Buried Prey
Chapter 19
by Sandford, JohnThe chapter opens with Lucas Davenport navigating a tense atmosphere at Minneapolis police headquarters as he investigates a cold case linked to the recent murder of his colleague, Marcy Sherrill. Reviewing old academy graduation photos, Lucas narrows down potential suspects to nine officers who fit the physical description of the killer—a heavily built, dark-haired man with fair complexion. He seeks assistance from Deputy Chief Marilyn Barin, who, after consulting the police chief, grants him access to Internal Affairs files to further his investigation.
Lucas meets with Cody Ryan from Internal Affairs, who retrieves records on six of the nine suspects. Most have clean records, but one officer, Willard Packard, stands out due to a past complaint involving sexual misconduct with a dancer. Though the investigation was inconclusive, the allegations align with the killer’s known preference for sex workers. Lucas notes Packard’s resemblance to the Identi-Kit portrait, despite minor discrepancies, and decides to pursue him as a lead.
The chapter highlights Lucas’s methodical approach, cross-referencing old cases with new evidence to uncover a possible police connection to the murders. His theory gains traction as he identifies Packard’s suspicious behavior and suburban police employment post-resignation. The narrative underscores the challenges of relying on decades-old witness accounts and the ethical dilemmas of investigating fellow officers.
As Lucas returns to BCA headquarters, he tasks a researcher with exploring another angle—potential links to teaching colleges—while focusing on Packard’s current whereabouts. The chapter ends with a sense of urgency, as Lucas races against time to confirm his suspicions and bring justice for Marcy Sherrill and the earlier victims. The tension builds around the possibility that the killer may have been hiding in plain sight within law enforcement.
FAQs
1. What key evidence leads Lucas to suspect that the killer might be a current or former police officer?
Answer:
Lucas pieces together several clues suggesting the killer could be a cop or ex-cop. First, the killer’s age during the Jones girls’ murders (mid-to-late 20s) aligns with academy graduation timelines from the 1970s. Second, the Barkers’ description of the killer—a heavily built, dark-haired man with fair complexion—matches certain academy graduates. Third, the killer’s use of a Glock (a common police sidearm) and the possibility of inside knowledge (e.g., manipulated 911 calls during the original investigation) further point to law enforcement ties. Lucas narrows it down to nine potential candidates from academy photos, with Willard Packard emerging as a prime suspect due to prior IA complaints involving solicitation of sex from a dancer.2. How does Lucas’s past conflict with Internal Affairs (IA) influence his interaction with Cody Ryan?
Answer:
Lucas has a contentious history with IA, having been forced off the Minneapolis police force after assaulting Randy Whitcomb (who harmed Lucas’s informant). This creates initial tension with Cody Ryan, who references Lucas’s disciplinary file. However, Ryan’s professionalism overrides personal bias, as he cooperates fully after recognizing the gravity of the case. The exchange highlights Lucas’s reputation as a “bad boy” who bends rules for justice, while Ryan’s pragmatic response underscores the priority of solving Marcy Sherrill’s murder over past grievances.3. Analyze the significance of Willard Packard’s IA file and its connection to the killer’s profile.
Answer:
Packard’s IA file reveals a pattern of misconduct that aligns with the killer’s behavior. A dancer accused him of pressuring her for sex in exchange for “benefits,” mirroring the killer’s known preference for sex workers (e.g., visiting massage parlors). Though IA lacked conclusive evidence, investigator John Seat suspected Packard’s guilt. His resignation and move to a suburban department suggest he avoided further scrutiny. Physically, Packard matches the Identi-Kit composite (dark hair, square build), though discrepancies like his bulbous nose illustrate eyewitness unreliability. This makes him a compelling suspect despite the decades-old gap in evidence.4. How does the chapter depict the emotional impact of Marcy Sherrill’s death on the police department?
Answer:
The chapter emphasizes collective grief and anger within the department. The headquarters is described as a “nest of killer bees,” with detectives repeatedly stopping Lucas to discuss Marcy, forcing him to hurry away to avoid emotional overwhelm. Deputy Chief Barin’s reaction—calling the situation “brutal” and dreading the possibility of a cop’s involvement—reflects institutional trauma. Even Ryan, despite ribbing Lucas about his past, prioritizes the case. These interactions humanize the police force, showing their vulnerability when one of their own is victimized.5. Why does Lucas explore the idea of “practice teachers” as part of the investigation, and what challenges does this present?
Answer:
Del’s theory suggests the killer might have honed his methods by “practicing” on earlier victims, possibly in educational settings (e.g., student teaching). Lucas tasks researcher Sandy with investigating teacher-training programs, though they doubt schools track such data. This angle reflects the killer’s calculated behavior—refining his crimes over time—but faces logistical hurdles due to poor record-keeping and the passage of decades. It underscores the investigation’s breadth: exploring every plausible lead, even improbable ones, to reconcile past and present crimes.
Quotes
1. “The shooter yesterday used a Glock, according to Buster Hill. Bottom line is, I have a list of names of cops and probably ex-cops or never-were cops, and I’d like somebody to pull some personnel folders and some IA files and tell me if I’m barking up the wrong tree. Or the right one.”
This quote reveals Lucas’s critical investigative breakthrough—the possibility that the killer may have been a police officer. It marks a turning point in the case as he shifts focus to internal police records, suggesting institutional complicity or failure.
2. “But if it should turn out to be a cop, or an ex-cop … Ah, God, I hate to think about that. I mean, at this point, I gotta tell you, I don’t believe it’ll be that way.”
Deputy Chief Barin’s reluctant admission captures the institutional dread of police corruption. This quote underscores the tension between professional duty and departmental loyalty, highlighting the moral weight of Lucas’s investigation.
3. “Seat had concluded that both might be telling the truth—that she had been soliciting, and that Packard might have pressured her for freebies… when the complainant dropped the complaint, the investigation ended and Packard walked.”
This exposes systemic flaws in police oversight—how allegations against officers could be dismissed without resolution. It provides crucial context for Packard’s suspicious history and establishes a pattern of potential misconduct.
4. “Our guy used to go to a massage parlor. He liked his hookers… He could be dead.”
This concise exchange crystallizes the killer’s behavioral profile (sexual exploitation patterns) while acknowledging the temporal challenges of the cold case. The blunt phrasing emphasizes the grim reality of hunting an aging predator.