Digest

The podcast "Small Town Murder Express" delves into the chilling case of Adam Strong, a man convicted of murdering two young women, Rory Hashay and Candace Fitzpatrick, in Ashua, Ontario. The episode begins with the discovery of Rory's torso in the city harbor, leading to a challenging investigation due to the lack of identifying features. The investigation takes a shocking turn when a plumber discovers human remains, including fingers, in the pipes of Adam Strong's apartment, leading to the discovery of Rory's dismembered body in Strong's freezer. Strong is arrested and initially denies any involvement, but eventually admits to knowing Rory and having her body in his freezer. He also reveals a disturbing history of sexual deviance and a casual attitude towards the crime. During the investigation, police find evidence linking Strong to the disappearance of Candace Fitzpatrick, another young woman who vanished in 2008. They discover her DNA on a hunting knife and in Strong's freezer, suggesting a possible connection to her death. Strong undergoes an 11-hour interrogation, during which he maintains a surprisingly upbeat demeanor, admitting to his sexual deviance but expressing a lack of remorse for his actions. He also reveals details about his methods of dismemberment and disposal of the bodies. Strong is initially charged with indignity to a body, but later faces two murder charges. Rory's mother believes her daughter was hunted, and the family wants the house where the murders occurred to be demolished. The prosecution emphasizes that Rory was not misplaced in life and was loved. The family expresses their grief and determination to ensure Strong never leaves prison. They also want the house where the murders occurred to be demolished. Evidence suggests that Rory was sexually assaulted, and Strong is portrayed in the media as a "beefy BDSM enthusiast" and a "fat mess of lard." Strong refuses to appear in person for court appearances, frustrating the families of the victims. The judge orders him to appear in person, and the father of Candace Fitzpatrick expresses his anger and frustration. Strong's trial is a three-month long process with no jury. The judge finds him guilty of murder in Rory's case and manslaughter in Candace's case. The judge highlights the gruesome nature of the crimes and the evidence against Strong. While incarcerated, Strong reveals the location of Candace Fitzpatrick's remains. Investigators find her remains and the family expresses mixed emotions, finding closure but also feeling anger towards Strong. Suspicious clothing is found at Strong's house, leading to speculation about a potential third victim. The father of Candace Fitzpatrick expresses his concern and hope that the clothing is not connected to another crime. The podcast concludes by emphasizing the shocking nature of the case and the importance of sharing the story. The hosts encourage listeners to learn more about the case and share their thoughts.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Case of Adam Strong: A Shocking Murder in Ashua, Ontario

This episode of "Small Town Murder Express" explores the chilling case of Adam Strong, a man convicted of murdering two young women, Rory Hashay and Candace Fitzpatrick, in Ashua, Ontario. The episode begins with the discovery of Rory's torso in the city harbor, leading to a challenging investigation due to the lack of identifying features. The investigation takes a shocking turn when a plumber discovers human remains, including fingers, in the pipes of Adam Strong's apartment, leading to the discovery of Rory's dismembered body in Strong's freezer.

00:23:38

The Arrest and Interrogation of Adam Strong

Strong is arrested and initially denies any involvement, but eventually admits to knowing Rory and having her body in his freezer. He also reveals a disturbing history of sexual deviance and a casual attitude towards the crime. During the investigation, police find evidence linking Strong to the disappearance of Candace Fitzpatrick, another young woman who vanished in 2008. They discover her DNA on a hunting knife and in Strong's freezer, suggesting a possible connection to her death. Strong undergoes an 11-hour interrogation, during which he maintains a surprisingly upbeat demeanor, admitting to his sexual deviance but expressing a lack of remorse for his actions. He also reveals details about his methods of dismemberment and disposal of the bodies.

00:57:41

The Trial and Conviction of Adam Strong

Strong is initially charged with indignity to a body, but later faces two murder charges. Rory's mother believes her daughter was hunted, and the family wants the house where the murders occurred to be demolished. The prosecution emphasizes that Rory was not misplaced in life and was loved. The family expresses their grief and determination to ensure Strong never leaves prison. They also want the house where the murders occurred to be demolished. Evidence suggests that Rory was sexually assaulted, and Strong is portrayed in the media as a "beefy BDSM enthusiast" and a "fat mess of lard." Strong refuses to appear in person for court appearances, frustrating the families of the victims. The judge orders him to appear in person, and the father of Candace Fitzpatrick expresses his anger and frustration. Strong's trial is a three-month long process with no jury. The judge finds him guilty of murder in Rory's case and manslaughter in Candace's case. The judge highlights the gruesome nature of the crimes and the evidence against Strong.

01:14:08

The Aftermath and the Search for Closure

While incarcerated, Strong reveals the location of Candace Fitzpatrick's remains. Investigators find her remains and the family expresses mixed emotions, finding closure but also feeling anger towards Strong. They were thankful that the remains were found, but they were not grateful to Strong for revealing their location. Suspicious clothing is found at Strong's house, leading to speculation about a potential third victim. The father of Candace Fitzpatrick expresses his concern and hope that the clothing is not connected to another crime. The podcast concludes by emphasizing the shocking nature of the case and the importance of sharing the story. The hosts encourage listeners to learn more about the case and share their thoughts.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was the initial challenge faced by investigators in identifying Rory Hashay's body?

  The body was severely disfigured and decomposed, lacking arms, legs, and a head, making it difficult to identify through fingerprints or facial features.

• How did the police discover the rest of Rory's body?

  A plumber called 911 after finding human remains, including fingers, in the pipes of Adam Strong's apartment. This led to the discovery of Rory's dismembered body in Strong's freezer.

• What was Adam Strong's initial reaction to the police finding Rory's body in his freezer?

  Strong initially denied any involvement in Rory's disappearance, but eventually admitted to knowing her and having her body in his freezer. He also revealed a disturbing history of sexual deviance and a casual attitude towards the crime.

• What evidence linked Adam Strong to the disappearance of Candace Fitzpatrick?

  Police found Candace's DNA on a hunting knife and in Strong's freezer, suggesting a possible connection to her death.

• What was Adam Strong's explanation for his actions during the interrogation?

  Strong maintained a surprisingly upbeat demeanor throughout the interrogation, admitting to his sexual deviance but denying any intent to kill. He blamed his actions on procrastination and a difficult childhood.

• What was Adam Strong's strategy for dealing with his situation in prison?

  Adam Strong planned to withhold information about the murders to gain leverage in prison, hoping to trade it for better conditions, such as internet access or a more comfortable cell.

• What evidence was found at Adam Strong's house that led to the investigation?

  Investigators found Rory's remains in Strong's house, leading to the discovery of Candace Fitzpatrick's remains and the subsequent charges against him.

• What was the outcome of Adam Strong's trial?

  Adam Strong was found guilty of murder in Rory's case and manslaughter in Candace's case. The judge highlighted the gruesome nature of the crimes and the evidence against Strong.

• How did the families of the victims react to the discovery of Candace Fitzpatrick's remains?

  The families expressed mixed emotions, finding closure but also feeling anger towards Strong. They were thankful that the remains were found, but they were not grateful to Strong for revealing their location.

Show Notes