knew something she was not supposed to know. The truth and time walk hand in hand and I hope someday, somebody finds you! 🙂

    Reply
  10. Susan Jordan

    I read about Julie in one of Ann Rule’s books and the case has stayed with me also. I cannot imagine the number of people who seem to just vanish into thin air. I also can’t imagine what her family has been going through, not knowing what happened to her.

    Reply
    • JH

      Welcome to my blog, Susan, and thanks for commenting. Sorry it’s taken so long for me to reply–I was out of the country.

      I first read about Julie in Ann Rule’s book as well. It’s such a sad case. I hope lots of people read this post and share it. You never know who might be reading…someone out there must know something!

      Reply
  11. Athena

    I remember seeing the posters for years at the substation. I always looked for the poster and wondered about her.

    Reply
    • JH

      Welcome to my blog, Athena. It’s a sad case. It haunts me as well.

      Reply
  12. Melody

    This saddens me too no end, as well, there are many missing women on my small town of La Grande, Oregon…and recent unsolved missing or dead women. We need good investigators!! Or I’m suspicious of them as well….

    Reply
    • JH

      Hi Melody,

      Welcome to my blog and thanks for commenting. Are there any cases you think are worth digging into a bit more? I’d be happy to look into them and write a post about them. You never know who could be reading…

      Reply
      • summer lowry

        yes their are ……rebecca elizabeth west …..also michael tarbert should be looked at!!

        Reply
        • JH

          Thanks, Summer. I’ve added these names to my list. I’ll see what I can dig up.

          Reply
  13. Kimberly

    I remember this case well. My father was also a substation operator for Bonneville at the time, and he was devastated, as were all of the BPA employees Julie had worked with. It was unusual back then for a woman to be a substation operator, but she was smart and well-respected by her fellow employees and I’m sure she paved the way for more women being hired in that position by the BPA. I remember my father being anguished that they hadn’t instituted a buddy system for operators prior to her disappearance; it had been something that had been discussed.

    I remember hearing my father talk about how a psychic had been brought in on the investigation. I’m not sure I buy all of that mumbo-jumbo, but the psychic ‘felt’ that Julie had passed shortly after being abducted, that the perpetrator (just one person) was probably an old boyfriend, and that she was buried on his property. Apparently the police were never able to search his property, though, lack of probable cause, or something? I’m sorry I can’t remember more details…I was just a teenager at the time and this was a conversation I only overheard bits and pieces of.

    I hope that progress is eventually made on this case. For all involved, it would be nice to have some resolution.

    Reply
    • JH

      Thanks so much for providing all this history, Kimberly! I feel sympathy for your father and all the other BPA employees. It must have been so hard on them when Julie disappeared, not to mention scary for the women who came after her!

      Interesting insights from the psychic. I have a medium friend who helps the police from time to time, so although there are a lot of scammers out there, I believe some of them are legit. Unfortunately, I suspect she’s right about Julie dying soon after her abduction. I’ve never heard of an adult woman being kept alive this long, but I still hope this case is solved. Not knowing is the worst.

      Welcome to my blog, and thanks so much for commenting.

      Reply
  14. Gené

    I wonder if we could send this case to the ladies from Cold Justice.

    Might be worth a shot.

    Reply
    • JH

      I’ve never heard of Cold Justice, Gené. I’ll have to look into this. Thanks for the suggestion, and for commenting. Welcome to my blog!

      Reply
  15. Linda

    The ladies from Cold Justice can be found on YouTube. Kelly Siegler and Yolanda McCleary look at police files and try to solve old cases. I have also heard about Will Parks as a suspect which others have mentioned. He has a home and/or business (outdoor adventure ropes course, etc.) which is located very near the BPA SpringHill substation where Julie was taken from. I suspect that Julie was buried on private property and that’s why she was never found.

    Reply
  16. MC

    I worked for BPA when Julie went missing, although I never met her because I worked at one of the Tri-Cities locations. I sure wish they would find out what happened so the family could have some sense of closure.

    Reply
    • JH

      Me too, MC. I imagine it was difficult working for the same company, even though you never met Julie in person.

      Reply
  17. Barbara

    1st time I have stumbled on your blog. I love cold cases and love your willingness to look into suggestions!
    From my limited reading of cases such as this it seems many times a small connection between victim and committer. Seems could be a case here because if not someone had to know she would go to that spot that afternoon to be there to get her! At least if not it sure was “luck” that the committer happened upon her.
    Perhaps the foot locker never released contents would give a clue for the right person!

    Reply
    • JH

      Thanks for the kind words, Barbara. I suspect Julie was taken by someone who had been stalking her for a while. Still hope they catch him one day.

