Suspect in notorious ‘Lovers’ Lane’ cold case murders dies weeks after arrest
The Houston community was shocked to learn that Floyd William Parrott, the suspect in the infamous “Lovers’ Lane murders,” has passed away while in custody. Parrott, 64, was found unresponsive in his Nebraska prison cell as he awaited extradition back to Texas for the 1990 double slayings of Cheryl Henry, 22, and Andy Atkinson, 21.
Authorities suspect that Parrott took his own life, although the official cause of death is still under review. The District Attorney of Harris County, Sean Teare, expressed his regret that Parrott’s death means the families of the victims will not see justice served in court. Despite this setback, prosecutors are determined to continue working on the case and are even investigating another cold case potentially linked to Parrott.
The murders of Cheryl Henry and Andy Atkinson occurred on August 22, 1990, when the young couple visited a secluded area known as “Lovers’ Lane” in West Houston after a night out at a club. Their bodies were discovered the following day, with Cheryl having been sexually assaulted and her throat slit, while Andy was found tied to a tree with a deep cut to his neck.
The case remained unsolved for 36 years, causing deep scars in the Houston community. However, a breakthrough came when detectives were able to match DNA evidence from the crime scene to a sample Parrott had submitted in a previous sexual assault case.
Despite Parrott’s death, prosecutors are determined to seek justice for the victims and their families. They are continuing their investigation and are even looking into closing another cold case that may be connected to Parrott. The District Attorney’s Office remains committed to holding perpetrators like Parrott accountable for their crimes, even in the face of tragedy.
