376: Boulder Jane Doe (From Web of Death)
11Digest
This episode continues the investigation into the "Boulder Jane Doe" case, revealing the identity of the victim as Dorothy Gay Howard. The podcast follows the journey of Michelle Casper, a young woman who discovers a photo album belonging to her great aunt, Dini, and believes her great aunt's oldest sister, Dorothy, may be the Jane Doe. Michelle's research leads her to the Jane Doe case file, where she finds a description matching Dorothy, including a scar from an appendectomy. DNA testing confirms that Dorothy Gay Howard is the Jane Doe. The episode then explores the potential connection to Harvey Glatman, a notorious serial killer who operated in Southern California during the 1950s. The podcast reveals that Glatman lived in Denver during the 1950s, placing him in the vicinity of Dorothy's murder. The podcast also discusses the similarities between Glatman's crimes and Dorothy's case, including the fact that Glatman was known to tie up his victims and take them on long drives. The episode concludes with the revelation that Dorothy's remains will stay in Boulder, where the community showed great support for her case.
Outlines
Meetup Announcements
This Chapter begins with the host announcing upcoming meetups in Austin, Texas, Phoenix, Arizona, and Los Angeles. He encourages listeners to RSVP and emphasizes the welcoming atmosphere of these events, where attendees can connect with fellow fans and make new friends.
The Murder of Dorothy Gay Howard
This Chapter introduces the central case of the episode: the murder of Dorothy Gay Howard, also known as the "Boulder Jane Doe." The host explains the circumstances surrounding her discovery, highlighting the lack of clues about her identity and the brutal nature of her death. He emphasizes the desire to give her back her name and find justice for her.
Sylvia's Quest for Identity
This Chapter focuses on Sylvia Petem, a local resident who becomes deeply invested in the Jane Doe case. The host details Sylvia's background and her involvement in a historical society event that sparked her interest in the case. He describes Sylvia's determination to put a real name on the Jane Doe's grave and her tireless efforts to uncover her identity.
Simply Safe: Home Security
This Chapter features a sponsored segment for Simply Safe, a home security system. The host shares his personal experience with the product, emphasizing its effectiveness and ease of use. He highlights the features of the system, including fast protect monitoring, live guard protection, and a money-back guarantee.
Uncovering Clues
This Chapter delves into Sylvia's investigation, highlighting her access to newspaper archives and her meticulous approach to piecing together clues. The host describes Sylvia's discovery of a file containing newspaper clippings related to the Jane Doe case and her efforts to connect the dots.
The Jane Doe's Remains
This Chapter provides details about the Jane Doe's body, including her physical description and the circumstances surrounding her death. The host discusses the challenges faced by investigators due to the decomposition of the body and the lack of fingerprints.
Z-Biotics: Pre-Alcohol Probiotic
This Chapter features a sponsored segment for Z-Biotics, a pre-alcohol probiotic. The host shares his personal experience with the product, emphasizing its effectiveness in reducing the effects of alcohol consumption. He highlights the science behind the probiotic and its benefits for those who enjoy a night out.
The Crime Scene
This Chapter focuses on the crime scene where the Jane Doe's body was found. The host describes the location, which was a desolate area at the time of the murder. He discusses the significance of the crime scene and its role in the investigation.
The Exhumation
This Chapter details the exhumation of the Jane Doe's remains. The host describes the process, which involved a team of experts and unexpected challenges. He highlights the discovery that the coffin had disintegrated, leaving only skeletal remains.
The Search for Identity
This Chapter focuses on the efforts to identify the Jane Doe. The host describes the process of comparing missing women from 1954 to the Jane Doe's profile. He introduces Karen Nicholas, a volunteer researcher who brings her unique skills to the investigation.
Home Chef: Meal Kits
This Chapter features a sponsored segment for Home Chef, a meal kit delivery service. The host shares his personal experience with the product, emphasizing its convenience and variety. He highlights the different meal options available, including classic meal kits, oven-ready kits, and quick microwavable meals.
