Identified: Linda Sue Childers Found in Shallow Grave

Woman Found in Shallow Grave Identified as Fugitive from Kentucky

After 50 years of mystery, the identity of a woman whose remains were discovered in a shallow grave in Connecticut has finally been revealed. The victim, Linda Sue Childers, was identified by forensic science company Othram. She was just 24 years old at the time of her death.

The Discovery

Childers’ remains were found alongside a known bank robber, Gustavous Lee Carmichael, in May 1974 in Ledyard, Connecticut. Authorities believe that Carmichael and Childers were killed on December 31, 1970, while on the run. Carmichael had escaped custody and was involved in multiple bank robberies at the time.

The Events Leading to Their Deaths

During their time on the run, Carmichael and Childers sought refuge at the home of Richard DeFreitas and Donald Brant, who were fellow bank robbers. The two men provided them with false identities as Dick and Lorraine Stahl. However, Childers expressed fear about their criminal lifestyle to DeFreitas’ wife, Joanne Rainello. When DeFreitas found out, he and Brant decided to kill Carmichael and Childers.

The Investigation and Resolution

DeFreitas and Brant fatally shot the pair and disposed of their bodies, which remained undiscovered for over three years. The two men were later convicted of the murders. Childers’ true identity remained unknown until 2011 when her case was entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. In 2022, forensic evidence was sent to Othram, leading to the construction of a genealogical profile that ultimately identified Childers.

Family Notification

Childers, born on September 4, 1946, originally hailed from Louisville, Kentucky. Othram was able to notify her sister and daughter of the long-awaited identification.

Conclusion

After five decades of uncertainty, Linda Sue Childers can finally be laid to rest with her true identity known. The resolution of this cold case brings closure to her loved ones and sheds light on a dark chapter in Connecticut’s history.