MCS Report #32
Classification: Homicide
Requesting Agency: Bridgeton Police Department
Date of Activation: 01/29/1975
Commander and Department: Capt. Frank Reich, University City PD
Victims: Phyllis Elaine Newcomb and Richard Windau
Suspect: Frank William Lane
The Bridgeton Police Department requested the assistance of the Major Case Squad in investigating the deaths of Phyllis Newcomb (age 31) and Richard Windau (age 40). At approximately 7:16am, police officers responded to Taussig Road near Ferguson Road for a report of a woman lying in a ditch. There they located the body of Phyllis Newcomb. She had been shot and was pronounced dead on scene.
As detectives began investigating Phyllis’ murder, they attempted to contact her boyfriend, Richard Windau, to interview him. At 6:15pm, they located Richard inside his residence. He had been shot and was pronounced dead on scene.
As a result of this investigation, Frank Lane was charged with two counts of Murder 1st Degree. His bond was set at $100,000.
