When Gail Matthews and Tamara Berkheiser failed to show up for a daily breakfast at Gail’s mother’s house, the panic began. In less than a few hours, Gail’s mother would discover that her daughter, Gail, aged 23, and granddaughter, Tamara, aged 5, were both murdered by an unknown assailant on the night of September 1, 1994. Who would kill this woman and her daughter, and what motive would they have?
GAIL MATTHEWS AND TAMARA BERKHEISER
Birth: 3/4/1971 (Tamara 1988)- Death: 9/1/1994
Ethnicity: Caucasian - Sex: Female
Hometown: Williamsport, PA - Lycoming County
Crime Scene: Their home
Last Known Location Alive: Outside of their home
Injury Description: Gail was stabbed over 11 times and likely sexually assaulted. Tamara was found tucked into the covers of her bed and had been strangled by hand and by using and a piece of clothing, and she had also been struck about the head in some fashion. There was no evidence of a sexual assault.
Suspect Description: None
Additional Information: Earl R. "Skip" Kramer III was charged multiple times for the murder, but each time the case was dismissed due to insufficient evidence
DNA: Available
Fingerprints: Unknown
If you have any information you’re able to share about this case you can reach the family through the Facebook page "Gail Matthews Unsolved Homicide (Tamara Berkheiser)." They are working closely with law enforcement when any new information is available. You can also reach out to the PA Crime Stoppers at 1-800-4PA-TIPS or online.
Sources:
Criminology Podcast epidoe from Jan 24 2020 :https://podcastaddict.com/episode/122574713