Deanna Lee Criswell

Deanna Lee Criswell's murder remains a haunting and tragic aspect of her story. Her body was found on November 25, 1987, in a culvert along Interstate 10 in Marana, Arizona. Discovered by a homeless man who promptly reported the find to local authorities, her remains bore evidence of a violent end to her young life.

Forensic examination revealed that Deanna had been shot five times with a .22 caliber firearm. Four of the gunshot wounds were inflicted on her torso, while one struck her neck, all at close range. The brutality of the attack underscores the senselessness of her murder, as well as the callousness of her assailant.

Further investigation revealed disturbing details about the circumstances surrounding her death. Tire tracks at the scene suggested that Deanna had been killed elsewhere and then disposed of in the culvert, hidden from sight. This methodical attempt to conceal the crime hints at premeditation and a deliberate effort to evade detection.

Additionally, the placement of a purple sweater over Deanna's face added another chilling layer to the crime. Such an act often indicates a personal connection between victim and perpetrator, as it suggests a gesture of remorse or familiarity. This detail, combined with the knowledge that Deanna had recently engaged in sexual activity before her death, paints a harrowing picture of the events leading up to her murder.

Despite exhaustive efforts by law enforcement to identify her and apprehend her killer, the case went cold for nearly three decades. It wasn't until advances in DNA analysis and forensic technology, coupled with the tenacity of her family in searching for answers, that Deanna's identity was finally confirmed.

While the identity of her murderer, William Ross Knight, was established posthumously through DNA evidence, the lack of accountability for his actions serves as a bitter reminder of the injustices that often accompany cases of unsolved homicides. Deanna's murder stands as a stark testament to the enduring pain and loss inflicted upon her loved ones, who must grapple with the knowledge that justice may never be fully served for their beloved daughter, sister, and niece.