TRINA
CONNECTIONS:
TRINA'S EMAILS
MURDER VICTIM
WITNESS
NANCY'S 'STALKER'
UPBRINGING
Nancy grew up near LaRue Swamp in Union County, Illinois in a strict household of military personnel. Nancy was never close to her parents as they were either constantly out of town on governmental business, or criticizing/critiquing Nancy's every move.
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Nancy was once close friends with another murder suspect, Bonnie. They shared a love of reading and writing — specifically a love of cryptic words. When Nancy moved from LaRue Swamp to work as a Librarian at Oakwood High School, Bonnie and Nancy’s friendship drifted. Nancy stated to investigators that she “had not heard from Bonnie” since her move away, yet investigators still find it suspicious that the two murder suspects were once close confidants.
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CONNECTIONS TO VICTIM GEENA
Nancy Johnson, the school’s strict and notorious librarian, had a peculiarly close relationship with the Geena. Geena was often seen as a rebellious and troubled student, yet Nancy had forged a close bond with her. After Geena began to consistently be with Nancy in the library, her old friends began to claim that she was isolated and drifting away.
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CONNECTIONS TO WITNESS ANUSH AND SUSPECT LUCIA
The week before Geena’s gruesome murder, Anush delivered catering to Nancy and Geena at the LaRue Swamp…This was just days after Anush delivered food to the Hakobyian family. Ironically, at the Hakobyian household (Jacquline/Weston), Anush stated that she witnessed Bonnie (Nancy’s old friend) singing lullabies in the bushes.
When Anush was at the swamp to deliver food to Nancy, she stated “I couldn’t tell if it was Bonnie, or some mysterious figure, but I witnessed a woman with white and black hair (Lucia?) in the swamp while I dropped off the food. However, I don’t believe Nancy, or Geena could see this figure watching us…it was as if the swimming swamp lady didn’t exist to them…”
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NANCY'S INNOCENT PLEA
Nancy called the police the minute she heard the news about Geena. The police said that Nancy was willing to give any information she could.
In testimony, Nancy stated “Geena was a good kid, but troubled — Geena reminded me of my younger self. When Geena and I began to hangout more, I overheard students creating rumors that I was using her sexual, or isolating her from her friends. The truth is, Geena is a bright person, but she struggles in school…I began to mentor her and give her academic guidance as she actually requested from me.”
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CONCLUSION
Nancy’s connections to fellow suspect Bonnie were very peculiar to the investigators. It was also peculiar how Anush catered to the Hakobyian’s while witnessing Bonnie in the woods, and then witnessing suspect Lucia watching Nancy and Geena from the LaRue Swamp.
Nancy is still a suspect due to her close relationship with Geena before her murder, but after her testimony, investigators believe that is unlikely that Nancy is the true culprit.
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TRINA
ABOUT:
Trina Turner, affectionately known as Trina the Train Lady, is the self-proclaimed world’s most dedicated rail-fan, living her dream of building the ultimate O-gauge Lionel train set. Her elaborate collection, lovingly housed in the basement of her parents’ home, has been a lifelong passion, captivating anyone fortunate enough to witness its meticulous craftsmanship. Trina’s love for trains is so intense that it borders on obsession—a charming obsession she embraces wholeheartedly.
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“I hopped out of the womb dreaming about locomotives,” Trina often quips, her laughter ringing as brightly as the whistles of her trains. “Some people think I’ve gone off the rails, but this train fanatic is here to stay!”
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But behind the tracks and whistles of Trina’s train empire lies a shadowy chapter that has puzzled true-crime enthusiasts for decades. In 1986, Trina was tangentially involved in one of St. Louis’s most chilling mysteries—the murder of a flamboyant dancer-turned-artist named Penny.
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At the time of the murder, Trina was one of Penny’s sugar mommies, a fact that fueled wild speculation when DNA evidence placed her near Penny in the hours leading to her death. Found strangled in a Toyota marked with ominous spray-painted messages, Penny’s case remains unsolved, with Trina’s name lingering as a whisper among potential suspects. Yet, those who know Trina struggle to reconcile the joyful train enthusiast with the grim allegations of the past.
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“My life is about bringing people joy, not pain,” Trina has said when asked about the case. “The only mystery I care about solving is how to perfect my train diorama.” Despite this shadow, Trina’s infectious enthusiasm has earned her legions of admirers.