The Baton Rouge Homicide Task Force has taken more than 600 DNA samples from white males in the area in connection with the serial killer investigation. The task force received a warrant Nov. 12 to collect one more.
The affidavit said all three deaths were determined to be homicides with some sexual assault involved. The deaths were linked through DNA found at each crime scene.
The task force filed an affidavit to collect a saliva swab sample from Shannon F. Kohler, 44, after he refused to submit a sample voluntarily. The affidavit said the task force contacted Kohler on four different occasions, and he refused.
Out of the 600 males contacted for a sample, fewer than 15 refused the voluntary sample, the affidavit said.
The affidavit said the task force received two tips from different persons regarding Kohler. It also stated Kohler was convicted of burglary in 1982 and formerly worked for a fabrication company on Old Perkins Road and at a shop on Choctaw Drive.
Baton Rouge Police Department Chief Pat Englade said the warrant was filed because Kohler wanted to remove his name from the police investigation. Englade also said other affidavits may be filed if other people refuse to give samples.
The task force stressed in a press conference Tuesday they believe someone close to the serial killer may have information but is reluctant to contact law enforcement.
Cpl. Mary Ann Godawa of BRPD read an extension of the original profile released in September.
Godawa said when someone does contact law enforcement, it is because they fear for their own safety and that of other family members and realize there is no other way to stop the person from hurting or killing someone else.
When contacted, family safety and privacy are held in the highest regard, Godawa said.
Family members or loved ones of the serial killer probably have seen red flags throughout the years, Godawa said. Some of the red flags are abuse of family members, disregard for others and the values and norms of society, a noticeable absence of empathy or a profound indifference to others’ feelings, hopes and expectations.
Godawa urged anyone with information to contact the task force at (225)389-3310, 1-866-389-3310, (225)344-7867 or P.O. Box 3652, Baton Rouge, La., 70821.