Texas Trip For Love Ended In Murder | True Crime

…

Tyler responded in the morning with questions that showed he had actually read her message and understood the essence of her work.

That’s how their correspondence began.

Tyler turned out to be an attentive conversationalist.

He talked about life in Cedar Valley, a town of 70,000 people where he was born and raised.

He worked at the family auto repair shop his father had opened 30 years ago.

After his father died two years ago, Tyler and his partner kept the business afloat.

Everyone knows everyone here, he wrote.

It has its pros and cons.

People care about each other, but privacy is a luxury.

Oilia was intrigued.

Her life in Portland was the complete opposite.

The anonymity of a big city where you could disappear into the crowd.

It sounds cozy and claustrophobic at the same time, she replied.

That’s exactly how it is.

But there’s something special about knowing the history of every street, every building.

My grandfather helped build some of the houses in the city center.

It gives you a sense of rootedness, I guess.

Their communication quickly went beyond the dating app.

They exchanged phone numbers and started messaging each other.

Tyler sent photos of Texas Sunsets and she sent photos of her artwork in progress.

Their first video call took place a month after they met.

Oilia was nervous, but Tyler was exactly as she had imagined him, calm with a soft Texas accent that she immediately liked.

He spoke slowly and thoughtfully, often pausing as if weighing each word.

“You look just like I imagined,” he said during their first conversation.

“You have kind eyes.

” Oilia blushed.

Thank you.

You have a trustworthy face, if you can say that.

Tyler laughed.

A low, pleasant laugh.

A trustworthy face.

I like that.

Better than handsome or interesting.

The video calls became weekly, then twice a week, then almost daily.

They talked about books, movies, childhood memories.

Tyler told her about fishing with his father, about how he learned to fix engines when he was 12.

Oilia shared stories about her artistic experiments, about how she spent her last money on oil paints instead of food in college.

“You seem too good to be true,” she admitted during one of their conversations in December.

“Seriously, what’s the catch?” “There’s no catch,” Tyler replied.

But something in his eyes on the screen seemed strange to her just for a moment.

“I’ve just had some complicated relationships in the past.

That’s why I try to be honest from the start.

How complicated.

Maybe I’ll tell you sometime.

It’s a painful subject.

Oilia didn’t press the issue.

Everyone has a past and she herself didn’t like talking about her failed relationships.

By January, they were already planning a meeting.

I want to show you Texas, Tyler said.

The real Texas, not the one they show in the movies.

We have some amazing places.

And in March, the wild flowers bloom here.

You could paint something amazing.

Oilia dreamed about it.

A change of scenery, new experiences for her creativity, and most importantly, finally meeting the man who had become so dear to her.

I’m a little nervous, she admitted in February.

What if we’re not right for each other in real life? What if it’s just virtual chemistry? Then we’ll just have a good time as friends, Tyler replied.

But I feel like there’s something special between us.

Don’t you feel it? She did.

Over the months, Tyler had become part of her daily life.

She woke up waiting for his morning message and fell asleep after their evening chat.

Her friends began to notice the change.

She smiled more often and seemed more confident.

“You’re glowing,” Jessica remarked.

“Is he really that special?” “I think so,” Oilia replied.

He understands me and he doesn’t try to change me.

In March, they finally agreed to meet.

Oilia was to fly to Texas for a week.

Tyler booked her a room at a nice motel near downtown.

“I don’t want to put any pressure on you,” he explained.

“You’ll feel more comfortable in your own space.

” This only reinforced her opinion of him.

He was thinking about her comfort, not trying to rush things.

A week before her flight, Oilia felt a strange uneasiness.

“Maybe it was just pre-flight jitters, or maybe it was something more.

” She called Jessica.

“What if he’s not who he says he is?” she asked.

“What if I’m making a huge mistake?” “Ohia, you’ve been talking to him for 6 months.

Video calls, messages, photos.

If he’s a con artist, he’s a very talented one,” her friend reassured her.

“But if you don’t feel comfortable, don’t go.

No, I want to go.

I’m just scared.

This is so important to me.

The last video call before the flight took place the day before departure.

Tyler looked excited but happy.

Tomorrow you’ll be here, he said with a smile.

I can’t believe it.

6 months of waiting.

I’m excited too, Oilia admitted and a little nervous.

Everything will be fine.

I promise.

I’ll take care of you.

Something in his tone seemed a little strange to her, but she dismissed it as nervousness.

Tomorrow, her life could change forever.

The flight from Portland to Dallas took 4 hours, but to Oilia, it seemed like an eternity.

She nervously flipped through the magazine she had bought at the airport without reading a word.

In her bag was a new sketchbook.

She hoped to capture the Texas landscapes Tyler had told her so much about.

The plane landed at Dallas airport at 2:00 in the afternoon.

It was another hour and a half drive to Cedar Valley.

Tyler was supposed to meet her at the baggage claim exit.

Oilia saw him before he noticed her.

Tyler was standing at the barrier holding a homemade sign with her name written in neat block letters.

He looked exactly like he did on video calls, but in real life he seemed taller and broader in the shoulders.

