
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, May 31, 1990                   TAG: 9005310091
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-8   EDITION: STATE 
SOURCE: By Associated Press
DATELINE: BRISTOL                                LENGTH: Short

OFFICIALS LINK SLAYING ON I-81 TO SERIAL KILLER

Authorities say they believe the February shooting of a Bristol woman on Interstate 81 may be related to a string of similar crimes nationwide.

Federal investigators believe the killings may be the work of one serial killer.

Bristol investigators conducted more than 150 interviews with potential witnesses and compared notes with law enforcement agencies around the United States, Bristol Police Chief Tom Stone said Tuesday.

"There are some similarities that would almost lead us to a person like a serial killer that just goes around randomly shooting at people in different states, and there's no rhyme, reason or pattern," Stone said. "It just happens whenever the mood strikes them."

Tammy Salyer, 18, was killed by a single gunshot fired from a passing car as she drove home from work along the interstate Feb. 28.

Bristol Lt. James Myers said correspondence with other law enforcement agencies has produced evidence of very similar highway shootings in Utah, Florida and other states.

by CNB