Neighbors still on edge one month after Mishawaka murder

MISHAWAKA – It has been almost a month since 84-year-old Lois Hickey was stabbed and beaten to death inside her Mishawaka home. Police have not been able to pinpoint a suspect, leaving some neighbors very uncomfortable.
 
Police said they are still actively interviewing people on this case. Neighbors actually reached out to WSBT. They’re frustrated, scared and most of all anxious because the killer is still out there.
 
“It’s like it happened one weekend, they came in, cleaned it up and left and we haven't seen anything since," said neighbor Christine Enyeart.
 
For Enyeart, East Donaldson Street may never recover.
 
"We are very much still on edge because there’s someone out there that's capable of doing this," she said.
 
Hickey had lived on East Donaldson more than 30 years. Police said they found her stabbed and beaten to death one morning in December.
 
No clues have led them to catch the killer.
 
"I understand that murders go unsolved, I understand that crimes may never be, people may never be brought to jail, but what I don't understand is why we haven't heard anything from the local police department," Enyeart said.
 
Police tell us they're still waiting on forensic and lab tests to return – and they are still actively interviewing people.
 
"I respect our police department but I need some comfort to know they are working hard and diligently to find out what happened to Lois," she said.
 
Other neighbors like Enyeart were too afraid to go on camera – but many of them all have one thing in common – they're ready to be advocates and they said they'll push police for answers.
 
"If we don't speak up, who is?” Enyeart said. “Sweet kind 84-year-old lady who didn't deserve for this to happen to her, and she has to have a voice and the people in this neighborhood will have a voice for her."
 
Neighbors said nothing has changed on their street since the incident. They said they haven't seen any extra patrols or police.
 
The Homicide Unit is handling the investigation, but Mishawaka Police said they have increased patrols in that area, especially on weekends.
 
If you live in that neighborhood and don't feel safe, call the Mishawaka Police Department at 574-258-1678 and ask to speak with Lt. Tim Williams about this case.