Family of 1987 Ringgold murder victim wants cold case reopened

RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF) – 37 years ago on Wednesday, a young woman was found murdered outside of a Ringgold restaurant. 

Kim Croft (1967-1987), who was only 19 when she was found murdered outside of a Ringgold restaurant on March 12, 1987. (Courtesy: LaVonda Croft Deloney)

On March 12, 1987, Kim Croft, who was just 19 at the time, was found dead outside of the now defunct Country Bumpkin Restaurant in Ringgold.

Croft’s uncle had been tried in her murder in 1994, but was found not guilty, and the case since then, has been closed.

No one has ever been held responsible for her death.

However, after the Coleman-Baker Act was signed by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, which provides an opportunity to reopen cold cases, the Croft sisters knew they had to act.

Sisters Cheryl Croft and LaVonda Croft Deloney have spent 37 years wondering if they will ever see justice in the murder of their older sister.

Cheryl Her laughter was infectious. I cannot describe it any other way. She was a very caring individual. She had a unique sense of humor, but she was just very loving.

Deloney said, “We had a deep talk with our parents. Like I said, they handled this the last generation, you’re talking about 40 years ago. We told them we wanted to take on the charge. They told us they would support us, and we are here.”

They presented the information to the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office last month.

In the past, there had been questions raised about how previous administrations handled evidence in the case.

However, they are hopeful the new administration will be able to help solve this case as they say they were receptive to their plea for help.

Deloney said, “Regardless of how the initial outcome comes out, there seems to be some support and at least some interest, and what that means to us is the world.”

The family believes whoever took their sister is still out there, having evaded justice for 37 years.

Deloney said to any potential suspect, “(I) Want to remain humble, want to remain polite. But I want to speak directly to you, all of you, it’s time. It’s time.”

Many of Kim Croft’s family and friends gathered for a vigil Wednesday night in Ringgold.

They gathered hoping her story spreads to those who may have not been alive in 1987, as they want the world to know that her name is Kim.

Deloney said, “As you hear about it, as you feel empathy about it, a lot of your parents knew about it. Spread the word on social media. We just need to keep it active, keep it at the forefront. Just let them know that this was not a fly by night attention grabber, that we are building, and that’s how we can do it, with the new mediums that are out there.”

Cheryl Croft added of her memory of Kim, “Her laughter was infectious. I cannot describe it any other way. She was a very caring individual. She had a unique sense of humor, but she was just very loving.”

The Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office was in attendance for the vigil, and the family thanked them for their attendance.

However, they said they were not able to comment on the status of this case at this time.