Author: Danja
Disclaimer: Birds of Prey, its characters, and concepts are the property of Warner Brothers, Tollin-Robbins Productions & DC Comics.
Author's Note: This is a sequel to my previous story, "Switch". I suggest reading that one before reading this one.
Slasher
Chapter One
From The New Gotham Gazette (May 6th):
Murder Victim Found Near Gotham Square
Gazette Wires
The remains of 25-year-old Ana Rosa Sanchez were found lying in an alley located near the intersection of 42nd St. and 8th Avenue early yesterday morning. Ms. Sanchez died from a gunshot wound to the head and multiple stab wounds. Ms. Sanchez has a record of prior arrests for prostitution and was known to have been working as a prostitute in the area at the time of her death.
From The New Gotham Gazette (May 8th):
Murder Victim Found Near Baseball Field in Central Park
Gazette Wires
The remains of 23-year-old Karen Marie Donovan were found lying near the baseball field at Central Park early yesterday morning. Ms. Donovan died from a gunshot wound to the head and multiple stab wounds. Ms. Donovan has a record of prior arrests for prostitution. Police officials would not speculate on whether Ms. Donovan was working as a prostitute at the time of her death.
From The New Gotham Gazette (May 12th):
New Gotham "Slasher": Serial Killer?
Gazette Wires
The killer the police have dubbed "The New Gotham Slasher" appears to have taken another victim. Early yesterday morning, a jogger found the remains of a Caucasian female in her mid-to-late twenties lying in alongside a hiking trail located in the northwest corner of Central Park. This victim -- like two previous victims found recently -- was found with multiple stab wounds and a gunshot wound to the head. Police have not released the identity of the latest victim pending notification of relatives.
"All prostitutes with short dark hair, slender build, in their mid-to-late twenties," said Barbara as she perused the police records displayed on her computer screen. "Guy knows what he likes," she said wryly.
"Wasn't Donovan 23?" asked Dinah.
"She might've appeared older at first glance," Barbara replied. "Plus, when you take into account that she was probably last seen at night, two years isn't going to make a whole lot of difference." Barbara paused. "No evidence of sexual contact," she said as she turned back towards her PC. "Whatever this guy wanted with these prostitutes, it wasn't sex." Barbara read on. "Sanchez was stabbed 16 times … Donovan, 25 … this latest victim, 34 times…"
"Overkill," said Helena.
"That … and anger," said Barbara. "Multiple puncture wounds are usually indicative of anger being expressed by the killer."
"So … our killer's got a beef against skinny women with short dark hair in their mid-to-late twenties," said Helena. "You reading me so far?"
"More likely, he has something against a particular woman fitting that description," Barbara replied.
"What's our next move?"
"Find out where these women worked … and who was the last person to see them."