James Hash was the 911 dispatcher. That man is a hero as far as I am concerned. He really helped soothe Melissa’s fears and gathered ample information and told her to hang on with great reassurance. He was her guardian angel that day.
Derrick, I was the News Editor at Las Cruces Sun-News for a number of years. We would run an article about this crime on its anniversary each year afterward. Great coverage of this story. I personally always thought the men were hired by someone who did not hire wisely. Las Cruces is about 50 miles north of the U.S. Mexico border, and there is a lot of drug activity that occurs. Thanks for your coverage of this tragic story. P.S. The bowling alley closed down. I believe it is a used car lot.
@@aoutskyever heard of typos? 🙄 A news editor can do them too especially when not doing work texts and probably writing with a phone. You're obviously not very smart.
I don't think this was about drugs. Doesn't make any sense because most of the victims were children and I don't think any of the adults there were involved in drug business. They worked in a bowling alley, not really drug gangsta material.
Derrick isn’t kidding when he gives the warning on the 911 call. When she says “my mommy” my heart crumbled. She’s so brave and how she was able to remain as calm as she did I will never know but her quick thinking and calmness definitely helped the entire situation. I appreciated how the operator talked to her as well.
I personally think the operator didn’t do that good of a job. He didn’t listen to her and then asked unnecessary questions because he didn’t listen to her.
@@detoxanniI’m not sure I’d say he asked unnecessary questions. He asked questions to get her help and did seem to try to keep her calm. He did seem to not hear her asking if she should use the fire extinguisher but him not knowing exactly how bad her condition is, not sure he could have said yes or no to that knowing it could possibly cause her more harm, bleed out faster, run into the gunmen if they were still there, etc. I wouldn’t say he was the best operator ever but I appreciated he tried to keep her calm and get info. We have definitely heard many operators that are far worse.
I am bawling for that child. She did a better job giving information than most adults I know even in her injured state. It sounds like they did everything right at the beginning so it is awful they couldn’t find the perpetrators.
I've heard this case before and every time I hear Melissa's 911 call I am astonished on how well she is staying calm and giving information while having been shot 5 times. She is a Hero!
That 911 call killed me. And that sweet dispatcher did so good trying to comfort her. Thank you, Derrick, for doing what you do. I know this was hard for you.
What a lovely dispatcher bless him, poor Melissa my heart hurts for her. To say its evil is an understatement, those suvivors have gone through so much. Excellent narration and great details as always Derrick. Could it be a ex disgruntled employer?
I agree! Many times, we listen to 911 operators and feel unhappy with them. I understand fully that they have stressful jobs and probably become a bid jaded. There are many who, like this man, do an excellent job! Thank you to all of the operators who do a great job every day. Your compassion and professionalism is appreciated 🙏 ❤️
Derrick is spot on about the 911 call. I am not a big cryer at all. Listening to Melissa broke my heart and had me bawling like a baby. For being so young, witnessing others being murdered, she herself being shot so many times, including in her head, and knowing the building was on fire and she was unable to get herself out, she did an AMAZING job getting help and she was so much calmer than even I think I would be. She was a super strong little girl and I hope she just built that strength as she got older. I commend her so so much for how strong she was in such a horrifying situation. Im still sitting here crying for her, it was such a heartbreaking thing to listen too. I hope she was able to find some kind of peace and normality in her life. Mega super hugs to her for getting help for herself and the others, without her and the strength and willpower she pulled out of herself to make that 911 call despite being shot in the head and her other injuries, the outcome surely would have been way worse for herself and everyone else. I cant even imagine the terror she had to push thru to do that
the 911 call is very difficult to listen to, but an excellent example of solid dispatch. he was calm, assuring and quick. great work by him. my heart hurts for melissa and all the victims, but she was so brave and tenacious in the face of unimaginable horror. excellent job by derrick as always. glad this case was chosen, even as an avid listener of true crime i had never heard of it. great work.
I saw a report a couple of years ago on the Yogurt shop murders in Austin, Texas that occurred around the same time as this and there was a theory that the two cases might be linked. I have never seen or heard this case in depth, though, so thank you for covering it.
While they do have similar circumstances, I don’t believe the 2 cases are related. Mostly because I agree with Derrick that the motive for the Las Cruces massacre was probably drug related. Whereas, the Austin Yogurt Shop, I feel the motive was probably more related to a predator(s) wanting to inflict harm on young girls.
Derrick please look into the case of Kay-Alana Turner out of Texas from March 2023. She went missing out of Harris County after not sleeping for several nights and having an interaction with police. They busted her driver side window, and she fled from her car into the woods. No one has seen her since. It’s the holiday season, and her family is really hurting for answers. The sheriff has yet to speak with them, and release of body camera footage has been refused. I am local to her hometown, and everyone is asking where she went. Please help us spread her story. BEING MENTALLY ILL IS NOT A CRIME!
