Freed to Kill: The Chilling Crimes of Charles Campbell

27 April 2025

In 1974, newlyweds Renae and Jack Wicklund were beginning their journey together in the quiet, wooded town of Clearview, Washington. Their home was filled with happiness, especially after they welcomed their baby girl, Shannah, into their lives. The Wicklunds had grown close to their neighbours, Barbara and Don Hendrickson, whose warmth and support made them feel like extended family. With Jack often away for work, Barbara’s companionship became a source of comfort for Renae as she adjusted to the challenges of motherhood. Life felt full of hope — until one fateful day when a stranger appeared on the Wicklunds’ driveway, triggering a chain of events that would forever change the lives of both families and expose the critical failings of a justice system that allowed a dangerous man to walk free.

This article contains descriptions of violent or distressing events – reader discretion advised

Table of Contents

Background: Renae Wicklund

Renae Wicklund was a beautiful, kind, intelligent, and courageous woman. Born on February 20th, 1952 in North Dakota to Allen and Hilda Ahlers, she grew up in a close-knit family with a sister, a half-sister, and two half-brothers. When her family moved to a rural town in North Dakota and settled on a farm, Renae thrived, embracing the responsibilities of farm life. She was a devoted animal lover, with a pet horse and even a pet raccoon, and the farm remained an important part of her heart throughout her life.

Renae was energetic and bright, with a natural talent for excelling in everything she pursued. As a dedicated member of the 4-H club, her hard work and passion earned her multiple special achievement medals, showcasing her commitment and skill. She was also musically gifted, shining as a majorette and flutist, talents that caught the attention of Valley City State College, who recruited Renae after she graduated from high school in 1970 for her exceptional musical abilities.

In 1971, Renae moved to California but soon found herself drawn to Washington State after visiting her sister there. Captivated by the beauty of the Puget Sound area, she decided to make it her home. Renae quit college and began working at a beauty salon in Seattle. It was here that she met Jack Wicklund, a car salesman fourteen years her senior. Despite the age difference, the pair fell in love and married in 1973.

Renae and Jack soon settled in the quaint town of Clearview, Washington, located in Snohomish County. Clearview was a small, close-knit community nestled in the woods, and it seemed the perfect place to raise a family. Their home sat on just over an acre of land, allowing Renae to maintain a connection to the rural lifestyle she had grown up with and loved. By the time they moved in, Renae was already pregnant with their first child, and on August 27th, 1973, Renae and Jack welcomed their daughter, Shannah, into the world. Shannah was described as a beautiful little replica of her mother, and she brought boundless joy and love to their lives.

Renae also grew close to her neighbour across the street, Barbara Hendrickson. Barbara and her husband, Don, had lived in the neighbourhood for over a decade and were well-liked members of the community. They took Renae and her daughter, Shannah, under their wing and treated them like family. Although Barbara was significantly older than Renae, she became a source of wisdom and support for the young mother. With Jack often away for work, Renae appreciated the support and companionship the Hendricksons offered.

Renae’s dream life seemed to be within reach as she embraced her roles as a wife, mother, and active community member. Her life seemed full of happiness and love, with every moment shaped by the hope of what lay ahead. However, their idyllic world was on the brink of devastation, and the lives of both the Wicklund and Hendrickson families would soon be tragically changed forever.

The Start of the Nightmare

The nightmare began on December 11th, 1974, when Renae took advantage of the unseasonably warm and sunny weather to clean the outside windows of her home. Jack was at work, but Renae never worried when her husband was away. It was a safe neighbourhood, and she knew the Hendricksons were across the street if she needed anything.

Renae set one-year-old Shannah down on the grass and began working on the windows. Suddenly, a human shape caught the corner of her eye. Glancing up, she saw a tall white man with bushy reddish-brown hair walking up the driveway. Strangers rarely passed by, so she was taken aback. As she stopped and stared at him, he turned around and started heading back towards the main road. Renae thought nothing of it, assuming he probably realised halfway up her drive that he had the wrong house.

As she carried on with her cleaning, she suddenly noticed the same man approaching her driveway again. This time, however, he was sprinting towards her. Renae panicked and rushed towards Shannah as fast as she could, terrified the man was coming for her. She scooped her daughter up and bolted towards her front door, but before she could get inside and lock the door behind her, the crazed man was there, pushing hard against the door from the other side. Renae pressed all her weight against the door, desperately trying to shut it, but with Shannah still in her arms, she was no match for the large man on the other side.

There was nothing Renae could do as the man forced his way inside, looming over her with a crazed look in his eyes. Her worst fears were realised when she saw the knife he was holding, its blade dangerously close to Shannah. He coldly ordered Renae to remove all her clothes, threatening to kill the baby if she refused. With the knife close to her child’s face, Renae had no choice but to comply. She stood naked in her living room while her daughter cried hysterically beside her. The man then demanded she perform oral sex on him, leaving Renae with no option but to submit to his horrifying demands.

