In a stunning turn of events, Placer County officials announced the arrest of James Lawhead in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Cindy Wanner, a case that has remained unsolved for over 34 years. Lawhead, now 64, was living under an alias in Arizona when authorities finally tracked him down. The brutal crime dates back to November 25, 1991, when Wanner was last seen leaving her Granite Bay home, leaving behind her 11-month-old baby.
After an exhaustive three-week search, Wanner’s body was found strangled in a remote part of Foresthill. Lawhead’s arrest was made possible by advanced DNA testing, which had identified him as a suspect years after the crime. It’s eerie to think about how someone could vanish without a trace for so long—it’s like something out of a crime thriller.
But that’s not all; Lawhead’s sister, Terry Lawhead Steele, has also been charged with accessory crimes, further complicating this twisted family saga. Despite claiming she hadn’t seen him for 20 years, investigators found evidence linking the two. This case serves as a chilling reminder of the lengths some might go to protect their loved ones, even when darkness lingers in their past. Could there be more secrets waiting to unfold?
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
