Digest

This podcast delves into the chilling case of Sierra Jounghin, a 20-year-old college student who vanished in Delta, Ohio in July 2016. The episode meticulously follows the investigation, starting with the discovery of her purple bicycle in a cornfield and the subsequent search for her. The investigation leads to James Dean Worley, a man with a history of violence and criminal activity, who becomes the prime suspect. The podcast details the disturbing evidence found on Worley's property, including bondage clothing, restraints, adult diapers, and a chest freezer buried in the floor. The discovery of Sierra's body in a shallow grave, her wrists handcuffed and a dog toy used as a gag in her mouth, confirms the worst fears. The episode chronicles Worley's arrest, trial, and conviction, highlighting the evidence presented against him, including DNA evidence and his computer history revealing searches for violent pornography and bondage materials. The podcast also explores Worley's defense strategy and the testimony of his friends, who describe their shared interest in pornography. The episode concludes with a discussion of Worley's appeal, which was ultimately upheld, and the impact of Sierra's death on the community. The podcast highlights the creation of a scholarship fund in her name and the passage of Sierra's Law, which aims to improve public safety by creating a searchable violent crime database. The podcasters express their disgust at Worley's actions and their desire to see him executed. They encourage listeners to rate the podcast, follow them on social media, support their Patreon page, and attend their upcoming live show.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Case of Sierra Jounghin

The episode introduces the case of Sierra Jounghin, a 20-year-old college student who disappeared in Delta, Ohio in July 2016. The hosts describe her as a vivacious and social young woman who was last seen riding her bike home from her boyfriend's house.

00:03:35

The Investigation Begins

The investigation into Sierra's disappearance begins with the discovery of her purple bicycle in a cornfield. Police find evidence of a struggle, including blood stains, tire tracks, and a motorcycle helmet. Sierra's boyfriend, Josh, is initially considered a suspect but is later ruled out.

00:19:24

James Dean Worley Emerges as a Suspect

The investigation leads police to James Dean Worley, a man with a history of violence and criminal activity. Worley lives in the same area as Sierra and has a motorcycle. He provides a seemingly implausible alibi for the night of Sierra's disappearance.

00:26:08

The Search Warrant and the Barn of Horrors

Police obtain a search warrant for Worley's property and find a trove of disturbing evidence, including bondage clothing, restraints, adult diapers, and a chest freezer buried in the floor. They also find security footage of Worley's motorcycle traveling north on County Road 6 on the night of Sierra's disappearance.

00:43:54

Sierra's Body is Found and Worley's Arrest

A volunteer searching for Sierra discovers drag marks in a cornfield leading to a shallow grave. Sierra's body is found buried in the cornfield, her wrists handcuffed, her ankles bound with duct tape, and a dog toy used as a gag in her mouth. Worley is arrested and charged with aggravated murder, kidnapping, and felonious assault.

00:58:12

The Trial and Conviction

The podcast discusses James Worley's defense strategy, which hinges on the lack of his DNA on certain evidence. The episode then delves into testimony from Worley's friends, Mark Fauble and Jeffrey Whitaker, who describe their interactions with him, including their shared interest in pornography. The podcast focuses on the prosecutor's closing argument, highlighting the evidence that suggests Worley's intent to kill Sierra. The prosecutor emphasizes the use of a dog toy as a gag, the prolonged nature of Sierra's death, and Worley's interest in violent pornography. The podcast details Worley's conviction on all charges, including the aggravated robbery charges. The episode then discusses his sentencing, where he attempts to portray himself as a good person despite his crimes. The judge ultimately sentences him to 25 years and 11 months in prison.

01:03:23

The Appeal and Sierra's Law

The podcast covers Worley's appeal to the state Supreme Court, which is ultimately upheld. The episode then discusses the impact of Sierra's death, highlighting the creation of a scholarship fund in her name and the passage of Sierra's Law, which aims to improve public safety by creating a searchable violent crime database.

01:07:49

The Podcasters' Reactions and Call to Action

The podcasters express their disgust at Worley's actions and their desire to see him executed. They then encourage listeners to rate the podcast and follow them on social media. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to support their Patreon page and attend their upcoming live show.

Keywords

Q&A

• What happened to Sierra Jounghin?

  Sierra Jounghin, a 20-year-old college student, disappeared in Delta, Ohio in July 2016. Her body was later found buried in a cornfield, her wrists handcuffed, her ankles bound with duct tape, and a dog toy used as a gag in her mouth. The cause of death was asphyxiation from the gag.

• Who is James Dean Worley?

  James Dean Worley is a man with a history of violence and criminal activity. He was convicted of abduction in 1990 and was questioned in connection with the disappearance of Claudia Tinsley in 1996. He was arrested and charged with the murder of Sierra Jounghin in 2016.

• What evidence linked Worley to Sierra's murder?

  Evidence linking Worley to Sierra's murder included: a motorcycle helmet with Sierra's blood on it, bondage clothing and restraints found in his barn, adult diapers found in multiple locations on his property, and DNA evidence found on the items used to restrain and bury Sierra's body.

• What was Worley's explanation for the disturbing evidence found on his property?

  Worley claimed that the bondage clothing, restraints, and adult diapers were props for a pornography business he was planning. He also claimed that the chest freezer buried in the floor of his barn was for storing food.

• What was the outcome of Worley's trial?

  Worley was found guilty of aggravated murder, kidnapping, and felonious assault. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

• What was James Worley's defense strategy in his trial?

  Worley's defense strategy was based on the lack of his DNA on certain evidence, suggesting reasonable doubt.

• What was the significance of the dog toy used to gag Sierra Buford?

  The use of a dog toy, rather than a ball gag designed for bondage, indicated that Worley intended to cause Sierra's death, as it would have made it difficult for her to breathe.

• What was the outcome of Worley's appeal to the state Supreme Court?

  Worley's appeal was upheld, and he remains on death row.

• What is the purpose of Sierra's Law?

  Sierra's Law aims to improve public safety by creating a searchable violent crime database, making it easier to identify and track repeat offenders.

• What is the podcasters' call to action for listeners?

  The podcasters encourage listeners to rate the podcast, follow them on social media, support their Patreon page, and attend their upcoming live show.

Show Notes