Such a heartbreaking 911 call- I imagine how the survivors must feel. Constantly in fear wondering if their attackers will find them again. I hope they’re okay
I definitely agree with you regarding this being more to do with drugs than a robbery, them leaving money in the safe just doesn't make sense. Saying that what kind of men could deliberately shoot 4 little girls in the head execution style? It takes a certain type of psychopath to murder children but so does hiding these monsters knowing what they'd done. Absolutely horrific.
I am typing this before I hear the 911 call. I had seen a doc on this case 10-15 years ago. I can can still hear that little girl’s voice in my head now. After a thousand other 911 calls I have heard from other stories (true crime nut) I hear her voice plane as day!
You were not wrong about that 911 call. Melissa was so incredibly brave and strong in that moment. I couldn’t help but cry for her and want to give her a big hug. My heart breaks for the victims and their families!!
Oh my. I hate to point this out, but I can also hear what unfortunately sounds like someone's final agonal breaths on that 911 call. I wish I could reach through and hold that darling little girl 😢 Melissa didn't want to run to help because no one else was conscious and "there was no one else" - what a phenomenally brave & responsible child! My heart breaks for the wife and the mothers of those three beautiful baby girls 😢💐
I was hearing that too. That’s what really sent me over. She was handling this call, in pain, terrified, and surrounded by people that were dead and actively dying. I cannot imagine experiencing even one element of what she was dealing with as an adult, let alone when I was 12.
Derrick, I’m so happy that you covered this case. I heard about it a few years ago. Your kindness toward Melissa is beautiful. I love Crime Weekly and Stephanie’s channel, I think it’s awesome that you have your own channel now. I love hearing your “Detective Perspective!”
I remember when this originally on Unsolved Mysteries (back when we true crime advocates didn't have very many avenues to turn to). I remember the 911 call and the devastation is horrific crime caused in the life of so many. I'm glad Derrick is bringing fresh eyes, perspective, and attention to it. I'm hopeful this leads to answers for the survivors and the many who were directly affected by it. Thank you, Derrick!
I've listened to this case on podcasts before but of course I had to listen to your take on it too. I can't believe they haven't been found. This is absolutely heartbreaking for all deceased and surviving victims. Thank you for your work, Derrick!
You're right, Derrick! This is a tough one! The phone call had me crying too. I'm a Mom of 5 and Nana of 15. It's so easily relatable especially with loved ones that age.
It's just bugging me that if they were just thieves WHY would they leave more money!?! That just doesn't mesh in my brain. It sounds like they were looking for a bunch of drugs or something something
I consume a lot of true crime, but as a mother, this case was painful to hear. Hoping for some resolution soon, and sending so much love to the victims. People like this can’t continue to live in the general public unnoticed. Someone has to know something.
The Las Cruces community has not forgotten this crime. I fear though that unless someone directly involved comes forward, this will not be resolved. It is believed the men who committed the crime were not from this area. Some believe they may have been of Cuban descent. Another factor here is that we are so close to the border at Juarez, they could have just slipped away, especially if they hid out in Cruces for a while before leaving as Derrick mentioned. The Juarez/El Paso border crossing sees people from all over the world coming and going from the U.S. so I by no means want to imply the shooters were Mexican. Hispanic culture encompasses so many countries and backgrounds. My point here is that if these criminals wanted to get away, it wouldn't be that hard.
I've heard of this case before but it's definitely not covered well enough anymore. It's horrifying that a case this brutal has gone unsalt for so long. Thank you so much for covering it
I'm so heartbroken over this case. I have kids the same age as Melissa was when this happened and I can only hope that they are never in this situation, and if they are, they are as composed as she was. You are doing an awesome thing covering these unsolved cases. Certainly appreciate it and hope your help will result in some closure for these families and survivors. ❤
My God..........😢😢😢 This poor, brave little girl; My heart breaks for her and all of the victims. I pray police find the monsters who did this. Thank you for covering this case, Derrick. Somehow, this case will be solved!
I also think it was drug related just based upon the fact that not all the money was taken and the cupboards were searched . It's like they were scheduled to pick something up like they knew it was going to be there because they had been told ahead of time. But the fire tells me that it was probably for insurance purposes. And that girl that called that was the bravest ,most composed child I have ever listened to. Even adults will be on the phone screaming and hysterical but not that child . She kept it all together she was clear she was concise and even though she was terrified she was on a mission to get help for every one .
Totally agree it was drug related, could have also been for an insurance job! I've heard this case before on the Unresolved podcast a few years ago, I cried then when I heard the 911 call and cried again hearing it played here. Melissa is an absolute superstar and I honestly don't know how she kept calm and was so clear to the dispatcher depsite being terrified and shot! If ever I'm in a situation where I call for help, I hope to have even half of her composure.
