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A young girl who has premonitions that she will not live to see her 16th birthday is abducted and murdered.
CASE DETAILS On the evening of July 23, 1987, 16 year-old Kathy Hobbs was reading a romance novel in her bedroom of her home in a Las Vegas suburb. At 11 P.M., she told her mother, Vivian Hobbs, that she was going to the local supermarket:
 Katherine’s body was found in the desert Kathy often walked the block and half to the store late at night. Usually her friends hung out at the apartment swimming pool, so Kathy’s mother wasn’t worried. Assuming that Kathy would be with her friends, Vivian went to sleep. Then, at 3 A.M., she says a strange dream woke her up:
The next morning, Vivian discovered that Kathy’s bedroom was empty. Las Vegas Metro Police Homicide Lieutenant Kyle L Edwards investigated the case:
Kathy’s family had been terribly worried about her. As a child, she had frightening premonitions, several of them that she would die at an early age. When she was eight, she became even more specific, telling her friends that she would not live past the age of 16. Vivian did what she could to help her daughter:
 Police received a call from a witness After the move, Kathy blossomed and made new friends. But, according to her mother, as Kathy’s 16th birthday approached, her fear of dying returned:
Kathy spent all her time in her room and would not leave the house. Then, on the morning of her 16th birthday, she was surprised and relieved to find she was still alive. She now seemed to have a new enthusiasm for life. Kathy’s sister, Theresa Hobbs, remembered how she began to go out again, and started making plans for her future:
 Several letters were found in Katherine’s room After Kathy vanished, police assumed she had been abducted and issued photos to the media. Eventually, one crucial clue surfaced. A clerk remembered seeing Kathy in the supermarket the night she vanished. Store receipts confirmed that someone did purchase a paperback novel at 11:17 that night. Apparently, Kathy had made it to the store, but not home. Nine days after Kathy vanished, hiker Rick Pacult was searching for rock crystals out in the desert near Lake Mead:
Lieutenant Kyle Edwards was first on the scene:
Tire prints at the scene showed where a vehicle had pulled in, turned around and left. Investigators also found two rocks spattered with Kathy’s blood. The coroner concluded that she died from repeated blows to the head. Vivian recalled her daughter’s premonitions:
After Kathy’s death, several letters were found in her room addressed to each member of the family. They were dated one month before her 16th birthday. The one to Vivian read: “Dear Mother: In the event of my death, you shall get this letter. I hope you live happily and I don’t want you or anyone else to dwell on my death. I love you all very dearly. You were good to me and nobody else could have been a better mother. Keep me alive in your heart and don’t ever forget me. Love always, Kathy.” Exactly three months after Kathy vanished, a call came in to the Las Vegas police department. Their answering machine recorded this message from a man who may have witnessed her abduction: “He grabbed this girl in front of the store on Desert Inn and Maryland. This was a few months ago. I’ve been out of town for a few months and I wrote this down because she was screaming. I pulled over in the car. She was very young girl, wearing a white jacket and pink pants. And the guy’s name he hollered to him, pushed her in the car, his name was Robbie.” Lieutenant Edwards:
The caller reported the license number of the car, but did not leave his name or phone number. The police checked the license number and discovered it did not exist. Today the murder of Kathy Hobbs remains unsolved. Her mother and the Las Vegas police hope that the witness will call back and give more details, or that someone watching may recognize the voice of the mysterious caller. Update: While the witness never contacted authorities and was never located, this case has been closed. An alleged serial killer named Michael Lee Lockhart was a key suspect in Kathy’s murder. After his arrest for another murder, he was put on trial, convicted and has since been executed. Watch this case now on Amazon Prime in season one with Robert Stack in season six with Dennis Farina. Also available on YouTube with Dennis Farina. Various seasons available now on Hulu. |
DJ
The October 24 call to Las Vegas police was made a week after the 13th (of October) when Windy Gallagher (16) was killed in her Indiana apartment. Gallagher was also sexually abused (but no DNA evidence recovered) but she was stabbed and mutilated (exposing her internal organs).
