Cold case detectives have received information from serial killer Billy Mansfield, 70, who is serving multiple life sentences for the murders of at least six women and girls between 1975 and 1980.
Mansfield, who also buried four victims in the backyard of his family's property in Spring Hill, Florida, known as the "House of Horrors," has expressed a desire to clear his conscience. However, detectives are cautious in their optimism, noting that Mansfield's statements may be unreliable due to his history of dishonesty.
A new search is underway in locations near the family's property, including Dry Creek Ranch and Sunshine Grove, where investigators are using specialized archeological cadaver dogs to scour the area. The search stems from information tied to Billy Mansfield and his brother, Gary, who were arrested in Nevada in 1980.
Police have never been certain how many additional victims Mansfield murdered, with some estimates suggesting there may be several more, while others believe there may be none. Detectives are using "specific behavioural tips and historical leads" to guide their investigation.
The Mansfield clan was known for its twisted nature, with Billy's father also being convicted of raping five children between the ages of 5 and 10. Billy Mansfield has claimed to have buried bodies in two other nearby Florida counties, but the credibility of these claims is uncertain.
Despite the challenges of communicating with Mansfield, detectives are committed to finding answers for the families of the victims. If new evidence is discovered, it is likely to be too late for any new criminal prosecution, given Mansfield's life sentence.
Detectives are also motivated by a desire to provide a proper burial and closure for the victims and their families, even if it is unlikely to result in any new charges. The investigation is ongoing, with investigators using every lead to piece together the truth about Mansfield's crimes.
