A MURDER ON CAMPUS: The Professor, The Cop, And North Carolina's Most Notorious Cold Case

by Brian Santana, Cameron Santana

The fascinating story of how two brothers—one an English professor, the other a cop, and as different as night and day—tag team as authors to solve North Carolina’s most notorious cold case …A MURDER ON The Professor, The Cop, And North Carolina’s Most Notorious Cold Case by Brian and Cameron Santana is a true crime investigation that unveils the shocking story behind the brutal 1973 murder on campus of 19-year-old Virginia Marie Olson.

On April 15, 1973, two high school students discovered Olson’s body near the campus of the University of North Carolina-Asheville. The cold case that followed would span over 50 years, involving three generations of detectives and the Asheville Police Department and North Carolina SBI as they worked tirelessly to uncover the truth. Olson’s murder was horrifically violent—she had been bound, raped, and stabbed to death, leaving the Asheville community in shock.

The true crime book takes readers through law enforcement’s dramatic efforts to find Olson’s killer, facing numerous obstacles along the way, from the abduction of another UNCA student in 1974 to a rape and murder victim's body discovered near Olson’s crime scene in 1978. Whispers about the killer's identity have circulated for decades, with theories ranging from an escaped mental health patient to one of North Carolina’s most notorious serial killers—until now.

A MURDER ON CAMPUS is the first to tell the gripping story of this unsolved crime and the surprising twists that led to the authors' revelation of the killer’s identity in North Carolina's most notorious cold cases. Written by two brothers, one a cop and the other an English professor, this book offers a unique and fascinating perspective on a case that has haunted Buncombe County for generations.

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

286 pages, Paperback

Published January 13, 2025

Reviews

[Ashley Saporito-Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book #4 of 2025: A Murder on Campus by Brian and Cameron Santana
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: True crime
Started on 1/27/2025
Finished on 2/1/2025

One Sentence Review: A professor and a cop collaborate to bring a 51 year old cold case, of a 19-yo UNCA student found murdered on the edge of campus, to light by exploring past investigations and presenting new views and speculations.

Favorite quote: "To imagine someone as 'purely good' deprives them of the complexities that make them human."

I received a digital advanced review copy from Wild Blue Press and offer this review voluntarily.

[Kathleen Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Murder on Campus” by Brian and Cameron is a well-researched and engaging true crime story that stands out due to the unique collaboration between the authors. The book masterfully recounts the tragic events surrounding Virginia Marie Olson’s murder, drawing the reader into the investigation and the lives of those impacted by the crime. The book explores the emotional toll on the victim’s family and the community's and how the case had an impact on a lot of police officers over the years. It is a captivating read for those interested in true crime, and the enduring impact of unsolved mysteries. Due to the traumatic details inflicted on Olsen this book is not for the fainthearted. Thanks to Wildblue Press I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[J Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diving Deep into Darkness: A Review of A MURDER ON CAMPUS as a Masterclass in True Crime Reporting

(**Note: Wildblue Press provided me with a feee copy of the book in exchange for writing and sharing my honest review**)

Brian Santana and Cameron Santana's A MURDER ON CAMPUS: THE PROFESSOR, THE COP, AND NORTH CAROLINA’S MOST NOTORIOUS COLD CASE transcends the typical true crime narrative, offering readers not just a chilling cold case investigation but also a compelling lesson in the art and ethics of true crime reporting. Unlike many books in the genre, this meticulously researched account of the 1973 murder of University of North Carolina at Asheville (UNCA) student Virginia “Ginger” Olson reads with the immersive quality of the best fiction, drawing you into its tragic story without ever sacrificing journalistic integrity.

At its heart, A MURDER ON CAMPUS recounts the devastating story of 19-year-old Olson, a vibrant drama student whose life was brutally cut short. The book unflinchingly details her rape and horrific murder, her body left in a nearby botanical garden. But the Santanas go beyond the grim details of the crime. They delve into the arduous and often frustrating efforts of law enforcement to identify Olson’s killer, navigating a landscape riddled with obstacles, including the subsequent abduction of another UNCA student in 1974 and the discovery of another murder victim near Olson’s crime scene in 1978.