Cher vera
The store was Skaggs alphabets. Kathrine sister & i were friends. I use to spend the night & Katherine was in charge .she was very nice .the cool older sister. This is horrible .my condolences to the family.. I never got to see her sister again .feel like I lost both of them so sad
Hadiyah
I used to be friends with her sister as well. And I think I remember you as well. We used to walk around the neighborhood.
Cher vera
Kathrine use to be in charge when I would spend the night I and her sister were friends. The store on the corner at the time was Skaggs alphabets..my condolences
Cher vera
The store was Skaggs alphabets. Kathrine sister & i were friends. I use to spend the night & Katherine was in charge .she was very nice .the cool older sister. This is horrible .my condolences to the family..
Shree
We were next door neighbors Kathy and Theresa use to teach us cheers she seemed so happy at the time it’s so very sad!
Daniel Corral Jr
Did the killer said he was the one who killed Kathy hobbs?
Lisa
My name is Lisa and Kathy was my best friend. We met in first grade and one day when we were in 3rd grade the principal at our school was going around letting teachers know not to let any students leave with out our parents getting us from our classroom because there was a man in a white van trying to lure kids in the van. Kathy and I were outside at recess that day and we were looking out into the street from the fence at our school and we were talking and she told me then that she thought she would be kidnapped and killed when she was young. She was my first best friend. Her and I stayed close even when she switched schools to go to middle school. She came and saw me at my 8th grade graduation and she told me she was moving to Vegas. We lost contact after that. Then I was at the state fair here in Reno and found out she had passed away and I lost it!!! I went home and that night she came to me in my dream, I guess it was a dream and she told me she was good and happy and not to worry about her because she was doing good. Then her mom found my mom through friends and visited us up on Tahoe and told us what happened and I told her what Kathy had told me at such a young age and how she came to me the night I found out she had passed and said Kathy had visited other family members too. Then she told me that they were going to be telling her story soon on unsolved mysteries. Here and I turned 50 this year and I still think about Kathy all the time and even talk to her. She was a wonderful person so kind and thoughtful and a tough cookie too! She meant a lot to me and always will. ❤️❤️❤️
Ang
Thank you for sharing. Sending hugs. Such a sad story.
Thomas
What a touching story, thank you for sharing that. This story was so haunting to me. If only the mother had not allowed her 16 year old daughter to walk alone to the store at 11:00 at night. I would never, ever allow any of my kids to do that.
DJ
The main proof that proved Lockhart killed Kathy, because the fibers on her clothing matched fibers from the interior of the stolen blue car. Lockhart himself had to be the one making the false calls in an attempt to throw police off his trail. It was also the same car that matched the description given to police by the woman (who was attacked in the alleyway) in Indiana. Police also recovered several hotel and restaurant receipts in Lockhart’s motel room (the same room where he killed officer Paul Hulsey) in Texas.
Lisa
Lena Jo, this happened before he killed Windy( IN), Jennifer(FL) or Paul (TX). Windy was killed on October 13. Windy was my best friend so I am very familiar with the situation. It sounds like they tied him to this murder because of fibers in the vehicle. That is the vehicle he had when he killed Windy, the day after attacking someone in nearby Chicago. The person he attacked in Chicago survived and gave a description of the car and driver (Lockhart). He then made he way across the country and along the way ditched the Toyota and stole a Corvette (after killing Windy and prior to killing Jennifer). Then he made his way to TX and when spotted driving the stolen Corvette, ultimately killed Officer Paul Hulsey.
Jeff
I am relieved to know that this case has been solved but I wonder now if the mysterious caller was in fact this Lockhart guy giving a fake license plate number to throw off the investigation
Jason
Poor thing. So afraid to die. I can’t imagine the pain and frustration of the mother and other family members. I’m glad they closed the case.
Monikka
“It was determined that her cause of death were a result from multiple blows from nearby rocks. Lockhart was linked to the murders through fibers found at the crime scene which matched fibers found in a car he had been using in the area at the time.”
https://www.criminallyintrigued.com/blog/2018/1/6/the-crime-spree-of-michael-lee-lockhart
La Morena
I want to know how they linked this Michael character to her death? DNA evidence or what? Secondly, I would never let my 16 year old walk anywhere late night, I dont care about friends either. No 16 year old has any business walking late nights anywhere, especially in a busy large city such as Las Vegas. I feel so sorry for her, sick world we live in and that’s why I dont like letting my kids out of my sight if I can help it.
