Trace Evidence: The Hunt for the I-5 Serial Killer

by Bruce Henderson

Some books about serial killers are dramatic and emotional. Trace Evidence, by contrast, has a steady relentlessness that allows the reader to become fascinated by the characters of the investigators and the facts of how the evidence was assembled. This killer specialized in picking up his victims along Interstate 5, near Sacramento, California, and he had an odd penchant for snipping at their clothes with scissors. As deaths of young women in several different jurisdictions began to form a pattern, a few detectives with contrasting approaches (excitable and given to hunches vs. cool and logical) formed a team. Author Bruce Henderson relates how they followed through on a bewildering number of leads, how they ranked their potential suspects on a point system that proved remarkably effective, and how, finally, a trace evidence expert spent many long hours looking through a microscope to cinch the case with analysis of fibers. Trace Evidence is skillfully structured, emphasizing the investigation rather than the trial, and includes crisp photographs of the key evidence. It would have been a better book if the author had included a timeline of the crimes and a map of the area, but that is a small nitpick about an excellent work of journalism. --Fiona Webster

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, Crime, Audiobook, Biography, History, Mystery

436 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Bruce Henderson is the author of more than twenty nonfiction books, including a #1 New York Times that was made into a highly-rated network miniseries. His books have been published in more than two dozen countries. His latest book is Midnight Flyboys: The American Bomber Crews and Allied Secret Agents Who Aided the French Resistance in World War II. He is also the author of Sons and Soldiers: The Untold Story of the Jews Who Escaped the Nazis and Returned with the U.S. Army to Fight Hitler, the NYT bestseller about "The Ritchie Boys" being developed for a feature film. He won the coveted 2023 Gilder Lehrman Military History Prize in recognition of the best English language book published in the field of American military history for Bridge to the Sun: The Secret Role of the Japanese Americans Who Fought in the Pacific in World War II. Henderson has taught reporting at USC School of Journalism and nonfiction writing at Stanford University. He lives in Menlo Park, California.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Bruce-Henderson...

Reviews

[TheBookWarren · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️— This is a standout for True Crime writing, with Henderson’s attention to detail & wistful narrative motif really helping the story shine, so that despite the disturbing & utterly chilling content, it never feels too much to bear. The Audiobook version, read by the highly skilled David Callaci — that really me motor through this on some long drives while travelling for work — was also extraordinarily good, so good it didn’t takeaway from the novel I’d already read a third of, in fact it elevated it, which is no mean feat. This was an excellent book, that unfolds slowly and skilfully includes the reader in the insights as they come to fruition, as though you are present in the brainstorming & troubleshooting as it happens. Anyone with an interest in crime literature should read. It offers fascinating insights into a long & crucial investigation that lead to stopping a true dredging scourge on society, who’d of killed many more if not for these incredible investigators.

Bruce Henderson’s True Crime epic, “Trace Evidence: The Hunt for the I-5 Serial Killer" captivates the reader with its meticulously crafted narrative, weaving a chilling tale of crime and relentless pursuit. Henderson's prowess as a storyteller shines through, transforming a true crime investigation into a gripping literary journey, that never really drags its heels thanks to every red-herring or sidetrack, being masterfully executed with a humanistic panache, that is Uber-relatable & offers some context into the goings-on of the time and towns, with every character getting their story told in some way and refuse to be merely background noise.

The narrative unfolds like a finely tuned performance engine, each chapter revealing a new layer of the investigation with precision and suspense. Henderson's attention to detail engages readers in the crime scenes, creating a vivid tapestry of forensic challenges and detective ingenuity. The meticulous research is evident, and the author's commitment to accuracy enhances the novel's credibility, making it a standout in the true crime genre.

Character development is a notable strength of "Trace Evidence." Henderson expertly brings to life the investigators, victims & their families and even the elusive killer, offering a nuanced portrayal of the human experience amidst tragedy. The emotional weight of the narrative is palpable, evoking empathy for the victims and a sense of urgency for justice.

