The Most Chilling Unsolved Crime in Lubbock History, And Why It Still Matters

Lubbock has had its fair share of high-profile crimes. From The Suitcase Killer to one of the first successful homicide prosecutions in Texas without a recovered body, Lubbock has made national headlines. These have been some of Lubbock's biggest wins for justice.

Read More: The Gripping Story Behind Lubbock's Notorious Suitcase Murders

A Cold Crime That Haunts Lubbock

Sadly, not every crime gets neatly solved, and some linger as cold cases for years or even decades. Here's a look at arguably the most chilling unsolved crime in Lubbock history.

The Allen Family Murders

On the morning of October 25, 2004, a family friend arrived at the Woodcrest Estacado Apartments at 512 N. MLK Boulevard to pick up the Allen children, Kandiece and Kasheem Allen (9, twins), and Mohogany Allen (11) for school. What the friend found was truly horrible: Tammy Cooper, along with her three children, was all "stabbed, slashed, and beaten to death."

Read More: Famous Lubbock True Crimes: The Scott Dunn Case

Tammy had recently moved to Lubbock from the Dallas area with her children for a "fresh start."

What We Know About Tammy Cooper & Children's Murder

From a phone call the night before, we know that a man was allowed into the apartment by Tammy. While on the phone with a friend, she was heard saying, "How did you find me?" When the friend asked who was there, Tammy calmly replied, “You don’t know him. He isn’t from here. His name is Butch, and he is black,” an odd way to describe someone, unless you know that information might be incredibly important later on.

I believe that Tammy knew she was in danger with Butch, which is why she acted calm (so as not to incite him) and gave the description she did. However, it has so far not proven enough to catch him.

25 Years Later It Still Matters

Tammy and her children still deserve justice, and if Butch (or whoever killed them) is still alive, they deserve to be punished. If the murderer is not still alive, I like to believe that God is handling the justice part. I know that Lubbock Police would love to solve this case to give the family answers and to help shake the memory of one of the most brutal crime scenes in Lubbock's history.