Patricia and Amanda Dixon. Anaheim, California.
![]() |
Amanda Dixon |
![]() |
Los Angeles Times |
![]() |
Los Angeles Times |
Unsolved Homicide: Patricia and Amanda Dixon
Source: United Press International/Los Angeles Times
MARCH 29, 1984
Suspect sought in mother and daughter murders near Disneyland
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Autopsies were conducted Thursday on a Seattle woman and her daughter who were found dead with multiple gunshot wounds to the head in a motel room near Disneyland.
The bodies of Patricia Dixon, 25, and her daughter, Amanda, who police said was between 5 and 6 years old, were discovered Wednesday when a maid entered their room at the Anaheim Park Motor Inn to clean it.
The little girl's pajama-clad body was found face down hidden under covers on a motel bed. She held a teddy bear in her arms. Her mother was found in one corner of the room partially nude with her panties pulled to her knees, Detective Bill Wright said.
Police said an assailant, possibly known to Mrs. Dixon, entered the poolside room Tuesday night. The Dixons were killed about 5 a.m. PST.
Police said they have no suspects in the killings.
Autopsies was conducted by the Orange County Coroner's Office to determine if the wounds were the cause of death and if the mother or child was sexually assaulted. The results were to be released late Thursday.
Mrs. Dixon and her daughter were in Anaheim on a 'travel package deal' arranged through Seattle and Los Angeles area travel agents, Wright said.
They checked into the motel Monday from Seattle and they were scheduled to check out Friday, Sgt. Michael Webb said. The mother and daughter were last seen at the motel's pool Tuesday afternoon.
The motel room was cluttered and police could not determine if any of the Dixons' belongings were taken. Wright said the victims' family would be contacted about money and belongings.
Mrs. Dixon was divorced from the child's father, Richard, who was notified of the deaths by U.S. Coast Guard officials in Boston.
If you have any information about this homicide, please call Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS (1-855-847-6227). https://occrimestoppers.org/submit-a-tip/