The pacing of the novel is well-crafted, maintaining a delicate balance between suspense and reflection. Henderson navigates through the intricacies of the investigation with finesse, ensuring that readers remain engaged without sacrificing the depth of the story. The prose is crisp, allowing the narrative to flow seamlessly from one revelation to the next.

One of the book's commendable aspects is its exploration of the societal impact of the I-5 serial killer. Henderson delves into the ripple effects of such heinous crimes, shedding light on the resilience of communities and the dedication of law enforcement in the face of adversity. This broader perspective elevates "Trace Evidence" beyond a mere true crime account, turning it into a thought-provoking exploration of justice and its aftermath.

While the novel excels in many aspects, a nuanced critique lies in occasional moments where the narrative veers towards predictability. After all, it’s a true crime novel! Despite this, Henderson's ability to maintain a gripping atmosphere compensates for any minor shortcomings that are often evident in true crime novels of length, such as this one.

“Trace Evidence” stands as a compelling testament to Bruce Henderson's adroit investigative skills, literary prowess and dedication to true crime storytelling. The seamless fusion of meticulous research, empathetic character portrayal, and a well-paced narrative solidify its status as a captivating and insightful read for aficionados of the genre.

[Katherine Addison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roger Reece Kibbe was convicted of 1 murder & confessed to 6 more: Lou Ellen Burleigh, Lora Heedick, Barbara Ann Scott, Stephanie Brown, Charmaine Sabrah, Katherine Kelly Quinones, and Darcie Frackenpohl. I don't for a second think that's all of his victims.

Darcie was 17.

Roger Kibbe is currently 76. He's in prison and not getting out (one sentence 25 to life for Darcie in 1991, and then six more consecutive life sentences when he confessed to the other six murders in 2009). But he's alive. So is Randy Woodfield, another man who used the I-5 as his killing ground. So is Gary Ridgway up in Walla Walla. I could go on. I don't think these men are happy or comfortable. But they're alive. They can still make choices. They can play games with interviewers or find Jesus or write their memoirs.

Their victims don't have that. Their victims are frozen, lifeless, at 17 or 29 or 26. Their victims, who outnumber them substatially, don't even have what very little these men have. And, because they are what they are, these serial killers probably to this day don't really believe that there's anything wrong with that. As Henderson quotes Kibbe after his conviction for Darcie Frackenpohl's murder, Yeah, I've killed a few women. What's the big deal?

No amount of justice can restore life to the victims. The simple unfairness of the fact that Roger Kibbe is alive and Charmaine Sabrah is dead cannot even actually be addressed. His death won't balance the scales. Nothing will.

Trace Evidence was written in 1998, so Henderson doesn't know the (almost certainly partial) list of Kibbe's victims. He misses Quinones and Scott and includes Karen Finch, who may or may not have been killed by Kibbe. (I think yes, and Kibbe's cellmate claimed he confessed, but no conclusive proof.) He does a good job explaining the fiber evidence that Kibbe was convicted on. As an exemplar of its genre, this book is competent in all ways, but not stand-out.

[♥ Marlene♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book and great author. This book was very detailed. It is all about how the cops investigated the murders that were all committed around the I-5 highway, or the bodies were dumped there.

Because I liked his writing style I searched to find out if he had written other books. This is when I learned that he had written And The Sea Will Tell. So I checked my books thinking I had read that book, but I did not find a copy on my shelves or did I find an entry about this book on Bookcrossing or Goodreads.

So I might not have read that one but will now surely get myself a copy.
That is how much I enjoyed his writing.

True he did not talk to the killer but besides that he interviewed many people and managed to make them all come alive to his readers. That to me is a gift if you can do that.

I am going to give this book 4.5 and will make it a 4 just because it is not a 5 star book. A 5 star book is one I want to read more than once among others among others.

If you like true crime I recommend this book.

