Aimee Ellen Willard (June 8, 1974 – June 20, 1996) was an American collegiate athlete who played soccer and lacrosse at George Mason University. A defender on the university's women's soccer team and a leading scorer on its women's lacrosse team, she earned all-conference honors in both sports.
Willard disappeared on June 20, 1996, while driving home after spending the evening with friends near Philadelphia. Her abandoned vehicle was discovered along an exit ramp of Interstate 476, and her body was found later that day in North Philadelphia. The case remained unsolved for nearly two years before authorities identified Arthur Bomar (born: March 3, 1959) through forensic and investigative evidence. Bomar was convicted and sentenced to death.
In lacrosse, she emerged as one of the university's leading players during the program's early years. During the 1996 season, she led the Colonial Athletic Association in scoring with 50 goals and 29 assists.
Willard earned all-conference recognition in both soccer and lacrosse and was named an All-American in the Southeast Region in lacrosse.
At the conclusion of her career, she held several school records in women's lacrosse, including marks for goals and points.
Murder
Disappearance and discovery
On the evening of June 19, 1996, Willard met friends near Philadelphia before beginning the drive home during the early morning hours of June 20.
Her vehicle was later discovered abandoned on an exit ramp from Interstate 476. Investigators found the engine running, headlights on, and the driver's-side door open.
Later that day, her body was discovered in North Philadelphia approximately 17 miles (27 km) away.
Authorities determined she had been beaten to death.
Investigation
The investigation initially produced numerous leads but remained unsolved for nearly two years.
Investigators later renewed attention on Arthur Bomar after another Pennsylvania driver reported a suspicious encounter and provided authorities with a license plate number.
Forensic evidence connected Bomar to the crime. Authorities recovered biological evidence and other physical evidence used during prosecution.
Arthur Bomar
Arthur Bomar 2026 Mugshot
Bomar had previously been convicted in Nevada in connection with a 1978 murder involving an argument over a parking space.
He was convicted of second-degree murder and later paroled in 1990.
Subsequent reporting found that Bomar committed parole violations but was not returned to Nevada custody.
Trial and conviction
Bomar was charged with first-degree murder, rape, kidnapping, assault and abuse of a corpse.
Prosecutors argued that Bomar intentionally struck Willard's vehicle to force her to stop before abducting her.
He was convicted in 1998 and sentenced to death.
Bomar later pursued multiple appeals.
Legacy
Athletic honors
George Mason established the Aimee Willard Commemorative Award in 1997 to honor student-athletes who exemplify qualities associated with Willard, including teamwork and achievement.
US Lacrosse later created the Aimee Willard Award, presented annually in conjunction with women's collegiate competition.
The award was established through cooperation among Willard's family, coaches and the Philadelphia Women's Lacrosse Association.
Aimee's Law
Willard's murder drew attention to interstate parole supervision issues because Bomar had previously violated parole requirements in Nevada.
↑Rubinkam, Michael (1998). "Willard's killer sentenced to death". Associated Press.
↑Quinn, Rose (November 26, 2014). "Bomar is one step closer to death: Aimee Willard's killer loses latest bid to escape execution". Delaware County Daily Times.
↑""Aimee's Law" Signed Into Law" (Press release). Office of Senator Rick Santorum. October 30, 2000. Archived from the original on March 22, 2023. Retrieved April 24, 2024.{{cite press release}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