When the man was satisfied, he thanked Renae and walked out of the house. Renae ran to the bathroom and immediately washed out her mouth. She then threw her clothes back on, grabbed her daughter, and ran across the street to the Hendricksons’ home.

Barbara took one look at Renae and immediately knew something was horribly wrong. Renae’s face was as white as a sheet, and she was hysterical as she rushed inside, clutching Shannah tightly while the little girl clung to her for dear life. Overwhelmed with terror at the thought of the man returning, Renae could barely speak as she tried to explain what had happened. Without hesitation, Barbara grabbed her shotgun, locked all the doors and windows, and the two women waited together for the police to arrive

When the authorities arrived, Renae told them what had happened. She would never forget the face of the man who sexually assaulted her and threatened her baby, so she was able to give them a good description. He was very tall, with frizzy reddish-brown hair, wearing blue jeans and a red and black plaid shirt. She thought he was in his early 20s and detected a faint odour of alcohol on his breath.

Immediately, the Snohomish County police had a good idea who the man responsible for Renae’s assault was. They had a mugshot in their records of a man with a known criminal background who matched Renae’s description perfectly. Two weeks after the attack, they showed Renae the mugshot, and the moment she saw it, she knew without a doubt it was the same man who had been haunting her nightmares.

The man’s name was Charles Rodman Campbell. However, it would be a little over a year before the police finally apprehended him.

During that time, the attack left Renae deeply traumatised. She lived in constant fear, haunted by the possibility of another assault. Sadly, the emotional strain of the ordeal took a heavy toll on her marriage to Jack. The couple separated, with Jack moving out of the house while Renae and Shannah remained in their Clearview home. Despite the separation, Renae and Jack remained on good terms, determined not to let their marriage breakdown affect Shannah.

With Jack gone, Renae spent her days consumed by paranoia, always looking over her shoulder and unable to shake the feeling of being watched. She kept her lights on at all times, terrified of the dark and never knowing if the man might return. But she was thankful for the unwavering support of her neighbours, who stood by her side during this difficult time.

Finally, in March 1976, Renae received the news she had been desperately praying for. The police had arrested Charles Campbell for burglary. The monster had been caught at last.

Charles Campbell’s Past

Charles Rodman Campbell was born on October 21st, 1954, in Hawaii to Betty Lou and Oliver Campbell. A few years after Campbell’s birth, Oliver left the Marines and moved the family to Snohomish County, Washington, where they settled permanently.

Campbell had three siblings, the youngest of whom was born with a severe disability affecting her hip joints. The stress of raising a large family, including a child with significant health challenges, took its toll on Oliver and Betty Lou. Both parents turned to alcohol, becoming severe alcoholics. According to Campbell, this environment led to severe abuse directed at him, though it’s unclear whether the other children experienced similar treatment.

Campbell also faced bullying at school. His Hawaiian descent made him stand out, and he was often teased about his disabled sister. When Campbell was 5 years old, a medical issue resulted in the removal of one of his testicles, which psychologists later suggested may have contributed to his behavioural issues throughout his childhood and into adulthood.

Amidst the drinking, fighting, and alleged abuse, Campbell grew into an angry and troubled child and began acting out in increasingly violent ways. He attended multiple elementary schools due to his aggressive behaviour and was eventually labelled as “behaviourally disordered.”

By the age of 10, he had also started drinking, following in his parents’ footsteps. His early criminal behaviour included vandalism, such as damaging a 2½-ton cattle truck with a friend. By 12, he was using drugs like speed and methamphetamine, and by 13, he had added heroin to his drug use. His behaviour continued to spiral out of control, and he eventually began taking large amounts of LSD regularly.

During this time, Campbell had no stable home life. His parents were too engrossed in their drinking to deal with him and would often send him to live with his grandparents instead. By the age of 15, he had all but stopped attending school and was deeply involved in criminal activity. He was caught with a friend vandalising a cemetery, pushing over headstones. An elementary school was broken into, and witnesses identified Campbell and a friend as the culprits, but there was not enough evidence to charge them. By the time he was 16, he was stealing cars and leading police on car chases.

In 1971, Oliver turned his son in to the police when he stole the family car. Angry at his father, Campbell made a phone call from custody to a friend and calmly asked the friend to murder his father in retaliation.

Unfortunately, his criminal behaviour persisted. By 17, he was charged with auto theft, resisting arrest, and threatening to kill the officers who arrested him. A few days later, he broke into his grandparents’ home and stole several of their guns, intending to sell them to fund a trip to California. During his arrest, he kicked out a window and coldly remarked,

“That’s to thank you for what you have done for me.”

Police noticed track marks on his arms and asked what drugs he had been using. Campbell replied,

“Everything except Kool-Aid and peanut butter.”