However, what truly elevates A MURDER ON CAMPUS is its dual nature. It's not just another recounting of a tragic event; it's an insightful experience and a potential blueprint for aspiring writers and avid readers of literary true crime. The authors' approach to research, writing, and narrative delivery serves as a perfect primer for anyone interested in crafting impactful and ethical true crime stories.

The Santana brothers themselves are a fascinating pairing, a real-life duo that could easily feature in their own crime novel. Brian, a research scholar, brings an academic rigor to the grounded experience and professional insights of Cameron, a seasoned law officer and detective. This unique blend of expertise allows them to offer thoughtful and nuanced perspectives on the complexities of solving cold cases.

Despite their differing backgrounds, the brothers collaborate seamlessly to weave a gripping and heartbreaking tale, skillfully avoiding the pitfalls of sensationalism. Their narrative relies heavily on factual evidence and keen observation, creating a vivid and encompassing picture while enriching the human element through their own raw accounts and memories. Even with its commitment to factual accuracy, the book never gets bogged down in dry legal details or procedural minutiae, ensuring the reader remains emotionally invested in Olson's story.

A MURDER ON CAMPUS achieves something remarkable: it brings Virginia Olson to life. Through the voices of those who knew her – from casual acquaintances to close friends and family – the book paints a vibrant portrait of a young woman full of dreams and potential, ensuring she is remembered as more than just a victim in a murder mystery. The Santanas act as true witnesses, honoring her life, acknowledging her tragic death, and exploring its lasting aftermath.

So What Makes This True Crime Book Stand Out?

Care and Respect for the Victim: Unlike some true crime narratives that can sensationalize violence, A Murder on Campus never loses sight of Virginia Olson's humanity. The authors meticulously explore her life, aspirations, and personality, providing a complex and empathetic portrayal of the young woman whose life was tragically cut short. This respectful approach is a refreshing departure from the often-graphic nature of contemporary true crime, making it a uniquely engrossing read.

Skillfully Interwoven Recollections: The book masterfully balances in-depth storytelling with poignant personal anecdotes from Olson's friends, family, and acquaintances. These interwoven recollections create a rich tapestry of her life and highlight the profound impact of her loss, adding significant meaning and context to the enduring grief.

Thorough and Thoughtful Reappraisal: While prioritizing the human element, the authors also meticulously analyze past investigative efforts, offering well-reasoned arguments, presenting additional evidence, and drawing their own conclusions. These careful reappraisals, supported by original findings, keep the reader actively engaged in the unfolding analysis and research.

Insight into the Evolution of Forensic Technology: By incorporating interviews with investigators involved in the original 1970s investigation, the book not only preserves a crucial collective memory but also provides valuable insight into the evolution of forensic science. It highlights the technological limitations of the time and underscores the significant advancements made in solving cold cases today, while also acknowledging the challenges that still persist.

A MURDER ON CAMPUS: THE PROFESSOR, THE COP, AND NORTH CAROLINA’S MOST NOTORIOUS COLD CASE is a valuable read for both aspiring writers and dedicated true crime aficionados. The seamless integration of rigorous factual research with a deeply empathetic portrayal of the victim represents a significant step forward in the realm of literary true crime. By meticulously drawing upon public records and conducting insightful interviews, the authors craft a cohesive and respectful narrative that ensures Virginia Olson is remembered as an individual, not just a footnote in a legal file.

Crucially, the book underscores the vital importance of ethics in true crime writing. It reminds us that writing about the deceased carries a profound responsibility to honor their stories beyond their tragic fates. A Murder on Campus not only meets this responsibility but exceeds it.

Who Should Add This Book to Their Reading List?

