Crime Junkie MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF: Rowena Wilkinson Zapalac
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Dec 8, 2025 Rowena Wilkinson Zapalac's mysterious death was ruled a suicide, but her family believes foul play is involved. They uncovered alarming inconsistencies in the crime scene, including bruises and suspicious evidence that contradicted initial findings. The investigation led to potential connections to a local man and even a serial killer's confession. With new interest from authorities and a petition to reclassify Rowena's death as homicide, the case highlights small-town silence and the dangers of swift conclusions in tragic circumstances.
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Family Cleans Scene And Sees Missing Details
- Jolita Wilkinson discovered police told her family Rowena died by suicide via masturbation, a claim that shocked them.
- She and her father cleaned Rowena's apartment and saw unexplained pennies, a bloody broken acrylic nail, a wet shower, and broken glass that weren't recorded.
Autopsy Shows Signs Of A Struggle
- The autopsy documented bruises suggesting Rowena was gripped from behind and scratches on her neck, which point to a struggle.
- Investigators nevertheless concluded no sexual assault and moved quickly to close the case.
Forensics Not Fully Pursued
- Bed sheets had diluted blood, sperm on the sheets, sperm inside Rowena, and hairs not belonging to her.
- Yet forensic follow-up was limited to basic blood-typing and investigators dismissed sexual assault without thorough testing.