Sharon L. Winker was 25 when she and her fiancé, Kevin Paule, were found shot near Silver Creek in Mascoutah, Illinois, on June 18, 1983. Sharon was shot behind the left ear; the bullet lodged in her brain and proved fatal. Kevin Paule was found about 20 feet away, also shot in the head.

Authorities say Charles Walker admitted he shot the couple during a robbery, saying he needed money for alcohol. Walker was arrested in Walden, Colorado, on July 15, 1983, later convicted of two counts of murder and one count of armed robbery, and sentenced to death; his execution took place on September 12, 1990. The Supreme Court of Illinois affirmed the death sentence, citing statutory aggravating factors and no mitigating circumstances.

Sharon’s death devastated the Saint Clair community. If anyone knew Sharon, Kevin, or saw activity near Silver Creek in June 1983, please share what you remember.