I was just thinking about this case and then they reran it. Still one of the most tragic that they profiled. I also can't believe that computer cost $31,000, even then. I can't believe they never found "tom johnson" The brutal way in which the people were attacked was difficult to watch.

Yeah, that was sad. :(

That one makes me sad, and even a little paranoid

I was just thinking about this case and then they reran it. Still one of the most tragic that they profiled. I also can't believe that computer cost $31,000, even then. I can't believe they never found "tom johnson" The brutal way in which the people were attacked was difficult to watch.

I completely forgot about that case. UM did a great job on it. The acting was really good I thought. There's gotta be some information on the net somewhere. I should try to find an update.

I completely forgot about that case. UM did a great job on it. The acting was really good I thought. There's gotta be some information on the net somewhere. I should try to find an update.

That is, if there is an update.

Not a very nice case to think about, I have this on tape and watched it the other day. From the way UM portrayed the case, I got the feeling that the victims just let "Tom Johnson" hit/kill them by that hammer, they didn't seem to put up any resistance...

Not a very nice case to think about, I have this on tape and watched it the other day. From the way UM portrayed the case, I got the feeling that the victims just let "Tom Johnson" hit/kill them by that hammer, they didn't seem to put up any resistance...

yeah, but he had a gun at first. he would have shot them. still, a total sicko way to try to knock someone out while you get away.

Yeah, that segment i've always remembered as being one of the most disturbing and tragic cases. Really made me realize that no matter how nice or harmless someone may seem, they could be a vicious murderer.

This is one of those cases that really gets to me. I've tried to look for updates, but since they don't use last names in the segment, it's freakin impossible to search for anything via the internet. I think if someone lived in the area (wasn't it Nashville or something like that?) they could do better job following up.

This is one of those cases that really gets to me. I've tried to look for updates, but since they don't use last names in the segment, it's freakin impossible to search for anything via the internet. I think if someone lived in the area (wasn't it Nashville or something like that?) they could do better job following up.

It was in Georgia.

Yeah this is a really weird one too.. The details surrounding the case are truly bizarre, I am surprised that this did not make it to the DVD set that was released. I find it hard to believe that they were not able to obtain any forensic evidence in this case importantly finger prints!!! another thing that is odd about this case is that the crime was planned in advice and was done in broad daylight very odd for a killer to invite you to them usually when some one wants to kill you they come to you.. I hate to say it but cases like this can easily be avoided if the victims would use a little more common sense than they display.. I would have never met in a hotel room if I had no intention of staying there. That exchange should have took place in the hotel lobby. Secondly that computer would have never left my car until I was paid for it and I would have requested cash only "nobody's check" It is strange that a crime like this took place with little witness coming forward after all they went to breakfast and would have to be seen out and bout by people.. I am thinking due to the common nature of the name "Tom Johnson" it is a fictitious name. That alone would have sent out a red flag Seems to me little efforts were put into finding this killer. I have seen cases with less clues and facts and killers are linked to a crime scene by a simple hair sample.. I don't understand why they were not able to trace the phone records back to him when he called inquiring about the computer. This case is another that has PISS POOR INVESTIGATORS HANDLING IT!!!!

What year did this episode air? It doesn't sound familiar to me.

What year did this episode air? It doesn't sound familiar to me.

Some time in 1994 I believe.

Does anyone have this episode on tape?

I have this one on tape somewheres, but haven't watched it for awhile. This case is just so bizarre for so many reasons. First, a witness who was in the next room over complained to the front desk that something was going on in the next room, but the clerk said something to the effect of "we dont' get involved in people's personal issues". I am a hotel desk clerk myself, and I certainly would have called the police. In fact, there have been a couple of times I have had to call the police due to fighting going on in the hotel, both physical and verbal, and the police have always respnonded right away. Also, We always ask for an I.D. of some sort, so unless this Tom Johnson had a fake drivers license or something, they could have checked with the desk to get his i.d.

Another odd thing is that this Tom Johnson let himself be seen by the 2 victims for so long. And the male victim is still alive I believe, so he must have remembered vividly what the guy looked like. Seems like most criminals do their thing as quickly as possibly, but this Tom Johnson guy waitied for I believe at least an hour

I'm wondering if Tom Johnson, if that's his real name, had set it up with somebody to rob the computer when the 3 were in the hotel room, and then pick it up from that person later. Perhaps the robber decided not to go through with it, leaving Tom Johnson to do it on his own. That might explain why Tom Johnson stalled for so long.

