UPDATE: A shocking case from 1984 resurfaces as details emerge about the brutal murder of 14-year-old babysitter Karen Slattery. Authorities confirm that Slattery was viciously attacked by convicted killer Duane Owen while caring for two young children in their home. The incident, which occurred at approximately 10:00 PM, has left the community reeling and sparked renewed discussions about justice and mental health.
On the fateful night, Slattery was babysitting two children, aged three and seven, when Owen broke into the house in Florida. By 12:30 AM, her lifeless body was discovered by the children’s parents. The victim had suffered a horrific fate, having been raped and brutally stabbed 18 times. The other children were unharmed, but the emotional scars from that night remain etched within the community.
Authorities report that Owen claimed he was searching for female hormones during the attack, alleging insanity as part of his defense in a retrial that began in 1999. Despite his assertions, the jury found him guilty and sentenced him to death. His appeals have been numerous, with claims of improper legal representation and childhood trauma stemming from the loss of both parents at a young age.
In a twist of fate, Owen’s history of violence did not end with Slattery. Just two months later, in May 1984, he murdered 38-year-old Georgianna Worden in Boca Raton, attacking her with a hammer in her own home. Worden’s daughter discovered her mother’s body before heading to school, a tragic and haunting discovery. In total, Owen has been linked to multiple assaults, with several women surviving brutal attacks at his hands.
As of 2017, Owen filed for appeal once again, following changes to Florida’s death sentencing laws that require a unanimous jury recommendation. His legal journey has been fraught with complications, with various defense attorneys taking on his case over the decades.
The emotional toll of these crimes continues to impact the families involved and the community at large. Local resident and neighbor of Owen’s parents described a chaotic household, stating that “it was the only house I know to have beer delivered by a beer truck,” hinting at the troubled background that may have influenced his actions.
As this case unfolds, the implications for justice and the safety of children remain paramount. The community is left asking what measures can be taken to prevent such tragedies in the future. The brutality of Slattery’s murder and the subsequent attacks by Owen highlight a pressing need for discussions around mental health, crime prevention, and victim support.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. The fight for justice for Karen Slattery continues, as advocates push for awareness and reform in the wake of these heartbreaking events.
