Detectives Sift Leads In Slayings
San Diego Union · February 9, 1964
A squad of detectives assigned in the search for a psychopathic sniper who killed a young Navy couple in Ocean Beach yesterday concentrated on a mass of information supplied by the public.
“We now have 10 detectives following leads supplied to us by citizens,” Detective Sgt. Edward C. Stevens of the homicide detail said. “This information centers in Ocean Beach and concerns reports on persons and their movements in Ocean Beach Wednesday night, when the slayings occurred.”
AID SOUGHT
Police Chief W. S. Sharp has asked the public to assist by supplying any information persons may have which will help the police investigation.
Johnny Ray Swindle, 20, and his bride, Joyce Ann, 19, of 5073 Voltaire St., were killed by bullets from a sniper’s .22 caliber rifle on a walk along the ocean at the foot of Narragansett Avenue.
Stevens said the house-to-house canvass in Ocean Beach by detectives has been completed.
RESPONSE GOOD
“We have detectives in the area but they are investigating on information supplied us by citizens. The response has been wonderful. We are particularly interested in finding all .22 caliber guns in the area, for ballistics testing,” Stevens said.
Mrs. Swindle was found dead from three bullet wounds and her husband was found dying from four wounds. Police have been unable to find the weapon nor learn the motive, and clues have been meager.
