Deep Dive
What happened during the Lane Bryant shooting on February 2, 2008?
A man posing as a delivery driver entered the Lane Bryant store in Tinley Park, Illinois, armed with a gun. He ordered six women to the back room, duct-taped their hands, and shot all of them. Five women died, and one survived by playing dead. The shooter escaped and remains unidentified despite a massive manhunt.
Why is the Lane Bryant shooting case still unsolved?
The case remains unsolved due to a lack of concrete evidence. The store had no security cameras, and the shooter left no clear forensic traces. Despite DNA evidence from a coffee cup and fingernail scrapings, no match has been found. The shooter's description and vehicle details have not led to an arrest, and over 10,000 tips have yielded no breakthroughs.
What forensic evidence is available in the Lane Bryant shooting case?
Forensic evidence includes DNA from a coffee cup and blood under a victim's fingernails, shell casings from a .40 caliber Glock, and a potential shoe print. However, without a known sample to compare the DNA to, the evidence has not yet led to a suspect. The gun itself has not been recovered.
What was the motive behind the Lane Bryant shooting?
The initial theory was that the shooting was a robbery gone wrong, possibly motivated by a drug addiction. The shooter took only $200, suggesting desperation. However, the prolonged time spent in the store and the execution-style killings raise questions about other possible motives, such as a personal vendetta or targeted attack, though no evidence supports these theories.
What role did the 911 call play in the Lane Bryant shooting investigation?
The 911 call, made by store manager Rhoda McFarland, provided critical evidence, including the shooter's voice. Despite being whispered and difficult to understand, the call revealed the shooter's reaction to the police being alerted, which may have triggered the killings. The audio remains a key piece of evidence for potential voice analysis.
What is known about the survivor of the Lane Bryant shooting?
The survivor, a part-time employee, played dead after being shot in the neck. She provided a detailed description of the shooter, including his appearance and behavior. Her identity has been kept secret for her safety, and she has been in protective custody since the incident. She is the only witness to the events inside the store.
What efforts have been made to solve the Lane Bryant shooting case?
Law enforcement has conducted extensive investigations, including forensic analysis of DNA, shell casings, and surveillance footage. Over 10,000 tips have been received, and agencies like the FBI, Illinois State Police, and NASA have assisted. A $60,000 reward was offered, and new detectives were assigned to the case in 2024, but no arrests have been made.
What is the significance of the vehicles seen in the Target parking lot during the Lane Bryant shooting?
Two vehicles, a dark-colored SUV and sedan, were seen in the Target parking lot minutes before and after the shooting. Police believe one of them could be the shooter's getaway car, but the owners have not been identified. Enhanced images of the vehicles were released, but no conclusive leads have emerged.
What is the current status of the Lane Bryant shooting investigation?
As of 2025, the case remains open, with the Tinley Park Police Department leading the investigation. New detectives have been assigned, and advancements in forensic technology, such as genetic genealogy, are being explored. The hope is that DNA evidence, enhanced audio from the 911 call, or identification of the vehicles will eventually lead to a breakthrough.
What impact did the Lane Bryant shooting have on the community?
The shooting left a lasting impact on the Tinley Park community, with five innocent women losing their lives. A memorial fund was established, and Lane Bryant covered funeral expenses. The store remained vacant until 2013 when it was repurposed as a TJ Maxx outlet. The case remains a painful reminder of unsolved violence.
- Mass shooting at Lane Bryant store
- Shooter posed as delivery driver
- Five women killed, one survivor
- Massive manhunt, shooter at large