Latest news with #ToyotaCelica
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Toyota Celica edges closer, may return with petrol power
Development work on a new sports car which may revive the lauded Toyota Celica name is well advanced, according to a senior Toyota executive – and it may pass on electrification and instead offer only internal combustion engine (ICE) power. The long-rumoured return of the Celica, a two-door sports coupe dropped from the global Toyota lineup after seven generations in 2006, was confirmed by a Toyota executive in Japan in late 2024. The comment by Toyota executive vice president Yuki Nakajima was perhaps premature given there's been no official word on a born-again Celica since then – neither from Japan nor Australia or the US, which would be a key market for a new sports coupe wearing the well-regarded Celica nameplate. Of course, it may also have been a pre-emptive strike in response to news that a former Celica showroom rival – the Honda Prelude – would be making a comeback in 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "To be honest, there is no sign of it right now," Nakajima-san said in translated comments reported by by Best Car Web in November. "However, there are many people within the company who are eagerly awaiting the Celica. So – I'm not sure if it's okay to say this in a public forum – but we're doing the Celica!" Release timing for the new Celica is yet to be confirmed, but dealers in the US have reportedly seen development versions of the vehicle, suggesting it is not far from showrooms and may be publicly revealed later this year – or early 2026. Speaking to US title Motor Trendrecently, Toyota Motor North America's product lead Cooper Ericksen said test mules for a suitable Celica replacement are at "pretty advanced" stages of development. "People are talking about it," Mr Ericksen told Motor Trend. "Bottom line is we are working on a product that could theoretically go by the Celica name if we can figure out how to pull it off and it gets approved." Mr Ericksen suggested the development vehicles shown to dealers and trundling around test tracks include non-hybrid versions, which would be in line with other Toyota GR-branded performance models like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR 86 and GR Supra. "Akio [Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation chairman] has said when it comes to specialised GR performance products, it is very difficult to replicate that emotional driving feel out on track with something other than traditional ICE," he said. While not ruling out hybrid or battery-electric versions of the would-be Celica, the Toyota US product boss hinted at a return to pure petrol power in an effort to make it affordable and entertaining to drive. "I'm not closing the door to a vehicle that is ultra lightweight, that has a super-advanced system but is still a traditional ICE. It could be something that does not have an electric drive," said Mr Ericksen. An ICE powertrain could also pave the way for a new Celica equipped with a manual gearbox – something Toyota offers with all four of its existing GR models. The Celica name has not been confirmed for the test cars Ericksen spoke about (there's also speculation around Toyota reviving the MR2 name), and it's not clear where the new model would fit into Toyota's GR range, which currently comprises the GR 86 ($43,940-$49,600 before on-road costs), GR Yaris ($55,490-$62,990), GR Corolla ($67,990-$70,490) and GR Supra ($86,295-$96,295). Previous versions of the Celica have typically been based on mid-size sedans – which in Australia included the Corona and, later, the Camry – and the most affordable versions weren't fast enough to be considered serious performance cars. The flagship Celica GT-Four – which was campaigned in the World Rally Championship – was arguably overshadowed in the 1990s by cult cars such as the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. A variant of the Celica called the Supra was introduced in the US in 1977, which became a model in its own right in 1986. Content originally sourced from: Development work on a new sports car which may revive the lauded Toyota Celica name is well advanced, according to a senior Toyota executive – and it may pass on electrification and instead offer only internal combustion engine (ICE) power. The long-rumoured return of the Celica, a two-door sports coupe dropped from the global Toyota lineup after seven generations in 2006, was confirmed by a Toyota executive in Japan in late 2024. The comment by Toyota executive vice president Yuki Nakajima was perhaps premature given there's been no official word on a born-again Celica since then – neither from Japan nor Australia or the US, which would be a key market for a new sports coupe wearing the well-regarded Celica nameplate. Of course, it may also have been a pre-emptive strike in response to news that a former Celica showroom rival – the Honda Prelude – would be making a comeback in 