Who Is Murder of April Tinsley? Age, Biography and Wiki
April Tinsley was born on March 18, 1980. Tragically, her life ended at the young age of 8 in 1988 when she was kidnapped and murdered in Indiana. Her case gained national attention due to the horrific nature of the crime and the prolonged search for her killer, which spanned over 20 years. The resolution of her case was significantly aided by advancements in DNA technology, leading to the apprehension of the perpetrator, John D. Miller, in 2018.
| Occupation | Other |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 18, 1980 |
| Age | 8 Years |
| Birth Place | Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | India |
| Date of death | 1 April, 1988 |
| Died Place | Fort Wayne, Indiana, U.S. |
Popularity
Murder of April Tinsley's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although April was only 8 years old at the time of her death and thus did not have a defined public profile concerning physical statistics, it is essential to acknowledge the innocence of her childhood. An average 8-year-old girl typically stands between 3'11" and 4'6" tall and weighs between 50 and 65 pounds. This statistic is mentioned to reflect on her age and vulnerability when the tragedy occurred.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
April Tinsley was the daughter of the Tinsley family and had a loving family background that was shattered by the tragedy. She was not involved in any romantic relationships due to her young age, as children at that stage typically focus on friendships and family connections. Her family has been vocal about their grief and the impact of their loss, as well as how they have worked towards seeking justice for April.
Tinsley's mother reported her daughter missing to the police when she did not arrive home for dinner that night. The initial search for Tinsley included 250 Fort Wayne police officers and 50 volunteers. A witness later reported seeing a white man in his 30s forcing a girl believed to be Tinsley into his blue pickup truck.
Net Worth and Salary
As a young child, April did not have a net worth or salary. However, it is worth noting that her murder had significant implications, leading to increased awareness of child safety and the importance of community action in finding missing children. Over the years, advocacy groups and organizations founded in her name and in memory of other victims have focused on improving laws and safety measures for children in Indiana and beyond.
The FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit created a profile of the suspect in 2009, describing him as a "Preferential Child Sex Offender", meaning "he has a long-term and persistent sexual desire for children." The profile described the murderer as a white male, then in his 40s through 50s, living or working in northeast Fort Wayne/Allen County with a low to medium income.
Career, Business and Investments
Tragically, due to her age at the time of her death, April had not yet embarked on any career or business path. However, her case has inspired numerous initiatives and documentaries aimed at educating the public about child abduction and safety. Organizations founded in her memory continue to fight for systemic changes and support for victim families.
In June 2015, the Virginia-based company Parabon released a "Snapshot" composite sketch of the suspect based on information from his DNA. Police released an updated version of this sketch in early May 2016.
Social Network
As of 2025, April Tinsley retains a presence in the realm of social awareness and justice advocacy. Various community-based social networks and organizations continue to spread awareness about her case to educate and inform the public about child safety and abduction prevention. Memorial pages on social media platforms celebrate her memory and share information regarding unsolved cases and missing children, aiming to engage communities in active dialogue regarding child protection.
During the Memorial Day weekend in 2004, four notes were found in the Fort Wayne area that are believed to have been written by Tinsley's murderer. Three of these notes were left on girls' bicycles, and another one was left in a mailbox. Three notes were placed in plastic bags, along with used condoms and Polaroid pictures of a man's lower body.
One of these notes read, "Hi honey... I been watching you....I am the same person that kidnapped an rape an kill april tinsley, ...
You are my next victim....if you don't report this to police an if I don't see this in the paper tomorrow or on the local news...I will blow up your house." [sic] The DNA from the condoms matched the police's DNA profile of the suspect, confirming to investigators the incidents were connected.
Education
Given that April Tinsley was only 8 years old, she was in elementary school at the time of her abduction. Discussions surrounding her tragic experience often emphasize the importance of education for children about personal safety and the need for community vigilance against threats to child safety.
April Tinsley was a member of the children's choir at the Faith United Methodist Church, and a second-grader attending Fairfield Elementary School. On April 1, 1988, Good Friday, she was playing with two of her friends, and they were moving between houses. Tinsley went back to retrieve her umbrella and then disappeared around 3:00 pm.
