Suspect Arrested in 1990 'Lovers' Lane' Cold Case Murders in Houston

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

Mar. 28, 2026 at 1:04am

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Police in Houston 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 through DNA evidence and is now awaiting extradition to Harris County, Texas.

Why it matters

The 'Lovers' Lane' murders have remained unsolved for over 30 years, leaving the victims' families and the Houston community seeking justice. Parrott's arrest provides a long-awaited resolution to this cold case and highlights the importance of advancements in forensic technology and persistent police work in solving historic crimes.

The details

According to court documents, Henry and Atkinson were found dead near their parked car in a Houston cul-de-sac on August 23, 1990. Both victims had their necks cut with knives and were tied up with rope, and Henry was also sexually assaulted. While over 100 potential suspects were investigated over the decades, Parrott was not initially considered. However, in late 2025, a Houston police sergeant discovered a 1996 report in which Parrott was named as a suspect in a separate sexual assault case, and DNA evidence from that case was found to match evidence from the 1990 murders.

  • On August 23, 1990, the victims' car was found parked in a Houston cul-de-sac, and their bodies were discovered nearby.
  • In May 1988 and May 1990, Parrott was arrested for impersonating a police officer, and he was out on bond when the June 1990 sexual assault and the August 1990 murders occurred.
  • In late 2025, a Houston police sergeant discovered a 1996 report linking Parrott to a separate sexual assault case, leading to the DNA match with the 1990 murders.
  • On Wednesday, March 27, 2026, Parrott was arrested in Lincoln, Nebraska, and is awaiting extradition to Harris County, Texas.

The players

Floyd William Parrott

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

Cheryl Henry

A 22-year-old woman who was murdered along with her boyfriend, Andy Atkinson, in the 1990 'Lovers' Lane' killings in Houston.

Garland 'Andy' Atkinson

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

Shane Henry

The younger sister of Cheryl Henry, who spoke at the news conference about the arrest of the suspect in her sister's murder.

Sean Teare

The Harris County District Attorney, who spoke at the news conference about the arrest and the investigation into Parrott's potential involvement in other crimes.

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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 currently awaiting extradition to Harris County, Texas, where he will face charges for the 1990 murders of Cheryl Henry and Andy Atkinson. Investigators are also looking into the possibility that Parrott may have been involved in other crimes due to his history of impersonating law enforcement.

The takeaway

The arrest of Floyd William Parrott in the 'Lovers' Lane' cold case murders after over 30 years demonstrates the importance of persistent police work and advancements in forensic technology in solving historic crimes. This case also highlights the need for continued vigilance against individuals who impersonate law enforcement, as their actions can have devastating consequences for victims and their families.