Great episode, Derrick! I love the perspective part - you bring up some really important points and I think you are on to something with the drug theory. Such a compelling and tragic case. I would love to see this solved to bring some sense of peace to the victims. ❤
New story to me. Thank you for covering it. I SHARED IT! I also cried for the 911 & her saying “mommy”. Completely senseless!! I feel like the truth will come out in this one. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
I hope Melissa did or will watch this and know what an amazing act of courage she demonstrated. I'd also like for her to know how many people are in her corner, and how determined to help her get the justice she deserves. I am so happy she has gone on to have a family, and i just want her to be happy. Somebody knows something. Use the bravery of this little girl to encourage you to do the right thing.
I remember hearing this because of this call! You can hear this poor babies pain, it's heartbreaking. I really hope she went on to have a good life. These awful people need to be found. My heart goes out to the families, the victims and all those effected by this terrible case. Anyone that knows anything and is helping them, your just as evil as them, these victims deserve answers.
Derrick, there is a triple unsolved bowling alley murders in Littleton Colorado that’s a cold case that needs help getting solved also. Jan 27, 2002 AMF Broadway @ 5485 S Broadway.
I remember hearing about this case on a That Chapter video a couple of years ago and it really stuck with me. The 911 call is gut-wrenching. Thank you for covering this tragedy with such compassion as you do with all cases. Your perspective is so valuable.
I’m shocked! Never ever heard of this heartbreaking case!! Your really love the work you do Derrick,thank you for revisiting cases without a lot of voice❤️
That call was heartbreaking. I think I might have seen that on Unsolved Mysteries. Is it possible these heinous criminals are in a prison somewhere already. Great video again.
Mellisa is so brave, strong & an absolute sweetheart ! I don’t know if anyone else picked up on what she said when speaking about the fire ………I listened to it a few times over & this dear girl although riddled with bullets , frightened & in pain……..asks should she get the fire extinguisher!! Unbelievable 💚 Something I’ve noticed with American folk which I just LOVE is saying “ yes sir ……yes ma’am “ no matter what the situation I’ve even heard the most vile of criminals use those manners ! I love it because it’s so respectful. Dreadfully sad this case is & I can’t believe that people can do such things.
Thank you Derek and team for covering these cases and making a real difference. I discovered you from Stephanie's channel, and so glad I did because now I'm a huge fan of yours too. Though, Stephanie is still my fave, you're a close second! 😉 Wishing you, your family and team a happy holiday! And a special shout out to Shannon, her editing is fabulous and right up there with any network true crime shows I've ever seen. Great work!
You're right that this doesn't sound like an experienced drug hit. I'm wondering what the gang activity was like in that area? Could it be possible it was a couple guys with little to no experience doing a gang initiation? If that's the case, people may not have come forward for fear of gang retaliation. This is such a sad story and my heart goes out to the survivors and the families of the lost.
So glad to get your perspective on this tragic case only ever seen 1 other "show" it so I am so pleased to see more light on this case the 911 is so heart-wrenching 😢💔💞💞💞
Derrick, thank you for your coverage on this case it was greatly detailed, I am glad I was fortunate enough to stumble upon your channel while looking into this case I remember you from big brother genuinely a great guy all around
I've never heard of this event. I thought it was going to be about a more recent bowling alley shooting. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Boy, does it show how eyewitness testimony can very though with those composites.
It's strange that the owner says the bowling alley kept getting robbed. Why? People don't rob places of businesses unless they know something of value is in there. Like Derrick said, they're not robbing for bowling balls or pins. I think the owner knows more than he's saying, whether it's because he helped them or he had the valuables on him (i.e. drugs).
This, the The Yogurt Shoppe murders & the Springfield 3, Amy Billig, Jodie Huisentruitt, Kimberly Ann Riley some of the cases that I pray for every night….I have a list! This one I always felt like they were looking for a counterfeit making press/plate and there was some major money laundering going through
Oh my heart 💔 this one just hits different. How sad. Thank you for speaking about this one Derrick. I know it must have been hard. It was hard to listen to. I hadn't heard of this case before, and so I know that is a part of our duty to make sure these beautiful souls don't get forgotten and hopefully, one day, finds some justice.
I cried 😢 this case is just one of those horrible examples of a ‘normal day’ turning tragic in such a short amount of time. I used to close a supermarket at like 11PM with just the manager and one other employee in the entire store and I used to have panic attacks whenever it was close to closing, thinking something like this would happen to me. Melissa is so freakin brave and her strength man I don’t even know how she fought through that pain to talk to the dispatcher. So angry that so many innocent lives were lost 😢 I hope one day someone speaks up and helps solve this crime.
