There was no shortage of suspects in the case, at least in the eyes of the Texas Rangers, while the local authorities stuck with their suspect, Youell Swinney. Swinney is the only suspect whose name will be mentioned on this web site.
Texas Ranger Suspects
Two Soldiers stationed at Fort Dix N.J. [also suspects in "Black Dahlia" murder]
Inmate at San Quenton [was identified for kidnapping and rape of a 22 year old Blonde nurse in California, [he was in prison at the time of the murders]
42 year old suspect from College Station, Texas was thought to have been in Texarkana at the time of the murders to visit his sister . He was supposed to be in possession of a .22 caliber rifle and enjoyed sneaking up on parked lovers. [latent prints did not match his]
32 year old Mechanic from Ft. Worth [latent prints did not match]
Graduate Student, University of Texas; having homosexual and homicidal tendencies, discharged from the Navy.
Feed Store Owner; Texarkana, Tx.
45 year old Farmer; Near Texarkana
IRS Agent accused of the crimes by an un-known informer [turned in by a disgruntled Tax payer no doubt]
Missouri Pacific Section Hand who had written a letter to the Governor of Texas in 1949 admitting to the killings but also admitted to the killing of SATAN. He also had challenged J. Edgar Hoover and Harry Truman to a gun duel. [mental case]
October 1961; a murderer and rapist in San Bernadino, California. Finger prints were compared to the latents and found NO match.
Texarkana Gas Station worker; an accused rapist [NO match of latent prints]
Although it was never proven as to who the real Phantom was, the main suspect was Youell Swinney shown in the middle of this photo taken at the Miller County Sheriff's office.
