The Hiller Hammer
Date: September 15, 1984
Headline: Sheriff’s Niece Becomes Fulton Stalker’s Latest Victim, Authorities Say

From the archives. Contributor: Spence Hutchins, Curator of the Fulton Hills Historical Society.

By Quinn Mercer

FULTON HILLS— In what authorities are calling an alarming escalation by the Fulton Stalker, 13-year-old Amy-Lynn Marks, the niece of Sheriff Dale Marks, has become the 23rd confirmed disappearance tied to the elusive predator. Amy-Lynn vanished late Wednesday night from her family’s home in East Fulton, marking the first case in which the Stalker appears to have targeted a direct relation to law enforcement.

At a tense press conference held Thursday afternoon, Sheriff Marks addressed the public with visible emotion, his usually stoic demeanor faltering as he spoke. “This one hits home—hard,” Marks said, his voice heavy. “Amy-Lynn is just like every last one of these girls is to their families. She isn’t just another name on a list. She’s my family. And her disappearance shows just how bold and dangerous this individual has become.”

The Disappearance

Amy-Lynn was last seen at 10:30 p.m. on September 13, leaving the kitchen of her family home to head to her bedroom. Her parents reported hearing no signs of a struggle, and her bedroom window was found open, the screen removed.

Investigators believe the Stalker accessed the home from the wooded area behind the Marks property. Canine units traced a scent trail leading to the nearby tree line, where the dogs lost the trail—consistent with previous cases, where the Stalker likely used a vehicle to transport his victims.

“This wasn’t random,” said Detective Frank Takemut, the lead investigator. “Whoever this man is, he’s sending a message. He’s telling us that no one—not even those closest to law enforcement—is safe.”

An Escalation of Boldness

Amy-Lynn’s disappearance is being viewed by authorities as a deliberate escalation by the Stalker. Sheriff Marks himself addressed this chilling possibility during the press conference.

“This man has proven he’s methodical, calculated, and fearless,” Marks said. “By targeting my family, he’s taunting us… me, making it clear that he believes he’s untouchable. But let me tell you, he’s wrong. We won’t stop until we bring him to justice.”

Marks’s statement was met with applause from the gathered crowd, though it was clear that the pressure on the Sheriff’s Office has reached an all-time high.

Experts agree that this shift in behavior signals an emboldened killer. “Serial offenders often escalate over time, either in frequency or in audacity,” said Dr. Margaret Lang, a criminal psychologist. “Targeting the Sheriff’s niece is a provocative act designed to sow fear and demonstrate control. Dominance is already important to this unknown perpetrator, as evidenced by his choice in victims.”

Community Fear Reaches Fever Pitch

Amy-Lynn’s disappearance has sent shockwaves through Fulton Hills. Schools are urging students to avoid walking alone, curfews have become stricter, and neighborhood watch groups are increasing their patrols.

Local resident Helen Gray expressed the sentiments of many: “If the Sheriff can’t protect his own family, how are the rest of us supposed to feel safe? This has gone too far.”

Sheriff Marks acknowledged the rising tension in the community and urged calm while vowing to intensify efforts. “We know this town is scared,” he said. “But we also know Fulton Hills is strong. We will find this man.”

A Family in Grief

Amy-Lynn’s parents, Matthew and Lila Marks, were not present at the press conference but issued a brief statement through the Sheriff’s Office.

“Our hearts are shattered, but we hold onto hope,” the statement read. “Amy-Lynn is a bright, kind, and resilient young girl. If anyone has any information, no matter how small, please come forward. We need her home.”

A Haunting Escalation

With the Fulton Stalker still at large and Amy-Lynn Marks’ fate unknown, the sense of dread in Fulton Hills has reached an unprecedented level. As authorities continue their search, the community clings to the hope that this time—this time—justice will prevail.