Hi Derrick. I grew up there during that time and gang activity was rampant. there were a lot of bad things that happened, but as you mentioned, in the community overall if a child was involved they'd have been ratted out... or in certain cases "dealt with". one theory i havent heard, at least publicly, is if someone in the community who knew them, learned what they did, didnt also handle them and bury them in one of the many desert landscapes available. i always thought to myself and had hoped they received street justice. but thats also a greedy way of thinking as it wouldnt give any sort of relief or closure to those who survived. either way, anyone who has ties to Cruces around that time feels this tragedy in their bones and we still speak about it regularly. Thank you for using your platform
I remember seeing this on the TV show "Unsolved Mysteries" back in the early 1990s. It was (and still is) terrifying to think that you could be in a place meant for fun and celebration, and then all of a sudden it turns into a place of heinous horror where a lot of people are gunned down in a senseless bloodbath!
The 911 call breaks me. I can’t listen to it again. I have 3 children 2 being girls and one being the same age as this brave little warrior. My heart goes out to the families and friends effected by this tragic crime.
That 911 call was heartbreaking. Thank you for the warning, didn’t think it would really make me cry. I too have a daughter close to that age and I would never want her to feel that fear and hurt. Prayers to the survivors and the other victims’ families.
Shoutout to Melissa the true hero My thoughts 1- would love to know the relation today between the owner and the surviving family (if i understood correctly.... He is family to some?). Could be nothing but could also help (not proof but guide) figuring out if it was because of the owner that the massacre happens. 2- let's say the 2 men were there the friday before to stakeout the place. If they are organized enough to do so, they should also have a place to hide. And maybe I'm wrong but wouldn't the police try to figure out everyone who was at the bowling on Friday to see if they can identify the man flirting with Stephanie (could clear a theory or help with the case) ?
I LOVE all your channels but Detective Perspective just hits different. It’s a call to action for all of us who deeply care about justice and solving the unsolvable. My native languages are Portuguese and French. As a little girl I learned English by reading Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Dame Agatha Christie. Mon ami, Monsieur Levasseiur , vous êtes justement comme les meilleurs détectives du monde - Hercule Poirot et Sherlock Holmes. In the wise words of Monsieur Poirot: “Understand this, I mean to arrive at the truth. The truth, however ugly in itself, is always curious and beautiful to seekers after it.” Bravo 👏🏻 13:26
Was there an insurance pay-out at all? I don't know any drug-related ppl who would leave ANY cash behind. It looks to me like these two were hired to go in early, grab the books/important documents or something else, make it look like a break-in and arson, with a 5k payment left in the safe for their trouble. Unfortunately, they were not expecting ppl to be turning up much before 9am. That didn't usually happen. Hence the randomness of shooting witnesses.
Finally, a dispatcher that tries to put the caller’s mind at ease and lets them know help is on the way.
My thoughts exactly!! So often the dispatchers are so cold and callous and are simply horrible at their job
Yup! Seems like they don’t make ‘em that way anymore
James Hash was the 911 dispatcher. That man is a hero as far as I am concerned. He really helped soothe Melissa’s fears and gathered ample information and told her to hang on with great reassurance. He was her guardian angel that day.
Derrick, I was the News Editor at Las Cruces Sun-News for a number of years. We would run an article about this crime on its anniversary each year afterward. Great coverage of this story. I personally always thought the men were hired by someone who did not hire wisely. Las Cruces is about 50 miles north of the U.S. Mexico border, and there is a lot of drug activity that occurs. Thanks for your coverage of this tragic story. P.S. The bowling alley closed down. I believe it is a used car lot.
It was closed down in 2018. I personally think that it was long overdue.
Wow
A news editor who can't spell "personally"?
@@aoutskyever heard of typos? 🙄
A news editor can do them too especially when not doing work texts and probably writing with a phone.
You're obviously not very smart.
I don't think this was about drugs.
Doesn't make any sense because most of the victims were children and I don't think any of the adults there were involved in drug business. They worked in a bowling alley, not really drug gangsta material.
Derrick isn’t kidding when he gives the warning on the 911 call. When she says “my mommy” my heart crumbled. She’s so brave and how she was able to remain as calm as she did I will never know but her quick thinking and calmness definitely helped the entire situation. I appreciated how the operator talked to her as well.
Ditto... Heart broken & shouldn't have tried such a hard case without sleep, ohh I'm shook
Wow! What a very brave girl.😢
I personally think the operator didn’t do that good of a job. He didn’t listen to her and then asked unnecessary questions because he didn’t listen to her.
@@detoxanniI’m not sure I’d say he asked unnecessary questions. He asked questions to get her help and did seem to try to keep her calm. He did seem to not hear her asking if she should use the fire extinguisher but him not knowing exactly how bad her condition is, not sure he could have said yes or no to that knowing it could possibly cause her more harm, bleed out faster, run into the gunmen if they were still there, etc. I wouldn’t say he was the best operator ever but I appreciated he tried to keep her calm and get info. We have definitely heard many operators that are far worse.
