“Lock the Door Behind You”: ’20/20′ Reports on Killer Henry Louis Wallace July 19 2024

ABC’s “20/20” presents an unsettling investigation into the notorious case of serial killer Henry Louis Wallace in the episode titled “Lock the Door Behind You,” airing on July 19, 2024. This gripping special explores Wallace’s heinous crimes in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he preyed upon young Black women he personally knew over a span of two years before his eventual capture and conviction.

The episode provides a deep dive into the chilling details of Wallace’s actions, scrutinizing how he managed to elude detection while committing brutal acts of rape and murder. The narrative also examines whether racial biases influenced the thoroughness of the police investigations, with legendary criminal profiler Ann Burgess offering critical analysis of overlooked clues and insights into Wallace’s psyche through pre-trial interviews.

The Background of Henry Louis Wallace

Henry Louis Wallace was born on November 4, 1965, in Barnwell, South Carolina, to Lottie Mae Wallace, who worked long hours in a textile mill. His upbringing was marred by his mother’s verbal abuse and harsh criticism for minor mistakes. Despite these challenges, Wallace was an active student, serving on the student council and as a cheerleader at Barnwell High School. After graduating in 1983, he worked as a disc jockey for a local radio station.

Wallace attended several colleges before joining the U.S. Navy in 1985. In 1987, he married his high school sweetheart, Maretta Brabham. However, during his Navy service, Wallace began using drugs, including crack cocaine, and engaged in criminal activities such as burglaries, leading to his arrest and a brief stint of probation in 1988. His personal and professional life continued to unravel, culminating in his honorable discharge from the Navy that same year.

Wallace’s descent into criminality escalated after his discharge. On March 8, 1990, he committed his first known murder, killing 18-year-old Tashanda Bethea and disposing of her body in a lake. Despite being questioned by police, Wallace was never charged. This pattern of evading justice continued as Wallace moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, in November 1991, where he found work in various fast-food restaurants, eventually becoming a manager at a Taco Bell.

In Charlotte, Wallace’s criminal activities intensified. He murdered Sharon Nance, a drug dealer and prostitute, in May 1992. Over the next two years, he continued his spree, targeting women within his social circle, including friends and co-workers. Notably, he raped and strangled Caroline Love, a friend of his girlfriend, in June 1992, and Shawna Hawk, a Taco Bell employee, in February 1993. Wallace’s method involved gaining the trust of his victims before brutally attacking them, often attending their funerals to avoid suspicion.

The Horrific Crimes and Police Response

Wallace’s victims were primarily young Black women he knew personally, which allowed him to gain their trust before committing his brutal acts. His methods included rape, strangulation, and, in some cases, additional physical assault or arson to cover his tracks. For instance, in August 1993, he raped and strangled Valencia Jumper, a friend of his sister, before setting her body on fire. In another instance, he raped and killed Michelle Stinson in front of her young son.

The murder spree reached a horrific climax in February and March of 1994, with the murders of Vanessa Mack and Betty Jean Baucom. Wallace’s crimes within a short period finally prompted the police to increase patrols and recognize the presence of a serial killer. However, despite the rising body count and community fears, Wallace continued to evade capture, partly due to the sporadic nature of his killings and the initial lack of connection between the cases.

Wallace was finally apprehended on March 13, 1994. During a 12-hour interrogation, he confessed to the murders of ten women in Charlotte and an additional murder prior to his relocation. His detailed confessions included descriptions of the victims, their appearances, and the specifics of how he committed each crime. The breakthrough in the case brought relief to the community but also highlighted significant criticisms regarding the police’s handling of the investigation.

The Trials and Aftermath

Wallace’s trial, which began in September 1996, was fraught with delays due to issues surrounding venue, DNA evidence, and jury selection. Prosecutor Marsha Goodnow sought the death penalty, while Wallace’s defense argued for life imprisonment, citing his mental illness and abusive upbringing. Despite these arguments, Wallace was found guilty of nine murders on January 7, 1997, and was subsequently sentenced to nine death sentences on January 29.

Throughout the trial, psychologists and criminal profilers offered insights into Wallace’s mental state and criminal behavior. FBI profiler Robert Ressler noted Wallace’s disorganized approach to his crimes, which often contradicted typical serial killer patterns. Defense testimonies highlighted Wallace’s history of abuse and mental health issues, but these factors did not sway the jury from delivering a death sentence.

The arrest and conviction of Henry Louis Wallace were met with mixed reactions from the Charlotte community. While some felt relief and a sense of justice, others criticized the police for their handling of the case. Many in the Black community felt that the murders of Black women were not given the urgency and attention they deserved, a sentiment echoed by the families of the victims. Dee Sumpter, mother of Shawna Hawk, vocalized these concerns, underscoring the perceived neglect in investigating the murders.

In the years following his conviction, Wallace has made multiple appeals to overturn his death sentences, arguing that his confessions were coerced and his rights violated. Despite these appeals, his sentences have been upheld by both the North Carolina Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court. Wallace remains on death row, with his case continuing to evoke strong emotions and reflections on the broader implications of justice and racial bias in criminal investigations.

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