Digest

This episode of "Small Town Murder" delves into the chilling case of Kathy Beard's disappearance and murder in Ord, Nebraska. The podcast meticulously reconstructs the timeline of events, starting with Kathy's vanishing on May 31st, 1989, leaving behind her belongings at the bar where she worked. The episode highlights the suspicious behavior of John Oldson, a man seen with Kathy the night she disappeared. Oldson's troubled past, including his time in a boys' home and the army, and his inconsistent statements to authorities raise red flags. The investigation takes a dramatic turn when a robbery that occurred the same night as Kathy's disappearance is revealed, raising questions about potential connections. The podcast follows the investigation as it unfolds, detailing the search for Kathy, the discovery of her remains, and the eventual arrest of John Oldson. The episode explores the evidence against Oldson, including his disturbing journal entries revealing a stomach fetish and his refusal to cooperate with the investigation. The podcast also delves into the emergence of the "Sex Ranch Diary," a diary that implicated another suspect, Jean Bacchus, and alleged that she was responsible for the deaths of several women, including Kathy Beard. The episode culminates in Oldson's trial and conviction for second-degree murder, highlighting the lack of physical evidence linking him to the crime and the reliance on circumstantial evidence. The podcast concludes with a discussion of Oldson's unsuccessful appeal, leaving listeners with a sense of the complexities of the case and the enduring mystery surrounding Kathy Beard's death.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Disappearance of Kathy Beard

This episode of "Small Town Murder" investigates the disappearance and murder of Kathy Beard in Ord, Nebraska, focusing on the troubled suspect John Oldson and the complex investigation that spanned years. The episode begins with a brief introduction to the podcast and its hosts, James Petrogallo and Jimmy Wiseman, who highlight the show's focus on true crime stories from small towns and tease a particularly bizarre case from Ord, Nebraska. The episode then delves into the disappearance of Kathy Beard, a part-time waitress in Ord, Nebraska, who vanished on May 31st, 1989, leaving behind her belongings at the bar where she worked. The episode explores Kathy's life, her relationship with John Oldson, and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

00:00:27

John Oldson: A Suspect Emerges

The episode focuses on John Oldson, a man who was seen with Kathy the night she disappeared. The episode details Oldson's troubled past, including his time in a boys' home and his stint in the army. The episode also explores Oldson's interactions with Kathy and his alibi for the night of her disappearance. The episode examines the investigation into Kathy's disappearance, highlighting the suspicious behavior of John Oldson. The episode reveals Oldson's conflicting statements to authorities and his attempts to deflect blame. The episode also explores a robbery that occurred the same night as Kathy's disappearance, raising questions about potential connections.

00:20:38

The Investigation and Suspicious Behavior

The episode delves into the mysterious disappearance of Kathy Beard in Ord, Nebraska. The timeline begins on June 1st, 1989, when Kathy was last seen at a bar with John Olson. Olson's initial account of the events is presented, where he claims to have seen Kathy leave with an unknown person in a truck. The police begin their investigation into Kathy's disappearance, interviewing witnesses and conducting searches. Kathy's family expresses concern and frustration over her absence. The police focus their search on the Ord area, expanding it as days pass. John Olson is re-interviewed by a Nebraska State Patrol investigator. Olson provides a more detailed account of his interactions with Kathy, claiming he propositioned her for sex and attempted to grab her, but she pulled away. He maintains that he saw Kathy leave with another person in a truck.

00:48:27

The Search Continues

The investigation continues, with law enforcement searching for the truck Olson described. A local resident reports seeing Olson's father's truck with the seat removed, suggesting a possible attempt to clean the vehicle. Despite extensive searches, no leads are found. Rex White, one of the robbers involved in a previous incident, provides a statement claiming to know Kathy's whereabouts. He tells his boss, John Hopkins, that they \"skinned her alive\" and buried her under a restroom project. Hopkins, concerned, investigates the site and finds a missing bag of lime, further fueling suspicion. The investigation expands to include the carnival workers who were in Ord around the time of Kathy's disappearance. A former boyfriend of Kathy's, Mel Ellingson, provides information about a green pickup truck driven by carnival workers and their potential connection to Kathy. Witnesses report seeing individuals resembling Kathy in different locations after her disappearance. These sightings, while not conclusive, add to the mystery surrounding her case. Ellingson claims to have seen Kathy in a vehicle with two other people, further complicating the investigation.

00:56:16

Suspicion Falls on John Olson

The investigation intensifies, with law enforcement focusing their attention back on John Olson. His inconsistent and bizarre story, including claims of attempted kidnapping and a strange fascination with women's stomachs, raise further suspicion. John Olson is arrested for assaulting a woman in Burwell, Nebraska. While in jail, he keeps a detailed journal, which is later photocopied by officers. His journal entries reveal disturbing details about his obsession with women's stomachs and his sexual encounters.

