The investigation began with a report to police of the discovery of Yolanda Johnson's body. The report was made by Solomon. Johnson, a drug user and a prostitute, had been bound and was found partially nude. Apodaca, also a drug user and a prostitute, was bound and buried wrapped up in bedding. Polidore was bound and partially nude. Washington, a prostitute and possibly a drug user, may have been bound and wrapped up in bedding. Vitela, a drug user and prostitute, was nude and wrapped in bedding. This was also true of Jacox. Massey, possibly a drug user and prostitute, was bound, nude, and wrapped in bedding. These common factors were interpreted by police to mean they were dealing with only one killer.