#513 - Music Box Murder - Agawam, Massachusetts
Digest
This episode of "Small Town Murder" delves into the chilling case of Lisa Ziger's murder in Agawam, Massachusetts. The hosts, James Petra Gallo and Jimmy Wiseman, begin by introducing the town, highlighting its quirky charm and its history, including its unusual purchase price from the original tribe. They then introduce Lisa, a vibrant young woman who worked as a teacher's assistant and Sunday school teacher, and detail her life, her hobbies, and her unsettling feeling of being watched. The episode then recounts the events leading up to Lisa's disappearance, including her last known interactions with friends and family, the discovery of her belongings left behind at the gift shop where she worked, and the police investigation, which initially focused on a possible kidnapping. The discovery of Lisa's body in the woods marks a tragic turn in the investigation, and the hosts discuss the witness accounts, including a woman who saw a struggle in a car near the crime scene. The police widen their search for clues, exploring the possibility of a connection to a previous attempted kidnapping in a nearby town. The town is in a state of panic after Lisa's murder, and the police use DNA technology, still relatively new at the time, to eliminate suspects. The episode introduces Gary Shara, a former classmate of Lisa's friend, Noelle De Lories, who becomes a suspect after his ex-wife, Joyce, accuses him of the crime. Joyce provides details about Gary's behavior and past actions that raise serious concerns, including his unusual obsession with the case and his suspicious behavior. The police investigate Gary, but they lack sufficient evidence to obtain a search warrant or subpoena. The episode delves into Joyce's history of alcoholism, highlighting several incidents, including a fall from a balcony while drunk and her eventual death from alcohol-related problems. The episode discusses the impact of Unsolved Mysteries on the case, noting that while it generated tips, none led to a breakthrough. The police also explored psychological profiles of potential suspects, but these proved to be vague. The episode highlights the emotional toll the case takes on Lisa's mother, Diane, and the $100,000 reward offered for information leading to the arrest of Lisa's killer, which fails to generate any significant leads. A new detective, Mark Pafau, takes over the case after the original lead investigator retires. He is determined to revive the investigation and bring fresh eyes to the case. Gary is questioned by the police in 2002 and again in 2008, but he maintains his innocence and refuses to provide a DNA sample. His odd behavior and attire continue to raise suspicions. The episode explores Gary's life after Lisa's disappearance, his various jobs, and his friends' descriptions of him as a docile and kind person. Diane campaigns for the passage of a victims' rights amendment to the US Constitution, arguing that the current system focuses too heavily on the rights of the accused. Lisa's family becomes increasingly impatient with the lack of progress in the case. The police are able to create a digital composite image of the killer based on his genetic material. They focus their attention on 11 suspects who match the composite and refused to provide DNA samples. Gary is on the list of 11 suspects. The police visit Gary's apartment but find him gone. He calls Noelle and asks to stay at her place for the night, claiming there is heavy traffic due to a fair. Gary arrives at Noelle's house and leaves a letter for her confessing to the abduction, rape, and murder of Lisa. He expresses remorse and says he will either take his own life or face the consequences. Gary explains in his letter that he was fascinated by abduction and bondage from a young age. He says he did not intend to kill Lisa but events spun out of control. Noelle initially doubts Gary's confession, believing he is having a psychotic breakdown. She takes the letter to the police, who are stunned by its contents. The police track Gary down to a hospital in Connecticut, where he is having his stomach pumped after attempting suicide by taking ibuprofen. Gary is arrested and charged with Lisa's murder. The police search his apartment and Noelle's house, finding evidence that confirms his confession. Gary is sentenced to life in prison without parole. The episode concludes with reflections from Lisa's mother, Diane, and Noelle, who both express a sense of relief but also a feeling of being let down. The hosts wrap up the episode, thanking listeners for their support and encouraging them to leave reviews, follow on social media, and visit their website. They also promote their other podcasts, Crime in Sports and Your Stupid Opinions, and highlight the benefits of becoming a Patreon supporter. They preview the upcoming episodes of both Crime in Sports and Small Town Murder.
Outlines
Introduction and Show Overview
This chapter introduces the podcast "Small Town Murder" and its hosts, James Petra Gallo and Jimmy Wiseman. They briefly discuss the episode's theme and encourage listeners to check out their other shows and Patreon page.