[Fishface · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great big whomping trade paperback, but I gladly hauled it all over the county with me this week in case I found 5 extra minutes to read some more of it. The book was full of typos that a previous owner of my copy helpfully circled in black ink, but that didn't slow me down at all. The author did an outstanding job of making me feel the tragedy of every death, in some subtle way I have a hard time pinpointing. The killer was a fascinating combination of dull and utterly twisted. The personalities of the investigators were so well drawn that I felt they were standing in the room with me. And what an intriguing forensic case this was. Don't miss this one.

[Lexi Sølvhammer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book got me hooked almost from the beginning.

It’s a well written book and the author seems to have done a lot of research before penning this book.

We get a look into the mind of an awful serial killer. Besides we kind of get to know the victims as the author hasn’t forgotten about these ladies who died in the hands of this cold killer. The author gives a good description of who this unfortunate woman were as well as we learn about their lives and their families.

I can’t give the book 5 stars as I found a part of the ending a little lengthy. However the book is definitely a must read for true crime fans. But be warned the book includes graphic descriptions.

* this review is shared on multiple platforms

[Anne - Books of My Heart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
 

Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
 
I don't read very much true crime but I do read many mystery / thrillers. Trace Evidence sounded interesting and I'm really glad I gave it a try. This case is about an actual serial killer in California nicknamed the I5 killer for the interstate near where the crimes happened.

The information in the case was quite well organized and told mostly in a chronological format.  It covers a long time frame, many years.  In the beginning, there are pay phones and very little technology and use of forensic evidence.  By the end, DNA and other technological advances have changed things greatly. The book version was published in 1998.

Because this was about a serial killer with many victims, many different law enforcement agencies were involved.  The missing person case might be in one town or county. The homicide might be in a different place.  The coordination and communication of these different detectives and forensic groups was mostly poor.  It also meant many different detectives worked different parts of the case with specific victims. I found it a little tough to keep track of all the detectives and where they worked.

There are some gruesome details about what happened to these unfortunate women.  Some were prostitutes but some were ordinary young women.  Most were beautiful young blondes with longish hair and rather busty.  Mostly though we get the details of what they were doing before they went missing and the search for them.   There is also the details of when a body was discovered and the work to identify the woman and find her killer.

I really appreciated how detailed the information on the investigation and evidence was unfolded. It seemed honest in how frustrating it had to be when law enforcement couldn't get the resources to work the cases properly, or there was a lack of communication so things went slowly or off on a tangent.  The detectives working the case were so talented and dedicated; I admired them greatly.

I also enjoyed how the case was solved and there was a definitive solution. The evidence was solid; it just took a long time to get it. There were only a few things found out which were unclear to me where they got the information. I am assuming that information was from the killer in the end.
 
Narration:
This story was told with somewhat limited dialogue. There were a few voices and they sounded appropriate.  I had not previously heard this narrator.  I thought it was well done and easy to listen.  I used my normal 1.5x speed.

Listen to a clip:  HERE

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trace Evidence is a detailed meandering account of the death of 7 women in California at the hands of a serial killer. The account also tells the story of the law enforcement officials who tracked him down using what was, at the time, groundbreaking technology. It also tells how the murderer covered his tracks and manipulated others in his life. It is a good solid book. I would have preferred a little more insight into the life of the killer between age 15 and the time the murders were discovered. The author alludes to the possibility of other murders but leaves us hanging.

If you like forensics or books about serial killers, this is a decent read.

[Jill- Host of the Murder Shelf Book Club podcast · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all-time favorite true crime books, Bruce Henderson delves into the fine points, while moving the story of an elusive serial killer along as a breath-taking pace. A hardened true crimer, I squirmed at time with nervous energy while turning the next page, I was 'working' side by side with law enforcement, who were at yet another crime scene, looking for evidence, hoping this might be the piece to break the case and catch the killer.
Brilliant piece of writing, and respectful of the victims and their families.
I covered this book on my podcast, the Murder Shelf Book Club podcast. LOVE this book so much!

[Gayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was creepy and sad. This man probably killed many women but he went on trial for only one and was convicted. He was troubled from the beginning. Mother didn't like him and father was away in the military. First started stealing women's clothing off of clotheslines then it escalated. He hated women and murdered many along highway I-5 near Sacramento but he was married to a woman who took control and ruled the roost. He was very quiet and people said he would never hurt anyone.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like CSI type shows, you will love this book. If you like a thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat, you will love this book. If you like true crime, you will love this book. A fascinating look at a case that hinged on trace evidence and 'trace trace' evidence and into the baffling mind of a serial killer.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on how a homicide case is investigated . I found it interesting and informative without the story turning into a dull piece of facts. Great author who provides background information in a manner that builds the story yet still supplies valid informative information.

[Ronnie Cramer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and well-written.

[DancingMarshmallow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall: 5 stars. A absolutely fantastically detailed look at the Roger Kibbe case with a focus on forensics

I hadn’t heard of Roger Kibbe before beginning this book, and I can now say with confidence that he is just as punchable as any other serial killer (the excerpts from the police interviews with him in this book are so painful - not because they’re badly done but because he is obnoxiously stubborn at playing dumb).

This book was a real true crime treat - with the caveat that this is a forensics deep-dive (a lot of time spent on microscopic evidence analysis, like the title “trace evidence” suggests). There’s a little bit of psychological analysis of Kibbe, but really this book is all about the investigation, especially the forensics. You get in-depth coverage of crime scene analysis and evidence-gathering, autopsies, evidence storage, and a ton of fibers and microscopes. As a kid who loved CSI, I found this absolutely fascinating and loved every second, but YMMV.

Shoutout to the audiobook narrator as well: he was amazing at giving different folks unique voices and recreating the conversations (of which there are a lot, especially questioning witnesses and interrogating Kibbe) - one of the best I’ve heard. If you like nonfiction audiobooks, definitely give this one a try.

[Lynn Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, Thorough Presentation Of The Multi-Faceted Investigation(s) That Ultimately Led To The Identication And Prosecution Of The I-5 SK

Forensics have come a long way since the mid-80's time period in which the I-5 SK was operating - and law enforcement (was) facing a very uphill battle in both identifying the perpetrator, and then dealing with the much more formidable task of proving his guilt. The author presented a comprehensive picture of the challenges faced by law enforcement - which may have been a little more than the reader needed/wanted to know. I say this only because I am normally a very fast reader, but there were several times during my reading when I was surprised to realize how much more of the story remained. Overall, though, this was a good book, replete with sufficient information about the victims and crimes. Through no fault of the author, however, the SK remains pretty much an enigma, who very early in his life evidenced "dysfunctional markers", but was able to hide his hostilities and perversion(s) with a "milquetoast mask".

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know who the I-5 Killer was before reading this book, so as the evidence was gathered, I had no idea whether they were onto the right man.
This is a really well written True Crime book about a terrible series of murders. It's a testament to trace evidence and how it can provide a strong circumstantial link between killer and crime scene. I found it really interesting that everyone who knew the killer said the same things about him - he was a mild-mannered interovert who hated confrontation and who could never have done something like this.
Henderson discusses serial killers as a concept and talks about how they are different from regular murderers. It's also clear from this book how difficult it is to investigate a serial killer, link their crimes, and actually find the evidence to convict.
This is a really interesting True Crime book for any fans of the genre.

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic! There were some slow parts at times, but easily kept my attention after a couple of pages. The author does a quality job of explaining scientific & law related terms.
The book was also written in third person as a crime/thriller novel rather than a nonfiction, which I also thought was great because it stood out from other nonfiction crime I’ve read. It shows you the story from all points of view (including the killers) and doesn’t just lay out the facts.
I also appreciated the epilogue at the end. It’s nice to know where these people actually went with their lives, knowing that they aren’t just characters in a book.

