Age: 65 Location: 399 Berry Street
On December 8, 1986 at 3:15 in the afternoon, officers answered a call from the 16-year-old neighbor of Miss Lula Mae Pickens. The teen had grown to expect a visit from Miss Lula every morning and every afternoon. She had not heard from her that day and had gotten concerned. The neighbor had gone over and knocked on the door but there was no answer. It was then that she noticed all the shades were down in the bedroom. Miss Lula
's dog, which stayed outside, had not been fed and this was not like Miss Lula at all. At that point she went around the house until she found a shade that was not completely pulled down and looked in the window. She discovered that the house had been ransacked and immediately ran to the neighbors and called the police.When the officers arrived, they noticed the front storm door was locked but the main door was opened about 6 inches. Using a screwdriver they opened the storm door. Upon entering the residence they discovered the house had indeed been ransacked and noticed the strong odor of gas. As they went into the front bedroom, they discovered Miss Pickens. She had been physically assaulted and was lying unconscious. The officers radioed for an ambulance.
At that time, the officers checked the residence for a point of entry. All windows were secure with screens in place. The back door was locked.
The source of the gas odor was a cookstove with the rear eye turned up without a flame. In addition, both electric heaters were turned on full blast. Had someone done this in hopes that the house would explode and burn?
The ambulance arrived taking Miss Pickens to the hospital where she stayed in and out of a coma. Sadly, she died thirteen days later. Officers interviewed her neighbors and discovered the last time Miss Pickens had been seen alive was the afternoon of December 7th. A relative told the officers they had spoken to her at 9pm and she had been alright.
Sometime between 9pm on the 7th and when the officers found her on the 8th, someone had entered the home of Miss Pickens, ransacked her home, beaten her leaving her for dead, and possibly leaving the gas on in hopes that a fire would occur so no one would discover their deed.
Who had entered Miss Pickens house, taking her life? The answer is out there.
Maybe with your help this case can be solved. If you have information,
please call Crime Stoppers at (901) 424-8477 so this case can be closed.