Photo: AMU student Mike Booker and Linda Malcom’s sister Cindy Booker. Image courtesy of author.
By Jennifer Bucholtz
Faculty Member, Criminal Justice and Forensic Science
On the evening of April 29 or the early morning hours of April 30, 2008, an intruder entered Linda Malcom’s home in Port Orchard, Washington. A violent fight ensued, leaving Linda with 24 stab wounds that resulted in the loss of her life.
After the murder, the offender poured an accelerant in the living room to set the house on fire. A neighbor awoke to the sounds of the blaze and called 911. Once firefighters extinguished the fire, they discovered Linda’s body on the floor of the master bedroom.
What Our Investigative Team Has Done to Assist the Police with the Linda Malcom Case
Our Cold Case Investigative Team became aware of Linda’s case in 2022 when her nephew, Mike Booker, a student at the university, submitted her case to our team for consideration. We have now been working on Linda’s unsolved homicide for over two years.
During that time, we have collaborated with the Port Orchard Police Department in an effort to bring answers to Malcom’s family and her killer to justice. (Learn more by listening to this episode of Break the Case podcast: Detective Discusses Progress in Linda Malcom’s Case.)
With the help of Linda’s family and friends, the Cold Case Investigative Team has developed a comprehensive victimology, consulted with various experts, re-created the arson aspect of the crime and recorded several videos for our YouTube channel. In addition, they recorded numerous podcast episodes, both through the AMU podcast “Break the Case” and with the hosts of other podcasts.
Several members have traveled to Port Orchard to meet with authorities and develop relationships with local residents. They have also worked to track down witnesses and associates and examined the area surrounding the crime scene.
Recent New Coverage of Linda’s Case
On April 30 (the 17th anniversary of Linda Malcom’s homicide) KING 5 News, a Seattle-based NBC affiliate, aired a segment on the Linda Malcom case on their Unsolved Northwest series. The series raises awareness for many of the over 3,000 unsolved homicides in Washington state.
KING 5 News also covers missing persons cases. News anchor Madison Wade recently traveled to Colorado. She conducted an interview with Linda’s sister Cindy Booker, Linda’s nephew and AMU student Mike Booker, and I.
Watch the Segment:
Readers Can Get Involved in the Investigation into What Happened to Linda Malcom
Interested readers can follow the renewed investigation into the Linda Malcom case by listening to Season 3 of Break the Case, an investigative podcast that journalist George Jared and I host. They may also join the Facebook group dedicated to seeking justice for Linda Malcom.
On a regular basis, group administrators will post updates and discussion topics. Most of content covering Linda’s case can be found on the website for my 501(c)3 nonprofit foundation, Break the Case.
Anyone who has information about the murder of Linda Malcom can email our confidential tip line at tips@justice4linda.com or call Port Orchard Police Department detectives at 360-876-1700. Tipsters are guaranteed confidentiality.
There is currently a $7,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Linda’s killer.
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