Agawam, Massachusetts: A Homie Town with a Dark Secret
The hosts delve into the town of Agawam, Massachusetts, where the episode's case takes place. They explore its history, including its unusual purchase price and its brief stint as a horse racing hub. They also share humorous reviews of the town from locals, highlighting its quirky charm and the inevitable political debates on Facebook.
Lisa Ziger: A Vibrant Life Cut Short
This chapter introduces Lisa Ziger, the victim of the Agawam murder. The hosts detail her life, highlighting her involvement in various extracurricular activities, her passion for teaching special needs children, and her infectious personality. They also mention her unsettling feeling of being watched, foreshadowing the tragic events to come.
Lisa's Disappearance: A Mystery Unfolds
The hosts recount the events leading up to Lisa's disappearance. They describe her routine, her last known interactions with friends and family, and the discovery of her belongings left behind at the gift shop where she worked. The chapter concludes with the police investigation, which initially focuses on a possible kidnapping.
A Gruesome Discovery and the Search for Answers
This chapter reveals the discovery of Lisa's body in the woods, marking a tragic turn in the investigation. The hosts discuss the witness accounts, including a woman who saw a struggle in a car near the crime scene, and the police's widening search for clues. They also explore the possibility of a connection to a previous attempted kidnapping in a nearby town.
The Murder of Lisa Zagart
This chapter details the discovery of Lisa Zagart's body, the brutal nature of her murder, and the initial reactions of the town. The police believe the killer is a local due to the remote location of the crime scene.
The Town's Reaction and the Use of DNA
The town is in a state of panic after Lisa's murder. People are afraid and start taking precautions like locking their doors and buying weapons. The police are investigating and using DNA technology, which is still relatively new at the time.
A Possible Suspect Emerges: Gary Shara
This chapter introduces Gary Shara, a former classmate of Noelle De Lories, who is featured in a news report about the abduction of his infant son. Noelle recognizes Gary and remembers their relationship, which leads to a series of events that raise suspicion about his possible involvement in Lisa's murder.
The Abduction Mystery Solved, But New Suspicions Arise
The mystery of Gary's son's abduction is solved when the boy is found with his mother, Joyce. However, Joyce then makes a shocking claim to the police, accusing Gary of murdering Lisa. She provides details about his behavior and past actions that raise serious concerns.
The Police Investigate Gary Shara
The police investigate Gary Shara based on Joyce's accusations. They find no criminal record or evidence linking him to any crime, but they take her claims seriously. The police also discuss the common occurrence of ex-wives and girlfriends accusing their former partners of crimes, making it difficult to determine the validity of these claims.
The Accusations Against Gary
The episode begins with a discussion of the accusations made against Gary by his ex-wife. She claims he is a rapist murderer, but her family and even the police have doubts about her credibility due to her history of alcoholism.
The Music Box
Gary's ex-wife presents a music box as evidence that he was home on the night of Lisa's disappearance. However, the music box is a common item sold at a local store, and Gary claims he bought it from an elderly woman.
The Police Investigation
The police investigate Gary but lack sufficient evidence to obtain a search warrant or subpoena. They are hampered by the lack of physical evidence and the fact that Gary's ex-wife is considered unreliable.
Joyce's History of Alcoholism
The episode delves into Joyce's history of alcoholism, highlighting several incidents, including a fall from a balcony while drunk and her eventual death from alcohol-related problems.
Unsolved Mysteries and the Case
The episode discusses the impact of Unsolved Mysteries on the case, noting that while it generated tips, none led to a breakthrough. The police also explored psychological profiles of potential suspects, but these proved to be vague.
The Search for a Better Profile
The police attempt to develop a better profile of the killer, but they are still hampered by a lack of evidence. They continue to investigate the case, reviewing old information and tracking down new leads.
The $100,000 Reward
A $100,000 reward is offered for information leading to the arrest of Lisa's killer, but it fails to generate any significant leads. The episode highlights the emotional toll the case takes on Lisa's mother, Diane.
A New Detective Takes Over
A new detective, Mark Pafau, takes over the case after the original lead investigator retires. He is determined to revive the investigation and bring fresh eyes to the case.
Gary's Suspicious Behavior
Gary is questioned by the police in 2002. He refuses to provide a DNA sample, claiming he is afraid of being secretly cloned. His suspicious behavior, including wearing a trench coat and gloves, further raises concerns.
