Episode #126: Helen E. Horn - Murdered (1979)

Helen E. Horn was the 68-year-old widow of Dr. Arthur Horn of Gratz, PA. Helen was involved with many organizations including the Gratz Historical Society. She also found great joy in taking care of her 15 cats. So how does someone who did so much for their community fall victim to a senseless murder?

Helen E. Horn

Birth: mm/dd/yyyy – Death: 3/22/1979

Ethnicity:   White        Sex: Female

Height:      Weight: (if available

Other pertinent information (ex: for missing persons, last seen wearing…)

Hometown: Gratz, PA – Dauphin County

Crime Scene: Her home in Gratz, PA

Last Known Location Alive: Meeting at the Gratz Historical Society

Injury Description: Found naked, badly beaten, strangled

Suspect Description: Helen's neighbor, Gary Rank was tried and acquitted

 

DNA: Unknown

Fingerprints: Fingerprints identified as Gary Rank's were found on a broken glass outside the home and a basement door frame. Found 19 points of comparison, which was deemed enough to make the arrest.

If you have any info, please call Lykens Police at 717-453-7001, PA State Police 717-362-8700, or PA Crime Stopper at 1-800-4PA TIPS (1-800-472-8477).

 

Sources:

https://www.newspapers.com/article/indiana-gazette-gary-rank-trial-acquitta/1090096/

https://www.lykensvalley.org/who-killed-helen-horn-18/

https://www.lykensvalley.org/who-killed-helen-horn-12/