Digest

This episode of Small Town Murder delves into the life of Ronald John Gress, a man who lived in a hole in the ground in the Nevada desert. Gress, who was born in North Dakota in 1935, had a seemingly normal upbringing, but his life took a turn for the bizarre in the 1960s. He worked as a computer programmer for Boeing, but then abruptly transitioned to potato farming in Oregon. In 1963, he began claiming that 300 women wanted to marry him, and in 1966, he was institutionalized after a fight with his father. After being released, he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and continued to exhibit erratic behavior. In 1968, he attempted to shoot a game warden who told him it was not duck season. He was sent back to the institution, but was released by the end of the year. Gress then retreated further into the desert, where he became known as "Three Fingers" after a dynamite blast that injured his hands. He adopted the last name "Bristle Wolf" and lived in a hole he dug near Pinto Hot Springs. He was known for his unusual eating habits, including scavenging meat from the dump and eating roadkill. He would walk 50 miles to Denio every month to cash his disability pension check. Gress was a recluse who feared people, but loved animals. He was known to be cunning and smart, but his mental illness made him a danger to himself and others. The episode explores the remoteness of the Nevada desert and the challenges of living in such a harsh environment. It also raises questions about mental illness and the limits of human behavior. The episode then focuses on the murder of Richard Weiss and his wife Judy Warren Weiss, and Pete Casano, who were searching for the Blue Bucket Treasure. The episode explores the history of the Blue Bucket Treasure, a legend that has been around for over a century. The episode also explores the personalities of the victims and the killer, and the challenges of living in a remote and isolated area. The episode concludes with the trial of Ronald John Gress, who was found incompetent to stand trial and was sent to a mental institution. The episode raises questions about the justice system and the challenges of dealing with mentally ill individuals who commit crimes. The episode then goes on to tell the story of Jack Harrelson, who looted an ancient burial ground and was convicted of trying to have his business partner murdered. Harrelson was obsessed with finding valuable artifacts and was willing to go to great lengths to achieve his goal. He was eventually caught and convicted of his crimes, and died in prison in 2012. The episode concludes with a discussion of the legacy of Ronald John Gress and Jack Harrelson, and the enduring mystery of the Blue Bucket Treasure. The episode ends with a list of names of people who have supported the podcast.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the podcast and its hosts, James Petrigallo and Jimmy Wiseman. They announce that this is the 499th episode and that the 500th episode will be a special celebration. They also encourage listeners to check out their website, shut up and give me murder.com, for merchandise and tickets to live shows. They also mention their Patreon page, Patreon.com/CrimeInSports, where listeners can access bonus material.

00:04:58

Denio, Nevada

This Chapter focuses on the town of Denio, Nevada, which is located in the northwestern part of the state, near the Oregon border. The town is small and sparsely populated, with a population ranging from 20 to 47 people. The town is known for its black fire opals, hot springs, and its proximity to the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge. The hosts discuss the history of the town, its demographics, and its unique features.

00:23:11

Ronald John Gress

This Chapter introduces Ronald John Gress, a man who lived in a hole in the ground in the Nevada desert. Gress was born in North Dakota in 1935 and had a seemingly normal upbringing. However, his life took a turn for the bizarre in the 1960s. He worked as a computer programmer for Boeing, but then abruptly transitioned to potato farming in Oregon. In 1963, he began claiming that 300 women wanted to marry him, and in 1966, he was institutionalized after a fight with his father. After being released, he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and continued to exhibit erratic behavior. In 1968, he attempted to shoot a game warden who told him it was not duck season. He was sent back to the institution, but was released by the end of the year.

00:57:14

Gress's Eating Habits

This Chapter discusses Ronald John Gress's unusual eating habits, including scavenging meat from the dump and eating roadkill. The hosts discuss the dangers of eating such food and how Gress was able to survive on such a diet. They also discuss the fact that Gress was a crack shot with a gun and that he only hunted if he was going to die of starvation. They also discuss the fact that Gress was a recluse who feared people, but loved animals. They also discuss the fact that Gress was known to be cunning and smart, but his mental illness made him a danger to himself and others.

01:03:15

Gress's Threats

This Chapter discusses the fact that Gress was known to threaten people who got too close to his dugout home. The hosts discuss the fact that Gress was a danger to himself and others and that he was known to be unpredictable. They also discuss the fact that Gress was a recluse who feared people, but loved animals. They also discuss the fact that Gress was known to be cunning and smart, but his mental illness made him a danger to himself and others.

01:08:38

Pete Casano

This Chapter introduces Pete Casano, a French mountain man who lived in the Black Rock Desert area. The hosts discuss Casano's life and how he came to live in the desert. They also discuss Casano's relationship with Ronald John Gress and how he was killed by Gress. They also discuss the fact that Casano was a trapper and a tracker and that he was in tip-top shape for a man of 75 years old.

01:15:31

The Blue Bucket Treasure

This Chapter introduces the Blue Bucket Treasure, a legend that has been around for over a century. The hosts discuss the history of the treasure and how it came to be lost. They also discuss the fact that Richard Weiss and his wife Judy Warren Weiss were searching for the treasure when they were killed by Ronald John Gress. They also discuss the fact that Gress was a prospector and that he may have been looking for the treasure himself.

01:28:30

The Murders

This Chapter discusses the murders of Richard Weiss, Judy Warren Weiss, and Pete Casano. The hosts discuss the fact that Gress was found incompetent to stand trial and was sent to a mental institution. They also discuss the fact that Gress was a danger to himself and others and that he was known to be unpredictable. They also discuss the fact that Gress was a recluse who feared people, but loved animals. They also discuss the fact that Gress was known to be cunning and smart, but his mental illness made him a danger to himself and others.