00:58:54

The Discovery of Kathy's Remains

In April 1992, a woman discovers a skull while picking up trash on her property. The skull is identified as Kathy Beard's, and further investigation reveals other remains and personal items belonging to her. A forensic anthropologist determines that Kathy suffered blunt force trauma and stab wounds, indicating a violent death. The investigation focuses back on John Olson, who refuses to give further statements. Rex White and Glenn Hall, despite their initial claims, pass polygraph tests and are cleared as suspects. The evidence points strongly towards John Olson as the sole suspect in Kathy Beard's murder.

01:08:39

The Case of Kathy Beard

This chapter delves into the unsolved murder of Kathy Beard in Ord, Nebraska. The podcast explores the timeline of events, the investigation, and the various suspects involved. This chapter focuses on the criminal history of John Oldson, a key suspect in Kathy Beard's murder. It details his past convictions for assault, sexual assault, and child abuse, highlighting his disturbing pattern of violence.

01:12:34

The Reopening of the Investigation

This chapter discusses the reopening of the Kathy Beard murder investigation in 2008. It explores the new evidence that emerged, including statements from witnesses and the discovery of a diary that implicated another suspect. This chapter covers the arrest of John Oldson in 2012 for the murder of Kathy Beard. It details the evidence that led to his arrest, including recorded conversations with his ex-wife and the discovery of potential DNA evidence.

01:15:23

John Oldson's Arrest

This chapter introduces the \"Sex Ranch Diary,\" a diary that emerged during Oldson's trial. The diary implicated a different suspect, Jean Bacchus, and alleged that she was responsible for the deaths of several women, including Kathy Beard. This chapter recounts the details of Oldson's trial, including the evidence presented, the defense's arguments, and the jury's verdict. It highlights the lack of physical evidence linking Oldson to the crime and the reliance on circumstantial evidence.

01:16:57

Oldson's Trial and Verdict

This chapter focuses on the investigation of Douglas Olson, a man suspected of mailing the \"Sex Ranch Diary\" to Oldson. It explores his connection to Jean Bacchus and his own involvement in the case. This chapter discusses Oldson's appeal of his conviction. It highlights his arguments, including the lack of physical evidence, the implausibility of the state's theory, and the potential for witness memories to be influenced by town gossip.

01:19:19

Oldson's Appeal

This chapter delves into the unsolved murder of Kathy Beard in Ord, Nebraska. The podcast explores the timeline of events, the investigation, and the various suspects involved. This chapter focuses on the criminal history of John Oldson, a key suspect in Kathy Beard's murder. It details his past convictions for assault, sexual assault, and child abuse, highlighting his disturbing pattern of violence.

01:21:08

The Reopening of the Investigation

This chapter discusses the reopening of the Kathy Beard murder investigation in 2008. It explores the new evidence that emerged, including statements from witnesses and the discovery of a diary that implicated another suspect. This chapter covers the arrest of John Oldson in 2012 for the murder of Kathy Beard. It details the evidence that led to his arrest, including recorded conversations with his ex-wife and the discovery of potential DNA evidence.

01:39:23

John Oldson's Arrest

This chapter introduces the \"Sex Ranch Diary,\" a diary that emerged during Oldson's trial. The diary implicated a different suspect, Jean Bacchus, and alleged that she was responsible for the deaths of several women, including Kathy Beard. This chapter recounts the details of Oldson's trial, including the evidence presented, the defense's arguments, and the jury's verdict. It highlights the lack of physical evidence linking Oldson to the crime and the reliance on circumstantial evidence.

01:53:49

Oldson's Trial and Verdict

This chapter focuses on the investigation of Douglas Olson, a man suspected of mailing the \"Sex Ranch Diary\" to Oldson. It explores his connection to Jean Bacchus and his own involvement in the case. This chapter discusses Oldson's appeal of his conviction. It highlights his arguments, including the lack of physical evidence, the implausibility of the state's theory, and the potential for witness memories to be influenced by town gossip.

01:58:00

Oldson's Appeal

This chapter delves into the unsolved murder of Kathy Beard in Ord, Nebraska. The podcast explores the timeline of events, the investigation, and the various suspects involved. This chapter focuses on the criminal history of John Oldson, a key suspect in Kathy Beard's murder. It details his past convictions for assault, sexual assault, and child abuse, highlighting his disturbing pattern of violence.

02:02:09

The Reopening of the Investigation

This chapter discusses the reopening of the Kathy Beard murder investigation in 2008. It explores the new evidence that emerged, including statements from witnesses and the discovery of a diary that implicated another suspect. This chapter covers the arrest of John Oldson in 2012 for the murder of Kathy Beard. It details the evidence that led to his arrest, including recorded conversations with his ex-wife and the discovery of potential DNA evidence.

02:03:59

John Oldson's Arrest

This chapter introduces the \"Sex Ranch Diary,\" a diary that emerged during Oldson's trial. The diary implicated a different suspect, Jean Bacchus, and alleged that she was responsible for the deaths of several women, including Kathy Beard. This chapter recounts the details of Oldson's trial, including the evidence presented, the defense's arguments, and the jury's verdict. It highlights the lack of physical evidence linking Oldson to the crime and the reliance on circumstantial evidence.