He was wearing a clean plaid shirt and jeans, his hair neatly combed back.

When their eyes met, Tyler smiled broadly and waved.

Oilia felt the tension of the last few days begin to melt away.

He was here.

He was real.

And he looked exactly as she had expected.

Oilia, he called as she approached.

His voice sounded a little different without the video connection, deeper with that soft Texas accent she loved so much.

“Hi, Tyler,” she replied, suddenly feeling shy.

6 months of virtual communication had not prepared her for this moment of awkward physical closeness with a virtual stranger.

Tyler seemed to understand her state.

He didn’t try to hug her right away, instead extending his hand for a handshake.

Welcome to Texas.

How was your flight? Fine, thanks.

A little nervous, she admitted, shaking his hand.

It was warm and calloused.

The hand of a man who works with his hands.

That’s okay.

I’m nervous, too, he said, taking her suitcase.

Ready to see the real Texas? The road from the airport to Cedar Valley ran along a highway surrounded by endless planes.

Tyler’s pickup truck was older than it looked in the photos, but it was in perfect condition.

The interior smelled of leather and a faint scent of motor oil.

“Sorry about the car,” Tyler said as he started the engine.

“It’s not the newest, but it’s reliable.

I restored it myself.

It’s wonderful,” Oilia replied sincerely.

“I like old things.

They have character.

” Tyler looked at her approvingly.

“Exactly.

Modern cars are just computers on wheels.

This one has a soul.

During the trip, they chatted about trivial things.

The weather, the differences between Oregon and Texas, the music playing on the radio.

Oilia gradually relaxed.

Tyler was just like he had been on their video calls.

Calm, attentive, thoughtful.

“Tell me about the town,” she asked, looking out at the fields rushing by.

“Cedar Valley was founded in the late 1800s,” Tyler began.

It started out as a railroad station, then grew up around it.

Now there are about 70,000 people living here.

There’s a small university campus, a few factories, a shopping mall.

It’s not New York, of course, but it’s not a village either.

Sounds like the perfect place for a quiet life.

For some, yes, others feel trapped here.

There was a hint of bitterness in his voice, but when Oilia looked at him, Tyler was smiling.

Cedar Valley seemed bigger than Oilia had expected.

The outskirts of town consisted of shopping malls and gas stations, but closer to the center were older neighborhoods with Victorian style houses and wide streets lined with oak trees.

“It’s beautiful,” she said, looking at the central square with its Veterans Memorial and old courthouse.

“Wait until you see it at night.

The sunsets here are beautiful.

” The Texas Star Motel was on the edge of downtown, a singlestory L-shaped building with a parking lot in the middle.

It looked clean and well-maintained, though not new.

“I got you a corner room,” Tyler said as he parked near the office.

“It’s quieter and has a view of the field behind the motel.

” A middle-aged woman with combed back hair and a friendly smile greeted them at the office.

“You must be Miss Johnson,” she said.

I’m Dorothy, the manager.

Tyler paid for everything in advance.

Oilia looked at him in surprise.

Tyler, you shouldn’t have.

I wanted you to feel like a guest, he replied.

It’s no big deal.

Dorothy handed her the key.

Room 12.

If you need anything, just call.

Wi-Fi is free and the password is on the card in the room.

The room was simple but cozy.

There was a large bed, a desk by the window, and a small bathroom.

The window did indeed overlook a field where several horses were grazing.

“Do you like it?” Tyler asked, putting her suitcase on the floor.

“Yes, very much.

” “Thank you.

” There was an awkward pause.

They stood in the room, and Oilia suddenly realized that they were finally alone in reality, not through a computer screen.

“Would you like to have lunch?” Tyler suggested.

There’s a nice place not far from here.

Nothing fancy, but the food is good.

Sure, just give me a minute to freshen up.

When Tyler left, Oilia looked at herself in the bathroom mirror.

She looked tired after the flight, but excited.

“Everything’s fine,” she said to her reflection.

“He’s just as cute as he is online.

” Mary’s cafe was a 5-minute drive from the motel.

It was a typical American establishment.

Red vinyl seats, black and white checkered tile on the floor, a menu written in chalk on a board.

Tyler, exclaimed the waitress, a young woman with short dark hair.

I haven’t seen you all week.

Hi, Sarah.

I want to introduce you to Oilia.

Oilia, this is my sister Sarah.

Oilia looked at the girl with interest.

Tyler had mentioned his sister, but he hadn’t said she was a waitress.

“Nice to meet you,” Sarah said.

But Oilia saw something like weariness in her eyes.

“Are you the girl from Oregon?” “Yes, I am.

” “Sit by the window,” Sarah said, taking the menu.

“There’s a nice view of the square.

” Over lunch, Tyler talked about the history of the city, pointing out various buildings through the window.

Oilia noticed that he knew the history of every house and every business.

It was both impressive and a little claustrophobic.

“And over there, see that red building? That’s our auto shop,” he said, pointing to a building across the street.

“Can you show me it later?” “Sure.

It’s not very interesting, though.

Just a garage.

