Syrl Orbach

Date Found: July 1, 1982

Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Investigating Agency: Oklahoma City Police Department

(405) 297-1180

On July 1, 1982, an elderly couple, Syrl and Christine Orbach, were discovered murdered in their Oklahoma City home. They had been violently beaten and their throats were slashed.

The Orbachs’ home was up for sale, and it is believed that the killer entered under the pretense of being a potential buyer. Christine was last heard on the phone with a friend, saying, “Jan, Sy just let a man in the house. Hold on a minute.” After a pause, she added, “Jan, I’ve got to go show him the house. Call me back. We’ll be home all day.”

Approximately 30-60 minutes later, a man was seen driving the Orbachs’ family station wagon up to their home. Witnesses described him as having a ruddy complexion, with a solid build, around six feet tall, 180 pounds, and appearing to be between 35 and 40 years old. He had wavy, sandy or reddish blond hair and was wearing a pink shirt and blue pants. That evening, the station wagon was found abandoned in a nearby shopping center parking lot, soaked in blood.

Despite various theories, the case quickly went cold, and no substantial leads have ever been found.

It has been 42 years with no answers. If you have any information about this case, please contact Detective Mike Burke at (405) 297-1127.You can also submit a tip anonymously to your local law enforcement agency.