That part hit me like a ton of bricks. That statement alone showed how young and scared she was. So hard to hear.
This 911 call absolutely gutted me. That poor sweet girl and all of the victims deserve so much better. Hopefully they will one day receive justice.
I am bawling for that child. She did a better job giving information than most adults I know even in her injured state. It sounds like they did everything right at the beginning so it is awful they couldn’t find the perpetrators.
I've heard this case before and every time I hear Melissa's 911 call I am astonished on how well she is staying calm and giving information while having been shot 5 times. She is a Hero!
I agree! I can't fathom being able to speak coherently after being shot even once, much less five times!
That 911 call killed me. And that sweet dispatcher did so good trying to comfort her. Thank you, Derrick, for doing what you do. I know this was hard for you.
What a lovely dispatcher bless him, poor Melissa my heart hurts for her.
To say its evil is an understatement, those suvivors have gone through so much.
Excellent narration and great details as always Derrick.
Could it be a ex disgruntled employer?
I agree! Many times, we listen to 911 operators and feel unhappy with them. I understand fully that they have stressful jobs and probably become a bid jaded. There are many who, like this man, do an excellent job! Thank you to all of the operators who do a great job every day. Your compassion and professionalism is appreciated 🙏 ❤️
I agree, that dispatcher was amazing with her, keeping calm and reassuring her that help would be there soon. My heart broke for her ❤
You are so empathetic and sweet Derrick. You don’t just show compassion to Melissa with your words, but to all victims. Honestly. Thank you.
I totally agree 💯
Derrick is spot on about the 911 call. I am not a big cryer at all. Listening to Melissa broke my heart and had me bawling like a baby. For being so young, witnessing others being murdered, she herself being shot so many times, including in her head, and knowing the building was on fire and she was unable to get herself out, she did an AMAZING job getting help and she was so much calmer than even I think I would be. She was a super strong little girl and I hope she just built that strength as she got older. I commend her so so much for how strong she was in such a horrifying situation. Im still sitting here crying for her, it was such a heartbreaking thing to listen too. I hope she was able to find some kind of peace and normality in her life. Mega super hugs to her for getting help for herself and the others, without her and the strength and willpower she pulled out of herself to make that 911 call despite being shot in the head and her other injuries, the outcome surely would have been way worse for herself and everyone else. I cant even imagine the terror she had to push thru to do that
the 911 call is very difficult to listen to, but an excellent example of solid dispatch. he was calm, assuring and quick. great work by him. my heart hurts for melissa and all the victims, but she was so brave and tenacious in the face of unimaginable horror. excellent job by derrick as always. glad this case was chosen, even as an avid listener of true crime i had never heard of it. great work.
That 911 call was heartbreaking. This whole situation is heartbreaking. Derrick, thanks for all you do to bring attention to these cases.
I saw a report a couple of years ago on the Yogurt shop murders in Austin, Texas that occurred around the same time as this and there was a theory that the two cases might be linked. I have never seen or heard this case in depth, though, so thank you for covering it.
While they do have similar circumstances, I don’t believe the 2 cases are related. Mostly because I agree with Derrick that the motive for the Las Cruces massacre was probably drug related. Whereas, the Austin Yogurt Shop, I feel the motive was probably more related to a predator(s) wanting to inflict harm on young girls.
Melissa was so brave broke my heart . Thanks for putting this out
Derrick please look into the case of Kay-Alana Turner out of Texas from March 2023. She went missing out of Harris County after not sleeping for several nights and having an interaction with police. They busted her driver side window, and she fled from her car into the woods. No one has seen her since. It’s the holiday season, and her family is really hurting for answers. The sheriff has yet to speak with them, and release of body camera footage has been refused. I am local to her hometown, and everyone is asking where she went. Please help us spread her story. BEING MENTALLY ILL IS NOT A CRIME!
Such a heartbreaking 911 call- I imagine how the survivors must feel. Constantly in fear wondering if their attackers will find them again. I hope they’re okay
Ohh, well said I'm a globe away but so shook, best luv sent 🇦🇺
I definitely agree with you regarding this being more to do with drugs than a robbery, them leaving money in the safe just doesn't make sense. Saying that what kind of men could deliberately shoot 4 little girls in the head execution style? It takes a certain type of psychopath to murder children but so does hiding these monsters knowing what they'd done. Absolutely horrific.
Thank you Derrick. Thankful for the dispatcher that calmed Mellisa
Oh my goodness, hearing Melissa broke me.
The case is absolutely disturbing :( My heart breaks for every single victim.
I am typing this before I hear the 911 call. I had seen a doc on this case 10-15 years ago. I can can still hear that little girl’s voice in my head now. After a thousand other 911 calls I have heard from other stories (true crime nut) I hear her voice plane as day!
