Since the disappearance and subsequent discovery of the bodies of Cheryl Genzer and Lisa Pennington, two sisters from Oklahoma, near the 1987 state fair, their surviving family members have been looking for answers.
Below we explore some commonly asked questions in regard to the Pennington murders, including what investigators know, who’s been charged, the evidence that police have, who the surviving family members are, and what the next steps of the investigation are.
What Do We Know About the Oklahoma State Fair Murders?
Cheryl Genzer (25) and her sister Lisa Pennington (16) were last seen leaving the Oklahoma State Fair on September 23, 1987. Approximately one month later, their remains were discovered buried in the northwestern part of Oklahoma City where the turnpike is now.
At the time, it was considered to be far north of Oklahoma City; there was nothing out there, according to Dorian Quillen, a former reporter turned private investigator who has conducted considerable research on the case and continues to work with family members and law enforcement.
What Evidence Does the Police Have On the Pennington Sisters’ Murders?
In this particular instance, there is an abundance of police evidence. However, it seems that there is a lack of commitment to continue pursuing it. After 35 years, many feel that the family is entitled to some answers.
Quillen notes that police have earrings, jewelry, fingernails from both girls, clothing, and hair that could be retested with modern technology.
Knight says that the 1987 evidence doesn’t hold any new clues that technology can uncover.
Because the evidence gathered was never adequately vetted, according to preliminary hearing transcripts, Quillen continues to feel that the evidence should be reexamined.
Did Police Ever Charge Anyone With Murdering Cheryl Genzer & Lisa Pennington?
According to the recollections of Master Sergeant Gary Knight, who is authorized to speak on behalf of the Oklahoma City Police Department, a male who was detained and charged. They had reached the stage where they were just about ready to take it to trial but at the last moment, prosecutors pulled the plug.
A crucial witness who had at first said this suspect was responsible for the girls’ murders changed her story. The culprit was given his freedom and he subsequently left the state.
The man’s name is Lane Henley and nobody else was ever taken into custody or charged in connection with the crime.
Where is the Pennington Family Today?
Charlette Pennington, the girls’ mother, passed away in March of 2021 not knowing who took the lives of her daughters. The father passed away too.
“She was all in. She never quit looking. Never quit searching. Always wanting justice,” said Quillen about Charlette. “I’ve got a list of statements that they were told over the years by people downtown.”
Alan Pennington, Charlette’s son, said one day he wants to visit his parent’s gravesite and say, “Mom, Dad, we finally got him.”
“Don’t worry, Mom. You’re going to see Dad. You’re going to see your daughters really soon. It’s a good day, don’t worry. Just let go,” Pennington told his mother while sitting at her bedside.
On September 23, Pennington and Quillen will conduct a news conference to formally request new eyes to examine the case and evaluate the material, which they claim hasn’t been examined previously. It will take place at the cemetery where Pennington’s parents and the sisters are buried.
The renowned Dog the Bounty Hunter’s investigative team member Rainy Robinson has contributed her years of experience to the case and will be present at the news conference to support this family.
Where Does the Oklahoma State Fair Murders Stand Today?
Sadly, no one within the state has actively sought to address the situation for many years.
Those closest to the case believe it is past time for Oklahoman authorities to support the family in demanding answers in one of the most well-known cold cases in the state’s history.
They also feel it’s time to submit the several pieces of physical evidence for testing in order to conclude this case given the considerable advancements in DNA technology.
Kevin Calvey, a Republican running for Oklahoma County District Attorney, told reporters that he feels sorrow for the families of Pennington sisters and would like to see the case solved. He continued to say that although he hasn’t looked at the evidence, if elected DA, he’ll review the case.
Authorities and private detectives alike are certain that residents of the Britton area have crucial pieces of information about the case. The hope is that whoever knows the truth will decide 30 years is too long to continue to keep it a secret.
