Post by Scumhunter on Sept 27, 2021 2:41:33 GMT -5
(Above photo credit: iowacoldcases.org)
From the Pottawattamie County (Iowa) Sheriff's Office website:
Council Bluffs Police Officer John L. Stephens, 32, and Paul J. Rayer, 55, were shot and killed on Tuesday, December 5, 1967, during a robbery of the “64 Club” restaurant where Officer Stephens was moonlighting as a plain-clothes security guard.
Officer Stephens was accompanying Rayer, the restaurant’s manager, as he counted the day’s receipts in preparation for a night deposit.
Stephens, who had been hired as a body guard, was shot five times at close range. Rayer was shot three in a “gangland style slaying.” Two guns were used in the slayings, including a .25 caliber and a .38 caliber.
The last employee had left at 2:06 a.m., and the bodies were discovered at 7:30 a.m.
The 64 Club, a popular restaurant owned by George Elias, used to stand just north of East Kanesville and McKenzie Avenue.
It is believed both men were shot after the suspects stole the money because Officer Stephens recognized one of the suspects. Both Stephens and Rayer were found dead in the restaurant’s office, and about $1,500 cash was missing.
sheriff.pottcounty-ia.gov/unsolved-cases/
Iowa Cold Cases article with expanded details: iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/john-stephens-and-paul-rayer/
Thoughts?
Admin Note #1: According to iowacoldcases.org, If you have any information about this unsolved double slaying please contact the Council Bluffs Police Department at (712) 328-5737, the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office at (712) 890-2200 or Crime Stoppers at (712) 890-2221.
Admin Note #2: If you have any (news-related) updates on this case, please contact us here: amwfans.com/thread/1662/website-contact-form