You were not wrong about that 911 call. Melissa was so incredibly brave and strong in that moment. I couldn’t help but cry for her and want to give her a big hug. My heart breaks for the victims and their families!!
Oh my. I hate to point this out, but I can also hear what unfortunately sounds like someone's final agonal breaths on that 911 call.
I wish I could reach through and hold that darling little girl 😢
Melissa didn't want to run to help because no one else was conscious and "there was no one else" - what a phenomenally brave & responsible child!
My heart breaks for the wife and the mothers of those three beautiful baby girls 😢💐
I was hearing that too. That’s what really sent me over. She was handling this call, in pain, terrified, and surrounded by people that were dead and actively dying. I cannot imagine experiencing even one element of what she was dealing with as an adult, let alone when I was 12.
That 911 call was so sad, cases that involve kids are rough. This one is heartbreaking & I hope they find out who did this someday!
My gosh, Melissa is the bravest soul! That took so much strength and courage! That is the most gut wrenching 911 call I have ever heard.
Derrick, I’m so happy that you covered this case. I heard about it a few years ago. Your kindness toward Melissa is beautiful. I love Crime Weekly and Stephanie’s channel, I think it’s awesome that you have your own channel now. I love hearing your “Detective Perspective!”
Hearing the 911 call was tough😢
I remember when this originally on Unsolved Mysteries (back when we true crime advocates didn't have very many avenues to turn to). I remember the 911 call and the devastation is horrific crime caused in the life of so many. I'm glad Derrick is bringing fresh eyes, perspective, and attention to it. I'm hopeful this leads to answers for the survivors and the many who were directly affected by it. Thank you, Derrick!
I've listened to this case on podcasts before but of course I had to listen to your take on it too. I can't believe they haven't been found. This is absolutely heartbreaking for all deceased and surviving victims. Thank you for your work, Derrick!
Thank you for covering this story that is in my city… Sad to know that it has still not been solved
You're right, Derrick! This is a tough one! The phone call had me crying too. I'm a Mom of 5 and Nana of 15. It's so easily relatable especially with loved ones that age.
It's just bugging me that if they were just thieves WHY would they leave more money!?! That just doesn't mesh in my brain. It sounds like they were looking for a bunch of drugs or something something
& i " spoke" too soon...Derrick just said he thinks it's drugs
They might not have known
I consume a lot of true crime, but as a mother, this case was painful to hear. Hoping for some resolution soon, and sending so much love to the victims. People like this can’t continue to live in the general public unnoticed. Someone has to know something.
The Las Cruces community has not forgotten this crime. I fear though that unless someone directly involved comes forward, this will not be resolved. It is believed the men who committed the crime were not from this area. Some believe they may have been of Cuban descent. Another factor here is that we are so close to the border at Juarez, they could have just slipped away, especially if they hid out in Cruces for a while before leaving as Derrick mentioned. The Juarez/El Paso border crossing sees people from all over the world coming and going from the U.S. so I by no means want to imply the shooters were Mexican. Hispanic culture encompasses so many countries and backgrounds. My point here is that if these criminals wanted to get away, it wouldn't be that hard.
I lived in Cruces off and on for many years, this has always been so harrowing and terribly sad!!! Thank you so much, Derrick. Bless you
Hearing that poor girl say "Help me" over and over was gut wrenching. Thank you Derrick for bringing this case to our attention.
I've heard of this case before but it's definitely not covered well enough anymore. It's horrifying that a case this brutal has gone unsalt for so long. Thank you so much for covering it
I'm so heartbroken over this case. I have kids the same age as Melissa was when this happened and I can only hope that they are never in this situation, and if they are, they are as composed as she was. You are doing an awesome thing covering these unsolved cases. Certainly appreciate it and hope your help will result in some closure for these families and survivors. ❤
My God..........😢😢😢 This poor, brave little girl; My heart breaks for her and all of the victims. I pray police find the monsters who did this. Thank you for covering this case, Derrick. Somehow, this case will be solved!
I also think it was drug related just based upon the fact that not all the money was taken and the cupboards were searched .
It's like they were scheduled to pick something up like they knew it was going to be there because they had been told ahead of time.
But the fire tells me that it was probably for insurance purposes.
And that girl that called that was the bravest ,most composed child I have ever listened to.
Even adults will be on the phone screaming and hysterical but not that child .
She kept it all together she was clear she was concise and even though she was terrified she was on a mission to get help for every one .
Totally agree it was drug related, could have also been for an insurance job!
I've heard this case before on the Unresolved podcast a few years ago, I cried then when I heard the 911 call and cried again hearing it played here. Melissa is an absolute superstar and I honestly don't know how she kept calm and was so clear to the dispatcher depsite being terrified and shot! If ever I'm in a situation where I call for help, I hope to have even half of her composure.