      Reply
  18. Michelle Willms

    I have studied serial killers in great depth for many, many years (as a sociologist, one of my major areas of emphases is deviance). After reading your list of some of the other disappearances in the area, the actions seem indicative of a serial killer, especially since so many of those missing vanished without a trace, including that of Julie Weflen. Far more serial killers have been practicing their captures and kills for longer than we care to believe (or want to think about). If Julie was kidnapped and murdered by a stranger, it would be far more difficult to find the murderer than if she was killed by someone she already knew. Of course, sometimes serial killers get arrogant and then get lazy and soon they’ve killed close to home or someone close to them, so it could be one of those prime suspects, too, I suppose. Either way, it’s absolutely heartbreaking and terrifying. I’ve shared this on Twitter (where I have the greatest number of followers to reach). Thank you for all you do. I love your posts.

    Reply
    • JH

      Thank you for your kind words and for sharing, Michelle. You made my day!

      It seems like we have the same area of interest. I’ve studied serial killers in depth as well, but just out of personal interest.

      Reply
  19. Ronda Helene

    Prayers for findings, and shared here in Weedsport NY 13166

    Reply
    • JH

      Thanks so much, Ronda!

      Reply
  20. Jennifer

    I was 12 years old when Julie Weflen went missing, and it wasn’t too far from our house. I remember the story and her face so well. I also remember shortly after she went missing seeing a guy burying something over by Red Lake when we drove by, and for some reason I always thought he was burying her body. Most likely, he was burying garbage, but my 12-year-old mind wouldn’t let the idea go. It haunts me to this day. I just wish they would get some answers, or find her so there might be some peace to her disappearance.

    Reply
    • JH

      Me too, Jennifer. I can’t even imagine what it must have been like for you, thinking about stuff like that at twelve.

      No kid should have to worry about that stuff.

      *hugs*

      Reply
    • Tina

      Hello Jennifer,
      Do you recall what area around Red Lake you saw that? It might be worth checking out with a metal detector.
      I know that reports stated she was wearing her wedding ring and a watch at the time of her disappearance. Thanks!

      Reply
  21. Eric S.

    I remember this case well- even as a teenager. I lived only a mile from where Julie lived and I remember seeing the case in Unsolved Mysteries at that age- at home alone of course- and being terrified. It’s always haunted me. The fact that people just disappear to me is a crazy notion. There are answers and clues out there- somewhere. I hate to think that this case could get any colder. Please keep up the great writing for justice!

    Reply
    • JH

      Thanks so much for commenting, Eric. I can only imagine how terrifying that was.

      I would love to help find Julie. It’s such a sad case. Her loved ones deserve to know what happened to her.

      Reply
  22. jody

    I’ve done extensive research on this case. It has captivated me for years. Many of the articles you used from The Spokesman-Review were authored by me. I’d be happy to talk to you. I can answer several of the questions posed in this blog.

    Reply
    • JH

      That would be awesome, Jody. Welcome! I’m glad you found this post.

      I’ll send you an email shortly.

      Reply
  23. melat

    i was kid when i heard this story she is still in my heart.

    Reply
  24. Paul Cahill

    As someone who’s worked in law enforcement, I find it strange that more evidence wasn’t found at the scene if indeed it was suspected 2 attackers participated. Footprints and nearby tire marks are clearly what you’d look for first. Even if the attackers were living in the wilderness, you’d think that a thorough search would have found discarded evidence, a campsite, blood, shell casing, food stuffs, nearby trails, etc. I would think a group of bloodhounds or search dogs would have found something.

    Reply
    • Patty McCall

      I often wonder about the CANDY ROGERS case. I was a young mother when she disappeared.

      Reply
      • JH

        Thanks for the suggestion, Patty. I’ll look into it.

        Reply
  25. John C. Stark

    Julie and I graduated from U.S. Grant High School in 1977. It was my only year there as I’d been in a private school before but wanted to attend my final year with friends from my neighborhood. Julie and her friend helped me be comfortable in a business machines class where I was only 1 of 2 guys in the class.
    Julie was a charming and warm hearted girl with an endear spirit and gentle nature that made anyone she me feel warm and cared for.
    It breaks my heart thinking of her and her family and what they have endured. I pray for them and all those who continue to work for a resolution to this heartbreaking and needless crime.

    Reply
    • JH

      Thanks for commenting, John. She does sound like a wonderful person. I’m so sorry for your loss.

      Reply
  26. Denyse Rich

    I d line to this case reopened. I remember it well always hoped for a solved case.

    Reply
    • JH

      I don’t believe the police ever closed it, Denyse. There just haven’t been new leads in a long time, sadly.