A MURDER ON CAMPUS is highly recommended for the following:
—True crime enthusiasts seeking a well-researched and thoughtfully written account.
—Fans of forensic science interested in the historical context of criminal investigations.
—Readers intrigued by the complexities of criminal investigations and unsolved murders.
—Anyone seeking to understand the lasting societal implications of unsolved crimes and their impact on communities.
—Aspiring true crime writers looking for a model of ethical and impactful storytelling.

Whether you are a seasoned veteran of the true crime genre or a newcomer, A MURDER ON CAMPUS offers a fascinating and thought-provoking journey into a chilling mystery, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned. Brian Santana and Cameron Santana have crafted a powerful testament to the enduring impact of unresolved tragedies and the importance of remembering the individuals at their center.

***Thank you to WILDBLUE PRESS for providing me with a copy of the book to review.

[Amys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The process of writing this book shows depth of caring

If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. When first reading this book, A MURDER ON CAMPUS, the reader is introduced to the authors, brothers, and each one writes their backstory and how they came about this case. Individually, they told their story, and what led one Brian, to pull his brother, Cameron into investigating not just the case, but the victim, and what her story was. This is a 51 year old unsolved murder, of a young college girl, Virginia 'Ginger' Olsen, who was murdered at UNCA (University of North Carolina-Asheville) in 1973, across from the campus. The brothers not just searched for answers, but they wanted to find Ginger. Not just where she was buried, but her life, dreams, and definitely her story. I've read true crime books that are focused on the process of the investigation, the crime itself, and it read like a police report. This is not one of those books. This true crime book shows the authors' need for answers, and to never let the memory of Ginger falter. The book preserves the personal accounts of memories from friends, family and acquaintances. Some may seem insignificant, but to the person talking about their moment with Ginger, it means everything. The book also dives into the investigations that occurred over the years, and those who would be at one time or another, suspects, and then how it went cold. The book also reminds us that technology in crime solving has evolved, and what would be procedure to do, didn't exist in 1973, such as DNA analysis. A MURDER ON CAMPUS is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.

[Amy H. Sturgis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book delivers exactly what the title promises: two brothers, a professor and a police officer, using their respective investigatory skills to revisit an unsolved case that deserves more public attention, the 1973 murder of student Virginia Marie Olson at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. The authors are thorough in their unpacking of the evidence and their tracing of the waxing and waning of official investigations over time. It is a troubling story, and I appreciate the sensitivity and conscientiousness the authors showed in their analysis.

While I appreciate this book as a work of history and true crime, I found the most interesting aspect of the book to be the authors' consideration of memory, both personal and institutional. How much can we know about the victim of a crime so many decades after the fact? And how has the university emphasized and/or erased her story? In what ways does campus lore make a ghost of Virginia Olson? I recommend this to anyone interested in a thoughtful look at a frustratingly cold case.

I thank the Goodreads Giveaways program for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Bonnie Kernene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right off I will say, Wow! What a great book. I loved it! It was written by 2 brothers who had never written a book before but one was a cop who was involved with the case and one was an English professor. The case was about Virginia Marie Olson who had been murdered on campus over 50 years ago and the case went cold. There had never been a murder in that area, so they were not equipped to really deal with the situation. But when the 2 brothers got together, they went through some twists but due to new technology, they were able to uncover the killer and give the family justice. But what impressed me the most is how they kept the victim the center of attention the entire time. It was all about Virginia. This is how I think it should always be. The victim and justice should be the center of attention and that is what they did. This book is one of the best I have read in years. I loved it and recommend it to anyone and everyone!

