Introduction

In the early 1970s, Washington, D.C., was gripped by fear as a serial killer, later dubbed the "Freeway Phantom," preyed upon young African American girls. Among the six known victims was 18-year-old Brenda Woodard, whose tragic death not only added to the mounting terror but also provided investigators with a tantalizing clue that, despite its significance, has yet to lead to the killer's apprehension.

Brenda Woodard's Background

Brenda Denise Woodard was an 18-year-old high school student attending night classes at Cardozo High School. Described as a responsible and caring individual, she was determined to further her education and contribute positively to her community. On the evening of November 15, 1971, Brenda had dinner with a high school classmate before boarding a city bus around 11:30 p.m. to return to her Maryland Avenue home. Tragically, she would never reach her destination.

The Discovery of Her Body

Approximately six hours after she was last seen, a police officer discovered Brenda's lifeless body in a grassy area near Prince George's County Hospital, along an access ramp to Route 202 from the Baltimore–Washington Parkway. Unlike previous victims, Brenda had been both strangled and stabbed multiple times, indicating a possible struggle with her assailant. A coat was draped over her chest, and within one of its pockets, investigators found a handwritten note that would become a focal point in the investigation.

The Chilling Note

The note found on Brenda's body read:...Read More