Campbell was sent to Green Hill Reformatory for boys in Chehalis for auto theft and placed on probation for second-degree burglary. He had no boundaries or limits, and no one seemed to know how to handle him. In fact, his mother, Betty Lou, had given up hope, with a police report stating,

“Mrs. Campbell states that she has given up hope for Charlie except for trying to get him to court. She would not bother reporting him gone and would just as soon that he never came back home.”

Ultimately, despite getting into trouble with the law, Campbell faced few serious consequences for his actions, often receiving little more than a slap on the wrist. This lack of accountability only reinforced his belief that he could do whatever he wanted without repercussions.

By the time Campbell was 19, he had somehow convinced a woman to marry him. The couple moved into a trailer near his grandparents’ home, but their marriage quickly descended into chaos. Police were frequently called to the property due to violent domestic disputes. Campbell beat his wife relentlessly, leaving her too terrified to report him. He even threatened to kill their dog, her mother, and her sister, instilling a constant sense of fear in her. Even her pregnancy did nothing to curb his violent tendencies.

In March 1974, their daughter was born, but Campbell’s behaviour only grew more disturbing. He would throw butcher knives at the baby’s crib when she cried and allegedly dangled her over the balcony of a 20-storey building. Unsurprisingly, the marriage did not last. In August 1974, when their daughter was just a few months old, Campbell’s wife filed for divorce and left him, taking their child with her. He was ordered to pay $75 a month in child support, but his visitation rights were revoked due to his history of physical abuse and neglect. A judge determined that he posed a serious threat to the safety and well-being of both his child and his ex-wife.

Just four months later, in December 1974, Charles Campbell, now a volatile and angry 20-year-old, showed up at Renae Wicklund’s home, sexually assaulted her, and threatened her baby.

Days after the assault, Campbell abruptly quit his job at a pizza restaurant, where he had been working under the fake name Dan Leslie Kile. Before leaving, he stole $1,200 from the cash register and vanished, never to return.

However, his absence from the police’s attention did not mean he had stopped offending. In April 1975, a 25-year-old University of Washington student called Hallie Ann Seaman disappeared. She was just two terms away from completing her master’s degree in architecture. The following day, her body was discovered hidden in bushes on Eastlake Avenue East in Seattle. She had been sexually assaulted and stabbed multiple times. Her station wagon was found burned out four miles south of where her body was located.

At the time, Hallie’s murder went unsolved and was never connected to Campbell. In fact, it remained a mystery for nearly five decades. In 2002, detectives analysed DNA evidence from Hallie’s murder and created a male genetic profile. However, this profile didn’t match any in CODIS – the FBI’s national database of DNA from certain felons – as Campbell’s crimes had occurred before CODIS was created in 1998, and his DNA had not been added to the system.

In 2019, new legislation in Washington expanded the criteria for DNA profiles in CODIS, allowing older cases to be included. As a result, Campbell’s DNA profile was added to the database. This led to a match with the DNA from Hallie’s case, identifying Campbell as the likely killer.

Tragically, Hallie Ann will never see justice for what Campbell did to her. However, her family can now find some solace in knowing the truth about her killer.

For over a year, Charles Campbell evaded the police, who were completely unaware of the horror he had inflicted on Hallie Ann. It wasn’t until January 1976 that Campbell returned to the police’s radar when he broke into someone’s home armed with a sawed-off shotgun. He was later found drinking at a nearby bar and was arrested and charged with second-degree burglary.

Shortly after his arrest, Renae was asked to identify him in a police lineup. Without hesitation, she pointed to Campbell as the man who had attacked her, officially connecting him to the assault. Campbell was subsequently charged with one count of first-degree assault with intent to kill and one count of sodomy.

When the case went to trial, Renae stood up and faced her attacker, testifying against him in court. She had to look him in the eyes as she recounted the horrific details of what he had done to her and the overwhelming fear she had endured that day. But she did it – a testament to her incredible bravery and courage. Barbara Hendrickson also took the stand, testifying about the harrowing events of that December day.

On April 21st, 1976, the jury found Campbell guilty. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison, with a minimum of 7 years. During his sentencing, his extensive criminal record was presented, and the consensus was clear: Charles Campbell was not fit to be on the streets. Combined with a conviction for the armed burglary which had got him arrested in the first place and carried a 15-year sentence and a 5-year minimum, Renae felt certain that Campbell would remain behind bars for a very long time.

On May 11th, 1976, Campbell began serving his sentence at Walla Walla State Penitentiary. For Renae, it was a moment of profound relief. Finally, after enduring the nightmare of the past year, she could think about rebuilding her life, piece by fragile piece — or so she believed.

