The brutal killing of Karen Grammer in July 1975 stands out as one of the most infamous incidents in Colorado’s history. The inquiry into her demise exposed a much larger and more sinister pattern of criminal activity.
Karen Alicia Grammer, an 18-year-old student who had temporarily relocated to Colorado Springs, was discovered brutally murdered on July 1, 1975.
Her roommate, Pamela Roost, identified her lifeless body a couple of days later. Karen’s body was found on the stairs of a trailer on South Wahsatch Avenue.
Detectives arrived at the scene to find her lifeless body, with a deep wound on her neck, multiple stab wounds on her back, defensive wounds on her hand, and traces of semen on her clothing.
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Pursuit of the Culprits
Investigators traced a blood trail from the trailer to where Karen had been attacked. They found a key in her pocket and followed various leads.
Among these leads was a foiled robbery attempt at a local restaurant where Karen’s boyfriend happened to work.
Witnesses described three men who matched the robbers’ description: military-style haircuts and jackets.
This information prompted the investigators to focus on three young men associated with the nearby Fort Carson army base: Michael Corbett, Freddie Lee Glenn, and Larry Dunn.
Discoveries and Admissions
Further scrutiny revealed a connection between the murder and a man named Winslow Watson, who had been found dead a few days earlier.
The officers made a significant breakthrough when Larry Dunn, one of the suspects, was apprehended and offered immunity in exchange for cooperation.
Larry admitted to his involvement in Karen’s murder and provided information about other crimes committed by the trio.
Larry disclosed that their crime spree began with the murder of Daniel Van Lone, a cook at the Four Seasons hotel. The gang then targeted Winfred Proffitt, another soldier whom they lured to Prospect Lake under false pretenses before stabbing him.
However, it was Karen’s abduction and subsequent sexual assault that gained the most attention.
According to Larry, Freddie ultimately chose to end Karen’s life, stabbing her from behind.
Larry also accused Freddie and himself of involvement in Winslow Watson’s murder, asserting that Winslow wanted to leave their criminal gang.
Outcomes for the Offenders
Freddie Lee Glenn and Michael Corbett faced multiple charges of first-degree murder and other offenses based on Larry’s testimony.
After Colorado abolished capital punishment, Freddie’s initial death sentence was commuted to three life terms.
He is currently serving his sentence at the Fremont Correctional Facility.
Despite being eligible for parole since 2006, Freddie has been repeatedly denied release.
Michael Corbett, too, was convicted of multiple homicides, including Karen’s rape and murder.
Like Freddie, his death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. Michael passed away from natural causes on June 24, 2019, while still incarcerated in a Denver-area hospital.
Investigation Discovery Uncovers
The gripping episode of Investigation Discovery titled ‘Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda: Animal Nature’ delves into one of Colorado’s most notorious cases.
The episode provides details of the investigation into the July 1975 slaying of 18-year-old Karen Grammer in Colorado Springs.
Interestingly, it was revealed that Karen Grammer’s murder was just one element of a much larger, bloodier, and more sinister crime wave that had plagued the area, rather than an isolated case.
Conclusion
The 1975 murder of Karen Grammer shook Colorado Springs to its core. The inquiry into her death exposed a horrifying crime spree perpetrated by three individuals.
Although two of the perpetrators, Freddie Lee Glenn and Michael Corbett, have been brought to justice and are currently serving life sentences, the tragic fate of Karen continues to haunt the community.