Chime: Credit Builder Visa Credit Card
This Chapter features a sponsored segment for Chime, a financial technology company. The host discusses the benefits of the Chime Secured Credit Builder Visa Credit Card, emphasizing its ease of use and its ability to help individuals build credit. He highlights the features of the card, including no annual fees, no interest, and access to a large network of fee-free ATMs.
America's Most Wanted
This Chapter describes the decision to bring the Jane Doe case to national attention through America's Most Wanted. The host discusses the challenges of identifying missing women from the 1950s due to the ease of changing identities and the desire of some women to remain hidden.
Harvey Glatman: A Possible Connection
This Chapter introduces Harvey Glatman, a notorious serial killer who operated in Southern California during the 1950s. The host provides background information on Glatman and his modus operandi, highlighting the similarities between his crimes and the Jane Doe case.
Lorraine Vigilante: A Survivor
This Chapter tells the story of Lorraine Vigilante, a woman who survived an encounter with Harvey Glatman. The host describes Vigilante's bravery in fighting back against Glatman and the role of a California Highway Patrol officer in rescuing her.
A Denver Connection
This Chapter reveals that Harvey Glatman lived in Denver during the 1950s, placing him in the vicinity of the Jane Doe's murder. The host discusses Glatman's criminal history in Colorado and the similarities between his crimes and the Jane Doe case.
A Twist in Australia
This Chapter introduces a surprising twist in the investigation. The host describes how two women in Australia, who were following the Jane Doe case online, contacted Sylvia with information about a woman named Barbara who they believed could be the Jane Doe. They had discovered divorce papers for a Catherine Dire, the name they believed was the Jane Doe's true identity.
Catherine Dire's Journey
This Chapter reveals the story of Catherine Dire, the woman believed to be the Jane Doe. The host describes Catherine's life, including her marriage to James Dire, her disappearance from Denver, and her eventual relocation to Australia, where she assumed the identity of Barbara.
A Return to Square One
This Chapter describes the emotional toll of the investigation and the setbacks faced by the team. The host explains that despite their efforts, they were unable to definitively identify the Jane Doe and decided to return her remains to the cemetery.
Masterclass: Online Learning Platform
This Chapter features a sponsored segment for Masterclass, an online learning platform. The host shares his personal experience with the platform, emphasizing its value in providing access to knowledge from world-renowned experts. He highlights the variety of courses available and the platform's accessibility.
Dorothy Gay Howard: The Jane Doe's Identity
This Chapter reveals the identity of the "Boulder Jane Doe" as Dorothy Gay Howard. The host introduces Michelle Casper, a young woman who contacted Sylvia Petem with information about her great aunt's sister, Dorothy. Michelle's research and DNA testing confirmed that Dorothy was the Jane Doe. The host discusses the emotional impact of the discovery on Dorothy's family and the community of Boulder.
Brandy Melville: The Cult of Fast Fashion
This Chapter discusses the fast fashion brand Brandy Melville and its impact on the environment and its employees. The host shares text messages between the senior leadership of Brandy Melville, revealing vile, sexual, and racist jokes. The host also discusses the exploitative nature of the fast fashion industry and how brands like Brandy Melville convince consumers that they are not enough.
Keywords
Boulder Jane Doe
The "Boulder Jane Doe" refers to the unidentified body of a young woman found dead in Boulder, Colorado, in 1953. The case remained unsolved for decades, but through the efforts of dedicated individuals, the victim was eventually identified as Dorothy Gay Howard. The case highlights the enduring mystery surrounding unidentified remains and the importance of seeking justice for victims.
Dorothy Gay Howard
Dorothy Gay Howard was the victim of the "Boulder Jane Doe" case. She was a young woman who went missing in 1953 and was later found dead in Boulder, Colorado. Her identity remained a mystery for decades until Michelle Casper, a young woman who believed her great aunt's sister might be the Jane Doe, contacted Sylvia Petem, a local resident who had been working on the case. Through DNA testing, Dorothy's identity was confirmed, bringing closure to her family and the community of Boulder.
Harvey Glatman
Harvey Glatman was a notorious serial killer who operated in Southern California during the 1950s. He was known for his modus operandi, which involved tying up his victims and taking them on long drives. Glatman was eventually caught and executed in 1959. The podcast explores the potential connection between Glatman and the "Boulder Jane Doe" case, highlighting the similarities between his crimes and the victim's injuries. The investigation reveals that Glatman lived in Denver during the 1950s, placing him in the vicinity of the victim's murder.
