The person at the center of this case
Deborah Sue "Debbie" Williamson (1957-1975)
Homicide · Unsolved
344 days waiting
Deborah Sue Williamson
Justice for Deborah Sue "Debbie" Williamson (1957-1975) — the trail went cold in 2025, but the truth hasn't.
Start here
Key leads to think about
🎯
suspect
Lead #1Paul Neel, Debbie's ex-boyfriend and co-worker of Doug's, clocked out at 8:43 p.m. on the night of the murder with no verified alibi for the critical time window—why was he in a rush to leave early?
🔍
evidence
Lead #2Debbie's purse was taken from the scene and never recovered—what was in it, and does the killer still possess it or evidence connected to it?
💡
clue
Lead #3The killer navigated the dark carport with apparent familiarity, suggesting prior knowledge of the property layout—who had regular access to the home?
On August 24, 1975, Deborah Sue Williamson, an 18-year-old newlywed, was stabbed 17 times in the carport of her home in Lubbock, Texas, and her body was dragged to the back step. Her purse was taken and never recovered, and there was no evidence of sexual assault. Nearly 50 years later, the case remains unsolved despite investigative journalist George Jared and former Army counterintelligence officer Jennifer Bucholtz conducting an independent investigation in 2021 that uncovered new witness statements and evidence suggesting the killer was likely someone close to Debbie. The Lubbock Police Department continues to investigate and has promised new DNA testing on evidence, making this case potentially solvable with fresh leads and community tips.
Case
#61
Lubbock Police Department
Try asking
More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
👤
person
Lead #4Investigator Jennifer Bucholtz concluded the murder was personal and likely committed by someone in Debbie's inner circle—why hasn't scrutiny of her and Doug's social circle from 1975 yielded a suspect?
⏰
timeline
Lead #5Debbie had been married to Doug for less than 10 weeks when murdered—what tensions or conflicts existed in their marriage or social circle during those early weeks?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Timeline of Events
👁️
1975-08-24
21:00Debbie leaves home
Debbie turned off television while watching 'The Odd Couple' and headed to carport around 9 p.m. to meet her husband at his workplace, carrying keys, purse, and puzzle book.
👤
1975-08-24
21:00Murder in carport
Debbie was stabbed 17 times in the carport, including a puncture wound to her heart. Body was dragged approximately 25 feet to back step and partially disrobed. Purse was taken from scene.
🔍
1975-08-25
01:00Body discovered
Doug Williamson left work at 1 a.m. and returned home to find his wife's lifeless body at the back step of their home.
🕵️
2021-06-01
Cold case reinvestigation begins
Investigative journalist George Jared and former Army counterintelligence officer Jennifer Bucholtz begin independent investigation into Debbie's murder, interviewing witnesses and persons of interest.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:August 24, 1975 at 9:00 PM
Last Updated:August 19, 2025
Leave a comment
Comments
Case Information
Incident:August 24, 1975 at 9:00 PM
Last Updated:August 19, 2025