What do you mean by waited? And who went to breakfast? Did the 3 or 4 of them go to breakfast together?

I have this one on tape somewheres, but haven't watched it for awhile. This case is just so bizarre for so many reasons. First, a witness who was in the next room over complained to the front desk that something was going on in the next room, but the clerk said something to the effect of "we dont' get involved in people's personal issues". I am a hotel desk clerk myself, and I certainly would have called the police. In fact, there have been a couple of times I have had to call the police due to fighting going on in the hotel, both physical and verbal, and the police have always respnonded right away. Also, We always ask for an I.D. of some sort, so unless this Tom Johnson had a fake drivers license or something, they could have checked with the desk to get his i.d.

Another odd thing is that this Tom Johnson let himself be seen by the 2 victims for so long. And the male victim is still alive I believe, so he must have remembered vividly what the guy looked like. Seems like most criminals do their thing as quickly as possibly, but this Tom Johnson guy waitied for I believe at least an hour

I'm wondering if Tom Johnson, if that's his real name, had set it up with somebody to rob the computer when the 3 were in the hotel room, and then pick it up from that person later. Perhaps the robber decided not to go through with it, leaving Tom Johnson to do it on his own. That might explain why Tom Johnson stalled for so long.
that theory would work? I often why he spent so much time with them and why arrange for them to meet at a hotel?? In daylight you would think the robber/killer would have been afraid that he would be seen by people as he moved about and to later be ID.. the Gaul of this man is unbelievable.. Which really burns me up for the simple fact that he was so bold to commit a crime like this in the comfort of daylight in a hotel.. is beyond me!!! Then he goes to breakfast with him.. wouldn't the waitress remember the party or what of the other people at the restaurant seems like someone would have seen this man and been able to identify this man.. and why bring two murder weapons to the scene a hammer and a gun overkill??? This is a really bizarre case.. has anyone came across any updates?? I will try and see if I can find anything.

Mr. Clairvoyant, who went to breakfast?

I just remembered a haunting quote from this case:

(when the male victim told Tom it's getting late and they have to go, can we end this transaction)

Tom Johnson: "I think we can end this transaction right now"

What year did this episode air? It doesn't sound familiar to me.

Late 1993 or early 1994. But I know for certain that it aired during the 1993-94 season.

Mr. Clairvoyant, who went to breakfast?
Tom Johnson ( the killer ) and the Salesman and his fiancé they all went to breakfast and then came back to the hotel room.. This is crazy to me that the killer spent this much time with them.. Your theory on the killer was probably waiting on a partner fits.. I am beginning to think that the lady that reported the noise to the front desk may have been involved in the crime.. but she reported noise in the room when there was no noise so I am wondering if she new that "Tom Johnson was going to kill them" but what I can't understand is why attack them it was obvious they believed they were going to get paid, he already had the computer he could have ditched them and left them there in the hotel unharmed .. But I guess he was worried about them being identified by the victims.. But no matter the salesman lived and still they were not able to identify the killer.

I have been all over the internet for the past 4 hrs ( I work third shift) and I have not been able to come across anything media concerning this case. I am sure it has not been sloved.. I would like to know what leads if any ever developed from the case.. Any one intrested in helping me dig up some info on this case so we can provide an update?

It sounds like dude got away scott free. Was there a composite on the suspect?

Yes, they showed a composite at the tail-end of the clip. It was probably a pretty accurate one too, since the male victim was able to look at him for so long. However, the Tom Johnson name is probably an alias, which would probably make him more difficult to find.

Yes, they showed a composite at the tail-end of the clip. It was probably a pretty accurate one too, since the male victim was able to look at him for so long. However, the Tom Johnson name is probably an alias, which would probably make him more difficult to find.
Yeah the name Tom Johnson sounds fake to me.. But I wonder if there where any prints found on the murder weapon? And if the computer ever surfaced maybe the killer still has it..

Yeah the name Tom Johnson sounds fake to me..

Same here. Besides, Johnson is a very common surname.

I just remembered a haunting quote from this case:

(when the male victim told Tom it's getting late and they have to go, can we end this transaction)

Tom Johnson: "I think we can end this transaction right now"

This came on the other day; first time I had seen this case. The line is actually, "Tom, I need to get some rest. Can we close this deal soon?" and then "Tom" says, "I think we can close this deal right now!" and pulls out a tiny Derringer type gun.

