In 1986, 18-year-old Lachelle “Shelly” Jeannine Waite’s life was tragically cut short when her older sister, Annette, discovered her body in their family home in Phoenix, Arizona. For nearly four decades, the mystery of her death remained unsolved, leaving her family and the community in anguish. However, after relentless efforts by investigators, justice has finally begun to unfold. Alfred Earl Green, now 70, was arrested in late January on suspicion of first-degree murder in connection with Waite’s death. Green, who is already serving a life sentence for the 1988 murder of his ex-girlfriend Yolanda Taylor, has been formally charged in this case as well.
Waite’s death was ruled a homicide by strangulation, and investigators at the time found no signs of forced entry into the home. This led police to believe that the victim likely knew her killer, a theory that would later be confirmed through further investigation. In a tragic twist, detectives discovered that Green was acquainted with Waite through her boyfriend at the time, making this a particularly personal and devastating crime. Despite having a strong lead in the original investigation, insufficient evidence at the time forced the case to go cold. For years, the Waite family held onto the hope that one day, they would find answers.
In 2016, the Phoenix Police Department’s Cold Case Homicide Unit decided to revisit this case, which had become the department’s oldest unsolved homicide. Detectives dedicated themselves to reviewing the evidence, including a piece of evidence collected from the crime scene that, at the time, could not be processed due to the limitations of technology. In 2022, this evidence was submitted for advanced DNA testing, and it was through this breakthrough that detectives finally identified Green as the suspect. Over the course of nearly a decade, the Cold Case Unit worked tirelessly to locate witnesses, analyze evidence, and gather data, ultimately piecing together the puzzle that led to Green’s identification.
Green’s motive for the murder is still under investigation, but prosecutors have revealed chilling details about the crime. According to court documents, Green allegedly strangled Waite to death before stealing jewelry and a gun from the residence, which he then sold immediately after the murder. When asked to respond to these allegations during a court appearance, Green dismissed the prosecutors’ claims, stating, “I know she did a lot of lying,” referring to the prosecutor. Despite his defiance, the evidence against him is compelling, and he is expected to be arraigned on February 27.
For Shelly Waite’s family, the news of Green’s arrest has brought a mix of emotions—relief, grief, and a sense of closure they had long been denied. Shelly, a recent graduate of Maryvale High School, was remembered fondly by her community for her involvement in the school chorus, her love of dance, and her kindness as a tutor to her peers. Detective Dominick Roestenberg, who worked closely on the case, reflected on Shelly’s vibrant spirit, calling her “beautiful inside and out” and noting the immense potential she had before her life was taken. The case serves as a testament to the enduring dedication of law enforcement to seek justice, no matter how many years may pass.
As the case moves forward, the Waite family and the Phoenix community are reminded of the importance of perseverance and the impact of cold case units. Shelly’s story is one of tragedy, but it is also one of hope and the unyielding commitment to accountability. While no arrest can bring back the vibrant young woman who was lost far too soon, it offers a measure of peace to those who loved her and ensures that her memory will not be forgotten. The resolve of detectives like Roestenberg and the Cold Case Unit underscores the belief that justice, though delayed, is never truly denied.
