Digest

This episode of True Crime and Cocktails dives into the chilling case of Don Henry and Kevin Ives, two teenage boys found dead on a train track in Arkansas in 1987. Initially ruled a suicide by the medical examiner, Dr. Fommy Malik, the case was reopened after the families refused to accept the verdict. Subsequent autopsies revealed evidence of murder, with Kevin's skull bludgeoned and Don stabbed in the back. The episode highlights the shocking incompetence of Dr. Malik, who consistently misdiagnosed causes of death and even ruled a decapitated victim's death as natural causes due to an ulcer. The episode also explores the suspicious deaths of several potential witnesses, including Keith Coney, Keith McCaskill, Gregory Collins, Jeffrey Rhodes, Richard Winters, Jordan Kettelsen, and James Millam, all of whom had information about the case. The episode raises questions about the involvement of police officers Kirk Lane and Jay Campbell, who were implicated by witnesses but denied any involvement. The episode concludes with a discussion about the importance of supporting independent artists and productions, highlighting the flaws in the entertainment industry and the need for change in how we consume art. This segment focuses on the shocking claim by Dr. Malik that a dog swallowed the victim's head whole, regurgitated it, and deposited it in a garbage can. The hosts discuss the absurdity of this claim and the potential for corruption within the medical examiner's office. They also explore the potential connection between the murders and drug trafficking, highlighting the involvement of Barry Seal, a drug smuggler who was murdered in 1986. The episode concludes with a discussion about the potential involvement of a high-profile politician and the possibility of a cover-up by the FBI.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Personal Updates

This Chapter begins with the hosts, Lauren Ash and Kristi Oxbrill, sharing personal updates. Lauren discusses her recent appearance on the Kelly Clarkson show and her desire to sing a duet with her. Kristi talks about her involvement in a play called "We've Never Talked About This Before" and the challenges of set design. She also mentions a recent live event with Patreon supporters and her current drink of choice, a Pepsi Slurpee.

00:21:10

The Unsolved Mystery of Don Henry and Kevin Ives

This Chapter delves into the unsolved mystery of Don Henry and Kevin Ives, two teenagers found dead on a train track in Arkansas in 1987. The episode details the initial investigation, the suspicious ruling of suicide by the medical examiner, Dr. Fommy Malik, and the subsequent reopening of the case after the families refused to accept the verdict. The episode highlights the shocking incompetence of Dr. Malik, who consistently misdiagnosed causes of death and even ruled a decapitated victim's death as natural causes due to an ulcer. The episode also explores the suspicious deaths of several potential witnesses, including Keith Coney, Keith McCaskill, Gregory Collins, Jeffrey Rhodes, Richard Winters, Jordan Kettelsen, and James Millam, all of whom had information about the case.

00:49:17

Happy Pride Month

This Chapter is a brief interlude where the hosts celebrate Pride Month and express their support for the LGBTQ+ community. They discuss the importance of creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals and the need for acceptance and understanding. They also share personal anecdotes about their experiences with LGBTQ+ issues and the importance of celebrating diversity.

00:56:53

Potential Suspects and the Flawed System

This Chapter continues the investigation into the murders of Don Henry and Kevin Ives, exploring potential suspects and the flaws in the system. The episode highlights the suspicious behavior of a man in military fatigues who was seen in the area before the murders. It also examines the allegations against police officers Kirk Lane and Jay Campbell, who were implicated by witnesses but denied any involvement. The episode discusses the deaths of several potential witnesses and the lack of thorough investigation by authorities. The hosts express their frustration with the system and the need for change in how we consume art.

01:16:40

The Dog Ate the Head?

This Chapter delves into the shocking claim by Dr. Fommy Malik that a dog swallowed the victim's head whole, regurgitated it, and deposited it in a garbage can. The hosts discuss the absurdity of this claim and the potential for corruption within the medical examiner's office. They also explore the potential connection between the murders and drug trafficking, highlighting the involvement of Barry Seal, a drug smuggler who was murdered in 1986. The episode concludes with a discussion about the potential involvement of a high-profile politician and the possibility of a cover-up by the FBI.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were the initial circumstances surrounding the deaths of Don Henry and Kevin Ives?

  Don Henry and Kevin Ives, two teenage boys, were found dead on a train track in Arkansas in 1987. The initial investigation ruled their deaths as a suicide, but the families refused to accept this verdict, leading to a reopening of the case.

• What evidence emerged to suggest that Don Henry and Kevin Ives were murdered?

  Subsequent autopsies revealed evidence of murder, with Kevin's skull bludgeoned and Don stabbed in the back. The episode also highlights the suspicious deaths of several potential witnesses, all of whom had information about the case.

• What role did Dr. Fommy Malik play in the Don Henry and Kevin Ives case?

  Dr. Fommy Malik, the medical examiner, initially ruled the deaths as a suicide, despite the lack of evidence. He was later found to be grossly incompetent and pressured to resign after his rulings were consistently questioned and reversed by juries.

• Who are the potential suspects in the Don Henry and Kevin Ives case?

  Potential suspects include a man in military fatigues who was seen in the area before the murders, police officers Kirk Lane and Jay Campbell, who were implicated by witnesses but denied any involvement, and several other individuals who had information about the case and were later found dead.

• What are the implications of the deaths of potential witnesses in the Don Henry and Kevin Ives case?

  The deaths of potential witnesses raise serious concerns about the involvement of law enforcement and the possibility of a cover-up. The episode highlights the dangers of speaking out against authority and the need for justice in cases of corruption.

• What is the hosts' message about the entertainment industry and the need for change?

  The hosts argue that the entertainment industry is flawed and that we need to change how we consume art. They encourage listeners to support independent artists and productions, highlighting the importance of supporting those who are working from the ground up.

• What is the significance of the hosts' discussion about Pride Month?

  The hosts use the opportunity to celebrate Pride Month and express their support for the LGBTQ+ community. They emphasize the importance of creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals and the need for acceptance and understanding.

• What is the overall message of the episode?

  The episode highlights the importance of seeking truth and justice, even in the face of corruption and incompetence. It also emphasizes the need for change in the entertainment industry and the importance of supporting independent artists and productions.

• What is the most shocking claim made by Dr. Fommy Malik in the Don Henry and Kevin Ives case?

  Dr. Malik claimed that a dog swallowed the victim's head whole, regurgitated it, and deposited it in a garbage can. This claim is widely considered to be absurd and potentially indicative of corruption within the medical examiner's office.

• What is the potential connection between the murders of Don Henry and Kevin Ives and drug trafficking?

  The episode explores the possibility that the murders were linked to drug trafficking, highlighting the involvement of Barry Seal, a drug smuggler who was murdered in 1986. The episode also discusses the potential involvement of a high-profile politician and the possibility of a cover-up by the FBI.

Show Notes