DiscoverSmall Town Murder#532 - Battle Of The Neighbors - Crockery Township, Michigan
#532 - Battle Of The Neighbors - Crockery Township, Michigan

#532 - Battle Of The Neighbors - Crockery Township, Michigan

Update: 2024-10-0410
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The podcast "Small Town Murder Express" delves into the tragic murder of Sheila Kay Luke Bung in Crockery Township, Michigan. The episode begins by introducing Sheila, a woman known for her troubled relationships with her neighbors and frequent interactions with law enforcement. The podcast then focuses on the murder itself, detailing the investigation, the arrest of Wendell Popejoy, and his confession to the crime. The episode explores the aftermath of Sheila's murder, including the reactions of her family and friends, the community's response, and the legal proceedings against Wendell. The podcast also discusses the role of law enforcement in the events leading up to the murder, highlighting the lack of action taken despite numerous complaints about Sheila's behavior. The podcast then delves into the trial of Wendell Popejoy, examining the evidence presented, including testimony from neighbors who described Sheila as a nuisance and Wendell as a pleasant neighbor. The episode also includes testimony from Sheila's fiancé, who defended her character, and a neighbor who described Sheila's relentless harassment. The podcast discusses the jury's verdict, finding Wendell guilty of first-degree murder, and the legal definition of premeditation. The episode then explores the aftermath of the trial, including Wendell's sentencing to life in prison without parole and the reactions of both families. The podcast concludes by discussing Wendell's appeal, the court's decision to uphold his conviction, and the reactions of the neighborhood. The podcasters also speculate on the reasons why no one came forward to witness the shooting, highlighting the unseen crime that occurred.

Outlines

00:01:03
The Troubled Life of Sheila Kay Luke Bung

The episode introduces Sheila Kay Luke Bung, a woman who lived in Crockery Township, Michigan, and details her history, her troubled relationships with her neighbors, and her numerous police interactions.

00:03:57
The Murder of Sheila Kay Luke Bung

The episode focuses on the murder of Sheila Kay Luke Bung, who was found dead in the woods behind her neighbor's house. The episode details the investigation, the arrest of her neighbor Wendell Popejoy, and his confession to the crime.

00:05:12
The Aftermath and Reactions

The episode explores the aftermath of Sheila's murder, including the reactions of her family and friends, the community's response, and the legal proceedings against Wendell Popejoy. The episode also discusses the role of law enforcement in the events leading up to the murder.

01:01:24
The Trial of Wendell Popejoy

The podcast discusses the trial of Wendell Popejoy, who was accused of murdering his neighbor, Sheila Bond. The episode details the evidence presented at trial, including testimony from neighbors who described Sheila as a nuisance and Wendell as a pleasant neighbor.

01:02:33
Testimony and Evidence

The episode explores the testimony of Sheila's fiancé, Wayne Homan, and a neighbor, Mark Mure, who both provided contrasting perspectives on Sheila's character and behavior. The episode also discusses the evidence presented at trial, including videos of Sheila behaving aggressively towards her neighbors.

01:05:00
The Verdict and Sentencing

The episode discusses the jury's verdict, finding Wendell guilty of first-degree murder, and the legal definition of premeditation. The episode then explores the aftermath of the trial, including Wendell's sentencing to life in prison without parole and the reactions of both families.

01:07:18
The Appeal and Decision

The podcast discusses Wendell's appeal, the legal arguments presented by both sides, and the court's decision to uphold his conviction. The episode also explores the reactions of the neighborhood to the verdict.

01:11:17
The Unseen Crime and Call to Action

The podcasters discuss the fact that Wendell likely couldn't have shot Sheila without someone seeing it, but no one came forward. They speculate on the reasons why and encourage listeners to rate the show and check out their website for information about live shows and bonus content.

Keywords

Crockery Township


A township in Ottawa County, Michigan, known for its small towns and rural setting. It is home to Nunica, a small town with a population of around 350 people.

Sheila Kay Luke Bung


The victim of the murder discussed in the podcast, known for her troubled relationships with her neighbors and frequent interactions with law enforcement.

Wendell Popejoy


The neighbor of Sheila Kay Luke Bung who was convicted of her murder.

Easement


A legal right that allows someone to use another person's property for a specific purpose, such as access to a driveway or utilities.

Premeditation


Premeditation refers to the act of planning or considering a crime beforehand. It is a key element in determining the degree of murder, with first-degree murder requiring premeditation.

Voluntary Manslaughter


Voluntary manslaughter is a lesser offense than murder, involving the killing of another person without malice aforethought. It typically occurs in the heat of passion, where the defendant is provoked and acts impulsively.

Heat of Passion


Heat of passion is a legal defense that can reduce a murder charge to manslaughter. It requires that the defendant acted impulsively and without malice, due to a sudden and intense emotional reaction to a provoking event.

Neighborhood Nuisance


A neighborhood nuisance is a person or activity that disturbs the peace and enjoyment of the neighborhood. This can include excessive noise, property disputes, or disruptive behavior.

Q&A

  • What was the main conflict that led to Sheila's murder?

    The main conflict was over the shared driveway easement between Sheila and her neighbor, Wendell Popejoy. Sheila's aggressive and confrontational behavior towards Wendell and other neighbors escalated the situation, leading to numerous police calls and ultimately, her murder.

  • Why did Wendell Popejoy kill Sheila?

    Wendell confessed to shooting Sheila in the back of the head after she snow-blowed snow onto his driveway, which he saw as a final act of aggression. He claimed it was a spur-of-the-moment decision, driven by years of frustration and harassment from Sheila.

  • What were the reactions of the community to Sheila's murder?

    The community was shocked and saddened by Sheila's murder. Some expressed sympathy for Wendell, citing Sheila's difficult personality and the years of conflict she caused. Others criticized law enforcement for not taking action sooner to address the escalating situation between Sheila and her neighbors.

  • What evidence was presented at Wendell Pope Joy's trial?

    The evidence included testimony from neighbors who described Sheila as a nuisance and Wendell as a pleasant neighbor. Videos of Sheila behaving aggressively towards her neighbors were also presented.

  • What was the legal argument presented by Wendell's defense team?

    Wendell's defense team argued that the jury should have been allowed to consider voluntary manslaughter as a lesser offense, claiming that Sheila's behavior provoked Wendell and that he acted in the heat of passion.

  • What was the court's decision on Wendell's appeal?

    The court upheld Wendell's conviction, finding that there was ample time for him to plan the killing and that the evidence did not support a finding of heat of passion.

Show Notes

This week, in Crockery Township, Michigan, a rural area is set on edge because of the constant fighting between neighbors. This fighting centers around one woman, who seems to take great joy in antagonizing the people around her. She blows snow into driveways, gives elderly ladies the finger, and even curses the cops out, after she calls them. It's no surprise that someone ends up dead, but how it happens is quite the shocker! A wild tale!!


Along the way, we find out that you don't need to bury a body, if it's snowing hard enough, that as soon as you're standing over a nude corpse, you've done something crazy, and that you aren't allowed to kill someone, just because you really, really don't like them!!


Hosted by James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman


New episodes every Thursday!


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#532 - Battle Of The Neighbors - Crockery Township, Michigan

#532 - Battle Of The Neighbors - Crockery Township, Michigan