219: The Kidnapping of Carrie Lawson, Part 2
2Digest
This episode continues the story of Carrie Lawson's kidnapping, focusing on the repercussions of the FBI's mistakes and the tragic suicide of the kidnapper, Jerry Bland. Despite a successful ransom drop, the kidnapper vanished, leaving Carrie's family and law enforcement in the dark. The episode details the investigation's progression, including the identification of Jerry Bland and his accomplice, Karen McPherson, through voice recognition and the discovery of ransom money in their homes. The episode highlights the FBI's controversial decision to delay Jerry's arrest, leading to his suicide. The episode also explores the ongoing search for Carrie's remains, the extortion attempts faced by her family, and the lingering questions surrounding the case. The episode concludes with a discussion of Karen McPherson's conviction and her ongoing imprisonment, emphasizing the family's desire for closure and the unresolved nature of the case.
Outlines
Introduction and Recap
This Chapter introduces the podcast and provides a brief recap of the previous episode, highlighting the kidnapping of Carrie Lawson and the FBI's initial mistakes.
The Investigation Continues
This Chapter delves into the investigation's progression, focusing on the identification of Jerry Bland as the kidnapper through voice recognition and the discovery of ransom money in his home. The chapter also introduces Karen McPherson, Jerry's accomplice, and her role in the kidnapping.
Jerry Bland's Suicide
This Chapter details the tragic suicide of Jerry Bland, highlighting the FBI's controversial decision to delay his arrest and the devastating impact of his death on Carrie's family. The chapter also explores the FBI's handling of the case and the public backlash they faced.
Conspiracy Theories and Public Perception
This Chapter examines the conspiracy theories surrounding the case, particularly those involving Carrie's husband, Earl Lawson, and the potential for corruption in Walker County. The chapter also discusses the FBI's response to public criticism and the ongoing search for Carrie's remains.
Karen McPherson's Conviction and Imprisonment
This Chapter focuses on Karen McPherson's conviction for first-degree kidnapping and her ongoing imprisonment. The chapter explores the family's desire for closure and the unresolved nature of the case, highlighting the conflicting perspectives on Karen's role in the kidnapping and the ongoing debate surrounding her parole.
Unresolved Questions and the Search for Carrie
This Chapter examines the lingering questions surrounding the case, including the possibility of additional suspects and the ongoing search for Carrie's remains. The chapter also explores the family's continued efforts to find Carrie and the impact of the case on their lives.
Keywords
Carrie Lawson
Carrie Lawson was a 25-year-old woman who was kidnapped for ransom in Jasper, Alabama, on September 11, 1991. Her disappearance sparked a massive search effort and a high-profile investigation that ultimately ended in tragedy. Carrie's case remains unsolved, and her whereabouts are unknown.
Jerry Bland
Jerry Bland was the perpetrator of Carrie Lawson's kidnapping. He was identified through voice recognition and was found to have been in possession of ransom money. Bland committed suicide on October 1, 1991, while under FBI surveillance, leaving the case with many unanswered questions. His suicide note mentioned a drug deal, but its connection to the kidnapping remains unclear.
Karen McPherson
Karen McPherson was Jerry Bland's accomplice in the kidnapping of Carrie Lawson. She posed as a nurse to lure Carrie and her husband out of their home. McPherson was convicted of first-degree kidnapping and sentenced to life in prison. She has been denied parole multiple times and remains incarcerated. Her role in the kidnapping and her knowledge of Carrie's fate remain a subject of debate.
FBI
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was responsible for the investigation into Carrie Lawson's kidnapping. The FBI's handling of the case has been heavily criticized, particularly their decision to delay Jerry Bland's arrest, which led to his suicide. The FBI's actions have been described as a major failure, and the case has raised questions about the agency's competence and accountability.
Jasper, Alabama
Jasper is a small town in Walker County, Alabama, where Carrie Lawson was kidnapped. The town became the center of the investigation and the focus of national media attention. The case has had a lasting impact on the community, and the unsolved nature of the crime continues to be a source of local intrigue and speculation.
Ransom
The kidnapping of Carrie Lawson was motivated by a demand for ransom. The kidnappers demanded a large sum of money in exchange for Carrie's safe return. The ransom was paid, but Carrie was never released, and the kidnapper disappeared. The ransom money was later recovered, but the case remains unsolved.
