Helene worked as an intern at Radio Station KHOW (now dissolved and part of Clear Channel) in downtown Denver.  She rode the “O” bus along South Broadway everyday from downtown Denver to a relative’s home in the 4600 block of South Pennsylvania in Englewood Colorado.  Helene got off the bus (RTD) at 6:00pm on January 16, 1980 and walked 6 blocks to the east in darkness to reach her residence (detailed map) . The weather was good, but cold and it had snowed days before.  There was 1" to 2" of snow on the ground, although the streets and sidewalks were clear of snow.

Helene was wearing slacks, turtle neck sweater, 3/4 length coat and saddle shoes.  She carried an over the shoulder purse.  The straps from her purse were cut and used to bind her wrists behind her back.  Helene’s personal items and slacks were never found.

Helene was sexually assaulted orally and may have been stabbed to death while she was on her knees and her attacker stood facing her and above her, plunging a knife into her back NINE times.  Any of the stab wounds would have been fatal.

It is possible that Helene may have known her attacker.  The contents in her stomach would suggest that she had a full meal just hours before her death.  Helene had not eaten anything after lunch or at breaks while at work – nor did she have anything to eat on the bus according to witnesses.  Therefore, Helene ate sometime between the time she got off the bus at 5:50pm on January 16, 1980 and her death around 10:30pm on the same day.

Regarding possible suspects, not a lot is known. We do know that there were many rapes in and around Broadway in the early 1980’s.  The individual that raped and murdered Helene – may have been the rapist of other women who were assaulted in the area during that time. 

Similar assaults occurred in the area on Jan. 3, 1980 and Jan 16, 1980.  However, these assaults did not end in murder. 

Both assaults were committed by the same individual, who targeted victims from the Broadway RTD bus. The assaults occurred near an alley way only a block off Broadway.  The suspect demanded oral sex and used a knife to cause compliance.  On the 16th the suspect was frightened off and ran in the direction of Union/Broadway at the exact time Helene would have been getting off the bus.  The suspect is described as early to mid twenties,  5'-10" medium build, light colored hair.  The suspect had the odor of cheap cologne, according to one victim.  The suspect was wearing dark pants, possible jean jacket and a green hooded sweatshirt.