Donald Eugene Younge Jr. has been charged with murder, aggravated kidnapping, and robbery in connection to the death of Lisa Redmond, a Utah mother who was fatally stabbed while working as a pizza delivery driver almost 30 years ago. Redmond was found dead on the side of the road on Dec. 9, 1996, still in her Pizza Hut uniform, and her co-workers reported that she had been making deliveries in her pickup truck, which was later found in a nearby parking lot. Detectives discovered a bloodied knife behind the driver’s seat and evidence of struggle and blood underneath the truck, indicating that Redmond had been run over. Medical examiners confirmed that Redmond’s death was a homicide caused by blunt force injuries.
The case remained unsolved until March of 2019 when DNA taken from blood on a seat belt buckle in Redmond’s truck was found to match Younge’s, along with prints on the knife also matching him. Younge was identified as a suspect as he had taken the bus in 1996 and worked near the Pizza Hut where Redmond was employed. He was already serving a 30+ year term for aggravated sexual assault and robbery from a separate case in which he assaulted a University of Utah student. Younge was also named a suspect in a separate 1999 murder case in which a 22-year-old University of Utah theater student was stabbed in her apartment, though that case has been put on hold.
Younge had previously been charged in three murders between 1999 and 2000 and was suspected of a fourth in a series of killings known as the “garbage bag” murders in Illinois. However, one of the cases was dismissed due to credibility issues with a witness. He remains a suspect in a separate 1999 murder investigation in Utah, but the details of that case have not been disclosed. Younge’s criminal history includes several charges of aggravated assault, sexual assault, and robbery, making him a dangerous individual with a pattern of violent behavior.
The connection between Younge and the murder of Lisa Redmond sheds light on a possible serial killer being responsible for multiple deaths, including those of young women in different states. The use of DNA evidence and fingerprint matching has become crucial in identifying perpetrators in cold cases, providing closure to families and justice for the victims. The investigation into Younge’s involvement in multiple murders is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the extent of his criminal activity and hold him accountable for his actions.
The charges brought against Younge in connection to Lisa Redmond’s murder highlight the importance of cold case units and advancements in forensic technology in solving long-unsolved crimes. The persistence of law enforcement agencies in pursuing justice for victims and their families, even decades after the crimes were committed, demonstrates a commitment to upholding the law and ensuring that perpetrators face consequences for their actions. As the case progresses, more details may emerge about Younge’s potential involvement in other murders and the impact of his actions on the communities affected by his crimes.
Despite the passage of time, the arrest of Donald Eugene Younge Jr. in connection to the murder of Lisa Redmond serves as a reminder of the importance of solving cold cases and holding criminals accountable for their actions. The use of DNA evidence and fingerprint matching has played a crucial role in identifying Younge as a suspect in multiple murders, shedding light on a possible serial killer responsible for a string of violent crimes. As the investigation continues, authorities will work to determine the full extent of Younge’s criminal activity and provide closure to the families of his victims.
