DNA at heart of Arizona trial. Aspiring model's killer fights to clear his name. Plus, Relisha Rudd.
Digest
This episode of Dateline True Crime Weekly delves into several compelling cases. It begins with the introduction of Thumbtack as a home project solution before transitioning to true crime. The murder of Allison Feldman is detailed, highlighting the use of familial DNA testing to identify and arrest Ian Mitchum, despite legal challenges to the evidence's admissibility. The case of Karen Hearns-Slover is revisited, focusing on the conviction of her ex-husband and parents, the discovery of her dismembered body, and new DNA evidence sought by the Illinois Innocence Project. Updates are also provided on the Brian Coburger and Sandra Birchmore cases, including new charges against Matthew Farwell. The episode touches on the murder trial verdict for Jorge Rueda Landeros and concludes with a discussion on the disappearance of Relisha Rudd from a D.C. homeless shelter, emphasizing the work of the Black and Missing Foundation.
Outlines
Introduction to Dateline True Crime Weekly and Key Cases
This segment introduces Dateline True Crime Weekly, outlining the cases to be discussed, including the murders of Allison Feldman and Karen Hearns-Slover, and updates on Brian Coburger and Sandra Birchmore. It also touches on the disappearance of Relisha Rudd and the work of the Black and Missing Foundation.
The Allison Feldman Murder: Investigation and Legal Battles
The murder of Allison Feldman is detailed, focusing on the arrest of Ian Mitchum through advanced DNA analysis, including familial testing. The investigation's evidence and the controversial use of DNA testing are discussed, leading to legal battles over admissibility that reached the Arizona Supreme Court.
The Karen Hearns-Slover Case: Conviction, Evidence, and Appeals
The murder of Karen Hearns-Slover is revisited, detailing the discovery of her dismembered body and the subsequent conviction of her ex-husband, Michael Slover Jr., and his parents. Evidence against the Slover family, including items found on their property, is presented, alongside the Illinois Innocence Project's pursuit of new DNA testing to challenge the conviction.
Case Updates and Disappearances
Updates are provided on the Brian Coburger and Sandra Birchmore cases, with new indictments and evidence releases. The disappearance of Relisha Rudd from a D.C. homeless shelter is explored, highlighting the circumstances and the documentary efforts by the Black and Missing Foundation. The verdict in the Jorge Rueda Landeros murder trial is also mentioned.
Keywords
Familial DNA Testing
A DNA analysis technique used to identify a suspect by searching for relatives in a DNA database, aiding in solving cold cases.
CODIS
The Combined DNA Index System, a U.S. government database storing DNA profiles to help identify suspects and solve crimes.
Illinois Innocence Project
A non-profit organization dedicated to exonerating wrongly convicted individuals, utilizing DNA evidence and new information.
Black and Missing Foundation
An organization focused on raising awareness and resources for missing persons of color, addressing overlooked cases.
Cold Case
An unsolved crime that has gone inactive but may be reopened with new evidence or technology.
DNA Analysis
The scientific examination of DNA crucial for forensic investigations in matching suspects to crime scenes or victims.
Q&A
How did investigators identify Ian Mitchum as a suspect in Allison Feldman's murder?
Investigators used familial DNA testing, a technique that searches for relatives in government databases. This led them to Mark Mitchum, whose brother, Ian Mitchum, was identified through a DNA match from a blood sample.
What new evidence is the Illinois Innocence Project using to appeal the conviction of Michael Slover Jr. and his parents?
The Illinois Innocence Project claims new DNA testing on duct tape and a fingerprint found at the crime scene does not link the Slover family to Karen Hearns-Slover's murder, suggesting a botched investigation.
What is the Black and Missing Foundation and why is it important?
The Black and Missing Foundation is a non-profit focused on missing people of color. They highlight cases often overlooked by mainstream media and law enforcement, aiming to bring visibility and resources to these families.
What legal challenges did the DNA evidence in Ian Mitchum's case face?
Mitchum's defense argued that the DNA evidence, obtained from a blood sample during a DUI arrest, violated his Fourth Amendment rights and should not be admissible in court, leading to a legal battle that went to the Arizona Supreme Court.
What is the significance of the new charge against Matthew Farwell in the Sandra Birchmore case?
Matthew Farwell has been charged with violating a federal law protecting unborn children, as Sandra Birchmore was pregnant at the time of her murder. This new indictment could lead to a mandatory life sentence if convicted.
Why is the Illinois State Police refusing to put the new DNA evidence into CODIS?
The Illinois State Police claim they cannot enter the DNA collected by the Illinois Innocence Project into CODIS because they don't know how it was obtained, fearing it could jeopardize the integrity of the entire database.
Show Notes
Thirty-one-year-old Allison Feldman was found dead in her Scottsdale, Arizona home in 2015. Ten years later, after a slew of delays over DNA, a man is finally on trial for her murder. In Illinois, a man and his parents were convicted of murdering his ex-wife in the ‘90s. He says new DNA evidence could exonerate the whole family. Plus, a new documentary looks for answers in the 2014 case of missing 8-year-old Relisha Rudd.
Find out more about the cases covered each week here: www.datelinetruecrimeweekly.com
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Table of contents
United States
