Golf N’ Stuff Murders of Rachel Kaster, Eddie Kaster and Veronica Flores in Norwalk California

The triple homicide that occurred on April 13, 1984, in Norwalk, California, remains one of the most tragic and mysterious cases in Los Angeles County’s history. On what should have been a typical Friday evening, three teenagers—Rachel Kaster, 18, her 15-year-old brother Eddie Kaster, and their friend Veronica Flores, 16—were viciously murdered near the San Gabriel River bed, not far from the Golf N’ Stuff amusement center where they had gone for a night out.

Rachel, Eddie, and Veronica were all residents of South Gate and were known for their close-knit relationships with family and each other. Rachel was a senior in high school, described by peers as artistic, responsible, and nurturing. She was close to graduation and looking forward to attending college.

Eddie, the youngest of the three, was quiet but sweet-natured, excelling in his classes and athletics. He looked up to his sister, and the two shared a particularly strong sibling bond.

Veronica, who was four and a half months pregnant at the time, had recently transferred to a new high school to escape bullying. Described by family members as compassionate and brave, she had dreams of creating a better life for herself and her future child.

That night, they simply wanted to enjoy themselves at one of the most popular teen hangouts in the area. None of them would return home.

The Timeline of the Night

The evening began like many others for high school students in the 1980s. After being dropped off by their parents at Golf N’ Stuff, the three teens were expected to hang out for a few hours and then return home. They were last seen around 8:30 p.m.

Between 9:45 and 10:15 p.m., Eddie Kaster was found bleeding heavily from a throat wound near the San Gabriel River, approximately 100 yards from the amusement center. A passerby saw him staggering and called for help. Eddie collapsed before he could speak, succumbing to his injuries shortly after being transported to a hospital.

Police began searching the area immediately and, shortly after midnight, discovered the bodies of Rachel and Veronica in the brush of the riverbed. Rachel had suffered multiple blunt force and stab wounds, and Veronica had been stabbed in the back. Neither showed signs of robbery or sexual assault.

It was a scene of horror—three teens attacked in a public space, their lives taken brutally and suddenly, with no clear motive and no immediate suspects.

Crime Scene and Autopsy Findings

According to the coroner’s reports, Eddie’s throat had been cut in a precise and deep incision, suggesting the use of a sharp-edged weapon. Rachel had defensive wounds on her arms and hands, indicating she fought back against her attacker. Veronica’s single fatal wound was delivered to her back, piercing vital organs and causing rapid blood loss.

The arrangement of the bodies and lack of evidence of robbery led detectives to consider the possibility of a targeted attack. There were no signs of sexual assault, no missing wallets, purses, or valuables.

Forensic evidence at the time was limited. This was the pre-DNA era, and despite collecting blood samples, hair, and clothing fibers, no conclusive evidence was found that could tie anyone to the murders.

Footprints were discovered near the riverbank, but with the high foot traffic in the area, determining whether they belonged to the victims, their killer, or random pedestrians proved impossible.

Investigative Efforts and Early Leads

Law enforcement treated the case with urgency. Dozens of detectives were assigned to the triple homicide. They interviewed friends, family members, employees at Golf N’ Stuff, and anyone who had been in the area that night.

There were few leads. Witnesses reported seeing the trio speaking with two unknown men in the parking lot earlier that night, but the men were never identified. Another witness said they saw someone sprinting away from the riverbed around 9:50 p.m., but that individual also was never found.

Rumors spread quickly. Some speculated gang involvement, though none of the victims were associated with any criminal activity. Others suspected a personal vendetta—perhaps related to Veronica’s pregnancy, though this too could never be confirmed.

Despite countless hours spent combing the scene, canvassing neighborhoods, and chasing tips, investigators found themselves at a dead end.

Theories, Suspicions, and False Leads

Over the years, several theories have emerged. Some point to the possibility of a thrill killing—suggesting that someone might have targeted the teens at random.

Others suspected a ritualistic motive. The murders occurred on Friday the 13th, leading some to draw a connection to occult symbolism, though there was no physical evidence supporting this.

In the late 1980s, some considered whether serial killer Richard Ramirez, the “Night Stalker,” could be responsible. He was active in Southern California at the time and known for his brutal killings. However, nothing in his modus operandi directly matched the Norwalk slayings.

More recently, there has been renewed interest in the case online. True crime forums and podcasts have brought new attention to the murders, though no verified suspect has ever been brought forward.

Media Attention and Public Reactions

In the weeks following the murders, local newspapers and television stations covered the story intensely. The shocking nature of the crime—the brutal slayings of three innocent teens near a family-friendly entertainment venue—rocked the Southern California community.

Yet as time went on, the leads dried up, and coverage waned. For the families of Rachel, Eddie, and Veronica, however, the nightmare never ended.

In schools and neighborhoods across South Gate and Norwalk, changes came swiftly. Parents became more cautious. Young people began traveling in groups, and community groups pushed for increased security in public spaces.

For the Kaster and Flores families, the grief was matched only by a desire to understand why this had happened and to whom. They continued to attend public meetings, post flyers, and talk with journalists and investigators—hoping that someone, somewhere, would come forward.

Renewed Efforts, DNA Testing, and Family Advocacy

In 2009, marking the 25th anniversary of the murders, Veronica Flores’ older sister Sandy Elicker reached out to newspapers in a bid to reignite public interest. Her plea was heartfelt and courageous—she asked for any information, no matter how small, that might help investigators crack the case.

At the same time, advancements in forensic science gave law enforcement new tools. DNA samples collected from the crime scene were retested using modern technology. Unfortunately, the tests did not return any matches in national databases, a setback that left the families discouraged but still hopeful.

Online, a new generation of sleuths took interest in the case. True crime communities on Reddit, YouTube channels, and podcasts began covering the story, bringing it to thousands of people who had never heard of the tragedy before.

A Facebook group titled “April 13, 1984” became a digital memorial and public awareness space, providing a place for updates, remembrances, and appeals for information.

Legacy, Memorials, and Community Memory

To those who knew them, Rachel, Eddie, and Veronica remain more than just names in a file.

Rachel, with her creative soul and sense of humor, was remembered at South Gate High’s graduation that year. One of her classmates reportedly left a seat empty during the ceremony in her honor.

Eddie, the quiet and curious younger brother, had dreams of playing baseball and studying engineering. He never had the chance to explore either path.

Veronica’s loss was doubly tragic due to her pregnancy. Her family had looked forward to welcoming a new life into their world. That hope, too, was taken in the violence of that April night.

Some former teachers and classmates have discussed the idea of creating scholarships or memorial plaques in their names. Others have suggested that Golf N’ Stuff, still in operation today, install a bench or tree in their memory.

For now, it is the community and families who carry their legacy forward—through storytelling, through advocacy, and through remembrance.

Conclusion

As of 2025, the triple homicide case of Rachel and Eddie Kaster and Veronica Flores remains unsolved. But it is far from forgotten.

Detectives still believe someone, somewhere, knows the truth.

They continue to urge anyone with even the faintest memory or piece of information—no matter how insignificant it may seem—to come forward. After four decades, even a single tip could make the difference.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Cold Case Unit and Crime Stoppers continue to accept anonymous submissions and have promised to investigate all credible leads.

What happened on April 13, 1984, changed lives forever. It changed the way a community looked at public safety, the way families said goodbye, and the way justice can sometimes be delayed—but must never be denied.

We owe it to Rachel, to Eddie, to Veronica—and to everyone who loved them—to keep asking the hard questions.

Because the only thing more tragic than their loss is the possibility that no one will ever be held accountable for it.