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "To be honest, there is no sign of it right now," Nakajima-san said in translated comments reported by by Best Car Web in November. "However, there are many people within the company who are eagerly awaiting the Celica. So – I'm not sure if it's okay to say this in a public forum – but we're doing the Celica!" Release timing for the new Celica is yet to be confirmed, but dealers in the US have reportedly seen development versions of the vehicle, suggesting it is not far from showrooms and may be publicly revealed later this year – or early 2026. Speaking to US title Motor Trendrecently, Toyota Motor North America's product lead Cooper Ericksen said test mules for a suitable Celica replacement are at "pretty advanced" stages of development. "People are talking about it," Mr Ericksen told Motor Trend. "Bottom line is we are working on a product that could theoretically go by the Celica name if we can figure out how to pull it off and it gets approved." Mr Ericksen suggested the development vehicles shown to dealers and trundling around test tracks include non-hybrid versions, which would be in line with other Toyota GR-branded performance models like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR 86 and GR Supra. "Akio [Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation chairman] has said when it comes to specialised GR performance products, it is very difficult to replicate that emotional driving feel out on track with something other than traditional ICE," he said. While not ruling out hybrid or battery-electric versions of the would-be Celica, the Toyota US product boss hinted at a return to pure petrol power in an effort to make it affordable and entertaining to drive. "I'm not closing the door to a vehicle that is ultra lightweight, that has a super-advanced system but is still a traditional ICE. It could be something that does not have an electric drive," said Mr Ericksen. An ICE powertrain could also pave the way for a new Celica equipped with a manual gearbox – something Toyota offers with all four of its existing GR models. The Celica name has not been confirmed for the test cars Ericksen spoke about (there's also speculation around Toyota reviving the MR2 name), and it's not clear where the new model would fit into Toyota's GR range, which currently comprises the GR 86 ($43,940-$49,600 before on-road costs), GR Yaris ($55,490-$62,990), GR Corolla ($67,990-$70,490) and GR Supra ($86,295-$96,295). Previous versions of the Celica have typically been based on mid-size sedans – which in Australia included the Corona and, later, the Camry – and the most affordable versions weren't fast enough to be considered serious performance cars. The flagship Celica GT-Four – which was campaigned in the World Rally Championship – was arguably overshadowed in the 1990s by cult cars such as the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. A variant of the Celica called the Supra was introduced in the US in 1977, which became a model in its own right in 1986. Content originally sourced from: Development work on a new sports car which may revive the lauded Toyota Celica name is well advanced, according to a senior Toyota executive – and it may pass on electrification and instead offer only internal combustion engine (ICE) power. The long-rumoured return of the Celica, a two-door sports coupe dropped from the global Toyota lineup after seven generations in 2006, was confirmed by a Toyota executive in Japan in late 2024. The comment by Toyota executive vice president Yuki Nakajima was perhaps premature given there's been no official word on a born-again Celica since then – neither from Japan nor Australia or the US, which would be a key market for a new sports coupe wearing the well-regarded Celica nameplate. Of course, it may also have been a pre-emptive strike in response to news that a former Celica showroom rival – the Honda Prelude – would be making a comeback in 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "To be honest, there is no sign of it right now," Nakajima-san said in translated comments reported by by Best Car Web in November. "However, there are many people within the company who are eagerly awaiting the Celica. So – I'm not sure if it's okay to say this in a public forum – but we're doing the Celica!" Release timing for the new Celica is yet to be confirmed, but dealers in the US have reportedly seen development versions of the vehicle, suggesting it is not far from showrooms and may be publicly revealed later this year – or early 2026. Speaking to US title Motor Trendrecently, Toyota Motor North America's product lead Cooper Ericksen said test mules for a suitable Celica replacement are at "pretty advanced" stages of development. "People are talking about it," Mr Ericksen told Motor Trend. "Bottom line is we are working on a product that could theoretically go by the Celica name if we can figure out how to pull it off and it gets approved." Mr Ericksen