” Sarah came over several times to refill their coffee.

And each time Oilia noticed her looking at her brother, not unkindly, but cautiously perhaps.

“Your sister seems nice,” Oilia said when Sarah had walked away.

“Yes, she’s a good girl.

We’re close, especially since our parents died.

” “Tyler, I’m so sorry.

You didn’t tell me you lost both your parents.

” His expression became serious.

“My mom died when I was 20.

cancer.

My dad died two years ago, heart attack.

Since then, Sarah and I have only had each other.

Oilia reached out and squeezed his hand.

I’m so sorry.

Thank you.

That’s why family is so important to me.

You have to cherish the people you love.

Something in his tone made her look at him more closely, but Tyler was already smiling again.

After lunch, they took a walk through the city center.

Tyler showed her an old library, a park with a pond where ducks were swimming, and an antique shop.

“You can find interesting things here,” he said, stopping in front of an antique shop window.

“Want to go in?” Inside, it was cool and smelled of old wood.

Oilia was looking at old paintings and vintage furniture when she noticed that the shop owner, an elderly man with a gray beard, was looking at Tyler strangely.

Tyler, he said cautiously.

Long time no see.

Hello, Mr.

Collins.

I’m showing my friend around town.

Mr.

Collins nodded to Oilia, but continued to look at Tyler with an expression she couldn’t interpret.

So, do you like our little town? He asked Oilia.

Yes, very much.

It’s so peaceful here, Mr.

Collins and Tyler exchanged glances.

Yes, the old man said slowly.

Peaceful.

When they left the store, Oilia asked.

He seems wary.

Did you two have a fight? Mr.

Collins is just an old kermagin, Tyler replied.

But there was irritation in his voice.

He suspects everyone of something.

By evening, they returned to the motel.

Tyler walked her to her room and paused at the door.

“Thanks for today,” Oilia said.

“I really enjoyed seeing the town.

I’ll show you more tomorrow.

Maybe we can go to the lake.

Sounds wonderful.

” He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek.

“Good night, Oilia.

I’m so glad you’re here.

” When the door closed behind him, Oilia leaned back against it and smiled.

The day had gone well.

Tyler was just like he was online.

The city was pretty and the people were mostly friendly.

There had been a few strange moments, though.

Sarah’s expression, Mr.

Collins’s caution, and something in Tyler’s tone when he talked about how important it was to protect the people you love.

But maybe she was just overthinking things.

First day nerves in a new place.

She took out her phone and texted Jessica.

Got here safely.

Tyler is as cute as he is online.

The city is nice.

Everything’s fine so far.

The reply came almost immediately.

Glad to hear it.

Have fun and be careful.

Call if you need anything.

Oilia looked out the window at the field where horses were grazing in the setting sun.

The Texas sunset was truly beautiful.

The sky painted in shades of orange and pink.

Tomorrow she would definitely make some sketches.

She felt tired after a long day of traveling.

After taking a shower, she lay down in bed with a book, but within a few minutes, she was asleep.

Oilia didn’t notice that a figure appeared briefly at her window, looking at her, then disappeared into the darkness.

Oilia woke up to sunlight streaming through the thin curtains.

It was almost 9:00 in the morning.

She had slept much longer than usual.

There was a message from Tyler on her phone.

Good morning, beautiful.

See you in an hour.

She quickly got ready and went out to his pickup truck at exactly 10:00.

Tyler looked fresh and rested, dressed in work jeans and a t-shirt with a car service logo.

“Did you sleep well?” he asked, kissing her on the cheek.

“Great.

The air here is special.

It’s Texas air.

It cures everything.

Tyler smiled, but Oilia noticed that he looked a little tense.

Today, I’ll show you the lake I told you about.

Then maybe we can stop by my place.

On the way to the lake, Tyler wasn’t as talkative as he had been the day before.

Oilia tried several times to strike up a conversation, but only got short answers.

Finally, she asked directly, “Is everything okay? You seem preoccupied.

” Tyler looked at her and smiled, but the smile didn’t reach his eyes.

“Just thinking about work.

Sorry, we have a difficult order and the car has to be delivered by Friday.

Maybe I shouldn’t have come this week.

” “No.

” His answer sounded harsher than it should have.

Oilia flinched at the unexpected response.

Tyler immediately softened.

I’m sorry.

I mean, of course, you should have come.

I’ve been looking forward to seeing you for so long.

I’m just a little nervous.

About what? I want everything to be perfect.

I want you to like it here.

Cedar Lake was beautiful.

A small body of water surrounded by pine trees with several boat docks.

But even here, Oilia noticed something strange.

As they walked along the path along the shore, they came across an elderly couple with a dog.

“Good morning,” Oilia greeted them.

The woman nodded at her in a friendly manner, but when she saw Tyler, her expression changed.

She quickly pulled her husband by the sleeve, and they walked past, barely acknowledging the greeting.

“What was that?” Oilia asked when the couple was out of sight.

“Don’t worry about it.

Local gossips.

They all have their opinions.

What do they think of you? Tyler stopped and looked at her.

Seriously, Oilia, in small towns, people like to gossip.

