In June 1985 the body of 25-year-old Billy Phillips, a White man from Tickfaw, Louisiana, was recovered from a canal near LaPlace. He had been stabbed at least 84 times and severely mutilated; his hands and genitals had been severed. The attack was described as exceptionally violent and shocked the local community and investigators.

About the same time investigators found the body of 8-year-old Nichole Lapatta in the same area; she had been raped and strangled. Because of the proximity of the two bodies and the timing of their deaths, investigators concluded they were likely dealing with a serial offender.

In July 1985 authorities in Milton, Florida, arrested 21-year-old drifter John Francis Wille, originally from LaPlace, on an unrelated arson charge. Wille’s girlfriend later cooperated with police and provided statements linking Wille to violent acts across several states and to the murders of Phillips and Lapatta.

Does anyone have information about Phillips, his last known movements in 1985, or contacts in Tickfaw or LaPlace who might remember that period?