suggested the development vehicles shown to dealers and trundling around test tracks include non-hybrid versions, which would be in line with other Toyota GR-branded performance models like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR 86 and GR Supra. "Akio [Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation chairman] has said when it comes to specialised GR performance products, it is very difficult to replicate that emotional driving feel out on track with something other than traditional ICE," he said. While not ruling out hybrid or battery-electric versions of the would-be Celica, the Toyota US product boss hinted at a return to pure petrol power in an effort to make it affordable and entertaining to drive. "I'm not closing the door to a vehicle that is ultra lightweight, that has a super-advanced system but is still a traditional ICE. It could be something that does not have an electric drive," said Mr Ericksen. An ICE powertrain could also pave the way for a new Celica equipped with a manual gearbox – something Toyota offers with all four of its existing GR models. The Celica name has not been confirmed for the test cars Ericksen spoke about (there's also speculation around Toyota reviving the MR2 name), and it's not clear where the new model would fit into Toyota's GR range, which currently comprises the GR 86 ($43,940-$49,600 before on-road costs), GR Yaris ($55,490-$62,990), GR Corolla ($67,990-$70,490) and GR Supra ($86,295-$96,295). Previous versions of the Celica have typically been based on mid-size sedans – which in Australia included the Corona and, later, the Camry – and the most affordable versions weren't fast enough to be considered serious performance cars. The flagship Celica GT-Four – which was campaigned in the World Rally Championship – was arguably overshadowed in the 1990s by cult cars such as the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. A variant of the Celica called the Supra was introduced in the US in 1977, which became a model in its own right in 1986. Content originally sourced from: Development work on a new sports car which may revive the lauded Toyota Celica name is well advanced, according to a senior Toyota executive – and it may pass on electrification and instead offer only internal combustion engine (ICE) power. The long-rumoured return of the Celica, a two-door sports coupe dropped from the global Toyota lineup after seven generations in 2006, was confirmed by a Toyota executive in Japan in late 2024. The comment by Toyota executive vice president Yuki Nakajima was perhaps premature given there's been no official word on a born-again Celica since then – neither from Japan nor Australia or the US, which would be a key market for a new sports coupe wearing the well-regarded Celica nameplate. Of course, it may also have been a pre-emptive strike in response to news that a former Celica showroom rival – the Honda Prelude – would be making a comeback in 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "To be honest, there is no sign of it right now," Nakajima-san said in translated comments reported by by Best Car Web in November. "However, there are many people within the company who are eagerly awaiting the Celica. So – I'm not sure if it's okay to say this in a public forum – but we're doing the Celica!" Release timing for the new Celica is yet to be confirmed, but dealers in the US have reportedly seen development versions of the vehicle, suggesting it is not far from showrooms and may be publicly revealed later this year – or early 2026. Speaking to US title Motor Trendrecently, Toyota Motor North America's product lead Cooper Ericksen said test mules for a suitable Celica replacement are at "pretty advanced" stages of development. "People are talking about it," Mr Ericksen told Motor Trend. "Bottom line is we are working on a product that could theoretically go by the Celica name if we can figure out how to pull it off and it gets approved." Mr Ericksen suggested the development vehicles shown to dealers and trundling around test tracks include non-hybrid versions, which would be in line with other Toyota GR-branded performance models like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR 86 and GR Supra. "Akio [Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation chairman] has said when it comes to specialised GR performance products, it is very difficult to replicate that emotional driving feel out on track with something other than traditional ICE," he said. While not ruling out hybrid or battery-electric versions of the would-be Celica, the Toyota US product boss hinted at a return to pure petrol power in an effort to make it affordable and entertaining to drive. "I'm not closing the door to a vehicle that is ultra lightweight, that has a super-advanced system but is still a traditional ICE. It could be something that does not have an electric drive," said Mr Ericksen. An ICE powertrain could also pave the way for a new Celica equipped with a manual gearbox – something Toyota offers with all four of its existing GR models. The Celica name has not been confirmed for the test cars Ericksen spoke about (there's also speculation around Toyota reviving the MR2 name), and it's not clear where the new model would fit into Toyota's GR range, which currently comprises the GR 86 ($43,940-$49,600 before on-road costs), GR Yaris ($55,490-$62,990), GR Corolla ($67,990-$70,490) and GR Supra ($86,295-$96,295). Previous versions of the Celica have typically been based on mid-size sedans – which in Australia included the Corona and, later, the Camry – and the most affordable versions weren't fast enough to be considered serious performance cars. The flagship Celica GT-Four – which was campaigned in the World Rally Championship – was arguably overshadowed in the 1990s by cult cars such as the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. A variant of the Celica called the Supra was introduced in the US in 1977, which became a model in its own right in 1986. Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
5 days ago
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Toyota Celica edges closer, may return with petrol power
Development work on a new sports car which may revive the lauded Toyota Celica name is well advanced, according to a senior Toyota executive – and it may pass on electrification and instead offer only internal combustion engine (ICE) power. The long-rumoured return of the Celica, a two-door sports coupe dropped from the global Toyota lineup after seven generations in 2006, was confirmed by a Toyota executive in Japan in late 2024. The comment by Toyota executive vice president Yuki Nakajima was perhaps premature given there's been no official word on a born-again Celica since then – neither from Japan nor Australia or the US, which would be a key market for a new sports coupe wearing the well-regarded Celica nameplate. Of course, it may also have been a pre-emptive strike in response to news that a former Celica showroom rival – the Honda Prelude – would be making a comeback in 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. 'To be honest, there is no sign of it right now,' Nakajima-san said in translated comments reported by by Best Car Web in November. 'However, there are many people within the company who are eagerly awaiting the Celica. So – I'm not sure if it's okay to say this in a public forum – but we're doing the Celica!' Release timing for the new Celica is yet to be confirmed, but dealers in the US have reportedly seen development versions of the vehicle, suggesting it is not far from showrooms and may be publicly revealed later this year – or early 2026. Speaking to US title Motor Trend recently, Toyota Motor North America's product lead Cooper Ericksen said test mules for a suitable Celica replacement are at 'pretty advanced' stages of development. 'People are talking about it,' Mr Ericksen told Motor Trend. 'Bottom line is we are working on a product that could theoretically go by the Celica name if we can figure out how to pull it off and it gets approved.' Mr Ericksen suggested the development vehicles shown to dealers and trundling around test tracks include non-hybrid versions, which would be in line with other Toyota GR-branded performance models like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR 86 and GR Supra. 'Akio [Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation chairman] has said when it comes to specialised GR performance products, it is very difficult to replicate that emotional driving feel out on track with something other than traditional ICE,' he said. While not ruling out hybrid or battery-electric versions of the would-be Celica, the Toyota US product boss hinted at a return to pure petrol power in an effort to make it affordable and entertaining to drive. 'I'm not closing the door to a vehicle that is ultra lightweight, that has a super-advanced system but is still a traditional ICE. It could be something that does not have an electric drive,' said Mr Ericksen. An ICE powertrain could also pave the way for a new Celica equipped with a manual gearbox – something Toyota offers with all four of its existing GR models. The Celica name has not been confirmed for the test cars Ericksen spoke about (there's also speculation around Toyota reviving the MR2 name), and it's not clear where the new model would fit into Toyota's GR range, which currently comprises the GR 86 ($43,940-$49,600 before on-road costs), GR Yaris ($55,490-$62,990), GR Corolla ($67,990-$70,490) and GR Supra ($86,295-$96,295). Previous versions of the Celica have typically been based on mid-size sedans – which in Australia included the Corona and, later, the Camry – and the most affordable versions weren't fast enough to be considered serious performance cars. The flagship Celica GT-Four – which was campaigned in the World Rally Championship – was arguably overshadowed in the 1990s by cult cars such as the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.
