About this episode

This episode discusses the 1990 murders of Andy Atkinson and Cheryl Henry, exploring the investigation and eventual identification of the killer through DNA evidence decades later.

In August of 1990, 21-year-old North Carolina resident Andy Atkinson had moved to Houston, Texas to stay with his grandmother for the summer. While there, he met a young woman named Cheryl Henry and the two began dating. When they didn't return home after a night out, their family members grew worried. They were discovered murdered the next day in a secluded area known for being a Lovers Lane. Investigators wondered if the murders were related to a series of other crimes that had taken place within the vicinity. Despite numerous tips, they didn't receive a solid lead until a DNA sample tied to another case helped pinpoint the killer 36 years later. Episode Writer: Mia Roberson Related Episode: Ep. 127-The Murders of Patricia Mann and Jesse McBane Show Affiliates: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Skincare by SkinxErin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ -Use code MISSINGCAROLINAS10 for 10 percent off yourorder. ⁠⁠Weight Watchers Referral Link⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Dateline: Missing in America⁠⁠⁠⁠ Season 5 Out Now Social Media Coordinator: Jenna Brouse Find Us on Social Media! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠

People in this episode

Host: Missing in the Carolinas

Topics covered

• murders
• true crime
• DNA evidence
• cold cases
• North Carolina

Keywords

• Andy Atkinson
• Cheryl Henry
• murders
• DNA evidence
• cold case
• North Carolina
• true crime

Sponsors

Skincare by SkinxErin

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Weight Watchers, Dateline: Missing in America

Books & works: Ep. 127-The Murders of Patricia Mann and Jesse McBane

Places: North Carolina, Houston, Texas

More episodes of Missing in the Carolinas

• Ep. 188-Where is Vince Gilmer Now? · August 21, 2026 · 24 min
• Replay-Carolina Crimes from the 1950s and 60s · August 14, 2026 · 27 min
• Replay-The Murder of Jeni Gray and the Abduction of Leigh Cooper in Boone · August 7, 2026 · 26 min
• Ep. 187-Update on the Skyler Wilson Murder, Liz Waddell and Zelig Williams Disappearances · July 31, 2026 · 19 min
• Replay-The Business of Body Brokers · July 24, 2026 · 38 min

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