Gary's Life After Lisa's Disappearance
The episode explores Gary's life after Lisa's disappearance. He works various jobs, including customer service at a rental car agency and in the restaurant business. His friends describe him as a docile and kind person.
Diane's Advocacy for Victims' Rights
Diane campaigns for the passage of a victims' rights amendment to the US Constitution, arguing that the current system focuses too heavily on the rights of the accused.
The Family's Impatience
Lisa's family becomes increasingly impatient with the lack of progress in the case. Diane expresses frustration with the state police and seeks help from private detectives.
Gary is Questioned Again
Gary is questioned by the police again in 2008, 15 years after Lisa's disappearance. He maintains his innocence and refuses to provide a DNA sample. His odd behavior and attire continue to raise suspicions.
The Lisa M. Zygert Family Fund
The episode highlights the Lisa M. Zygert Family Fund, which has donated thousands of dollars to various charities, including a software program for students with visual impairments.
Unsolved Mysteries Revisited
The case is featured on a new episode of Unsolved Mysteries, generating hundreds of false leads and wasting police time.
Noelle's Life After Lisa's Disappearance
The episode follows Noelle, Lisa's friend, as she navigates her own life after Lisa's disappearance. She marries a surgeon but later divorces him.
Noelle and Gary Reunite
Noelle reunites with Gary at a high school reunion dinner. They begin dating and Noelle believes she has found "Mr. Right."
Gary's Behavior with Noelle
Gary is attentive and caring towards Noelle, but she notices some odd behavior, including his anxiety around crowds and his reluctance to engage in sexual intimacy.
Gary's Actions at the Senior Prom
Gary's anxiety around crowds is further highlighted when he hides from the police after an incident at a senior prom.
Gary's Lack of Interest in Sex
Noelle notes that Gary is not interested in sex, which she attributes to his anxiety and past experiences.
Gary Meets Noelle's Family
Gary meets Noelle's family, including her brother, an FBI agent who led the investigation into the Boston Marathon bombings. Gary charms Noelle's family and they believe he is a good guy.
The DNA Breakthrough
The police are able to create a digital composite image of the killer based on his genetic material. They focus their attention on 11 suspects who match the composite and refused to provide DNA samples.
Gary is a Suspect
Gary is on the list of 11 suspects who refused to provide DNA samples. The police are puzzled by the fact that he has not committed any other crimes since Lisa's disappearance.
Gary's Disappearance
The police visit Gary's apartment but find him gone. He calls Noelle and asks to stay at her place for the night, claiming there is heavy traffic due to a fair.
Gary's Confession
Gary arrives at Noelle's house and leaves a letter for her confessing to the abduction, rape, and murder of Lisa. He expresses remorse and says he will either take his own life or face the consequences.
Gary's Explanation
Gary explains in his letter that he was fascinated by abduction and bondage from a young age. He says he did not intend to kill Lisa but events spun out of control.
Noelle's Reaction
Noelle initially doubts Gary's confession, believing he is having a psychotic breakdown. She takes the letter to the police, who are stunned by its contents.
The Police's Reaction
The police are shocked by Gary's confession and believe he is trying to clear his conscience. They track him down to a hospital in Connecticut, where he is having his stomach pumped after attempting suicide by taking ibuprofen.
Gary's Arrest
Gary is arrested and charged with Lisa's murder. The police search his apartment and Noelle's house, finding evidence that confirms his confession.
The Aftermath
Gary is sentenced to life in prison without parole. The episode concludes with reflections from Lisa's mother, Diane, and Noelle, who both express a sense of relief but also a feeling of being let down.
Show Wrap-Up and Patreon Shoutout
The hosts wrap up the episode, thanking listeners for their support and encouraging them to leave reviews, follow on social media, and visit their website. They also promote their other podcasts, Crime in Sports and Your Stupid Opinions, and highlight the benefits of becoming a Patreon supporter.
Upcoming Episode Topics
The hosts preview the upcoming episodes of both Crime in Sports and Small Town Murder. Crime in Sports will focus on the most inept teams of all time, while Small Town Murder will delve deeper into the Laurie Valow Chad Daybell case.
Executive Producer Shoutout
The hosts express gratitude to their executive producers, acknowledging their generous support and highlighting their contributions to the show. They read out a list of names, emphasizing their appreciation for each individual.