      Reply
  27. Jackie

    Yes, I’ve just re-read Ann Rule’s book. A very sad and mysterious story…

    Reply
  28. Angela Hoxie

    I lived right next door to the substation at the time of her disappearance.i was a child and my ex step dad was questioned by what I’ve been told. He worked at a local cemetery and wouldn’t put it past this man to commit this crime. He’s died 2 years ago. I still remember the day she went missing.

    Reply
    • JH

      Oh, that’s so sad, Angela. I hope he didn’t abuse you, and I hope you’re doing well today.

      Reply
  29. Robyn

    I work on Cold Cases for families and police if wanted. I had a few vivid dreams on Julie and Talked with the detective who was interested in what I dreamt. He came to my home a few times to gather info and said a 7 year old boy was having the same dream as I and the info is interesting to the case. I am willing to see if I can get more pertanant info if wanted. I have much more experience with my Cold cases now as Julie was my first intuitive experience.

    Reply
    • JH

      That’s really interesting, Robyn. Are you will to share what your dream was about?

      Reply
  30. Julia

    So weird. After all these years, I just yesterday was thinking about the Julie Weflen case. This came up in my newsfeed today. I lived in the area when she came missing and have prayed over the years for her safe return. Please God, open the eyes of those looking and reveal the secrets that will solve this case. Thanks for continuing the efforts on her behalf.

    Reply
    • JH

      You’re very welcome. Glad to hear that this post is still being shared. I would love for Julie’s family and friends to get some closure.

      Reply
  31. Jennifer

    I was friends with Nicki Wood when her and Rebecca went missing. I was only a couple years younger than her and she would walk me home from school. I remember going to her house to play not long before they went missing. Talbert went to jail in 1996 for the murders I believe, but never disclosed information about Rebecca’s whereabouts. This case still haunts me and I think about those girls often.

    Reply
  32. Mary Aalgaard

    Not only is your post important and gripping, but also reading the comments is so interesting. Looks like you connected with people who know more details. I think about her husband, who was accused, and yet, kept searching for his wife. Are you thinking of writing a follow-up post on Julie?

    Reply
    • JH

      Thanks, Mary. It’s so great that you hopped over here from the Cindy Elias post. I’d love to write more about Julie if new evidence came to light. So far, there’s been nothing substantial, sadly.

      Reply
  33. Matt

    I was able to track down Will Parks on Facebook with a simple search. To say that he seems to be off his rocker would be a bit of an understatement. Of course, a Facebook profile doesn’t mean anything, but I can’t say I get a good feeling about the guy. The scary thing is that he recently married, so I’m a bit worried for her, though she must not be right in the head either to marry a guy like him.

    Reply
    • M

      I’ve had interactions with Will Parks that make my blood run cold. He went to the same gym I did and harassed pretty brunette women there. I saw him campaigning on a street
      corner for a local candidate and he was so out of control, screaming at cars, that the poor woman who was campaigning with him dropped the sign she was holding and ran for dear life to her car and sped away. I see him around town and there’s got to be something up with this guy since his name is associated with the case all over the internet.

      Reply
  34. Jill

    I have so much information!!! No one will listen . It will be 31 years tomorrow. Please let’s bring her home for a proper burial.

    Reply
    • JH

      Hi Jill,

      Thanks for writing. I’ve removed your phone number from this comment for your own safety.

      Reply
      • Jessica

        My grandfather had repeated dreams after this that Julie would be found in a cave near the location of where she disappeared I was 6 when this happened and still remember helping hang flyers and hearing my grandpa day this has always stuck with me

        Reply
        • JH

          Thanks for sharing your memories, Jessica. It’s such a sad case.

          I hope your grandfather was right. It would be a tragic way to find her, but at least she’d be found.

          Reply
  35. Jena Ross

    Does anyone know what Julie’s connection was to Will Parks??

    Reply
    • Vaden

      She belonged to the same mountaineering club and he was big into the club. He might’ve been the club president actually, I can’t remember for sure. This suspect also knew Deborah Swanson. A lot of coincidences with old Willy. His name is an alias btw. His real last name is Powell.

      Reply
  36. Bob Williams

    Will Parks, who has been associated with the disappearances of the women mentioned in this blog passed away yesterday, 1-20-2020. He choked to death at the wheel of his car and was found on the road. We may never know what happened now.

    Reply
    • J

      How do you know he passed away? I can’t find anything online.

      Reply
      • LH

        Check out http://www.spokanecounty.org and a search on Google under Media Release Information and the name William H. Parks, III Spokane. His death is listed on this page.

        Reply
        • Summer Lowry

          I cannot find this anywhere??