Fast Fashion
Fast fashion refers to the rapid production of trendy and inexpensive clothing. The industry is known for its exploitative labor practices, environmental damage, and contribution to consumerism. The podcast discusses the negative impacts of fast fashion, highlighting the case of Brandy Melville, a brand that has been accused of promoting a culture of body shaming and exploiting its employees. The episode encourages listeners to consider the ethical and environmental implications of their clothing choices.
Brandy Melville
Brandy Melville is a fast fashion brand known for its trendy and affordable clothing, primarily targeting teenage girls. The brand has been criticized for its size-exclusive clothing, its promotion of a thin ideal, and its exploitative labor practices. The podcast reveals text messages between the senior leadership of Brandy Melville, exposing vile, sexual, and racist jokes. The episode highlights the problematic nature of the brand and its contribution to the negative impacts of the fast fashion industry.
Serial Killer
A serial killer is a person who commits two or more murders, typically with a cooling-off period between each murder. Serial killers often have a specific modus operandi and target victims based on certain characteristics. The podcast explores the potential connection between Harvey Glatman, a notorious serial killer, and the "Boulder Jane Doe" case. The episode highlights the chilling nature of serial killers and the enduring mystery surrounding their motives and crimes.
DNA Testing
DNA testing is a scientific technique used to identify individuals based on their unique genetic makeup. The podcast highlights the role of DNA testing in solving the "Boulder Jane Doe" case. The episode explains how DNA samples from the victim were compared to those of potential relatives, leading to the identification of Dorothy Gay Howard. DNA testing has revolutionized forensic science, providing a powerful tool for identifying victims and solving crimes.
Cold Case
A cold case is an unsolved criminal investigation that has been inactive for a significant period of time. Cold cases often remain unsolved due to a lack of evidence, witnesses, or leads. The podcast explores the "Boulder Jane Doe" case, which was a cold case for decades before the victim was identified. The episode highlights the dedication of individuals who work tirelessly to solve cold cases and bring closure to victims' families.
Unsolved Murder
An unsolved murder is a homicide case that has not been solved by law enforcement. Unsolved murders can have a profound impact on victims' families and communities. The podcast discusses the unsolved murder of Dorothy Gay Howard, highlighting the ongoing investigation and the desire to find justice for the victim. The episode emphasizes the importance of seeking answers and holding perpetrators accountable, even in cases that have remained unsolved for years.
Q&A
How was the identity of the "Boulder Jane Doe" revealed?
The identity of the "Boulder Jane Doe" was revealed through the efforts of Michelle Casper, a young woman who believed her great aunt's sister, Dorothy, might be the Jane Doe. Michelle's research and DNA testing confirmed that Dorothy Gay Howard was the victim.
What is the potential connection between Harvey Glatman and the "Boulder Jane Doe" case?
The podcast explores the potential connection between Harvey Glatman, a notorious serial killer, and the "Boulder Jane Doe" case. The investigation reveals that Glatman lived in Denver during the 1950s, placing him in the vicinity of the victim's murder. The podcast also discusses the similarities between Glatman's crimes and the victim's injuries, including the fact that Glatman was known to tie up his victims and take them on long drives.
What are the negative impacts of fast fashion?
The podcast discusses the negative impacts of fast fashion, highlighting the case of Brandy Melville, a brand that has been accused of promoting a culture of body shaming and exploiting its employees. The host shares text messages between the senior leadership of Brandy Melville, revealing vile, sexual, and racist jokes. The episode highlights the problematic nature of the brand and its contribution to the negative impacts of the fast fashion industry.
What is the significance of the "Boulder Jane Doe" case remaining officially open?
The "Boulder Jane Doe" case remains officially open despite the identification of the victim and the strong evidence pointing to Harvey Glatman as the perpetrator. This highlights the importance of seeking justice for victims and holding perpetrators accountable, even in cases that have remained unsolved for years. The episode emphasizes the desire to find definitive proof and bring closure to Dorothy's family.
Show Notes
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