The Tragedy of Jack Wicklund

The trauma of sexual assault never truly fades, but Renae did her best to rebuild her life. She worked as a beautician and also as an accountant for beauty salons. As a single mother, she was determined to set a strong example and ensure Shannah had everything she needed. She maintained friendly terms with her ex-husband and kept in regular contact with her in-laws, who lived nearby in Kitsap County, across Puget Sound. She could also rely on the Hendricksons across the street, who were always happy to lend a hand when needed. Things finally seemed to be improving.

That was until December 1977, when Renae received the devastating news that Jack had been attacked in his Seattle home by an intruder. Jack had answered his front door, thinking it was a delivery. A man carrying a package entered and wished Jack a Merry Christmas. Without warning, the man tied Jack to a chair, doused him with petrol, and set him on fire.

Miraculously, Jack survived, though only just. The burns he suffered were catastrophic, leaving him in excruciating pain with severe scarring. He was forced to wear a rubber suit to protect his damaged skin.

The attack on Jack left Renae paralysed by fear once again, constantly looking over her shoulder. Though Jack said he didn’t recognise his attacker, Renae was concerned the assault wasn’t random. Despite knowing it couldn’t have been Campbell—he was securely behind bars—she feared he had orchestrated the attack out of revenge.

Jack was both physically and emotionally shattered. He spiralled into a deep depression, and tragically, on April 29th, 1978, just five months after the attack, he was killed in a car accident while driving home from his parents’ house. He was just 37 years old.

The investigation revealed that Jack’s car had veered off the road and collided head-on with a tree, killing him instantly. There were no other vehicles involved, and the bend in the road was one Jack knew well, having driven it countless times before. The weather that night was clear, making it unlikely he had lost control of the vehicle by himself.

With no witnesses, the exact circumstances of his death remain a mystery. To this day, it is unclear whether it was a tragic accident, a deliberate act, or if someone had forced him off the road with malicious intent.

Renae was heartbroken, not just for herself but for Shannah, who had lost her father. Together, they worked through their grief, leaning on each other for strength. Renae chose to remain in Clearview, believing it was the best place to raise her daughter. As the years passed, Shannah thrived, embracing dance and developing an interest in playing the flute, just as her mother once had.

Though Renae found comfort in knowing Campbell would remain behind bars for years to come, she couldn’t shake her lingering unease. Determined to keep her home secure, she installed strong locks on all the windows and doors. She also adopted an Afghan hound, a loyal companion cherished by both her and Shannah. The dog not only brought joy but also provided them an added sense of security.

Over time, the years following Jack’s death began to pass, and gradually, Renae and Shannah once again started to rebuild their lives.

Footprints in the Snow

In the winter of 1981, Renae’s mother, Hilda Ahlers, visited from North Dakota. Hilda was unaware of the attack Renae had suffered seven years earlier. Fiercely independent and resilient, Renae had kept the ordeal to herself, not wanting to burden her mother with worry. However, during Hilda’s visit, a series of unsettling incidents began to occur, leaving her uneasy and questioning whether everything was truly as it seemed.

One evening, as the three of them relaxed in the living room, Renae’s dog, who was usually calm and quiet, suddenly started pacing and barking frantically. Renae tried to calm him, but he darted back and forth between the door and the window, growing increasingly agitated. Hilda thought about peeking outside but was too frightened by the prospect of what she might see. On another occasion, Hilda noticed Renae staring intently out of the window with an expression that unsettled her. The look on Renae’s face made it clear that something was amiss. Yet, unaware of the attack her daughter had endured, Hilda could not grasp the full significance of these troubling events or how much concern they warranted.

Then, in January 1982, Renae discovered large footprints in the snow beneath the windows. The house was set back from the road, which made the discovery all the more alarming. When she mentioned it to the Hendricksons, Don admitted that he, too, had seen similar footprints near his home. This revelation left Renae deeply disturbed.

A few weeks after Hilda returned home, Renae suffered yet another heartbreak. Her dog nipped a young child, forcing her to make the difficult decision to rehome him. Losing her loyal companion left Renae feeling exposed, her small sense of security now gone. But unbeknownst to her, Renae needed all the protection she could get. The strange events around her home, the footprints in the snow, were not peculiar at all. They were the calculated acts of Charles Campbell, who, after serving just six years behind bars, was once again roaming free.

Horror in Clearview

In April 1982, Renae was recovering from a severe case of strep throat. Barbara had been helping care for her by bringing over easy-to-swallow foods like homemade soups. Barbara had also been keeping an eye on eight-year-old Shannah, ensuring she got to school safely while her mother was recovering.

On Wednesday, April 14th, Barbara visited Renae in the morning as usual and promised to return later that day. That afternoon, as Barbara stepped outside to collect her mail, she met Shannah coming home from school and told her she would be over shortly. At approximately 4:20 p.m., Barbara borrowed Don’s watch to check Renae’s pulse and headed over to the Wicklund’s home. A couple of hours passed, and Don began to worry. He knew the two women could talk for hours, but with Renae feeling unwell and the fact that it was now past 6 p.m., he decided to check on them and walked across the road to Renae’s house.

