Woman’s throat slashed during pizza delivery: Police exploring motives other than armed robbery
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The victim, Elisha Marie Boles, 23, was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville for treatment of the slash wound to her neck shortly after the 9:30 p.m. attack. She is expected to recover.
According to McMinnville Police Captain Bryan Denton, Boles, who delivers pizza for Papa John’s, was dispatched to deliver a pizza to 311 Old Viola Road. The caller who ordered the pizza said he would meet the carrier on the front porch because the house had no electricity. It was later determined the caller had given a false phone number and the house was unoccupied.
In hindsight, Papa John’s manager John Lillard said his suspicions should have been raised by the pizza order.
“A bell should have gone off for me,” said Lillard. “I know that area and I know there are two or three vacant houses on that street.”
The victim said she was attacked when she walked up to the porch with the pizza, with her attacker slashing her throat with a knife. The man fled in the direction of nearby West Riverside Church of Christ. The attacker is described as a white, male in his 20s with shoulder-length hair. He remains at large.
A bleeding Boles was able to make her way to another residence where police were contacted. She was found by patrolmen lying on the porch where she had sought refuge and was given first aid until paramedics arrived.
An investigation of the scene led to more questions as it was discovered the victim’s money bag, containing about $200, was untouched. Pizza boxes taken by the suspect were found discarded a short distance from the crime scene where lawmen believe he rendezvoused with an accomplice in a vehicle.
Given the mysterious nature of the crime, Denton said police are examining all potential motives, such as a pre-meditated attack against Boles, along with the possibility of robbery.
In the wake of the attack, Lillard said there has been a good deal of concern among Papa John’s employees.
“We’re stunned and some of the drivers are scared,” said Lillard. “But maybe being scared can help them be more cautious.”