Especially if you’re different from everyone else.

I’m not like everyone else here.

In what way? I read books.

I think about what lies beyond this town.

A lot of people don’t like that.

The explanation sounded reasonable, but something about it didn’t quite convince Oilia.

After their walk by the lake, they drove to Tyler’s house.

The house was a small one-story building on a quiet street, surrounded by a neat garden.

Inside, it was clean and minimalist.

Simple furniture, few personal items, no pictures on the walls.

Very neat, Oilia said, looking around.

I don’t like clutter.

After my parents died, I got rid of a lot of things.

Too many memories.

In the living room, there was a large TV and a small bookshelf.

Oilia went over to look at the books.

Mostly technical literature on car repair, a few novels, and a psychology book called Understanding the Female Mind.

Interesting reading, she remarked, pointing to the last book.

Tyler quickly walked over and took the book from the shelf.

It’s an old book.

I read it for general knowledge.

Can I take a look? It’s boring.

Let’s go to the kitchen.

I’ll make you some coffee.

In the kitchen, Oilia noticed that the refrigerator was almost empty.

Just a few cans of beer, milk, and leftover Chinese takeout.

“Don’t you cook?” she asked.

“I’m not very good at it.

I usually order in or eat at Sarah’s cafe.

” While Tyler was making coffee, Oilia went out into the garden.

It was well-kept, but strangely sterile.

The grass was neatly trimmed.

There were no flowers, only a few bushes.

In the far corner, she noticed some freshly dug earth.

“What are you planting there?” she asked when Tyler came out with two cups of coffee.

He looked where she was pointing, and for a moment, his face tensed.

“I’m planning to start a vegetable garden.

tomatoes maybe in March.

Isn’t that a little early? I’m getting the soil ready.

After coffee, Tyler drove her back to the motel, saying he had to work for a few hours.

See you tonight.

Maybe we can grab dinner somewhere.

Left alone, Oilia decided to take a walk around town by herself.

She took her sketchbook and set off to explore downtown Cedar Valley.

At the bookstore, Pages from the Past, she met the owner, a woman in her 50s named Betty, who turned out to be very talkative.

“You’re not from around here,” Betty remarked as Oilia browsed the Texas travel guide section.

“No, I’m from Oregon.

I’m visiting a friend.

” “Oh, I see.

Who are you visiting?” “Tyler McKenzie.

” Betty’s expression changed instantly.

“Tyler? Have you known him long?” “A few months.

Why? Betty looked around as if checking to see if anyone was nearby.

Listen, dear.

I’m not in the habit of meddling in other people’s business.

But be careful.

What do you mean? Tyler isn’t what he seems.

He’s had problems with girls before.

Oilia’s heart began to race.

What kind of problems? His last girlfriend, Melissa Rivera, she disappeared last fall.

She just disappeared without saying a word to anyone.

Before that, she told her friend that Tyler had been acting strangely, following her, not letting her talk to her friends.

Maybe she just left town.

Maybe.

But the police never found her, and she wasn’t the first.

Two other young women have disappeared in the last 3 years.

They all had connections to Tyler.

Oilia felt a chill in her stomach.

Are you sure, honey? I’ve lived in this town for 40 years.

I know everyone and everything.

There’s something wrong with Tyler.

He’s been a different person since his parents died.

Why are you telling me this? Because you remind me of Melissa.

Young, pretty, from far away.

Melissa also met him online.

Oilia bought a map of the city and hurried out of the store.

Her head was spinning from what she had heard.

Maybe Betty just liked gossip.

But what she said explained the strange behavior of the locals.

She went into Mary’s cafe hoping to talk to Sarah.

Tyler’s sister was at work serving several customers lunch.

Oilia Sarah said approaching her table.

Is Tyler with you? He’s at work.

I decided to take a walk around town by myself.

How is it? The town is beautiful, but Oilia hesitated.

People seem wary of Tyler.

Why is that? Sarah’s face became serious.

She sat down across from Oilia and lowered her voice.

What exactly did they say? At the bookstore, a woman told me about some girls who disappeared.

She said they knew Tyler.

Sarah closed her eyes and sighed heavily.

Oh my god, I knew this would happen.

What exactly will happen? Oilia, my brother is a good man, but he has problems.

After our parents died, he became obsessed with relationships.

He gets too attached to girls and the girls who disappeared.

Melissa was dating him, but she didn’t disappear.

She ran away.

Tyler started stalking her, wouldn’t leave her alone.

She got scared and left without telling anyone where she was going.

What about the others? Sarah was silent for a long time.

I don’t know all the details, but when Tyler falls in love, he becomes a completely different person.

Controlling, jealous.

He doesn’t know how to let go.

Sarah, are you trying to warn me? I’m trying to say that if you want to leave, don’t let him stop you.

And if he starts acting strangely, don’t stay alone with him.

Oilia felt fear tighten her throat.

But he’s your brother.

That’s exactly why I know what he’s capable of.

That evening, Tyler came to pick her up at the appointed time.

“Ohia tried to act normal, but he immediately noticed her tension.