Great episode, Derrick! I love the perspective part - you bring up some really important points and I think you are on to something with the drug theory. Such a compelling and tragic case. I would love to see this solved to bring some sense of peace to the victims. ❤
This is absolutely gut wrenching, the 911 call. Holy hell.
Phone call also made me cry. Poor baby
New story to me. Thank you for covering it. I SHARED IT! I also cried for the 911 & her saying “mommy”. Completely senseless!! I feel like the truth will come out in this one. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Oh my god, I suggested this in the comments on one of your first videos! Thank you so much for covering it!!!
This is the best episode you have done!
I hope Melissa did or will watch this and know what an amazing act of courage she demonstrated. I'd also like for her to know how many people are in her corner, and how determined to help her get the justice she deserves. I am so happy she has gone on to have a family, and i just want her to be happy.
Somebody knows something. Use the bravery of this little girl to encourage you to do the right thing.
Good story .Congrats on your other show crime feed. Love it.❤
Thanks for covering this case Derrick!
I have an eleven year old daughter and this breaks my heart so much. 💔
That poor baby. Her voice is just so heartbreaking.
I remember hearing this because of this call! You can hear this poor babies pain, it's heartbreaking. I really hope she went on to have a good life. These awful people need to be found. My heart goes out to the families, the victims and all those effected by this terrible case. Anyone that knows anything and is helping them, your just as evil as them, these victims deserve answers.
Thank you for covering this… this has been one of those cases that has always moved me and I can’t believe it’s still unsolved!
Thank you for covering this case, our community needs this exposure. Thank you for your work. ❤
Derrick, there is a triple unsolved bowling alley murders in Littleton Colorado that’s a cold case that needs help getting solved also. Jan 27, 2002 AMF Broadway @ 5485 S Broadway.
I remember hearing about this case on a That Chapter video a couple of years ago and it really stuck with me. The 911 call is gut-wrenching. Thank you for covering this tragedy with such compassion as you do with all cases. Your perspective is so valuable.
Loving your channel Derrick! You're doing a great job.💜
Great coverage on this case Derrick
I’m shocked! Never ever heard of this heartbreaking case!! Your really love the work you do Derrick,thank you for revisiting cases without a lot of voice❤️
Thanks Derrick for another great episode! That phone call was horrible.
Thanks Derrick!!!
That call was heartbreaking. I think I might have seen that on Unsolved Mysteries. Is it possible these heinous criminals are in a prison somewhere already. Great video again.
Mellisa is so brave, strong & an absolute sweetheart !
I don’t know if anyone else picked up on what she said when speaking about the fire ………I listened to it a few times over & this dear girl although riddled with bullets , frightened & in pain……..asks should she get the fire extinguisher!!
Unbelievable 💚
Something I’ve noticed with American folk which I just LOVE is saying
“ yes sir ……yes ma’am “
no matter what the situation
I’ve even heard the most vile of criminals use those manners !
I love it because it’s so respectful.
Dreadfully sad this case is & I can’t believe that people can do such things.
This channel is fast becoming my favorite ❤
Thank you Derek and team for covering these cases and making a real difference. I discovered you from Stephanie's channel, and so glad I did because now I'm a huge fan of yours too. Though, Stephanie is still my fave, you're a close second! 😉 Wishing you, your family and team a happy holiday! And a special shout out to Shannon, her editing is fabulous and right up there with any network true crime shows I've ever seen. Great work!
You're right that this doesn't sound like an experienced drug hit. I'm wondering what the gang activity was like in that area? Could it be possible it was a couple guys with little to no experience doing a gang initiation? If that's the case, people may not have come forward for fear of gang retaliation.
This is such a sad story and my heart goes out to the survivors and the families of the lost.
Hi Derrick. Hope that you and your family had a nice Thanksgiving. I’ve seen this case done before and it’s heartbreaking 💔.
Derrick, you are the best!!!! Thank you 🙏🏽
So glad to get your perspective on this tragic case only ever seen 1 other "show" it so I am so pleased to see more light on this case the 911 is so heart-wrenching 😢💔💞💞💞
That was gut wrenching to hear Melissa. Bless her heart.
Derrick, thank you for your coverage on this case it was greatly detailed, I am glad I was fortunate enough to stumble upon your channel while looking into this case I remember you from big brother genuinely a great guy all around
I've never heard of this event. I thought it was going to be about a more recent bowling alley shooting. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Boy, does it show how eyewitness testimony can very though with those composites.
Thank you Derrick❤
In my humble opinion, it was 100% drugs!! Also agree they were from outside the community. The sketches looked similar. - maybe father and son?
I thought the same.
It's strange that the owner says the bowling alley kept getting robbed. Why? People don't rob places of businesses unless they know something of value is in there. Like Derrick said, they're not robbing for bowling balls or pins. I think the owner knows more than he's saying, whether it's because he helped them or he had the valuables on him (i.e. drugs).