          Reply
  37. LH

    I too worked At Bonneville when Julie disappeared. She has never been far from my thoughts over the years. I retired in 2014 but it still bothers me that this has never been solved. Bonneville never did (as far as I know) Implement a buddy system and we were not allowed to be armed. As a woman who worked In remote areas alone, it was always somewhat scary. There were also some rumors around BPA employees that there was at least one BPA employee “A Rigger” at the time who could have been involved. This is totally unsubstantiated. Just a creepy guy we worked with. We stayed away from him. Wish I had more to offer. I can’t even remember the guys name.

    Reply
    • JH

      Thanks so much for your insight, LH, and for sharing your story. That is so sad and scary. This is the first time I’ve heard the theory that it could have been an “inside” job. That would make a lot of sense, as a co-worker would have known Julie was working out there alone. I wonder if the police ever questioned this rigger.

      Reply
  38. John Polos

    Today is Aug. 22, 2020. Our team of Retired BPA employees, police officers and Julie’s relatives ALL believe the case is closed, but not solved. We believe Will Parks abducted her, Teacher Debora Swanson and Nurse Marie Rae Gregory. Will Parks accidentally killed himself on Jan. 16, 2020. We can not get anyone to follow up on this. We talked to the FBI, and they interviewed the guy who witnessed the abduction. FBI said they believe the guy, but the case is out of their jurisdiction, as it was turned over to the Spokane Sheriff. The FBI case number is: 7-SE-1074. Spokane Sheriff is unable (their overworked) to work on the old case.
    I understand. Besides the evidence we developed : eye witness, plus lots of circumstantial evidence, including an alledged grudge Parks had against Julie and Debora, and the unsubstantiated accusation they got Parks kicked out of “The Mountaineers” mountain climbing club. I personally approached “The Mountaineers”, before mentioning their name publicly. I gave them an opportunity to let me look at their records, so I could prove or disprove this accusation. They asked me to leave their premises, which I did. I am in no way accusing “The Mountaineers”, merely stating what I was told and what happened to me, dealing with them. This seems to be a key issue, since some people in law enforcement say they could not find any connection between Julie and Will, IE, they believe the two did not know each other. Can anyone help us with determining if this is true? One way would to look at the club’s annual roster lists for the 1980’s. Perhaps Will is on the lists until about the 1987 annual roster. Does anyone have access to the rosters? This may be the break we need, to get authorities to obtain a search warrant for Park’s property, around the corner from Spring Hill Substation. We are convinced the girls are dead, but have no proof. WE NEED TO GIVE THE FAMILIES CLOSURE! Thanks, John Polos,P.E johnapolos@yahoo.com

    Reply
    • JH

      Wow, John, thanks for sharing this information. Any idea if Will Parks was seriously investigated in this case?

      Reply
  39. John Polos

    I forgot to mention that I was recently interviewed on the Podcast: “The Unfound-Julie Weflen episode”, by Ed Denzel. In the middle of the interview, Ed kept questioning why I included Nurse Kathryn Marie Rae Gregory in the list of missing girls. I thought he was being critical of me; he was not! He told me because of that, he looked up where Will Parks was living at the time of the Gregory abduction. He was living a few blocks away from site of Gregory’s abduction! I had included her because of “similarities” to the other abductions: all were professional girls, no bodies ever found and Kathryn looks like she could be Julie’s twin sister. Please listen to the blog. John Polos

    Reply
  40. Brooke

    I’m from Nine Mile and grew up with stories from neighbors of Will Parks. Isn’t his house currently for sale? Could the goverment buy it and dig to see if they find human remains?

    Reply
    • JH

      They could, but I doubt they will.

      Reply
  41. Brooke

    Adventure Dynamics
    13500 N Red Fir Ln, Nine Mile Falls, WA 99026

    Reply
  42. Jane

    I lived in Spokane when Julie was abducted. It scared most of us to death, and there were a lot of prayers for Julie and Mike. I used to see Mike driving around with his wife’s flyer in the window. So heartbreaking and helpless feeling. Every few years I do a search to see if there’s anything new about her case. I’m glad to see others are still thinking of her, too.

    Reply
    • JH

      I’ve never been able to forget this case. It’s so terribly sad. I still hope that one day she’ll be found.

      Reply
  43. Ray

    I actually met Will Parks at the rope course he owned on Upriver Drive over Shields Park. It was around 2002 and he creeped me out so much that when I read the name “Will Parks” I immediately thought of him, and it turned out to be the same guy. It was 18 years ago when I met him and he left such a strange impression, I just couldn’t get him out of my head. Unfortunately, I don’t remember much of any particular thing he said but I do remember he came across like one of those “Rambo” wanna-be, military guys

    Reply
  44. GHM

    I periodically check to see if there is any official solution to this very tragic case. I still keep hoping Julie’s remains are located. It would be informative if the dates of the posts could be included. Since your original post was in 2015 and one of the last ones lists the date 2020, I assume the posts are in order of first to last.

    Reply

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