He Was Rescued from a Snowstorm the Night 2 Women Were Killed — Decades Later, the Chilling Truth About Him Emerged

Rescued Miner Alan Lee Phillips Identified as Double-Murderer

In a shocking turn of events, the identity of a double-murderer was uncovered while he was being rescued. Alan Lee Phillips, previously known as a local miner rescued from a snowstorm, was revealed to be the perpetrator behind the 1982 Breckenridge slayings of Annette Schnee and Bobbie Jo Oberholtzer. The chilling truth about Phillips emerged years after the heinous crime took place, linking him to the murders through a matching orange sock and genetic genealogy.

On the fateful night of January 6, 1982, Annette Schnee, 21, and Bobbie Jo Oberholtzer, 29, disappeared near Breckenridge and were later found shot. Phillips, who was rescued that same night from a snowdrift after signaling for help with his headlights, had initially claimed a facial bruise from a fall. However, subsequent genetic genealogy testing matched his DNA to the crime scene, leading to his arrest in 2021. Tragically, Phillips died by suicide while in prison.

The events leading to the uncovering of Phillips’ dark secret began with Schnee and Oberholtzer hitchhiking separately after work in Breckenridge. Schnee was last seen leaving a drugstore with medication, while Oberholtzer made a call to her husband from a pub stating she had found a ride. Oberholtzer’s body was discovered the next day, with evidence of a struggle as zip ties were found on her wrist. Schnee’s body was found days later, linking the two murders.

The discovery of a single orange bootie sock at the crime scenes played a crucial role in connecting the two murders. Phillips, who was rescued on the same night, was later identified as the killer through DNA evidence found on Oberholtzer’s belongings. Despite decades passing with no leads, a breakthrough came in 2020 when genetic genealogy pointed detectives towards the Phillips brothers, ultimately leading to Alan Lee Phillips.

After Phillips’ arrest in 2021, a jury convicted him in 2022, sentencing him to two consecutive life terms. However, Phillips took his own life while incarcerated, bringing a tragic end to a case that had remained unsolved for so many years. The families of Annette Schnee and Bobbie Jo Oberholtzer finally received some closure after the true perpetrator was brought to justice, though his death left many questions unanswered.

The revelation of Alan Lee Phillips as the double-murderer in the Breckenridge slayings serves as a reminder of the importance of advancements in forensic technology in solving cold cases. The use of genetic genealogy played a pivotal role in bringing closure to a decades-old mystery, highlighting the significance of continued efforts in pursuing justice for victims and their families.

As the details of this unsettling case continue to unfold, it stands as a testament to the tireless dedication of law enforcement and the impact of cutting-edge forensic techniques in bringing criminals to account for their actions. The tragic story of Annette Schnee and Bobbie Jo Oberholtzer serves as a somber reminder of the lasting impact of violent crimes on communities and the importance of seeking justice for the victims and their loved ones.