Dec. 7, 1982 — 21-year-old Debra "Debbie" Sue Carter drives home, where she lives alone, after working a late night shift as a waitress at the Coachlight bar and restaurant in Ada. An unknown assailant knocks on her door and proceeds to force their way in, raping and strangling Debbie with her own belt and the cord of an electrical blanket.
Dec. 8, 1982 — The following morning, Debbie is found dead by her friend. No suspects are pursued for quite some time, but the lead detective on the case, Dennis Smith, insinuates that the police know who did it, but they just don't have evidence.
March 1983 — Ron Williamson, a rapist with multiple past arrests who also happens to live nearby Debbie's apartment, is interviewed by police investigators: Dennis Smith, Gary Rogers, Mike Baskin, and Chris Ross. According to an eye witness named Glen Gore, Williamson was reportedly at the Coachlight the night of Debbie's death, and was seen harassing her before she left.
June 1983 — Dennis Fritz, Williamson's close friend, is interviewed by police in connection to the murder, but no arrests are made.