Tina Faelz

 

Tina Faelz was a 14-year-old Pleasanton, California, student who was murdered on April 5, 1984, while walking home from Foothill High School. Her case was solved decades later when DNA evidence linked Steve Carlson, who was 16 at the time, to the crime.

Overview of Tina Faelz's Case

Tina Faelz was a 14-year-old student from Pleasanton, California, who was tragically murdered on April 5, 1984. She was walking home from Foothill High School when she was attacked.

Details of the Incident

Date of Murder: April 5, 1984

Location: Near a drainage tunnel along Lemonwood Way, Pleasanton

Circumstances: Tina was walking home alone, having skipped detention to avoid bullying from classmates. She was found with 44 stab wounds.

The Perpetrator

Steve Carlson, who was 16 at the time of the murder, was identified as the suspect. He was initially a person of interest but was not charged until DNA evidence linked him to the crime decades later.

Key Facts about Steve Carlson

Age at Crime: 16 years old

Conviction: Convicted of first-degree murder in 2014, later reduced to second-degree murder in 2017.

Confession: Carlson confessed to the murder in letters written to the parole board and the victim's family, expressing remorse for his actions.

Impact and Legacy

Tina's murder had a lasting impact on the community. A memorial plaque and a lilac tree were planted at Foothill High School in her honor. The case remained unsolved for many years until advancements in DNA technology allowed law enforcement to link Carlson to the crime.