Keywords
Agawam, Massachusetts
A town located in Hampden County, Massachusetts, known for its history, quirky charm, and the tragic disappearance of Lisa Ziger.
Lisa Ziger
The victim of the Agawam murder, described as a vibrant and passionate young woman who worked as a teacher's assistant and Sunday school teacher.
Brittany's Card and Gift Shop
The gift shop where Lisa worked, located at 353 Walnut Street in Agawam, Massachusetts. It was the last place she was seen alive.
Westfield River
A river that flows through Agawam, Massachusetts, and was a focal point of the police search for Lisa Ziger.
Geo Storm
A compact car manufactured by Chevrolet from 1989 to 1994, known for its sporty design and three-cylinder engine. Lisa Ziger owned a Geo Storm.
Bronco or Blazer
A late model full-size SUV, either dark red or dark blue, that was seen near the crime scene and is believed to be connected to Lisa's disappearance.
Lisa Zagart
Lisa Zagart was a young woman who was murdered in Agawam, Massachusetts in 1992. Her murder shocked the town and sparked a widespread fear of a serial killer.
DNA Technology
DNA technology was still relatively new in 1992. It was used by the police to eliminate suspects and narrow down the pool of potential killers.
Gary Shara
Gary Shara is a former classmate of Noelle De Lories who becomes a suspect in Lisa Zagart's murder. His ex-wife, Joyce, accuses him of the crime, citing his unusual obsession with the case and suspicious behavior.
Q&A
What was the unusual purchase price of the land where Agawam, Massachusetts, was founded?
The land was purchased from the original tribe for 10 coats, 10 hose (gardening tools), 10 hatchets, 10 knives, and 10 fathoms of Wampum.
What were some of Lisa Ziger's hobbies and interests?
Lisa was a talented musician, playing the saxophone, flute, and drums. She was also involved in the school's literary magazine and student newspaper, demonstrating her artistic and intellectual pursuits.
What evidence was found at Brittany's Card and Gift Shop that suggested a struggle had taken place?
The police found knocked-over boxes, scuff marks on the back door and floor, and a small amount of blood in the store room.
What was the witness account that led investigators to believe there might be a connection to a previous attempted kidnapping?
A woman reported seeing a man and a woman struggling in the back seat of a car near the crime scene, which resembled the description of a vehicle involved in a previous attempted kidnapping in West Springfield.
What was the initial reaction of the town of Agawam to Lisa Zagart's murder?
The town was in a state of panic and fear. People started taking precautions like locking their doors and buying weapons.
How did DNA technology play a role in the investigation?
DNA technology was used to eliminate suspects and narrow down the pool of potential killers. It was still relatively new at the time, but it proved to be a valuable tool.
What evidence did Joyce McDonald provide to support her accusation that Gary Shara murdered Lisa Zagart?
Joyce claimed that Gary had an unusual obsession with the case, that he was unaccounted for during the time of the murder, and that he returned home with scratches on his hands. She also mentioned his history of violent role-playing games.
Why did the police take Joyce's accusations seriously, even though Gary had no criminal record?
The police took Joyce's accusations seriously because they were detailed and specific. They also acknowledged the common occurrence of ex-wives and girlfriends accusing their former partners of crimes, even if those accusations are not always true.
What is the current status of Lisa Zagart's murder case?
Lisa Zagart's murder remains unsolved. The case is considered a cold case, meaning that it is still open but there are no active leads.
What was Gary's confession like?
Gary confessed to the abduction, rape, and murder of Lisa in a letter to his girlfriend, Noelle. He expressed remorse and said he would either take his own life or face the consequences.
Show Notes
This week, in Agawam, Massachusetts, a creepy music box should have been the major clue to solve the murder of a young woman, who was violently dragged from her place of work, and eventually horribly murdered. Instead, it took the ex wife, and current girlfriend of a man, who is especially afraid of being cloned, to solve a murder that left the whole area in fear, for years!
Along the way, we find out that going to Walmart should never be considered "something to do", that sometimes the crazy and drunken ex is actually right about their former spouse, and that the police don't want to clone murderers!!
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just for clarification, the Barefoot Peddler was a small store in Florida, Mass, not the state of Florida. the town is about 70 miles from Agawam.
maybe that wasn't really his kid, and that's why they didn't check paternal DNA