The Tragic Homicide of Dr. Margo Prade: A Doctor's Last Day
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Chapter 1: The Discovery of a Gruesome Crime Scene
On the morning of November 26, 1997, just before Thanksgiving, Dr. Lorie Collins stepped outside Margo Prade's medical practice for a cigarette break. As she noticed Margo’s van still parked, she realized Margo had not arrived for work. Concerned, Lorie checked the van and was met with a horrifying sight: Margo lay slumped in the driver’s seat, drenched in blood. Frantically, Lorie called for emergency assistance, but it was too late; paramedics declared Margo dead at the scene.
Who could have committed such a heinous act?
Margo Prade, born Margo Schamberger on September 17, 1956, in Akron, Ohio, was the youngest of seven siblings and exceptionally bright, skipping the fifth grade. After high school, she attended Kent University, where she met Douglas Prade, a police officer. Their romance blossomed quickly, leading to marriage and the birth of two daughters, Kenya and Sahara. However, Margo’s commitment to her medical career strained their marriage, culminating in a divorce after two decades.
Following her separation, Margo began dating Thomas Houston, an educated lawyer.
Margo’s Murder Investigation
Upon investigation, authorities found a diamond bracelet left behind, leading them to initially suspect robbery. However, both the bracelet and Margo’s purse remained untouched. As they delved into her schedule, they discovered that Margo had called her practice that morning, indicating she was on her way to work. As more officers arrived, Douglas Prade, Margo’s ex-husband, learned of her murder while at the gym. Overwhelmed with grief, he offered his full cooperation to assist in the investigation.
Douglas claimed he was at the gym at the time of the murder and had an alibi confirmed by a blonde woman who was present. The police conducted a gunshot residue test on him, which returned negative, momentarily ruling him out as a suspect. The murder weapon was identified as a .38 caliber revolver, and a bite mark on Margo's shoulder suggested a personal attack.
The focus shifted to Thomas, Mar