Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan: Sisters Missing 45 Years SOLVED!
Digest
This episode of "Body Bags" delves into the 45-year-old mystery surrounding the disappearance of three individuals, including a World War I veteran, in 1973. The podcast explores the circumstances surrounding their disappearance and the subsequent discovery of a bone in the Kentucky River in 2016, leading to the identification of one of the missing individuals, Martha Helmock. The episode highlights the challenges of investigating crime scenes in aquatic environments, emphasizing the impact of water on evidence and the expertise required for underwater crime scene investigation. The podcast details the discovery of additional remains within the recovered Ford Fairlane, including bones of a foot in pantyhose, an elevated shoe, and a fractured tibia bone, leading to the identification of Martha Helmock. The podcast discusses the importance of the recovered remains in providing insights into Martha Helmock's life and the potential for further investigation, highlighting the role of physical anthropologists in identifying skeletal remains. The episode explores the possible fates of the other two occupants of the Ford Fairlane, John Keaton and Flora, emphasizing the challenges of recovering bodies from a river and the enduring impact of their disappearance on their families. The podcast highlights the dedication of a firefighter who pursued the missing persons case and the remarkable use of DNA evidence to confirm the identity of Martha Helmock, providing closure for her family.
Outlines
The Mystery of the Ford Fairlane
This episode of "Body Bags" delves into the 45-year-old mystery surrounding the disappearance of three individuals, including a World War I veteran, in 1973. The podcast explores the circumstances surrounding their disappearance and the subsequent discovery of a bone in the Kentucky River in 2016, leading to the identification of one of the missing individuals, Martha Helmock.
The Disappearance and the Discovery
The podcast discusses the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of three individuals in 1973 and the subsequent discovery of a bone in the Kentucky River in 2016, leading to the identification of one of the missing individuals.
Investigating Underwater Crime Scenes
The podcast explores the difficulties of investigating crime scenes in aquatic environments, highlighting the impact of water on evidence and the expertise required for underwater crime scene investigation.
The Remains and the Identification
The podcast details the discovery of additional remains within the recovered Ford Fairlane, including bones of a foot in pantyhose, an elevated shoe, and a fractured tibia bone, leading to the identification of Martha Helmock.
The Significance of the Remains
The podcast discusses the importance of the recovered remains in providing insights into Martha Helmock's life and the potential for further investigation, highlighting the role of physical anthropologists in identifying skeletal remains.
The Fate of the Other Occupants
The podcast explores the possible fates of the other two occupants of the Ford Fairlane, John Keaton and Flora, emphasizing the challenges of recovering bodies from a river and the enduring impact of their disappearance on their families.
Closure and DNA Evidence
The podcast highlights the dedication of a firefighter who pursued the missing persons case and the remarkable use of DNA evidence to confirm the identity of Martha Helmock, providing closure for her family.
Keywords
Underwater Crime Scene Investigation
The process of investigating crime scenes submerged in water, requiring specialized techniques and expertise to recover evidence and identify victims.
Forensic Anthropology
The study of human skeletal remains to identify individuals, determine cause of death, and provide insights into past events.
DNA Evidence
Genetic material used to identify individuals and establish relationships, playing a crucial role in solving crimes and missing persons cases.
Missing Persons Case
An investigation into the disappearance of an individual, often involving extensive searches, interviews, and forensic analysis.
Kentucky River
A river in Kentucky, known for its scenic beauty and its role in the state's history and economy.
Ford Fairlane
A model of car produced by Ford Motor Company from 1962 to 1970, known for its stylish design and powerful engine.
Shell Shock
A term used to describe the psychological trauma experienced by soldiers during World War I, characterized by anxiety, nightmares, and emotional detachment.
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
A mental health condition triggered by a traumatic event, causing symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors.
Q&A
What are the challenges of investigating crime scenes in aquatic environments?
Underwater crime scenes present unique challenges due to the impact of water on evidence, including decalcification of bones, mud and silt accumulation, and the potential for bodies to be carried downstream.
How did forensic anthropology play a role in identifying Martha Helmock?
A forensic anthropologist examined a single bone recovered from the Kentucky River and determined it was human and female, leading to the identification of Martha Helmock based on her skeletal features and personal belongings found in the car.
How did the discovery of the Ford Fairlane and the remains inside provide closure for Martha Helmock's family?
The recovery of the car and the identification of Martha's remains through DNA evidence provided long-awaited answers for her family, confirming their worst fears but also bringing a sense of closure after decades of uncertainty.
Show Notes
In 1973, Martha and Flora Helmick went to a family reunion with Martha's employer, World War I War Hero, John Keyton. The trio left Bridgewater, Virginia on August 3, 1973, but never arrived in Kentucky for the family reunion. As word spread about the WW1 War Hero and sisters vanishing, a search was conducted, but nothing was ever found. On this episode of Body Bags Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how a bone found in a car that was found by firefighters during a training exorcise in the Kentucky River helped solve a 45 year old mystery.
Transcript Highlight
00:12 .74 Introduction - Vanishing act circa 1973
05:00 .88 Discussion of World War I veteran, Hero
09:42 .25 Discussion of Ford Fairlane, driving at night
14:05 .07 Discussion of 3 people vanishing on a trip
20:07 .28 Talk about finding a bone
25:26 .24 Discussion calling in expert
30:05 .68 Discussion of broken bone not healing properly
35:01 .86 Discussion of confirmatory evidence
40:02 .16 Talk about sisters vanish, firefighter helps solve case
42:15 .31 Conclusion remains tell the final tale
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