Digest

This podcast delves into the perplexing case of Leslie Muller's death, which occurred during a family vacation in Colorado. While her husband, Fred, claims it was an accident, investigators raise doubts about his story. The podcast meticulously examines the inconsistencies in Fred's account, including the lack of injuries on Leslie's body and his seemingly rehearsed responses. Former undersheriff Bob Burton develops a theory that Fred pushed Leslie into the creek and then drowned her, citing evidence like Fred's scratches and the location of his glasses. Despite suspicions, police lacked sufficient evidence to charge Fred, leading to his release. The podcast then follows Fred's life after Leslie's death, including his remarriage and subsequent arrest for her murder nearly four years later. Fred's murder trial in Gunnison, Colorado, features compelling evidence presented by the prosecution, including expert testimony that Leslie's body could not have traveled to its location naturally. However, the defense argues that the water level tests were unreliable and that Leslie's injuries were consistent with a fall. The jury's deliberations are tense and difficult, ultimately resulting in a mistrial due to a hung jury. Fred is released from jail, but the prosecution decides to retry him. The second trial, held in a new venue, includes new evidence and witnesses, but the defense continues to attack the credibility of the investigation. Despite the prosecution's strong arguments, the jury again declares a mistrial due to a deadlock. With no new evidence and the likelihood of another hung jury, the prosecution ultimately dismisses the case. While Fred is not convicted, he is also not fully exonerated, leaving the question of Leslie's death unanswered.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Mysterious Death of Leslie Muller

This podcast investigates the death of Leslie Muller, who drowned in a Colorado creek during a family vacation. Her husband, Fred, claims it was an accident, but investigators have doubts.

00:00:21

Doubts About Fred's Story

The podcast explores the inconsistencies in Fred's account of Leslie's death, including the lack of injuries on her body and his seemingly rehearsed responses.

00:00:41

Burton's Theory of Murder

Bob Burton, a former undersheriff, develops a theory that Fred pushed Leslie into the creek and then drowned her, based on evidence like Fred's scratches and the location of his glasses.

00:12:16

Lack of Motive and Fred's Release

The podcast discusses the lack of a clear motive for Fred to kill Leslie and how police, lacking sufficient evidence, released him.

00:16:16

Fred's New Life and Arrest

The podcast details Fred's remarriage to Wendy Walker and his subsequent arrest for Leslie's murder nearly four years after her death.

00:17:25

Fred's Murder Trial and Mistrial

The podcast describes the start of Fred's murder trial in Gunnison, Colorado, where prosecutors present evidence and experts to support their claim that Fred drowned Leslie. The defense argues that the water level tests were unreliable and that Leslie's injuries were consistent with a fall. The jury declares a mistrial due to a hung jury.

00:33:18

Fred's Retrial and Dismissal

The podcast describes Fred's release from jail after the mistrial and the prosecution's decision to retry him. The second trial begins in a new venue, with new evidence and witnesses. The defense continues to attack the credibility of the investigation. The jury again declares a mistrial due to a deadlock. The prosecution ultimately dismisses the case due to the lack of new evidence and the likelihood of a hung jury.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are the main inconsistencies in Fred Muller's account of Leslie's death?

  Fred's story about Leslie's fall doesn't match the lack of injuries on her body, and his responses to investigators seem rehearsed.

• What is Bob Burton's theory about what happened to Leslie?

  Burton believes Fred pushed Leslie into the creek and then drowned her, based on evidence like Fred's scratches and the location of his glasses.

• Why was Fred Muller released after the initial investigation?

  Police lacked sufficient evidence to charge him with a crime, despite their suspicions.

• What happened during Fred's murder trial?

  Prosecutors presented evidence and experts to support their claim that Fred drowned Leslie, while the defense argued that the water level tests were unreliable and that Leslie's injuries were consistent with a fall.

• Why did the jury declare a mistrial in both of Fred's trials?

  The jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict in either trial, resulting in a deadlock.

• What was the outcome of the case?

  After two mistrials, the prosecution decided to dismiss the case due to the lack of new evidence and the likelihood of a hung jury. Fred was not convicted, but he was also not fully exonerated.

Show Notes