He realised something was wrong the moment he saw the sliding glass doors leading into the kitchen slightly ajar. Don knew how safety-conscious Renae had been since the attack, and alarm bells immediately began to ring. As he stepped inside, the silence was oppressive. The house was eerily quiet; he had expected to hear Shannah somewhere, but all he could hear was the sound of running water from the kitchen tap. He turned the tap off and noticed a dining chair was knocked over. A chill crept down his spine.

With the hairs on the back of his neck standing on end, Don walked into the hallway leading to the bedrooms. That’s when he saw 51-year-old Barbara. His wife of 34 years, the love of his life, was lying on her back in a pool of blood. Her throat had been slashed from ear to ear, leaving a seven-inch wound. The blood had soaked into the carpet, and she had died from a massive haemorrhage. Don knelt beside her, but he knew she was gone.

Devastated and in shock, Don continued down the hallway. Shannah’s bedroom was empty, and for a brief moment, he felt a flicker of relief. He continued to Renae’s bedroom and tentatively opened the door, terrified of what he might see. Renae Wicklund’s brutalised body lay on the floor next to the bed. She was naked, lying on her back with her hands covering her breasts, her legs spread open as though her body had been staged. She had been beaten with a blunt instrument on her head, back, and upper chest. Her face had been savagely beaten, leaving her almost unrecognisable. Her autopsy would later reveal that nearly every bone in her face had been broken.

Renae had also been strangled, and her throat had been cut with a seven-inch wound, from which she had bled to death. She had been raped after her death, her genitals mutilated, and she had been vaginally assaulted with a blunt instrument, which left a one inch cut in her vaginal wall. The attack on Renae was so savage that it was deeply personal. Whoever had done this to her bore a profound animosity towards her.

Across the room lay the crumpled body of eight-year-old Shannah, face down in a pool of blood. Shannah had also been strangled, and her throat had been slashed with such force that she had practically been decapitated. She had lost so much blood that obtaining a sample for testing was difficult.

All three women had one of their earrings ripped from their ears.

Don had seen enough. He immediately called the police before stumbling out onto the street, overcome with grief. Snohomish County deputies arrived shortly afterwards, followed by homicide detectives. Don was utterly heartbroken. What he had witnessed in that house was something no one should ever have to see—a horror that would haunt him for the rest of his life.

Investigation: Tracking a Killer

It became clear that the killer had made no effort to cover his tracks or conceal his identity. There was blood in the sink where he had washed his hands, and a bloody handprint was clearly visible on a drinking glass left on the kitchen counter. Meanwhile, officers canvassing the neighbourhood received reports of a tall, bushy-haired man seen loitering near Renae’s home on the day of the murders. He was unsteady on his feet and appeared to be drunk. Witnesses also described an orange car backed into the woods behind Renae’s home, as well as a man running into the woods, most likely towards the parked car.

Detectives began piecing together a timeline of events. Their theory was that the killer had entered the house before Barbara arrived. Given the excessive violence Renae had endured compared to Barbara and Shannah, they deduced that Renae had been the primary target, while Barbara and Shannah were merely collateral damage.

After murdering Renae, the killer ransacked the house, stealing jewellery and other valuables he could sell. Shockingly, he then sat at the kitchen table and ate a sandwich.

It is believed that Shannah returned home from school and came face-to-face with the intruder. Tragically, a bloody shoeprint matching Shannah’s shoes was later found on Renae’s body. This suggests that, in her desperate attempt to escape, Shannah may have stepped on her mother’s mutilated body, witnessing the sickening scene before she, too, was murdered.

Barbara, it seemed, had let herself into the Wicklund home shortly after, likely calling out as she entered. Her body was found at the entrance of the hallway, as though she had been running for the door but was overpowered by someone far stronger. She was just a few feet from escape.

Don told the detectives that the only person he could think of who might wish to harm Renae was the man who had assaulted her eight years earlier. However, as far as he knew, that man was still behind bars – or so everyone believed. As a precaution, investigators decided to look into Renae’s attacker from 1974. What they uncovered was deeply unsettling. In 1981, just one year before Renae’s murder, Charles Campbell had been released on work release to a halfway house, supposedly for good behaviour, despite having a record of poor conduct in prison. To make matters worse, the halfway house was less than ten miles from Renae’s home, and Campbell had been seen driving past her house on multiple occasions. Shockingly, he had been released without Renae ever being notified.