Cody
What proof is there that Lockhart killed her? What about what the witness said?
JC
The witness was probably Lockhart himself calling you throw police off. The licence plate he gave was phony .
Ann
I think this young girl was upset about losing her friend at an early age and not understanding her friends death so she grew up thinking she to would not live to adulthood because her friend didnt and no one explained to her in a way she could or would understand so it wasnt a premonition it was a fear..anxiety to blame her mother though wow ..I’m sure her mother blamed herself no she shouldn’t have let her daughter go out so late at night alone but most parents think kids at that age are safer more aware of their surroundings and 1987 was a hole lot different than 2019 I dont know what the area was like then but I know things didnt happen as much as they do now or I just didnt hear it as much but stop kicking that mother
Jason
Why was she so fixated on her death? She sounded horribly depressed. The update said Michael Lee Lockheart was involved in her kidnapping/murder and was executed.
Boomer
This case has NOT BEEN SOLVED!! Unsolved Mysteries needs to take this out of the “solved” category, now.
Unsolved Mysteries Post author
Unfortunately the police informed us that the case has been closed. Please let us know if it has been re-opened. Thank you.
Chris
I just saw Katherine’s story tonight on “Unsolved Mysteries”. Such a sad story. I think a 16 year old walking out at night alone was not safe to begin with, but Katherine definitely did not deserve to die. Continued prayers and condolences to Katherine’s family and friends. xoxo
Curious too
What about the phone call made to the police station?
Thomas
It seems very likely that the killer himself was making those calls in an attempt to throw police detectives off. He deliberately gave the wrong license plate number. That poor girl and her surviving family members. A very haunting case.
Stacy
What episode in Season One? Also what grocery store was this? I drive by DI and Maryland everyday and I know there is an Applebees, Sunrise Hospital, Carl’s Jr and a little strip mall now. Did they destry this store or is it just not on the actual corner? Such a sad story that has really stuck with me. I am precognitive, love to read and walk alone and could see this being me if I had lived in Vegas at that time.
Unsolved Mysteries Post author
Hi Stacy – this case is in S1:E16 on Amazon Prime & Roku, S1:E13 on Hulu (both with Robert Stack) and in S6:E5 with Dennis Farina.
J
That intersection was different back in the 80s there was no addition to sunrise hospital and Carl’s Jr. Etc was probably not there there used to be an Albertsons where Office Depot sits today
Bill
Alpha Beta store right at northwest corner . They are no longer doing business in Las Vegas
Lena Jo
There’s a book about Michael Lee Lockhart. It’s called “A Perfect Gentleman”. He killed a girl in Indiana, in Florida, & killed a police officer, Paul Hulsey, in my hometown (Beaumont, Texas). That’s where he got caught, arrested, tried, & executed (Texas). So somewhere in between killing the first 2 girls, he must had went to Las Vegas & killed Kathy. And then went to Texas after. Just my opinion.
gin12
Rest in peace, your death was not in vain it helped me keep my children at a very close range and not roam around as you and I did as children. your death helped me to see the dangers in the world and keep my children and grand children safe. I will never forget you nor did I know you when u were on earth, rest in peace. Thanks!
Curious
Michael Lockheart had a signature. He stabbed his victims and left them with their clothing manipulated in similar ways. What proof did they have that he was her killer? I am just wondering because Serial killers don’t often change their rituals.
S
Then she is who I think she is and I remember when this took place. Very sad. Sorry for your family.
Trina
My sweet dear friend Kathy….I think about you often and sure wish I could see your beautiful face again! You were such an amazing soul and friend…xoxox
heidi wilkus
I think about Kathy often too. She babysat me when I was in first or second grade when they lived in Reno. Then they moved away, I remember my mother getting a call, her expressions and reactions were heartbreaking. I had no idea what the call was about.. but for some reason I said “that better not be about Kathy”. My mom started balling, and was in shock I sensed something. I don’t know how the feeling came over me something happened to her, I was in 3rd grade.