” “Is something wrong?” he asked as they drove to the restaurant.

“No, everything’s fine,” “Ohia, I can sense that you’re upset.

” “What happened?” She decided to be direct.

I was walking around town today.

People were saying strange things.

Tyler slammed on the brakes and pulled over to the side of the road.

What things about girls who disappeared? About how they knew you? His face turned pale, then red with anger.

Who told you that? It doesn’t matter.

What matters is whether it’s true.

Oilia, this town is full of jealous people who can’t stand to see others happy.

They’re always looking for a scapegoat.

But the girls really disappeared.

Melissa left.

She was unstable, always threatening to kill herself and the others.

He paused.

Young people leave small towns all the time.

It’s normal.

Then why does everyone think you’re involved? Tyler turned to her and she saw something frightening in his eyes.

Because I’m the only one in this town who isn’t afraid to be honest in a relationship.

People here are used to superficial connections.

And when they see real love, real commitment, they get scared.

Real commitment, Oilia.

When I love someone, I love them completely.

No strings attached, no boundaries.

Some people aren’t ready for that kind of intensity.

Something in his tone made her feel real fear.

“Tyler, you’re scaring me.

Don’t be afraid of me,” he said, reaching out to touch her face.

Oilia recoiled.

I would never hurt you.

You’re special, Ailia.

You understand me.

I want to go back to the motel.

We haven’t had dinner.

I’m not hungry.

Tyler stared at her silently for a few seconds, then started the engine.

He didn’t say a word the whole way back.

At the motel, he walked her to her door.

Oilia, don’t listen to the gossip.

People here don’t know the real story.

What’s the real story? that I’ve never hurt anyone, that the only thing I’m guilty of is loving too much.

” He kissed her on the forehead and left.

Oilia locked the door and leaned against it.

Her heart was beating so fast she could hear it pounding.

She took out her phone and dialed Jessica’s number.

“OP, how’s it going in Texas, Jess? I think I need to leave.

What happened?” Oilia told her friend about her conversations with the locals, about the missing girls, about Tyler’s strange behavior.

My god, Opus, get out of there right now.

My flight isn’t until the day after tomorrow, then go to the airport tomorrow morning.

Pay extra to change your ticket.

Do you think I’m doing the right thing? Maybe I’m panicking for no reason.

Oilia, trust your instincts.

If something feels wrong, it’s wrong.

After the conversation, Oilia tried to sleep, but she couldn’t.

Images of the missing girls, the strange reactions of the locals, and Sarah’s warning swirled in her head.

Around midnight, she heard the sound of an engine outside.

Looking out the window, she saw a familiar pickup truck parked across from the motel.

Tyler was sitting behind the wheel, staring at her room number.

Oilia quickly moved away from the window and turned off the lights.

The car stayed there for another hour before driving away.

She knew she would leave Cedar Valley the next day.

On the morning of March 19th, Oilia woke up with the firm decision to leave.

She booked an earlier flight for 6:00 pm and began packing her things.

At 9:30 am, as she was putting her clothes in her suitcase, there was a knock at the door.

Oilia, it’s me.

Tyler’s voice came through the door.

She froze.

Through the peepphole, she could see that he was holding coffee and a bag of food.

I brought breakfast, he said.

I want to apologize for last night.

Oilia hesitated.

Maybe she had jumped to conclusions.

Tyler sounded genuinely remorseful.

One minute, she said, quickly hiding her suitcase in the closet.

Opening the door, she saw Tyler with an apologetic smile.

“He looked tired, as if he hadn’t slept all night.

” “I’m sorry,” he said, entering the room.

“I know I acted strange yesterday.

It’s just that the gossip is hurting me.

” Tyler, I understand, but let’s talk over breakfast.

I want to explain everything to you, honestly.

He put the coffee on the table and took the croissants out of the bag.

Oilia noticed that his hands were shaking slightly.

“Please sit down,” he asked.

Oilia sat down on the edge of the bed, keeping her distance.

“Tyler sat down in the only chair at the table.

” “You’re right to ask questions about Melissa and the others,” he began slowly.

“I haven’t been completely honest with you.

” Oilia’s heart began to race.

“What do you mean?” Melissa and I ended things badly.

I became too clingy, too jealous.

She got scared and left without telling me.

I was devastated.

What about the other girls? Tyler lowered his head.

There was one other girl.

Her name was Ashley.

We dated for a few months, but she decided to leave, too.

I have a hard time when people leave me.

Tyler, where is she now? I don’t know.

She hasn’t been in touch since she left.

Something in his tone made Oilia even more wary.

Listen, I appreciate your honesty, but I think I should go home early.

Tyler’s expression changed instantly.

The sincerity disappeared, replaced by something cold.

You want to leave me, too? I’m not leaving you.

I just think we need more time.

No.

He stood up from his chair.

You’re just like everyone else.

You promise love and then you run away at the first sign of trouble.

Tyler, you’re scaring me.

I won’t let you leave like the others did.

Oilia quickly stood up and backed toward the door.

I have to go.

But Tyler was faster.