A ‘Model’ Prisoner

What the records revealed was appalling. In May 1976, Campbell began serving his sentence for the attack on Renae at the high-security Walla Walla State Penitentiary. However, less than a month later, in June 1976, he was inexplicably transferred to the Washington State Reformatory in Monroe, a lower-security prison. Shockingly, Campbell’s own mother, Betty Lou, wrote a letter to the state warning that moving him to a lower-security facility was a terrible idea and would end very badly. According to Betty Lou, Campbell had “sexual issues” and “strange ideas about women.” She also claimed he had sexually assaulted their family dog while growing up. Campbell denied this accusation, instead admitting to strangling the dog to death for “not listening to him.”

Despite these alarming warnings, officials disregarded Betty Lou’s concerns and transferred Campbell to the reformatory regardless. True to his mother’s prediction, Campbell began causing trouble almost immediately. In September 1976, he was caught with a gallon of homemade liquor, brewed using yeast stolen from the reformatory kitchen. A year later, he assaulted an inmate, knocking him down and inflicting head injuries that required medical treatment. On New Year’s Eve 1977, Campbell went to hit at a nurse who refused to give him his medication before a guard intervened. In 1978, he kicked a cellmate in the groin. By 1979, he had sexually assaulted a roommate and threatened to kill him if he reported the incident.

Charles Campbell ruled his fellow inmates with terror, bullying the weaker ones to obtain drugs for him and to submit to sodomy. They were terrified of him, and he had earned the nickname “One Punch” because his fist was so powerful. Even the guards – who were aware of Campbell’s drug trafficking – were afraid of him and asked that he be transfer from Monroe to the state penitentiary at Walla Walla.

At some point during his time at the reformatory, Campbell had also became romantically involved with Judith Dirks, a substance-abuse counsellor at the facility. Their relationship ultimately led to Dirks being dismissed from her position. However, they continued to see each other after her dismissal, and she would go on to have a son with him in 1982.

Campbell underwent a psychological evaluation, which described him as a conflict-ridden man “who has declared war on society, all of whom he regards as mindless nitwits who are getting theirs and are now out to get him.” The report further stated that he was “uncaring of others, conscienceless, malevolently intolerable of the social order which imprisons him, and imminently harmful to all who directly or indirectly capture his attention or interest.” In short, he was deemed an extremely dangerous individual with no regard for anyone.

However, despite Campbell’s extensive history of violence and misconduct, he appeared before a parole board in 1981, where his mandatory sentence was waived, making him eligible for minimum-custody status. Astonishingly, this decision was made even though he had not served the minimum seven years required for parole eligibility. The board justified its decision based on paperwork that cited only three minor infractions during his first year at Monroe, leading them to believe Campbell was a model prisoner. Had the parole board been aware of the full extent of Campbell’s true behaviour, it is almost certain their decision would have been different.

But it gets worse. Washington State parole board would later discover that the Monroe Reformatory had failed to forward copies of hundreds of prison infractions to them. As a result, countless prisoners had been released without proper evaluation of their behaviour during incarceration. Campbell was just one of many who had been wrongly paroled under this deeply flawed system.

As a result of this catastrophic oversight, just a few months later, in September 1981, Campbell was transferred to an honor farm, a minimum-security facility focused on rehabilitation and preparing inmates for reintegration into society. A month later, he was moved to the Monroe Work Release facility as a cook. Work release programmes are designed to help inmates transition back into society by allowing them to work in the community while still serving their sentences. However, Campbell’s ex-wife, who had left him years earlier, taking their daughter to escape his abuse, reported that he had gone to her home on Christmas Day 1981 and raped her. She stated that he returned on two more occasions, leaving his work release to assault her. She reported the assaults in March 1982, but the police advised her that the case was too weak to pursue in court. No action was taken, and Campbell remained in the programme.

In February 1982, the Monroe programme was closed, and Campbell was transferred to the Everett work-release facility. Within his first 30 days there, he committed four infractions. One of these occurred in March, when a female officer reported him for having a can of beer on his bed. This angered him, as he particularly resented female officers writing him up, and he made no effort to hide his resentment. A hearing was held regarding his poor attitude and behaviour toward two female officers, but he was allowed to remain in the work-release programme.

More disturbingly, however, was the fact that this facility was located a mere 10 miles from Renae’s home. Despite being free for much of each day and housed just two blocks from the Snohomish County Courthouse, there was no notification to the sheriff’s office or to Renae. Tragically, it soon became clear that Campbell wasn’t merely working while released into the community. Within just six weeks, he would commit the triple homicide. It was a catastrophic failure of the justice system, one that left investigators and the community reeling as they grappled with how preventable this tragedy might have been.

The Arrest of Charles Campbell

Detectives visited the Everett work release programme to question Charles Campbell’s whereabouts. They were informed that on the evening of April 14th – after murdering Renae, Barbara, and Shannah – he had returned to the halfway house by curfew but was visibly intoxicated. He also tested positive for five different drugs: morphine, codeine, quinine, methadone, and cocaine. Given the strict rules against alcohol and drug use, Campbell was promptly sent back to the Monroe Reformatory.