Perth Now
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Toyota Celica edges closer, may return with petrol power
Development work on a new sports car which may revive the lauded Toyota Celica name is well advanced, according to a senior Toyota executive – and it may pass on electrification and instead offer only internal combustion engine (ICE) power. The long-rumoured return of the Celica, a two-door sports coupe dropped from the global Toyota lineup after seven generations in 2006, was confirmed by a Toyota executive in Japan in late 2024. The comment by Toyota executive vice president Yuki Nakajima was perhaps premature given there's been no official word on a born-again Celica since then – neither from Japan nor Australia or the US, which would be a key market for a new sports coupe wearing the well-regarded Celica nameplate. Of course, it may also have been a pre-emptive strike in response to news that a former Celica showroom rival – the Honda Prelude – would be making a comeback in 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'To be honest, there is no sign of it right now,' Nakajima-san said in translated comments reported by by Best Car Web in November. 'However, there are many people within the company who are eagerly awaiting the Celica. So – I'm not sure if it's okay to say this in a public forum – but we're doing the Celica!' Release timing for the new Celica is yet to be confirmed, but dealers in the US have reportedly seen development versions of the vehicle, suggesting it is not far from showrooms and may be publicly revealed later this year – or early 2026. Speaking to US title Motor Trend recently, Toyota Motor North America's product lead Cooper Ericksen said test mules for a suitable Celica replacement are at 'pretty advanced' stages of development. 'People are talking about it,' Mr Ericksen told Motor Trend. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'Bottom line is we are working on a product that could theoretically go by the Celica name if we can figure out how to pull it off and it gets approved.' Mr Ericksen suggested the development vehicles shown to dealers and trundling around test tracks include non-hybrid versions, which would be in line with other Toyota GR-branded performance models like the GR Yaris, GR Corolla, GR 86 and GR Supra. 'Akio [Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation chairman] has said when it comes to specialised GR performance products, it is very difficult to replicate that emotional driving feel out on track with something other than traditional ICE,' he said. While not ruling out hybrid or battery-electric versions of the would-be Celica, the Toyota US product boss hinted at a return to pure petrol power in an effort to make it affordable and entertaining to drive. 'I'm not closing the door to a vehicle that is ultra lightweight, that has a super-advanced system but is still a traditional ICE. It could be something that does not have an electric drive,' said Mr Ericksen. Supplied Credit: CarExpert An ICE powertrain could also pave the way for a new Celica equipped with a manual gearbox – something Toyota offers with all four of its existing GR models. The Celica name has not been confirmed for the test cars Ericksen spoke about (there's also speculation around Toyota reviving the MR2 name), and it's not clear where the new model would fit into Toyota's GR range, which currently comprises the GR 86 ($43,940-$49,600 before on-road costs), GR Yaris ($55,490-$62,990), GR Corolla ($67,990-$70,490) and GR Supra ($86,295-$96,295). Previous versions of the Celica have typically been based on mid-size sedans – which in Australia included the Corona and, later, the Camry – and the most affordable versions weren't fast enough to be considered serious performance cars. The flagship Celica GT-Four – which was campaigned in the World Rally Championship – was arguably overshadowed in the 1990s by cult cars such as the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. A variant of the Celica called the Supra was introduced in the US in 1977, which became a model in its own right in 1986.
West Australian
5 days ago
- Automotive
- West Australian
Toyota Celica edges closer, may return with petrol power
Development work on a new sports car which may revive the lauded Toyota Celica name is well advanced, according to a senior Toyota executive – and it may pass on electrification and instead offer only internal combustion engine (ICE) power. The long-rumoured return of the Celica, a two-door sports coupe dropped from the global Toyota lineup after seven generations in 2006, was confirmed by a Toyota executive in Japan in late 2024. The comment by Toyota executive vice president Yuki Nakajima was perhaps premature given there's been no official word on a born-again Celica since then – neither from Japan nor Australia or the US, which would be a key market for a new sports coupe wearing the well-regarded Celica nameplate. Of course, it may also have been a pre-emptive strike in response to news that a former Celica showroom rival – the Honda Prelude – would be making a comeback in 2026. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now . 'To be honest, there is no sign of it right now,' Nakajima-san said in translated comments reported by by Best Car Web in November. 'However, there are many people within the company who are eagerly awaiting the Celica. So – I'm not sure if it's okay to say this in a public forum – but we're doing the Celica!' Release timing for the new Celica is yet to be confirmed, but dealers in the US have reportedly seen development versions of the vehicle, suggesting it is not far from showrooms and may be publicly revealed later this year – or early 2026. Speaking to US title Motor Trend recently, Toyota Motor North America's product lead Cooper Ericksen said test mules for a suitable Celica replacement are at 'pretty advanced' stages of development. 