VERNON J. GEBERTH, M.S., M.I,.S., BBA, FBJNA Lieutenant Commander, N.Y.P.D. (Ret.)
(
wn·w.practicalhomicidc.com
President
P.H.I. INVESTIGATIVE CONSULTANTS, INC.
This Consultative Report is based upon reports and materials provided by The Topeka Police Department through Detective Richard Volle to the undersigned to review and evaluate in connection with a Double-Murder Investigation that is being conducted ~s a Cold Case Invf:stigation:
: !
INVESTIGA Tl''E ASSESSI\1ENT AI~D CONSUt,T'/tt'K'l'/E REPOJ{T TO.P EKA POLICE DEPARTMENT Topeka, Kansas Double Homicide KAREN HARKNESS MICHAEL SISCO
F/W 53 Years-of-age MIW 47 Years-of-age
,, '
CASE FACTS: The bodies of Karen Harkness and Michael Sisco wer~ discovered in Karen Harkness's home at 2231 Westport Square, Topeka, Kansas at approximately 1400 Hours on Sunday, July 7, 2002. Both victims had been shot multiple times wi_th a .9 mm weapon while sleeping in bed. There were several shell casings recovered in the crime scene. Harkness's vehicle wa:s in the g3JClge and Sisco's vehicle was parked in the driveway. Karen's father, Harold Worswick, discovered the bodies. Harold \Vorswick, and his wife Betty, along with Carol Engler (Michael's mother) and her date Douglas Wohler had gone to the Harkness home to meet Karen and Mike for a pre.,arranged luncheon date. They arrived at approximately 1350 Hours. There was no answer at the fTont door, which was locked. Harold sent his wife Betty around to t!te back of\he house to see if the cQuple was on the deck. Betty notked that that the gate was slightly ajar and that the back screen door was insecure. At ibis time The Worswick's entered the home. They called out to Karen and Mike to announce their presence. No one answ~d. Harold then went down the stairs to the basement, where the bedroom was located. When he turned on the lights he saw the nude body of his daughter, Karen sprawled fac~ down on the bed. He felt her leg, which was cold to the touch. He picked up some clothing and covered her body.
CRIMINAL AND FORENSIC INVESTIGATIVE AND CONSULTATIVE SERVICES Post Office Box 197 • Garnerville, New York 10923 • Tel. (845) 429-0205 • Fax (845) 942-5774