Long-bladed knife may hold clue in 1978 Burger Chef murders
SPEEDWAY, Ind. (WISH) — Investigators hope the release of a key piece of information about a knife can bring in new tips in a high-profile quadruple-murder case that’s remained unsolved for nearly 40 years.
Indiana State Police on Wednesday gave an update on the Burger Chef murders, which occurred the night of Nov. 17, 1978, at 5725 Crawfordsville Road, between North Lynnhurst and North High School roads.
After closing time at the Burger Chef in Speedway, four employees ages 16 to 20 and money in the restaurant’s safe went missing. The employees’ bodies were found two days later in rural Johnson County.
Coroners said the oldest victim was stabbed twice in the chest. A 16-year-old died of blunt force trauma, possible during a escape attempt. The other two were shot multiple times in execution style.
Although detectives have looked at two suspects, no one has been charged with the crime.
State police Sgt. Bill Dalton spoke about the knife. “What makes that knife unique is the fact that the blade that’s broken off is approximately 4-1/2 inches long.”
“Another identifier that one of the suspects was wearing at the time of the murder was likely a sheet, or carried a long-bladed knife like this.”
Police asked people who know of anyone who carried a similar knife on a sleeve during the end of 1978 to call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317 -262-8477.
APP USERS: Go online for the full Indiana State Police news conference
