Houston police arrest suspect in 1990 'Lovers' Lane' cold case murders

Floyd William Parrott, 64, charged with capital murder for killings of Cheryl Henry and Andy Atkinson

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:04am

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Houston police have arrested Floyd William Parrott, 64, in connection with the 1990 murders of Cheryl Henry, 22, and Garland 'Andy' Atkinson, 21, known as the 'Lovers' Lane' killings. Parrott, who has a history of impersonating law enforcement, was identified as a suspect after his DNA was linked to evidence from the crime scene and a previous sexual assault case.

Why it matters

The 'Lovers' Lane' murders have remained unsolved for over 30 years, leaving the victims' families without closure. Parrott's arrest brings hope that justice can be served, while also raising concerns about his alleged history of impersonating police officers and potentially committing other crimes.

The details

Henry and Atkinson were found dead near their car in a Houston cul-de-sac in August 1990. Both had their necks cut with knives and were tied up with rope, and Henry was also sexually assaulted. At least 100 potential suspects were investigated over the decades, but Parrott was not one of them until recently. In late 2025, a Houston police sergeant followed up on a tip that named Parrott, and found a 1996 report in which Parrott was a suspect in a sexual assault case, with his DNA later matching evidence from that crime and the 1990 murders.

  • On August 23, 1990, the victims' car was found parked in a Houston cul-de-sac.
  • In May 1988, Parrott was arrested for impersonating a police officer.
  • In May 1990, Parrott was again arrested for impersonating a police officer, and was out on bond when the June 1990 sexual assault and the August 1990 murders occurred.
  • In late 2025, a Houston police sergeant found a 1996 report linking Parrott to a sexual assault case, leading to the DNA match.
  • On Wednesday, Parrott was arrested in Lincoln, Nebraska, and is awaiting extradition to Harris County, Texas.

The players

Floyd William Parrott

A 64-year-old man who has a history of impersonating law enforcement and is now charged with capital murder for the 1990 'Lovers' Lane' killings of Cheryl Henry and Andy Atkinson.

Cheryl Henry

A 22-year-old woman who was murdered in the 'Lovers' Lane' killings in 1990.

Garland 'Andy' Atkinson

A 21-year-old man who was murdered in the 'Lovers' Lane' killings in 1990 along with his girlfriend, Cheryl Henry.

Shane Henry

The younger sister of Cheryl Henry, who spoke at the news conference about the arrest of the suspect.

Sean Teare

The Harris County District Attorney who spoke at the news conference about the case.

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What they’re saying

“Cheryl was my best friend. We did everything together.”

— Shane Henry, Cheryl Henry's younger sister

“Hearing that the person responsible has finally been caught does not bring her back, but it does bring a sense of relief knowing that justice is moving forward.”

— Shane Henry, Cheryl Henry's younger sister

“If you recognize this individual and he pulled you over … call us. If you met him once, if you met him at a club, if you knew him at all, reach out.”

— Sean Teare, Harris County District Attorney

What’s next

Parrott is awaiting extradition to Harris County, Texas, where he will face charges for the 1990 murders of Cheryl Henry and Andy Atkinson. Investigators are also encouraging anyone who may have had contact with Parrott to come forward, as they believe he may have committed other crimes.

The takeaway

The arrest of Floyd William Parrott in the 'Lovers' Lane' cold case murders after over 30 years provides hope for closure and justice for the victims' families, while also raising concerns about Parrott's alleged history of impersonating law enforcement and potentially committing other crimes that may still be uncovered.