Investigators collected DNA samples from him, and fingerprint analysis confirmed that his prints matched those found on a glass in the Wicklunds’ kitchen. During a search of his belongings, investigators matched his clothing to descriptions provided by witnesses who had seen a suspicious man loitering near the Wicklunds’ home on the day of the murders. They also discovered jewellery belonging to Renae and Shannah in his jacket pockets.

A search of Campbell’s car revealed that the tyres and underside were caked with mud. Blood was found on the driver’s side door handle, and further forensic analysis uncovered traces of blood matching all three victims. On the car seat, investigators discovered an earring, which a business associate of Renae’s identified as a birthday gift he had given to Shannah.

When investigators checked the job Campbell was supposed to be working at on the morning of April 14th, they found that he had never turned up. This meant that Charles Campbell had no alibi for the time of the murders. Furthermore, a fellow inmate from the work release programme came forward with vital information. He revealed that he had spent the evening drinking beers with Campbell by the Snohomish River and described him as unusually jittery and excitable. At one point, Campbell excused himself, drove to the riverbank, and began behaving suspiciously, as though trying to conceal something. The man also recalled that Campbell had earlier placed a blanket in the back of his car, further raising his suspicions.

Acting on this tip, police dispatched divers to the Snohomish River, where they uncovered a trove of evidence tied to the Wicklund home. Among the items recovered were a bracelet, earrings, necklaces, pottery, and brass ornaments—cherished pieces Renae had lovingly decorated her home with, some of which had been brought from her family farm.

On April 19th, 1982, Charles Campbell was charged with three counts of aggravated first-degree murder and booked into Snohomish County Jail.

From Trial to Execution: The End of a Nightmare

On May 1st, 1982, 27-year-old Charles Campbell appeared before Judge Dennis Britt and pleaded not guilty to the charge of aggravated first-degree murder. He was ordered to undergo psychiatric testing to assess his mental state and competency to stand trial. A psychiatrist who examined Campbell described him as having a “very unorthodox view of reality.” Campbell reportedly stated:

“The world has created me, and I am free to do what I want. There is no right or wrong, or anyone to tell me what to do.”

The trial began in November 1982 at Snohomish County Superior Court in Everett, Washington. The jury had been selected in Spokane, Washington, over 300 miles from Snohomish County, where the murders took place. This measure was taken to ensure a fair trial, given the extensive media coverage. Campbell refused to attend the jury selection process in Spokane, yet proceedings continued without disruption.

The defence argued that the police had unfairly focused on Campbell as a suspect due to his criminal history and prior connection to Renae, alleging that they had failed to explore other potential leads. However, this claim was unfounded, as the investigation had pursued various avenues before concluding Campbell’s involvement. The defence successfully had the sexual assault charges dismissed by arguing that Renae had been assaulted postmortem, which, they claimed, did not legally constitute sexual assault. Despite the coroner testifying that brain activity could continue for several minutes after death, and Renae may have been aware of the assault, the judge accepted the defence’s argument and dismissed the charges.

The prosecution had a much stronger case and presented multiple witnesses during the trial, including several who had seen Campbell in the area on the day of the murders. Witnesses testified to seeing him acting suspiciously and lurking in bushes near Renae Wicklund’s home. They also testified to seeing his car parked by the woods behind Renae’s house.

One key witness was Judith Dirks, Campbell’s girlfriend at the time of his arrest. Dirks testified that Campbell harboured a deep hatred towards Renae and Barbara, whom he blamed for his imprisonment. She revealed that Campbell had obtained court transcripts from his 1974 trial, which included Renae’s address. Using this information, he had stalked her, hiding in the trees near her home, and watching her carry groceries inside. Dirks also recalled that on the morning of the murders, Campbell had appeared at her house visibly drunk, bringing a six-pack of beer. Later that day, she noticed one of her large butcher knives, with a six-inch blade, was missing.

The prosecution also called additional witnesses who highlighted Campbell’s danger to women. One of the witnesses included a female friend whom the prosecutor claimed Campbell had attempted to rape on the day of the murders. At trial she testified that Campbell had made two passes at her which she rejected, and though Campbell never hurt her, she was upset and crying. She said he did tug at her clothes but backed off when told to. Additionally, Campbell’s ex-wife also testified about the sexual assaults she had endured after his early release, though her attempts to press charges had gone nowhere due to lack of evidence.

Another pivotal witness was the man who had accompanied Campbell to the Snohomish River on the night of the murders. The defence however attempted to shift blame onto this individual, suggesting he was equally capable of committing the crimes, though this strategy was ultimately ineffective.

Overall, numerous witness testimony and physical evidence made the case against Campbell overwhelming. Throughout the trial, he showed no remorse. He remained emotionless, even when confronted with graphic autopsy photographs. He barely spoke, instead scribbling macabre drawings of gravestones and nooses, which he held up for the courtroom to see.

