Merced police still searching for killers in Chapman cold case

Eight years ago Wednesday, someone broke into the home of Bill and Lena Chapman, killed them and set fire to their 870 E. South Bear Creek Drive residence.

The couple’s deaths are among the most notorious homicide cases in Merced County.

Merced police remain hopeful someone will step forward with information to solve the case. Members of the Chapman family are scheduled to hold a candlelight vigil remembering the slain couple at 7 p.m. Saturday, at the site of their South Bear Creek home.

Detective Joe Deliman, who’s assigned to the case, said he still receives calls about it and continues to follow up on leads. Deliman said he’s confident someone has information that could bring the couple’s killers to justice. “There are people out there that know,” Deliman said. “I am still very hopeful that one day we will solve this thing.”

The state is offering a $50,000 reward for any information leading to the killers’ arrest.

Police decline to release new details about the couple’s deaths. They have kept information on the case closely guarded, citing the integrity of the ongoing investigation, and have yet to reveal how the couple were killed or whether there are persons of interest.

The Chapmans’ story has been featured on television programs such as Jane Velez-Mitchell and Jacque MacDonald’s “The Victim’s Voice.”

Police believe burglars broke into the home early Oct. 1, 2006, and the couple interrupted them. Detectives have said the culprits probably set fire to the home to destroy any physical or forensic evidence. Firefighters discovered the bodies of the couple inside the home after responding to the fire.

The couple moved to Merced in 1953. Bill Chapman got a job at Sterling’s Department Store, where he worked in the shoe department. He then struck out on his own, opening Chapman’s Shoes in 1961. The couple had three children: Karen, Gail and Jim. Bill Chapman retired and closed the store in 1980. He remained active, working for other shoe outfits as well as selling vitamins and vacuums.

Police are asking anyone with information about the case to call Deliman at (209) 385-6992 or the department’s automated tip line at (209) 385-4725. Tips are kept confidential, and callers can remain anonymous. People can text tips to the department at TIP411 (847411) and use “comvip” as the first word in the text message.

Deliman can also be reached at delimanj@cityofmerced.org.

This story was originally published September 30, 2014 at 8:53 PM with the headline "Merced police still searching for killers in Chapman cold case."