'People are talking about it,' Mr Ericksen told Motor Trend. 'Bottom line is we are working on a product that could theoretically go by the Celica name if we can figure out how to pull it off and it gets approved.' Mr Ericksen suggested the development vehicles shown to dealers and trundling around test tracks include non-hybrid versions, which would be in line with other Toyota GR-branded performance models like the GR Yaris , GR Corolla , GR 86 and GR Supra . 'Akio [Toyoda, Toyota Motor Corporation chairman] has said when it comes to specialised GR performance products, it is very difficult to replicate that emotional driving feel out on track with something other than traditional ICE,' he said. While not ruling out hybrid or battery-electric versions of the would-be Celica, the Toyota US product boss hinted at a return to pure petrol power in an effort to make it affordable and entertaining to drive. 'I'm not closing the door to a vehicle that is ultra lightweight, that has a super-advanced system but is still a traditional ICE. It could be something that does not have an electric drive,' said Mr Ericksen. An ICE powertrain could also pave the way for a new Celica equipped with a manual gearbox – something Toyota offers with all four of its existing GR models. The Celica name has not been confirmed for the test cars Ericksen spoke about (there's also speculation around Toyota reviving the MR2 name), and it's not clear where the new model would fit into Toyota's GR range, which currently comprises the GR 86 ($43,940-$49,600 before on-road costs), GR Yaris ($55,490-$62,990), GR Corolla ($67,990-$70,490) and GR Supra ($86,295-$96,295). Previous versions of the Celica have typically been based on mid-size sedans – which in Australia included the Corona and, later, the Camry – and the most affordable versions weren't fast enough to be considered serious performance cars. The flagship Celica GT-Four – which was campaigned in the World Rally Championship – was arguably overshadowed in the 1990s by cult cars such as the Subaru Impreza WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. A variant of the Celica called the Supra was introduced in the US in 1977, which became a model in its own right in 1986.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Yahoo
Another victim identified, linked to California's notorious 'Scorecard Killer'
Authorities have identified a man who was found dead along a highway in Oregon more than 40 years ago, and whose death may be linked to California's infamous 'Scorecard Killer,' who targeted young men in the 1970s and 1980s. Oregon State Police Capt. Kyle Kennedy said the man was identified as 30-year-old Larry Eugene Parks, a Vietnam veteran whose family had lost contact with him in 1979. Parks' body was found on July 18, 1980, along Interstate 5 and about a mile south of Woodburn, a suburb of Marion County, Ore. Despite extensive efforts to identify him, Parks remained a John Doe until authorities identified him last month but did not disclose it until recently. Authorities have linked Parks' death to Randy Kraft, who was convicted of murdering 16 young men in Orange County in 1989 and became known as the 'Scorecard Killer." His nickname came from a handwritten list police said they found in the trunk of his brown Toyota Celica. Prosecutors described it as a 'death list' during Kraft's trial and said it showed each person he had killed. Although he was convicted of 16 murders, authorities believe Kraft may have killed more than 60 people across California, Oregon and Michigan. Most of the victims were men in their late teens and mid-20s, some which were members of the military. Parks' body was found just a day after 17-year-old Michael O'Fallon had been found dead along the same interstate near the Talbot Road exit in Marion County. 'Due to similarities in the evidence, investigators at the time suspected the two murders were related,' Kennedy said. 'Unfortunately, both investigations went cold as investigative leads dried up.' O'Fallon's death was later linked to Kraft when investigators said they found a camera in his garage following his arrest in 1983. O'Fallon's mother's initials were inscribed on the camera, which she identified during Kraft's trial. The killing spree occurred as authorities were trying to hunt down William G. Bonin, a former Downey truck driver known as the Freeway Killer. But the bodies of young men continued to stack up after Bonin's capture, leading investigators to believe another killer was on the loose. That chase ended when two California Highway Patrol officers pulled Kraft over in 1983 and discovered a dead Marine in the front seat. Kennedy said the renewed effort to identify Parks began in January when the Orange County Sheriff's Department reached out to the Oregon State Police Cold Case Unit, offering to help identify the victim using investigative genetic genealogy, a popular tool that helps investigators generate leads in cold cases. As part of that effort, Kennedy said, the victim's blood sample was sent to a lab, which created a genetic profile. Investigators were able to use the information to locate possible family members that eventually led to the identity of Parks. Parks is the latest victim to be identified and linked to the convicted serial killer. Two years ago, authorities used the same tool to identify 17-year-old Michael Ray Schlicht. Kennedy said Oregon State Police's Cold Case Unit is now working to bring the case to a close. 'Ultimately, it will be up to the Marion County District Attorney's Office to determine if the case will be prosecuted once the case is submitted for review,' he said. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