On November 26th, 1982, after just four hours of jury deliberation, Charles Campbell was found guilty of three counts of aggravated first-degree murder. His motive was clear: revenge. Campbell could not forgive Renae for reporting his sexual assault to the police, and years of festering resentment had driven him to commit his horrific crimes.

On December 17th, 1982, Campbell was sentenced to death. At the time, death row inmates in Washington State could choose between hanging and lethal injection. Campbell, however, refused to choose, claiming that doing so would constitute cruel and unusual punishment akin to suicide, which he said was against his religion. The state made the choice for him: hanging. Campbell was returned to Walla Walla State Penitentiary to await execution.

Predictably, Campbell immediately filed a series of appeals, delaying his execution for over a decade. His first appeal concluded on November 6th, 1984, when the Washington State Supreme Court upheld his conviction and death sentence. The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear his case on April 29th, 1985.

His second appeal began in February 1986, but it was rejected by a U.S. District Court. This decision was upheld by the Ninth Circuit on October 6th, 1987, and the U.S. Supreme Court again declined to review the case on November 7th, 1988. On February 15th, 1989, the Snohomish County Superior Court scheduled his execution for March 30th, 1989, but another appeal delayed proceedings once more. On March 27th, 1989, a U.S. District Judge denied his second federal appeal, yet the Ninth Circuit issued a stay of execution the following day. On September 13th, 1991, Campbell filed his third federal appeal, which the U.S. Supreme Court dismissed on January 13th, 1992.

In 1993, the Washington State government appealed to the Supreme Court to resolve the case. After a debate regarding whether hanging constituted cruel and unusual punishment, a ruling on June 1st, 1993 concluded that hanging was not unconstitutional, as death was considered instantaneous.

Finally, on April 15th, 1994, the state lifted the stay of execution, scheduling Campbell’s execution for May 27th, 1994. He would become only the second person in the United States to be executed by hanging since 1965 and the last person to be executed in this manner in Washington State.

On May 27th, 1994, Charles Rodman Campbell faced justice at the gallows at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla. Finding an executioner willing to carry out a hanging proved challenging, as it had not been performed in 30 years. The state ultimately paid a significant sum to an individual whose identity remains protected to this day.

True to form, Campbell resisted until the very end. When guards arrived to remove him from his cell on death row and transfer him to the holding cell near the execution chamber, he was lying on the floor in a rigid foetal position and refused to comply with commands to be handcuffed. The guards were forced to use pepper spray to subdue him, cuff him, and transport him to the holding cell. A later search of his cell revealed homemade knives, suggesting Campbell had intended to continue resisting until the bitter end.

Shortly after midnight, corrections officers escorted Campbell the short distance from his holding cell to the execution area. He was so frightened at the thought of his own death that his legs would not support him, and he had to be assisted. His wrists and ankles were bound, and he was strapped to a board for support.

At 12:08 a.m., he was led into the execution chamber. According to some witnesses, he thrashed violently as the noose was placed around his neck. Eventually, the noose was secured, and his sentence was carried out as he dropped over 5 feet to his death. He offered no final words. Campbell, aged 39, was pronounced dead at 12:14 a.m.

Charles Campbell’s death was swift and painless—a stark contrast to the pain and terror he inflicted on Renae, Shannah, and Barbara.

Aftermath

After the murders, Campbell’s ex-wife successfully sued the state for negligence, arguing that if her rape allegations had been taken seriously, he might have been returned to prison, potentially saving three lives.

Renae’s mother, Hilda, also filed a negligence suit, asserting that the state had an obligation to inform victims when their attackers were released early. Renae had believed Campbell was serving 30 to 45 years behind bars, but the state’s failure to notify her of his early release left her vulnerable. Don Hendrickson made a similar argument, and both lawsuits resulted in a legal settlement.

One positive to come from this case was the implementation of a voluntary advance notification system in Washington State, which informs victims when their attackers are moved or released. While this came too late for Renae, Shannah, and Barbara, they would undoubtedly be comforted to know that something is in place to protect other victims down the line.

Don Hendrickson dedicated himself to supporting the families and friends of missing persons and victims of violent crimes. However, the trauma of his wife’s death and witnessing the massacre at the Wicklund home deeply affected him. He battled alcohol addiction and passed away in 1999. He was laid to rest beside his beloved Barbara.

Renae’s friends and family fought tirelessly for justice and change, despite enduring unimaginable trauma. Their strength and resilience leave behind a legacy of reform and remembrance that endures to this day.

Renae and Shannah Wicklund lie side by side in Jamestown, North Dakota, far from Clearview, Washington. Through it all, Renae’s courage shines brightly. Her determination to stand up for what was right and protect others remains an inspiration, even in the face of such unimaginable tragedy.