02:09:01

Oldson's Trial and Verdict

This chapter focuses on the investigation of Douglas Olson, a man suspected of mailing the \"Sex Ranch Diary\" to Oldson. It explores his connection to Jean Bacchus and his own involvement in the case. This chapter discusses Oldson's appeal of his conviction. It highlights his arguments, including the lack of physical evidence, the implausibility of the state's theory, and the potential for witness memories to be influenced by town gossip.

02:15:34

Oldson's Appeal

This chapter delves into the unsolved murder of Kathy Beard in Ord, Nebraska. The podcast explores the timeline of events, the investigation, and the various suspects involved. This chapter focuses on the criminal history of John Oldson, a key suspect in Kathy Beard's murder. It details his past convictions for assault, sexual assault, and child abuse, highlighting his disturbing pattern of violence.

02:25:09

The Reopening of the Investigation

This chapter discusses the reopening of the Kathy Beard murder investigation in 2008. It explores the new evidence that emerged, including statements from witnesses and the discovery of a diary that implicated another suspect. This chapter covers the arrest of John Oldson in 2012 for the murder of Kathy Beard. It details the evidence that led to his arrest, including recorded conversations with his ex-wife and the discovery of potential DNA evidence.

02:38:06

John Oldson's Arrest

This chapter introduces the \"Sex Ranch Diary,\" a diary that emerged during Oldson's trial. The diary implicated a different suspect, Jean Bacchus, and alleged that she was responsible for the deaths of several women, including Kathy Beard. This chapter recounts the details of Oldson's trial, including the evidence presented, the defense's arguments, and the jury's verdict. It highlights the lack of physical evidence linking Oldson to the crime and the reliance on circumstantial evidence.

02:43:05

Oldson's Trial and Verdict

This chapter focuses on the investigation of Douglas Olson, a man suspected of mailing the \"Sex Ranch Diary\" to Oldson. It explores his connection to Jean Bacchus and his own involvement in the case. This chapter discusses Oldson's appeal of his conviction. It highlights his arguments, including the lack of physical evidence, the implausibility of the state's theory, and the potential for witness memories to be influenced by town gossip.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are the key details surrounding Kathy Beard's disappearance?

  Kathy Beard, a part-time waitress in Ord, Nebraska, vanished on May 31st, 1989, leaving behind her belongings at the bar where she worked. She was last seen leaving the bar with John Oldson, a man she had known for years.

• What is John Oldson's background, and why is he a person of interest in Kathy's disappearance?

  John Oldson has a troubled past, including time in a boys' home and a stint in the army. He had a history of trying to pursue Kathy romantically, and his alibi for the night of her disappearance is inconsistent.

• What are the key pieces of evidence that suggest John Oldson may be involved in Kathy's disappearance?

  Oldson was seen with Kathy the night she disappeared, he gave conflicting statements to authorities, and he was seen leaving his father's house shortly after Kathy's disappearance, appearing freshly showered and in new clothes.

• What is the significance of the robbery that occurred the same night as Kathy's disappearance?

  The robbery, which involved two men who had been trying to find a woman to have sex with, raises questions about whether the robbery and Kathy's disappearance are connected.

• What are the main takeaways from this episode of \"Small Town Murder\"?

  The episode highlights the complexities of small-town life, the impact of crime on close-knit communities, and the challenges of investigating a disappearance with limited evidence.

• What was the initial account of John Olson regarding Kathy Beard's disappearance?

  Olson claimed to have seen Kathy leave with an unknown person in a truck after he propositioned her for sex and she refused. He did not mention any struggle or physical altercation.

• What evidence was found at the site where Kathy Beard's remains were discovered?

  The remains showed signs of blunt force trauma and stab wounds, indicating a violent death. A sweater belonging to Kathy, with a cut-out hole in the stomach area, was also found buried separately.

• Why was John Olson considered the primary suspect in Kathy Beard's murder?

  Olson's inconsistent and bizarre story, his journal entries revealing a stomach fetish and sexual encounters, and his refusal to cooperate with the investigation all pointed towards his involvement in the crime.

• What was the main evidence presented against John Oldson in the Kathy Beard murder trial?

  The main evidence against Oldson was circumstantial, including his recorded conversations with his ex-wife, where he admitted to struggling with Beard and trying to pull her into his truck. There was also potential DNA evidence, although the exact nature of it was not fully disclosed.

• What was the \"Sex Ranch Diary\" and how did it impact the case?

  The \"Sex Ranch Diary\" was a diary that emerged during Oldson's trial, alleging that Jean Bacchus was responsible for the deaths of several women, including Kathy Beard. The diary was not admitted as evidence due to a lack of authenticity, but it raised questions about other potential suspects and complicated the case.

• What was the outcome of Oldson's trial and appeal?

  Oldson was found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. His appeal was unsuccessful, with the court finding that the evidence presented at trial was sufficient to support the verdict.

Show Notes