Lou
Sure you can blame the mother.. You could blame a permissive lifestyle.. Most families won’t let their teens out at night after 11 pm unless its a weekend and they are not alone.
Stacy
I grew up in Reno…Sun Valley NV. I think she lived there before moving to Vegas.
Does anyone know for sure?
I believe I knew her and the girl that died from heart issues.
Anonymous
Yes she did. She was my step sister.
Carlyn
Kathy lived in Reno and went to Trainer middle school. Her friend that died of heart disease was Shawna. I went to school with them
Jennifer
I live in Las Vegas and I know exactly what area she was walking around that night. I don’t know how it was in 1987 (I moved to Las Vegas during Christmas of 2000 and would never live in that neighborhood) but I can tell you it is NOT a safe area at night and crimes in that area are constantly on the local news, including an instance where a friend of mine – a single girl in her 20s – was mugged walking home from the store around 2 am. She survived but was severely beaten and hospitalized for several days. That being said, that area being rather low-income, the only residents that live around there that have cars are mostly college students from nearby UNLV (who either brought cars from home/out-of-state or whose parents bought them the car). It’s entirely possible that Kathy’s mother didn’t have a car so Kathy walking to the store was most likely something she did every day. Regardless, blaming the mother is one cruel, heartless and unacceptable position for anyone to take.
susan
Why on earth is ANYONE blaming the mother?? Do you not have even the slightest compassion for what she must feel? As the mother of a missing child myself, every single day I live with the guilt of letting my daughter walk out the door. People don’t realize there’s nothing we could have done to stop our children but we’d go back and do it over if only we could.
Angelia
I am the girl in the TV show I played Katheryn Hobbs, I often think about her family and her case I hoped it was solved..
Anonymous
It was
Maureen
Rest in peace baby girl..so sorry your life was cut short
alysia
Being a mother myself I can’t even fathom what this girls mother was thinking letting her 16 year old daughter walk to the store at 11 pm and going to sleep before she got home. This is a dangerous world we live in and nobody of any age should walk alone anywhere after dark much less a young girl.
Anonymous
Is there any real prof that she had these “i wont live to 16” ideas? or is it just what her family is saying? have the writing in those “if i die” letters been compared to school work ect..? things are rarely as strange as they seems at first glance, and this case makes me think this whole story is a postconstruction done by her family as a cover up/media whoring. Sorry for bad spelling, english is not my native tounge.
Keri
I totally agree. It’s tragic what happened to her but the “dying premonitions” sound like a boatload of melodrama made up after the fact.
Butch
What a churlish thing to say. Several of her friends (which, you know, you aren’t) have corroborated her insistence that she wouldn’t live to adulthood. Get a life.
Sama
When I had 16, I had a boyfriend who was sure he will not leave after 30. He was only 21 at this time. He died at 29 years from a car accident. So yes, I think people who die younger can know it
Anonymous
She was my friend I think about her often
Anonymous
This goes to all Parents:dont let your kids go walking late past 10pm especially if your kids keep telling you about a “premonition” of dying before16 years old! Stay with your kids, walk with them, the mother in this case could have drove her daughter to the store and waited for her in car! its a sad case but a learning tool about being safe! the world is full of crazy people and we cant just look the other way and pretend it does not exist! Be safe everybody!!
Jennifer
You’re being rather presumptuous here. I live in Las Vegas and am familiar with the area where Kathy lived. I don’t/wouldn’t live there but I know full well that it’s high crime and low-income so it’s more than likely that Kathy’s mother didn’t own a car and couldn’t afford to live in a better neighborhood. If the store was that close that she walked there often AND she did mention something about hanging out with friends at the apartment pool (other regular occurrence) her mother had no reason to question her safety, likely believing a friend would accompany here for the short walk. Regardless, your accusations are presumptuous and completely devoid of merit.
vernon l hobbs
Never knew about you i only wish we could have met . Heard about you thru my mom finally saw episode after years of searching i met kathrine from watching unsoveled mysteries episode in shock to see i had another sister was able to find her with the help of my other sister bonnie we all got together to find dad we met and it was to short he has since past. thank you , unsolved mysteries for keeping a archive of your episodes.