He blocked her way to the exit.

And for the first time, Oilia fully realized how much bigger and stronger he was than her.

We can talk about this, she said, trying to stay calm.

But not like this.

You don’t understand.

His voice dropped to a whisper.

I’ve been waiting for you for 6 months.

I’ve been planning our life.

You can’t just walk away.

Tyler, get away from the door.

Instead of answering, he took a step closer.

Oilia saw something in his eyes that made her realize she was in mortal danger.

Melissa wanted to leave too, he said quietly.

In the end, she stayed.

Oilia darted toward the window, but Tyler grabbed her arm.

She screamed, but the motel was quiet.

Most of the guests had already left to go about their business.

The struggle was short and uneven.

Tyler was too strong, and Oilia was too scared to fight back effectively.

The last thing she saw was his gaze.

Not angry, not crazy, but strangely sad, as if he regretted what he had to do.

At 2:00 in the afternoon, Dorothy, the motel manager, began to worry.

It was long past the checkout time for room 12, and the guest was not answering the knock on the door.

There were no cars in the parking lot next to the room, but that didn’t mean anything.

Maybe the girl had left on foot.

Dorothy used the master key to enter the room.

The first thing she noticed was scattered belongings, an overturned chair, and a coffee stain on the carpet.

But the girl herself was nowhere to be found.

“Miss Johnson,” she called, checking the bathroom.

No one answered.

The suitcase was in the closet, half-packed, and the phone was on the floor next to the bed.

The screen smashed.

Dorothy called the police.

Sheriff Robert Hill arrived 20 minutes later.

At 52, he had seen a lot, but disappearances always made him nervous, especially disappearances of young women in Cedar Valley.

“Tell me what you know about the guest,” he asked Dorothy as he looked around the room.

“Ohia Johnson, 24 years old from Oregon.

She came to visit a local guy, Tyler McKenzie.

” Hill looked up to Tyler? Yes.

He paid for her stay in advance.

The sheriff carefully examined the room.

There were obvious signs of a struggle, but no blood.

There were two coffee cups on the table, one full, the other spilled.

Did anyone else see her this morning? The maid, Maria, said she saw Tyler’s pickup in the parking lot around 9:30.

Hill photographed the scene with his phone and called for backup.

An hour later, Jimmy Watson, a young officer who had been working with the sheriff for 3 years, arrived at the motel.

“What do we have?” Jimmy asked.

“Possible kidnapping or worse.

” Hill looked at him seriously.

And Tyler McKenzie is involved again.

They drove to McKenzie’s auto repair shop.

Tyler was working under the hood of an old Ford when they entered the garage.

When he saw the police, he straightened up and wiped his hands on a rag.

Sheriff Hill.

Jimmy, what brings you here? Tyler, we need to talk to you about your girlfriend from Oregon.

Oilia, what about her? She’s missing.

When did you last see her? Tyler frowned as if considering the question.

Last night, I drove her to a motel after we went for a drive around town.

And this morning? I’ve been here since 8:00 this morning, asked Carl.

He pointed to his partner, who was working in the far corner of the garage.

Carl Jenkins, a man in his 40s with receding hair, confirmed Tyler’s alibi.

“He came in on time, as usual.

We’ve been working on that Ford all morning.

” “What happened to Oilia?” Tyler asked, his voice sounding genuinely concerned.

Her motel room looks like there was a struggle, Hill said, watching Tyler’s reaction closely.

A struggle? My god, was she robbed? Maybe.

Tyler, we need you to come with us to the station for a more detailed interview.

Sure, anything to help find Oilia.

At the police station, Hill conducted a formal interview.

Tyler told the same story.

He met Oilia at the airport, showed her around town, and drove her to the motel last night after a minor argument over local gossip.

“What kind of gossip?” Hill asked.

“People were telling her about Melissa and the other girls.

I explained that it wasn’t true, but she got upset.

” “And you didn’t stop by to see her this morning? Remember, I decided to give her some time to think.

” Hill wrote down every word.

Tyler seemed calm and cooperative, but the sheriff couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right.

By evening, it was clear that Oilia Johnson had disappeared without a trace.

Her rental car was still in the motel parking lot.

The airline confirmed that she had not shown up for her flight.

Hill called the county police department and asked for help.

The next morning, Detective Lisa Martinez arrived in Cedar Valley.

Martinez was a short woman in her 40s with a sharp gaze and a reputation as an expert in missing person’s cases.

She immediately demanded to see the files on all disappearances of young women in the last 5 years.

Three cases in 5 years, she said, studying the documents in the sheriff’s office.

Melissa Rivera, Ashley Connor, and now Oilia Johnson.

All young women, all connected to Tyler McKenzie.

But we have no direct evidence.

Hill pointed out Melissa could have left voluntarily.

Ashley too.

She may not have left.

Sheriff Hill.

With your permission, I’d like to talk to the families and friends of all three girls.

Martinez’s first stop was Mary’s Cafe to talk to Sarah McKenzie.

Tyler’s sister looked tense and frightened.

Detective, I knew this would happen, Sarah said as they sat down in a corner of the cafe.

