Digest

The episode delves into the unsolved murder of Bobby Ray Jones, a 33-year-old man who was shot and killed at the Long Branch bar in Darlington, Florida, in 1971. Bobby Ray had recently returned to Florida after a failed attempt to reconcile with his wife, Betty, following a love affair and escape to Alabama. He had found a new job and a place to stay, and things seemed to be turning around for him. However, on the morning of September 30th, he was found dead at the bar, shot multiple times. The investigation revealed that Bobby Ray had been working as a security guard at the bar, and that he had been shot after answering a knock at the door. His wife, Betty, heard the shots and found him collapsed on the floor. She was unable to provide any information about the attacker, but suspected it might have been someone Bobby Ray knew. Detectives explored various theories, including the possibility of a cold-blooded execution or a robbery gone wrong. They investigated Bobby Ray's past relationships, including his wife, Betty, and a married woman he had an affair with, Celia. They also looked into potential suspects who might have had a grudge against Bobby Ray. Despite numerous leads and interviews, the case remained unsolved for decades. One former detective, Fred Repress, believed that Bobby Ray's killer was Chipmunk's brother, a theory supported by the discovery of a captain's hat at the scene. However, the identity of Chipmunk and his brother remains unknown. In recent years, a new tip emerged, leading investigators to a new person of interest who was not connected to Bobby Ray's past relationships. This person has a history in the area and has been interviewed by investigators. The episode concludes with a plea from Bobby Ray's brother, Charles, for anyone with information about the murder to come forward. He urges the killer to do the right thing and clear their conscience.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the case of Bobby Ray Jones, a 33-year-old man who was murdered in Darlington, Florida in 1971. The episode will explore the circumstances surrounding his death and the investigation that followed.

00:01:25

The Night of the Murder

This Chapter details the events of the night Bobby Ray Jones was murdered. It describes the scene of the crime, the discovery of his body, and the initial investigation by the Walton County Sheriff's Office.

00:11:32

Bobby Ray's Life and Relationships

This Chapter provides background information on Bobby Ray Jones's life, including his marriage, his work history, and his relationships with other women. It explores the possibility that one of his former partners may have been involved in his murder.

00:17:26

The Investigation and Suspects

This Chapter examines the investigation into Bobby Ray Jones's murder, highlighting the various suspects and theories that emerged over the years. It discusses the challenges faced by investigators due to limited evidence and the passage of time.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were the circumstances surrounding Bobby Ray Jones's murder?

  Bobby Ray Jones was shot and killed at the Long Branch bar in Darlington, Florida, in 1971. He had recently returned to Florida after a failed attempt to reconcile with his wife, Betty, following a love affair and escape to Alabama. He had found a new job and a place to stay, and things seemed to be turning around for him. However, on the morning of September 30th, he was found dead at the bar, shot multiple times.

• Who are the main suspects in Bobby Ray Jones's murder?

  The main suspects in Bobby Ray Jones's murder include his wife, Betty, a married woman he had an affair with, Celia, and a person known only as Chipmunk's brother. Investigators have also recently identified a new person of interest who is not connected to Bobby Ray's past relationships.

• What evidence was found at the scene of the crime?

  The evidence found at the scene of the crime included casings from a 32-caliber pistol, which were different from the ammunition in Bobby Ray's gun. A black and white captain's hat was also found at the scene, which is believed to have belonged to Chipmunk's brother.

• Why has the case remained unsolved for so long?

  The case has remained unsolved for so long due to limited evidence at the scene, the passage of time, and the death of several key individuals involved in the investigation. However, investigators are still working on the case and are hoping to find new leads.

• What is the current status of the investigation?

  Investigators are currently following up with a new person of interest who has been identified in recent years. They are also hoping to find the true identity of Chipmunk and his brother to see if they have any information about the crime.

Show Notes