On March 3, 2026, the father of one of the women murdered in the 2008 Lane Bryant mass shooting in Tinley Park publicly called for the FBI to take over the long-stalled investigation and announced a $200,000 reward. His appeal lands as investigators revisit physical evidence with modern forensic tools and share a new 3D composite image of the suspected gunman.
Family pushes for federal muscle and bigger reward
Melvin Woolfolk, whose daughter Connie Woolfolk was among the five women killed, told FOX 32 Chicago he wants federal agents in charge because he believes the case needs more firepower than local police can provide. Woolfolk said Tinley Park police never reached out to him about recent developments, and the family has put up a $200,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
Cold case gets a fresh forensic look
Tinley Park police say investigators, working with the FBI and state partners, are re-testing evidence using updated forensic methods and have distributed a newly created 3D composite image of the suspect in hopes of generating fresh tips, according to NBC Chicago. Authorities also note that the suspect's voice, captured on the 911 call placed during the attack, remains a key piece of the task force review.
What happened at Lane Bryant in 2008
On Feb. 2, 2008, an unknown assailant entered the Lane Bryant store at Brookside Marketplace, herded six women into a back room, and shot five of them execution-style, according to investigators. A sixth woman survived by playing dead. The victims were identified as Rhoda McFarland, Connie Woolfolk, Jennifer Bishop, Carrie Chiuso, and Sarah Szafranski, per reporting by People.
Tip line, task force, and renewed spotlight
Authorities are again urging anyone with information to call the dedicated tip line at 708-444-5394 or email [email protected]. The Tinley Park task force says key materials, including the 911 audio and the composite image, remain available to investigators reviewing the case, according to NBC Chicago. Public interest has also been revived by a new documentary examining the killings, which producers say is intended to surface new leads and keep attention on the cold case, per CBS Chicago.
Nearly 18 years on, families refuse to let the case fade
"I heard she was a fighter and she was fighting this crook to try to keep him from killing all of them," Woolfolk said, according to FOX 32 Chicago. Families say they hope a stronger federal role, combined with the larger reward, will finally push someone with information to come forward after nearly 18 years without an arrest.