She came here yesterday asking about Tyler.

What exactly did she ask? About the missing girls? I tried to warn her.

Warn her about what? Sarah was silent for a long time, struggling with herself.

Finally, she said, “My brother isn’t what he seems.

” After our parents died, he changed.

He became obsessed with finding the one.

Sarah, what do you think happened to Oilia? I don’t know, but I’m afraid the same thing happened to the others.

What do you think happened to the others? Sarah looked out the window where her brother’s car repair shop was visible across the street.

I think they’re dead, and I think my brother knows where.

Martinez felt her pulse quicken.

Sarah, are you ready to give an official statement? Yes, I can’t keep quiet any longer.

That evening, Martinez met with Sheriff Hill in his office.

On the table were photos of the crime scene, witness statements, and files on previous disappearances.

We’re dealing with a serial killer, she said bluntly.

Tyler McKenzie has killed three women, possibly more, but we still don’t have any bodies, no hard evidence.

Sheriff, look at the big picture.

Three women disappear without a trace.

All knew Tyler.

All disappeared after trying to break up with him.

His own sister says he’s capable of murder.

Hill nodded slowly.

What do you suggest? Tomorrow, we’ll get a search warrant for his home and auto shop.

In the meantime, we’ll put him under surveillance.

If the bodies are hidden somewhere, he may try to move them.

That night, officer Jimmy Watson watched Tyler’s house from an unmarked car.

At 2:30 am, he saw Tyler leave the house with a shovel and head for the backyard.

Jimmy quietly called for backup.

Dawn on March 21st found Cedar Valley surrounded by police cars around Tyler McKenzie’s house.

Detective Martinez held a search warrant signed by a judge an hour earlier.

Sheriff Hill stood nearby, staring grimly at the house he had known since childhood.

Ready?” Martinez asked.

Hill nodded.

In his entire career, he had arrested thieves, drug addicts, and barbrawlers, but never a serial killer from his hometown.

Tyler met them at the front door calmly, as if he had been expecting them.

He was dressed in a clean shirt and jeans, his hair neatly combed.

Sheriff, Detective, you’re early.

Tyler McKenzie, we have a search warrant for your home and property, Martinez said, handing him the document.

Tyler read the warrant carefully without rushing.

I see.

Come in.

Where were you last night around 2? Hill asked.

Asleep? Why? Our officer saw you digging in your backyard.

Tyler’s face didn’t change.

Oh, yes.

I couldn’t sleep, so I decided to plant the tomatoes Oilia told me about.

The crime scene team was already working in the yard.

The ground penetrating radar showed several anomalies in the soil, places where the earth had been recently disturbed and then tamped down again.

Here, said the technician, pointing to a spot near the far fence, there’s definitely something buried about a meter deep.

They dug carefully, layer by layer.

Tyler stood at the kitchen window and watched, sipping his coffee.

His face remained impassive.

The first remains were found at 1:00 in the afternoon.

A skeleton in decayed clothing next to which lay a driver’s license in the name of Ashley Connor.

Oh my god, Hill whispered.

2 hours later, they found a second burial site.

Melissa Rivera, identified by her dentures, which her dentist confirmed from his records.

And finally at 5 in the evening in the freshest burial site, the body of Oilia Johnson.

She had been dead for less than two days.

Martinez entered the house where Tyler was still waiting in the kitchen.

Tyler McKenzie, you are under arrest on suspicion of the murders of Oilia Johnson, Melissa Rivera, and Ashley Connor.

Do you have any evidence? He asked calmly.

Their bodies are in your backyard.

Tyler put his coffee cup on the table and held out his hands for the handcuffs.

I understand.

A search of the house revealed even more evidence.

In the bedroom, in a closet under the floor was a box of trophies, the victim’s jewelry, strands of hair, and photos he had taken secretly.

His laptop contained correspondence with dozens of women from dating apps.

The most disturbing find was a diary.

Tyler had meticulously documented each murder, recording his thoughts and feelings.

October 15th, Melissa said she’s moving to Dallas.

She doesn’t understand that we have something special.

I’ll have to show her that true love doesn’t end just like that.

February 3rd.

Ashley is trying to avoid my calls.

Some people don’t appreciate devotion, but I’ll teach her.

March 19th, Oilia wanted to leave just like the rest of them.

Why don’t women understand that love requires sacrifice? Now she’ll stay with me forever.

At the police station, Tyler refused a lawyer and gave a full confession.

He recounted the murders without emotion as if he were describing a car repair.

I didn’t want to kill them, he told Martinez during questioning.

But they didn’t understand.

When you truly love someone, you can’t just let them go.

Tyler, do you understand that murder is a crime? I understand that society doesn’t accept true love.

People are used to superficial relationships.

And when they see true devotion, they get scared.

True devotion.

I was willing to give them everything.

My life, my heart, everything.

But they wanted to run away.

Is that fair? Martinez studied his face.

No signs of remorse.

no understanding of the gravity of his actions.

A classic psychopath.

What about their families, their friends, the people who loved them? Tyler shrugged.

