5 chilling details about Alice Hufnagle's murder
The murder of Alice Hufnagle shook the East Norriton Township of Pennsylvania as she was found dead in her own home on November 23, 2002. The crime was jarring for her family, friends, and community.
Oxygen's Philly Homicide delves deep into the investigation and its revelations. In this episode, the plot revolves around a murder case that took place in a Philadelphia suburb. Alice, a 67-year-old pharmacy technician and mother of six, had her life cut short in an act of violence perpetrated by someone she was familiar with.
Detectives very soon realized that the killer could be closer to the family than initially thought. The investigation takes viewers through twists and turns as detectives interrogate the victim's inner circle, including family, friends, and acquaintances. This episode aired on December 21, 2024, on Oxygen at 9 pm ET/PT.
Five unsettling details about Alice Hufnagle's murder
1) An acquaintance turned fatal
Alice Hufnagle was acquainted with her coworker Jeffrey Vample at the Giant Foods supermarket, where she was working. Vample was an employee of the merchandising division and became obsessed with Alice. His obsession turned darker when he broke into her house to assault her, which tragically led to her death.
2) A discovery by Alice's estranged husband
On November 23, 2002, morning, Alice's estranged husband arrived at her residence to fix a clogged toilet. Upon entering, he discovered her body lifeless in an upstairs bedroom. She was partly naked and restrained with duct tape and the apparent signs suggested that she was r*ped.
3) Key forensic evidence
The crime scene contained important forensic evidence that assisted investigators. Authorities discovered that Alice was first r*ped and subsequently strangled to death.
Blood, hair, and body fluids present in the scene were analyzed. The findings indicated that the fluids were from Alice and an unidentified person. Hair samples found on her body were also examined which indicated that the hair was recently dyed. This pointed investigators toward Vample who often dyed his hair.
4) Killer's diary and other evidence
A search of Jeffrey Vample's home revealed some incriminating evidence. Police found a calendar where Vample had marked November 23, 2002, with the phrases "My Love" and "What a Day."
They also discovered a blood-stained mask that was similar to the one used in the movie Scream, a roll of duct tape containing Alice Hufnagle's hair, and blood-stained white panties. Further investigation uncovered video recordings of women at his workplace, women taking part is se*ual acts, and personal items from other victims.
5) The confession of the convict
Though Vample initially denied his involvement, he later confessed to breaking into Alice Hufnagle's home. He said he planned to have s*x with her and mentioned how he hurt his hand as he entered through the window.
Alice recognized him while he was assaulting her and thus, he had to kill her to ensure she wouldn't identify him. In court, Vample pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty. He was charged with first-degree murder, r*pe, and burglary and given a life sentence. Currently, he remains incarcerated at SCI Houtzdale in Pennsylvania.
For more details on Alice Hufnagle's murder tune into Philly Homicide on Oxygen.
