Digest

This episode of Small Town Murder delves into the peculiar case of Deborah Ryman, a resident of Walton, New York, known for her involvement in the local giant pumpkin growing community. The episode begins by introducing Randy Sunström, Deborah's husband, and his unusual passion for cultivating massive pumpkins. Randy's dedication to pumpkin growing led him to become the founder and president of the New York State Giant Pumpkin Growers Association. The episode highlights the couple's shared interest in gardening and their involvement in pumpkin weigh-offs, a unique social activity in their community. However, the narrative takes a dark turn when Randy abruptly leaves Deborah, leaving her heartbroken and alleging that he had been abusive. The episode explores the aftermath of Randy's departure, including Deborah's struggles to cope with the situation and her eventual death in a suspicious fire. The investigation reveals that Deborah had been in an abusive relationship with Randy and that she had sought refuge from him on multiple occasions. The episode concludes with the tragic discovery of Deborah's body and the revelation that she had shot her dog before taking her own life. The case raises questions about the nature of Randy's actions, the extent of Deborah's suffering, and the role of the local community in the events leading up to her death. The episode then takes a shocking turn when the police discover Randy's body in a barrel behind the couple's farmhouse, three years after he disappeared. The discovery raises even more questions about Deborah's actions and the circumstances surrounding Randy's death. The episode explores the reactions of the community, including Randy's daughter, who had limited contact with her father, and the pumpkin growing community, who were shocked and saddened by the news. The episode concludes with a discussion of the investigation and the ongoing efforts to determine the cause of death for both Randy and Deborah.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Overview

This Chapter introduces the podcast, Small Town Murder Express, and its hosts, James Petrogallo and Jimmy Wiseman. They welcome listeners to the murder train and promise a crazy murder story. They also promote their website, shut up and give me murder.com, where listeners can find merchandise, tickets for live shows, and more. They also mention their Patreon page, patreon.com/crimein-sports, where subscribers can access bonus material and exclusive content.

00:03:58

Walton, New York: The Scarecrow Capital of the World

This Chapter focuses on the town of Walton, New York, where the murder took place. The hosts describe Walton as a small, rural town with a low median household income and home prices. They highlight the town's unique motto, "The Scarecrow Capital of the World," and discuss its history, which dates back to the American Revolution. They also mention that Walton is the birthplace of William B. Ogden, the first mayor of Chicago.

00:12:30

Randy Sunström: The Pumpkin Whisperer

This Chapter introduces Randy Sunström, Deborah Ryman's husband, and his obsession with growing giant pumpkins. The hosts detail Randy's background, his involvement in the army, and his work as a small engine repairman. They also discuss his relationship with Deborah and his unusual decision to leave her for another woman. The chapter explores Randy's passion for pumpkin growing, his involvement in the New York State Giant Pumpkin Growers Association, and his friendship with Bill Bobeer, a fellow pumpkin enthusiast.

00:28:29

The Tragic Death of Deborah Ryman

This Chapter focuses on the tragic death of Deborah Ryman. The hosts recount the events leading up to her death, including her separation from Randy, her struggles to cope with the abuse she had endured, and her eventual suicide. The chapter details the police investigation, the discovery of Deborah's body, and the circumstances surrounding her death. The hosts also discuss the role of Nick Bosco, Deborah's new boyfriend, and his family in the events leading up to her death.

00:53:08

The Shocking Discovery of Randy Sunström's Body

This Chapter reveals the shocking discovery of Randy Sunström's body in a barrel behind the couple's farmhouse, three years after he disappeared. The hosts discuss the police investigation, the use of a cadaver sniffing dog, and the circumstances surrounding the discovery. They also explore the reactions of the community, including Randy's daughter, who had limited contact with her father, and the pumpkin growing community, who were shocked and saddened by the news.

01:07:37

The Aftermath and Reactions

This Chapter focuses on the aftermath of the discovery of Randy's body and the reactions of the community. The hosts discuss the messages posted on a pumpkin growing forum, including expressions of grief and shock from those who knew Deborah and Randy. They also explore the reactions of Randy's daughter, who had limited contact with her father, and the pumpkin growing community, who were shocked and saddened by the news.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was Randy Sunström's unusual obsession?

  Randy Sunström was obsessed with growing giant pumpkins. He was so passionate about it that he became the founder and president of the New York State Giant Pumpkin Growers Association.

• What happened to Deborah Ryman?

  Deborah Ryman was found dead in a fire at her home. The investigation revealed that she had shot her dog and then herself with a rifle. She had been in an abusive relationship with her husband, Randy Sunström, who had left her for another woman.

• What was the role of Nick Bosco in Deborah's death?

  Nick Bosco was Deborah's new boyfriend. He was at the house with her when she died in the fire. He was not charged with any crimes related to her death.

• What was the significance of the giant pumpkins in the case?

  The giant pumpkins were a symbol of Randy and Deborah's shared passion and their involvement in the local community. However, the pumpkins also represented a source of stress and conflict in their relationship, as Randy's obsession with them may have contributed to his neglect of Deborah and his eventual departure.

• What lessons can be learned from Deborah's story?

  Deborah's story is a tragic reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence. It highlights the importance of seeking help if you are experiencing abuse and the need for communities to be more aware of and supportive of victims. It also raises questions about the role of social isolation and the pressures of a small town environment in contributing to domestic violence.

• How was Randy Sunström's body found?

  Randy's body was found in a 55-gallon barrel behind the couple's farmhouse, three years after he disappeared. A cadaver sniffing dog alerted the police to the barrel.

• What was the reaction of the pumpkin growing community to the news of Randy's death?

  The pumpkin growing community was shocked and saddened by the news of Randy's death. Many of them had known him and Deborah and were unaware of the abuse that had been taking place in their relationship.

• What was the reaction of Randy's daughter to the news of her father's death?

  Randy's daughter, who had limited contact with her father, was shocked and saddened by the news of his death. She said that she wouldn't have recognized him if she passed him on the street.

• What is the current status of the investigation?

  The investigation is ongoing. The police are looking into mental health histories, whether there was a history of domestic violence, and trying to figure out the cause of death for both Randy and Deborah.

• What are some of the key takeaways from this case?

  This case highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing domestic violence. It also shows how even in small towns, secrets and tragedies can be hidden for years. The case also raises questions about the role of the community in supporting victims of abuse and the importance of seeking help if you are experiencing violence.

Show Notes