[Shirley Leavitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent, but difficult book to read about the hunt for the I-5 Serial killer. Roger Kibbe started out as a very young boy and man getting into trouble until it escalted into kidnapping, torture and murder for many years. When many hard working and dedicated detectives and criminalists finally tracked Roger Kidde down and took him to trial, he was found guilty and put in prison for life.If only something had been done sooner to find out what was wrong with Roger Kibbe at an early age just maybe these young women would not have suffered at his murderess hands.

[Carlton Phelps · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I read this story, I was struck by the lack of trust between police agencies. Every department wanted the credit for the arrest of Randall Woodfield. And as a result of this, Randall was able to kill more and more women.
Randall was a good-looking man with a mouth as good as the world's best con man.
Women trusted him because of his charm, and his girlfriend refused to believe he was a serial killer.
But in the end, one detective who wouldn't give up finally tied Woodfield to all of the murders and brought him to justice.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good true crime book

The killer had an unlikely personality for his crimes, very withdrawn and seemingly submissive. I felt sorry for his wife.

The author did a first-rate job making everyone come across as human and real, from the killer to his family, and the victims and their families.

If you're looking for an absorbing true crime read, this is an excellent choice. I highly recommend it.

[Kaz Bland · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a very enjoyable book. The writer went into great detail and it is quite amazing the lengths it took to finally convict the I5 serial killer. I did think the book became rather slow through the middle to about the 3/4 mark which for me made getting through that part tough. Other than that this was a great read.

[Stephen F. Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent police procedual thriller, and a true story! It follows the decades long search for a serial killer near Sacramento. The story follows the trail and eventual discovery that a single person was responsible. I won't give too much away, but trace evidence plays a major role.

Overall an excellent read. I'll look for more from this author.

[Nate Hendrix · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was mentioned in another book I read, probably also about serial killers. I didn't know about this particular serial killer. It is always interesting to hear how they are caught, whether by pure luck or expert investigation. I don't think I will be stopping to help anyone broken down by the side of the road any time soon.

[Richard Yount · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really neat book with a lot of insight into the development of a criminal case ultimately using scientific resources that have only recently evolved, and not just DNA. Also great insight into the beauracracy and politics of crimes that cross jurisdictions. Very different from anything I've read before and kept Mt engrossed throughout.

[Sarca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was introduced to Bruce E. Henderson through the true crime book "And the Sea Will Tell," that was co-authored by Henderson and Vincent Bugliosi. Henderson has a great way of writing, personalizing all the players, from victims, to police and even the suspects. "Trace Evidence" was another fantastic true crime book. Aces!

[Sandy Priester · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read two other books by this author, but not a true crime book.
Bruce Henderson has written a detailed and engrossing book here.
I stayed up too late a couple of nights because I didn't want to put it down.
Not sensationalized or lurid, but just good writing makes for a captivating read.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was/is an amazing book. If you want to know how the cops investigate crimes, this is fascinating
and I have really enjoyed it. It must have taken a long time to research all this. I am anxious to read some of Bruce Henderson's other books.

[Too Many Toys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the better true crime stories I have read. It was a good balance of backstory/key events and supposition/fact. It did not necessarily provide a balanced viewpoint but in this case, it is difficult to find a point of view that supports the criminal. The author did a good job of remaining factual and allowing the reader to draw his/her own conclusions as to motives.

[Prescottl · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the title says, this was a look at the investigation of a serial killer and how trace evidence proved a murder. Well written with facts presented in chronological order -- this book was highly readable.

[Lisbeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Henderson does an incredible job of detailing the investigative work involved in identifying the individual responsible for the deaths of several young women, and more importantly, he honors the victims with full descriptions of their lives and their families.

[Laura Hamilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting telling of this serial killer and the police operation to capture them.
I did find I was mentally drifting due to the tone of the narrator's voice so could only really listen a chapter at a time.