01:36:56

The Trial

This Chapter discusses the trial of Ronald John Gress. The hosts discuss the fact that Gress was found incompetent to stand trial and was sent to a mental institution. They also discuss the fact that Gress was a danger to himself and others and that he was known to be unpredictable. They also discuss the fact that Gress was a recluse who feared people, but loved animals. They also discuss the fact that Gress was known to be cunning and smart, but his mental illness made him a danger to himself and others.

01:45:10

The Aftermath

This Chapter discusses the aftermath of the murders and the trial of Ronald John Gress. The hosts discuss the fact that Gress was found incompetent to stand trial and was sent to a mental institution. They also discuss the fact that Gress was a danger to himself and others and that he was known to be unpredictable. They also discuss the fact that Gress was a recluse who feared people, but loved animals. They also discuss the fact that Gress was known to be cunning and smart, but his mental illness made him a danger to himself and others.

01:50:07

Gress's Defense

This Chapter discusses the defense strategy used by Ronald John Gress's attorney. The attorney argued that Gress was a paranoid schizophrenic who was trying to isolate himself from society. The attorney also argued that Gress was not capable of knowing right from wrong at the time of the murders. The hosts discuss the evidence presented at trial, including testimony from psychiatrists and the gun used in the murders. They also discuss the arguments made by both the prosecution and the defense.

02:10:19

Jack Harrelson

This Chapter introduces Jack Harrelson, a man who looted an ancient burial ground and was convicted of trying to have his business partner murdered. Harrelson was obsessed with finding valuable artifacts and was willing to go to great lengths to achieve his goal. He was eventually caught and convicted of his crimes, and died in prison in 2012. The hosts discuss the details of Harrelson's crimes, including the discovery of the burial ground and the attempt to have his partner killed. They also discuss the legal proceedings and the eventual outcome of the case.

02:35:29

Conclusion

This Chapter concludes the episode with a summary of the events discussed and a reminder of the upcoming 500th episode. The hosts also encourage listeners to check out their website and Patreon page for more information and bonus content.

02:41:23

Podcast Supporters

This Chapter is a list of names of people who have supported the podcast. The hosts read out the names of the supporters, thanking them for their contributions.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the most unusual thing about Ronald John Gress's life?

  Gress lived in a hole he dug in the ground near Pinto Hot Springs in the Nevada desert. He was known for his eccentric behavior, including claiming to be an army general and attempting to shoot a game warden. He was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and lived a reclusive life, surviving on roadkill and scavenging meat from the dump.

• What is Denio, Nevada like?

  Denio is a small, sparsely populated town located in the northwestern part of the state, near the Oregon border. It is known for its black fire opals, hot springs, and its proximity to the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge. The town is a popular stop for travelers exploring the Nevada desert.

• What is Pinto Hot Springs like?

  Pinto Hot Springs is a remote hot spring located in the Nevada desert. It is known for its sulfurous smell and milky white algae. The springs are a popular destination for those seeking a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience.

• What is paranoid schizophrenia?

  Paranoid schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking. People with paranoid schizophrenia may have difficulty distinguishing between reality and fantasy. They may also experience paranoia, which is a feeling of being persecuted or threatened. The disorder can be treated with medication and therapy.

• What are some of the challenges of living in the Nevada desert?

  The Nevada desert is a vast and arid region located in the western United States. It is known for its extreme temperatures, sparse vegetation, and unique geological formations. The desert is home to a variety of wildlife, including coyotes, desert tortoises, and pronghorn antelope. The Nevada desert is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, and off-roading.

• What is the purpose of the Small Town Murder podcast?

  Small Town Murder is a podcast that explores true crime stories from small towns across the United States. The podcast is hosted by James Petrigallo and Jimmy Wiseman, who use humor and storytelling to bring these cases to life. The podcast is known for its in-depth research and its focus on the human element of crime.

• What is the role of a game warden?

  A game warden is a law enforcement officer who enforces hunting and fishing regulations. Game wardens are responsible for protecting wildlife and ensuring that people are following the law. They may also investigate poaching and other wildlife crimes.

• What is the Bureau of Land Management?

  The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a federal agency that manages public lands in the United States. The BLM is responsible for protecting natural resources, promoting recreation, and ensuring that public lands are used sustainably. The BLM manages over 245 million acres of land, including deserts, forests, and grasslands.

• What is roadkill?

  Roadkill is an animal that has been killed by a vehicle. Roadkill is a common sight on roads, especially in rural areas. Roadkill can be a source of food for scavengers, such as coyotes and vultures. It can also be a hazard to drivers, as it can cause accidents.

• What is a disability pension?

  A disability pension is a payment made to people who are unable to work due to a disability. Disability pensions are typically paid by the government or by an employer. The amount of a disability pension is based on the severity of the disability and the person's previous earnings.

• What is the Blue Bucket Treasure?

  The Blue Bucket Treasure is a legend that has been around for over a century. It is said that a wagon train traveling across the Black Rock Desert in 1845 lost a blue bucket filled with gold. The treasure has been searched for by many people over the years, but it has never been found. The legend of the Blue Bucket Treasure is a popular topic in the Nevada desert.

• What is the story of Jack Harrelson?

  Jack Harrelson was a man who looted an ancient burial ground and was convicted of trying to have his business partner murdered. He was obsessed with finding valuable artifacts and was willing to go to great lengths to achieve his goal. He was eventually caught and convicted of his crimes, and died in prison in 2012.

Show Notes