18 Years Later, Hunt For Lane Bryant Killer 'Has Never Stopped,' Tinley Park Police Say

TINLEY PARK, IL — Nearly two decades after five women were shot to death inside a women's clothing store on a Saturday morning, Tinley Park police on Monday said they have not given up on finding the killer.

The gunman on Feb. 2, 2008 had forced the six women — four shoppers, the store manager and an employee — to the back of the Lane Bryant store in Brookside Marketplace at 191st and Harlem and opened fire around 10:44 a.m. Killed on that February day in 2008 were Connie R. Woolfolk, 37, of Flossmoor; Sarah T. Szafranski, 22, of Oak Forest; Carrie Hudek Chiuso, 33, of Frankfort; Rhoda McFarland, 42, of Joliet; and Jennifer L. Bishop, 34, of South Bend, Indiana. The employee survived only by playing dead and waiting for the gunman to leave.

Five years later, TJ Maxx moved into the storefront—a new sign, fresh start. Had some not seen the news coverage, the shootings might be a moment lost, slipping through the cracks of time and other significant news events.

Now marking 18 years since the Saturday morning slayings, Village and Tinley Park police officials said they continue to work in coordination with longstanding local, state, and federal law-enforcement partners.

“This investigation has never stopped,” said Tinley Park Police Chief Tom Tilton. “Our detectives and partners continue to evaluate leads, review evidence, and apply available investigative and forensic tools as they evolve. This work occurs every day.”

READ: 'These Families Live A Nightmare': Filmmaker Hopeful New Documentary Could Help Solve Lane Bryant Slayings

The multi-agency task force includes Tinley Park detectives and analysts, the Illinois State Police, the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the FBI’s Chicago Field Office, the Village said. These partnerships have ensured continued access to national-level investigative resources, forensic expertise, and specialized support.

“With the help of new technology, access to national-level assets and new forensic capabilities, we are committed to solving this crime," said Tinley Park Village Manager Pat Carr.

Thousands of leads and tips have come in over the years—in 2023, the tally was 7,500—Village officials have consistently supported the investigation by ensuring the Tinley Park Police Department has the resources necessary for evidence testing, analysis, and investigative follow-up, the Village said. Police have a composite and an audio snippet of the suspect's voice from the 911 call to go off of—the latter just a brief glimpse into the chilling moments inside the store.

“We’re more determined than ever to solve this case,” Mayor Michael Glotz said. “Our diligence has never wavered, nor has our passion for seeking justice for the women we lost that day.”

Due to the sensitive and ongoing nature of this investigation, the Tinley Park Police Department and its task force partners will not comment further on investigative details.

A composite likeness of the suspect and an audio recording from the 911 call remain available at TinleyPark.org/LaneBryant. Police have described the suspect as a man between 6 feet and 6 feet 2 inches tall, with a husky build and broad shoulders. He appeared to be 25 to 35 years old at the time of the killings. He has a medium to dark skin complexion, and hair in braids.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the tip hotline at (708) 444-5394 or email lanebryant.tipline@tinleypark.org. A $100,000 reward remains available for information leading to the arrest of the offender.