Now, I would be scared and shocked too, but with two people, albeit one a smallish woman, surely you could overtake this guy armed with a tiny Derringer before you let him hit you over the head repeatedly with a hammer. I mean, maybe he could only beat on one at a time, right? And I don't see how you could swing a hammer and point a gun at the other person at the same time. Couldn't the other one run away? That is what struck me as weird.

But then again, I shouldn't act like I know what I would do in such a situation, since I've never been faced with one like that.

Also, the whole "meet me in my hotel room" thing would creep me out. That just sounds like some shady deal is going on. If you can't "close the deal" out in broad daylight, then it's one I want no part of.

I think there is more to this story then what was told on UM, a lot more.

Actually, the killer didn't go out to breakfast with the couple. The couple went alone.

RightOnDude, You are right on dude! The line was "I think we can close this deal right now" and not "I think we can end this transaction right now." I guess my memory failed me then, sorry about that

Just a question for those of you who are more in the know than I am on these things.. did actor/fight coordinator/stuntman Pride Fighting commentator Stephen Quadros play the bad guy in this segement?

Sorry if that's been asked before.

I really felt sorry for the victims in this case.. maybe because they seem like nice if admitedly somewhat (and forgive the phrase I use it with respect and affection) "nerdy" folks and I happen to know quite a few of those:wave:

Such a brutal killing for what (a MAC..sorry MAC lovers ;) )... couldn't he just have said follow me and then led them out to deserted road and disabled their car while he made the get away?

Also the line that haunts me is really the boyfriends, "STOP Screaming and he'll go away"... plus his sad sad confessional that he was helpless to protect his girlfriend:(

Yeah, that wasn't the best thing for the guy to say. If anything, that probably made "Tom Johnson" more determined to keep hitting her. I am going to go deep into the dark circles of the web and see if I can find any old hackers, crackers, and phreakers who may know more about this "Tom Johnson" character...wish me luck.

Same here. Besides, Johnson is a very common surname.

Yeah, it is. It sounds like an easy name to come up with in order to create an alias.

Yeah, that wasn't the best thing for the guy to say. If anything, that probably made "Tom Johnson" more determined to keep hitting her. I am going to go deep into the dark circles of the web and see if I can find any old hackers, crackers, and phreakers who may know more about this "Tom Johnson" character...wish me luck.

Good luck RightonDude!..

I'd be curious if the police did any searches of "new" a/v production companies that suddenly popped up in the South East after the murder?

Seems like Johnson needed the computer for his business, it wouldn't be the easiest thing to turn around and sell given the notoriety, unless you were going to break it up for parts? But again that's a stretch to go through such an elaborate scheme just to steal a computer for its parts.

Yea I remember this one.

has anyone been able to find out for facts concerning this case.. I would love to know if there were every any other leads??? does anyone have any background info on the case like when it happened and where at in the US the name of the people involved???

I found an rather interesting link regarding this case

http://www.truecrimeweblog.com/search/label/Heather%20Uffelman

wow ... a lot of similarities there. Good research!

I found an rather interesting link regarding this case

http://www.truecrimeweblog.com/search/label/Heather%20Uffelman

Good find!

If you ask me, I think this 'Tom Steeples' character is the same 'Tom Johnson' from this case.......

I found an rather interesting link regarding this case

http://www.truecrimeweblog.com/search/label/Heather%20Uffelman
Amazing! Good work, Mr. C. Sooooo sad that everyone involved in the case is dead. Now that we have their real names, we can do more searching.

Wow... that is sooooo interesting. I agree with the author. There ARE an awful lot of similarities here...

...and yes, NWG. How sad is it that everyone involved is now dead? I didn't realize that Jeremy had since passed away, too. How sad.

I think there is a strong possibility that these cases are linked. The firstbthing that pops up in my mind is whether a mug shot of Tom Peoples exists that can be compare to the composit featured on unsolved mysteries.

The next big thing that needs to be thrown out is just how bad the investigators did in this case. So much evidence exists and it seems as though no leads were developed from any of them.

1. The computer. The serial number for both the Cpu and printer exist, and no trace has ever been found. Based on the price and the specific use it was designed for, not much of a demmabd would exist and few were provaly produced. What efforts were made to track it down? Probably few by the small, uneducated, redneck police force in Georgia.

2. Hotel records. What do they have from Tom Johnson? Cash? ID? Handwriting? Desk clerk interview?

3. The Hammer. Did the investigatirs actually make an effort to trace it? I mean, other that if someone bought it at the local hardware store?

4. Phone records. Already brought up in a previous post. Any effort? Probably not.

I have probably missed outbon done other holesnthat wetebnit investigated properly. Any thoughts?