Extortion
Following Carrie Lawson's kidnapping, her family was subjected to multiple extortion attempts. Individuals claiming to have information about Carrie's whereabouts demanded money in exchange for revealing their knowledge. These attempts added to the family's distress and further complicated the investigation.
Conspiracy Theories
The unsolved nature of Carrie Lawson's kidnapping has fueled numerous conspiracy theories. These theories range from speculation about the involvement of Carrie's husband, Earl Lawson, to allegations of corruption within Walker County. While these theories have been widely circulated, they remain unsubstantiated and have been met with skepticism by authorities.
Closure
Carrie Lawson's family has expressed a deep desire for closure in the case. They have sought answers about Carrie's fate and the recovery of her remains. The lack of closure has been a source of ongoing pain and grief for the family, and they continue to hope for resolution.
Parole
Karen McPherson, Jerry Bland's accomplice, has sought parole multiple times since her conviction. Her parole requests have been denied, and she remains incarcerated. The debate surrounding her parole reflects the conflicting perspectives on her role in the kidnapping and the family's desire for justice.
Q&A
What were the key mistakes made by the FBI in the Carrie Lawson kidnapping case?
The FBI's handling of the case has been heavily criticized, particularly their decision to delay Jerry Bland's arrest, which led to his suicide. They also faced backlash for their initial mishandling of the ransom drop and their failure to effectively communicate with the family.
How was Jerry Bland identified as the kidnapper?
Jerry Bland was identified through voice recognition. A caller recognized his voice on the radio station, where audio tapes of the kidnapper's calls had been released to the public.
What was Karen McPherson's role in the kidnapping?
Karen McPherson posed as a nurse to lure Carrie and her husband out of their home. She also supervised Carrie for several hours while Jerry organized the ransom exchange. She was convicted of first-degree kidnapping and sentenced to life in prison.
What are the lingering questions surrounding the case?
The case remains unsolved, and many questions remain unanswered. The most pressing question is the whereabouts of Carrie Lawson's remains. There are also questions about the possibility of additional suspects and the extent of Karen McPherson's involvement in the crime.
What is the current status of Karen McPherson?
Karen McPherson remains incarcerated and has been denied parole multiple times. Her next parole hearing is scheduled for March 1, 2027. The family continues to oppose her release, while her brother argues that she has served enough time and deserves a second chance.
What is the significance of the conspiracy theories surrounding the case?
The conspiracy theories reflect the public's frustration with the unsolved nature of the case and the perceived failures of law enforcement. While these theories remain unsubstantiated, they highlight the deep desire for answers and the lingering suspicion surrounding the events.
What is the impact of the case on Carrie Lawson's family?
The case has had a devastating impact on Carrie Lawson's family. They have endured years of grief, uncertainty, and the constant search for answers. The lack of closure has been a source of ongoing pain and has significantly impacted their lives.
What is the legacy of Carrie Lawson's case?
Carrie Lawson's case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of crime and the importance of justice. It also highlights the challenges of solving complex crimes and the need for accountability within law enforcement. The case continues to be a source of local intrigue and speculation, and the search for Carrie's remains continues to this day.
What is the significance of the scholarship fund established in Carrie Lawson's name?
The scholarship fund established in Carrie Lawson's name serves as a tribute to her memory and her positive impact on others. It also provides an opportunity to support young women who embody the same qualities that Carrie possessed, such as kindness, determination, and a caring disposition.
What is the message that the podcast seeks to convey through this episode?
The podcast seeks to convey the importance of remembering victims of crime and the need for justice. It also highlights the complexities of criminal investigations and the challenges faced by families of missing persons. The episode emphasizes the importance of seeking closure and the enduring impact of unsolved crimes.
Show Notes
Hosted and produced by Erica Kelley
Researched and written by Erica Kelley & Andrea Marshbank
Original Graphic Art by Coley Horner
Original Music by Rob Harrison of Gamma Radio
Edited & Mixed by Brandon Schexnayder & Erica Kelley
Suggested by: Nocturnal Druid, Reagan Williams and Amanda
Sources: https://www.southernfriedtruecrime.com/carrie-lawson-2
This episode is brought to you by:
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