They loved them wrong.

Superficial.

I loved them for real.

The next day, Oilia’s parents arrived in Cedar Valley.

John and Linda Johnson looked devastated, aged 10 years in the space of a few days.

We want to take her home, Oilia’s father said to Sheriff Hill in a trembling voice.

Of course, the coroner will finish tomorrow.

Oilia’s mother cried silently.

She believed so much in love.

She always said she would find her prince charming.

Hill didn’t know what to say.

No words could ease their pain.

That same day, he met Sarah at a cafe.

She looked devastated.

I knew, she said.

I knew he was dangerous, but I couldn’t believe my brother was capable of murder.

Sarah, it’s not your fault.

I could have stopped him.

After Melissa, after Ashley, I should have gone to the police sooner.

You were afraid.

That’s understandable.

Oilia asked me directly.

And I warned her, but not strongly enough.

If I had told her to leave immediately, then he might have killed you, too.

Sarah looked at him in surprise.

You think so? Sarah, your brother killed three women because they wanted to leave him.

What do you think he would have done to a sister who betrayed him? A week later, the prosecutor charged Tyler McKenzie with three counts of firstdegree murder.

With the bodies, the evidence, and a full confession, it was a straightforward case.

Texas still had the death penalty, and the prosecutor intended to seek the maximum sentence.

The trial was set for September.

Until then, Tyler was held in the county jail without bail.

Detective Martinez continued her investigation, checking to see if there were any other victims.

Tyler’s correspondence revealed contacts with a dozen other women from different states.

Fortunately, all of them were alive.

Most had stopped communicating with him after receiving several strange messages.

We were lucky to catch him now, Martinez told Sheriff Hill.

He was just getting started.

He could have killed many more women.

In May, the local newspaper, the Cedar Valley Times, published a lengthy article about the case.

The reporter interviewed local residents who all said they had always suspected something about Tyler McKenzie.

Mr.

Collins, the owner of an antique shop, said, “He came to me after every girl disappeared.

He bought flowers.

He said they were for his mother’s grave, but no one saw him at the cemetery.

Betty, the owner of a bookstore, added, “I tried to warn that poor girl from Oregon, but who would believe an old woman’s gossip?” McKenzie’s auto repair shop closed down.

Tyler’s partner, Carl Jenkins, sold the equipment and moved to a neighboring town.

“I can’t work in that place,” he said.

Every day I think about what he was doing there at night.

In August, Tyler’s lawyer tried to get him declared insane, but a psychiatric evaluation found that the defendant was fully aware of his actions.

He was a psychopath, but legally sane.

Sarah McKenzie testified against her brother in court.

She talked about his obsession with women, the strange noises coming from his house at night, how he changed after each disappearance.

“He became calmer,” she said, looking at her brother across the courtroom.

It was as if he had made up his mind and then he would start looking for a new girlfriend online.

Tyler listened to his sister’s testimony without emotion.

Only when she cried while talking about Oilia did he bow his head.

The jury deliberated for 2 hours.

The verdict was unanimous.

Guilty on all counts.

The judge sentenced Tyler McKenzie to death.

When the sentence was read, Tyler stood up and looked at the crowded courtroom.

The parents of all three victims were there along with local residents and journalists.

“I don’t regret what I did,” he said calmly.

“I love them more than they deserved, and now they’re mine forever.

” Guards led him out of the courtroom amid angry shouts from the crowd.

After the trial, Oilia’s parents met with Detective Martinez.

Thank you for finding the truth, Oilia’s father said.

It won’t bring our daughter back, her mother added.

But other girls will be safe.

Martinez nodded.

She had investigated dozens of murder cases in her career, but this one had left a special mark on her.

Perhaps because all the victims had simply been looking for love, the most natural human desire.

Sarah McKenzie left Cedar Valley a month after the trial.

She sold her brother’s house, closed the cafe, and moved to California to live with her aunt.

“I can’t live in a town where everyone knows my brother is a murderer,” she explained to Sheriff Hill before leaving.

Tyler’s house stood empty for 6 months before it was demolished.

The town decided to build a small park on the site.

No one wanted any reminders of what had happened.

The Texas Star Motel also closed.

Dorothy couldn’t work in the place where a girl had been murdered.

The building was later converted into a warehouse.

On the first anniversary of Oilia’s death, her parents came to Cedar Valley and erected a small memorial in the town park.

It bore a simple inscription, Oilia Johnson.

She believed in love.

Sheriff Hill retired a year after the McKenzie case.

“30 years of service to this town,” he said in his farewell speech.

“I thought I knew everyone.

It turns out you can live next door to a monster and not know it.

Detective Martinez continued to work for the county police.

The McKenzie case became a case study at the police academy as an example of how online dating can be exploited by predators.

Tyler McKenzie is awaiting sentencing in a maximum security prison.

He has waved all appeals.

In his last interview with a reporter, he said, “I did what I had to do.

True love requires sacrifice.

” Oilia Johnson’s story has become a warning to thousands of women across the country.

Her parents created a foundation that helps families of online predators and funds online dating safety programs.