27 years later, Viola Odell's murder remains unsolved

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Viola Odell, a 68-year-old retired Air Force sergeant, was found brutally murdered in her home in northeast Las Vegas on October 15, 1997. Despite extensive media coverage and police efforts, her killer remains at large, leaving friends and family still searching for answers 27 years later.

Kelly Green, a friend of Odell's, described her as “a force to be reckoned with,” highlighting her intimidating appearance but also her softer side when she is with her beloved Shelties. “She was intimidating, she acted like that, but then you saw her with her shelties, it was so cute, and she was completely different,” Green said.

According to Lt. Wayne Petersen, who headed Metro's homicide unit at the time, Odell was found dead with multiple stab wounds in her garage. “Whoever committed this murder is pure evil,” Petersen said, adding that the case has haunted him for nearly three decades. He described the killer as a “monster” and expressed concern that they could strike again.

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Petersen suspected that Odell may have interrupted a burglary because she was found with partially unpackaged groceries. “She apparently came home after getting groceries, took some of the groceries home and was murdered by an unknown suspect or suspects,” he said. Although there was no forced entry, a bloody screwdriver was found at the scene, but no fingerprints or DNA could be found.

The murder sparked immediate concern among Odell's friends about finding homes for their four dogs and 10 cats. A public request was made to accommodate the last three pets. “At first it seemed very difficult for them to adapt,” a veterinarian said in 1997.

Steve Morris, another friend who traveled with Odell to dog competitions, expressed hope that advances in technology could provide new clues. “It would comfort me if someone would look at this as a cold case, with different eyes, to see if something can be done,” Morris said.

Petersen still hopes that someone with specific knowledge will come forward. “If someone with very specific knowledge would come forward, the problem could potentially be solved,” he said. “Of course the suspect could have told someone else, it would be difficult to keep such an act to himself.”

Odell's friends continue to honor her memory. “She served her country; She served in the Air Force, she was a good person and didn't deserve this to happen to her. And I don’t want her to be forgotten,” Green said.

Anyone with information about the murder of Viola Odell is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 702-385-5555. Even the smallest piece of information could help solve this enduring mystery.