Yes they do. Robbery is a crime of opportunity.
God that call was awful. Im listening while driving to work and as soon as she cried out for her mommy, i lost it and now im bawling 😢
OMG that recording made me cry.
What about the guy that went by and picked up a back pack? Hum what was in it?
That poor baby girl….
That 911 call is absolutely gut wrenching 😢 💔
I grew up there and in it’s sister city El Paso… thank you for covering this , Mr Lavasseur
This, the The Yogurt Shoppe murders & the Springfield 3, Amy Billig, Jodie Huisentruitt, Kimberly Ann Riley some of the cases that I pray for every night….I have a list! This one I always felt like they were looking for a counterfeit making press/plate and there was some major money laundering going through
Melissa made me tear up.... 😢
Feel better, Derrick!
Oh my heart 💔 this one just hits different. How sad. Thank you for speaking about this one Derrick. I know it must have been hard. It was hard to listen to. I hadn't heard of this case before, and so I know that is a part of our duty to make sure these beautiful souls don't get forgotten and hopefully, one day, finds some justice.
I cried 😢 this case is just one of those horrible examples of a ‘normal day’ turning tragic in such a short amount of time. I used to close a supermarket at like 11PM with just the manager and one other employee in the entire store and I used to have panic attacks whenever it was close to closing, thinking something like this would happen to me. Melissa is so freakin brave and her strength man I don’t even know how she fought through that pain to talk to the dispatcher. So angry that so many innocent lives were lost 😢 I hope one day someone speaks up and helps solve this crime.
Well definitely cried my eyes out😭😭
Hi Derrick. I grew up there during that time and gang activity was rampant. there were a lot of bad things that happened, but as you mentioned, in the community overall if a child was involved they'd have been ratted out... or in certain cases "dealt with". one theory i havent heard, at least publicly, is if someone in the community who knew them, learned what they did, didnt also handle them and bury them in one of the many desert landscapes available. i always thought to myself and had hoped they received street justice. but thats also a greedy way of thinking as it wouldnt give any sort of relief or closure to those who survived. either way, anyone who has ties to Cruces around that time feels this tragedy in their bones and we still speak about it regularly. Thank you for using your platform
This is so horrible. I can’t fathom how this was unsolvable! Such a heartless act.
IM ALL CHOKED UP WITH THAT CHILDS CALL
I remember seeing this on the TV show "Unsolved Mysteries" back in the early 1990s. It was (and still is) terrifying to think that you could be in a place meant for fun and celebration, and then all of a sudden it turns into a place of heinous horror where a lot of people are gunned down in a senseless bloodbath!
The 911 call breaks me.
I can’t listen to it again.
I have 3 children 2 being girls and one being the same age as this brave little warrior.
My heart goes out to the families and friends effected by this tragic crime.
That 911 call was heartbreaking. Thank you for the warning, didn’t think it would really make me cry. I too have a daughter close to that age and I would never want her to feel that fear and hurt. Prayers to the survivors and the other victims’ families.
You weren't kidding Derrick, that 911 call is truly heartbreaking, how brave was Melissa on that call ? Unreal . Would be amazing to get this solved .
God damn that 911 call is the hardest thing I’ve ever listened to
Shoutout to Melissa the true hero
My thoughts
1- would love to know the relation today between the owner and the surviving family (if i understood correctly.... He is family to some?). Could be nothing but could also help (not proof but guide) figuring out if it was because of the owner that the massacre happens.
2- let's say the 2 men were there the friday before to stakeout the place. If they are organized enough to do so, they should also have a place to hide. And maybe I'm wrong but wouldn't the police try to figure out everyone who was at the bowling on Friday to see if they can identify the man flirting with Stephanie (could clear a theory or help with the case) ?
I LOVE all your channels but Detective Perspective just hits different. It’s a call to action for all of us who deeply care about justice and solving the unsolvable.
My native languages are Portuguese and French. As a little girl I learned English by reading Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Dame Agatha Christie. Mon ami, Monsieur Levasseiur , vous êtes justement comme les meilleurs détectives du monde - Hercule Poirot et Sherlock Holmes. In the wise words of Monsieur Poirot:
“Understand this, I mean to arrive at the truth. The truth, however ugly in itself, is always curious and beautiful to seekers after it.”
Bravo 👏🏻 13:26
Great story. Hope they find them.❤ from Oklahoma
Was there an insurance pay-out at all?
I don't know any drug-related ppl who would leave ANY cash behind.
It looks to me like these two were hired to go in early, grab the books/important documents or something else, make it look like a break-in and arson, with a 5k payment left in the safe for their trouble.
Unfortunately, they were not expecting ppl to be turning up much before 9am. That didn't usually happen. Hence the randomness of shooting witnesses.
Omg shes shot 5x an asking if should get fire extinguisher. Sheesh. Definitely crying 😭 just awful