Laura Lee Owens was 20 when she was murdered on September 27, 1986, in Lancaster, Texas. She was one of three women killed in a single attack inside the home where she lived as a lodger for Donna Jester, who also cared for her bedridden adoptive mother, Dalpha Jester. All three victims were bludgeoned with a hatchet inside the residence.

Investigators linked the killings to David Martin Long, a drifter Donna had picked up while he was hitchhiking and had allowed to stay in the house in exchange for repair work. Long later said he grew tired of the women’s bickering and attacked them; he first struck Donna, then Dalpha, and killed Owens when she returned from work. The crime scene was described as bloody; the hatchet was found washed and wrapped in a towel in a bathroom sink, and Donna’s diary documented Long’s presence.

Long was located about a month later and was tried in 1987; he confessed at trial and was convicted on three counts of capital murder. If anyone knew Laura, Donna, or Dalpha, or has information about their final days, can you share what you remember?