[Candice Nantz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solid 4.5 star read. I will say the description is a little misleading online as it states they pretty solve the case and name the killer. They do not solve the case. Yes they finally name the one suspect that was never named publicly, but there is no definitive proof he did it. I had never heard of this case, and I’m born and raised in NC. None of my friends that went to UNCA have heard of this case which is extremely sad. The one really interesting part was a case that was similar from UNCCH and a girl from Mooresville, my hometown. Again, no one had ever heard of that case either. It was a well researched book, however I will say there was 0 mention of her siblings now or when they were investigating. Are they alive? Were they ever interviewed to see how they felt? I know her parents never talked publicly, but I wish it would have told more about her siblings and how they felt. It may not be known though. Overall a great book, and a sad tragedy of a life taken too soon.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

When this case went cold, it was a tragedy. From the start, it seemed as though the police officers were not sure as where to start, and instead of working to narrow the suspect pool, there were mistakes made - a lot of mistakes.
As techniques have improved over the decades, so to have forensics. While this was not viable in the 70s, evidence collected that was stored properly could be tested today, and the process of elimination, or if someone happened to match who was in the system, answers would have been easier to come by.

This was a very interesting case to read through. I was not familiar with this one, but the Santana brothers have done a great job in working down the list, and forming a very viable conclusion. The honest assessments and the different perspectives given work well together.

For true crime fans, this is one book that you are not going to want to miss. Get your copy today in paperback, kindle, or audiobook.

[Valerity (Val) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different slant on true crime solving with a pair of brothers who take a crack at being authors. One is a cop, the other a professor. They look at this cold case of 50+ years and pair up to see if they can bring it to its conclusion. Young Virginia Olson, just 19 and a college student at UNCA was found murdered on campus at the Botanical Gardens on the afternoon of April 15, 1973. Prior investigations are revisited.

[Marie C. Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not every cold case will be solved. This book shows how police methods from decades ago were inadequate to solve many crimes as compared to modern forensics. Too many criminals were never caught no matter how hard the police investigated. Sometimes police focused on the wrong suspect and sadly, many people were arrested and convicted for someone else's crime.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well researched, well analyzed and thought out with comprehensive explaining of the story and the case. This is a very dedicated team of brothers. Sadly every person and things in this case is too old to really have a conclusive closure.

[Eileen Granfors · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reads like a police report. The case itself is interesting.

[Sherrie Saint · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read. I was touched by the tenacity that Brian and Cameron used to bring justice to Ginger. It is amazing to read how this cold case was worked on so hard.

[MJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched & put together.

[Princesspint · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very sad. I can't seem To understand the minds of some of these people that comment crimes.

[True Crime Bookcase · Rating 4 out of 5]

On April 15, 1973, at 3.30pm two local high school students discover the bound and gagged body of Virginia Marie Olson, a 19-year-old drama major whose family and classmates affectionately called ‘Ginger,’ near the campus of the University of North Carolina - Asheville.

Virginia’s murder was horrifically violent—she had been bound, raped, and stabbed to death, leaving the Asheville community in shock.

The cold case that followed would span over 50 years, involving three generations of detectives and the Asheville Police Department and North Carolina SBI as they worked tirelessly to uncover the truth.

A Murder on Campus by Brian Santana and Cameron Santana hopes to bring new light to this age old case. They hope it will stir up new leads and information that can help the police to close this case officially, as they believe Virginia Olson deserves justice.

This book has a very different layout to most true crimes books. Brothers, Brian, a college English professor and writer and Cameron, a veteran law enforcement officer, I felt laid out all the case files, known facts, potential suspects as well as the half-truths, rumours, gossip, and speculations on a table to discuss theories and reading this book gave me a seat at that table. 

I enjoyed how they wrote this book, like they were talking about their working theories, instead of just telling the tale of murder. I felt like I was in a True Crime Murder classroom, Brian as the professor and Cameron as the guest speaker. Each bringing their individual thoughts to the forefront.

An extremely well researched book, the authors left no stone unturned, clearly going down rabbit holes themselves on a quest to uncover the truth!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all true crime enthusiasts. This is a well written and compelling story about a tragic incident that occurred to a young woman on the UNC Asheville campus.