Digest

This podcast chronicles the disappearance and murder of Jamie Haggard, a 27-year-old mother from Snohomish County, Washington, in June 2016. The investigation highlights suspicious findings at her home, the emergence of suspects including her roommate Jason Nullty and half-brother David Haggard, and the use of innovative techniques like the "playing card" method for cold cases. David Haggard, with a history of criminal activity and inconsistent statements, became the primary suspect. Crucial evidence, including forensic findings and data from Jamie's damaged phone, eventually led to David's arrest and conviction for second-degree murder. The podcast also touches upon the roles of other individuals like Scott Barnes, the challenges of unreliable witnesses, and lingering questions about potential accomplices and the full extent of the violence.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Case Background

The podcast begins with discussions on snacks and advertisements for AMPM and The Motley Fool. It then introduces the disappearance of Jamie Haggard in Snohomish County, Washington, in June 2016, noting her last contact was June 9th.

00:08:32

Initial Concerns and Suspicious Findings

Jamie's family reported her missing after days of no contact. A welfare check at her home revealed a vacant house with a suspicious pile of dirt and a recently filled hole, raising immediate concerns.

00:11:13

Investigative Techniques and Key Suspects

The podcast discusses the "playing card" technique for cold cases and focuses on Jamie's roommate, Jason Nullty, and her half-brother, David Haggard, as primary suspects due to their proximity and histories.

00:17:06

Conflicting Accounts and Text Message Incident

Jason Nullty provided accounts of altercations involving Jamie and David, and reported receiving a disturbing text message with a picture of Jamie from her phone. Jamie's statements to police and her boyfriend were also contradictory.

00:22:55

Jason Nullty's Arrest and Jamie's Movements

Jason Nullty was taken into custody. Jamie left her home and spent the night with a friend, contacting her boyfriend from jail, indicating she was alive after the initial reported incidents.

00:24:06

David Haggard's Criminal History and Investigation Focus

David Haggard's past criminal record is detailed, and investigators gathered more evidence linking him to Jamie's disappearance. His inconsistent statements and behavior during interrogation and a polygraph test heightened suspicions.

00:39:21

Forensic Investigation and Backyard Excavation

Forensic searches of Jamie's home uncovered potential evidence like blood drops. The team prepared to excavate the backyard, while acknowledging the difficulty in obtaining concrete proof due to unreliable witnesses.

00:55:30

Discovery of Human Remains and DNA Confirmation

A second search of Jamie's property led to the discovery of a suitcase containing human remains, later confirmed by DNA analysis to be Jamie Haggard's. This marked a significant breakthrough in the case.

01:05:34

Legal Challenges and Suspect Alibis

DNA confirmed the remains belonged to Jamie. Investigators faced challenges proving guilt, with Jason Nolte's alibi confirmed and Scott Barnes considered a person of interest but lacking direct evidence.

01:08:16

David Haggard's Other Crimes and Arrest

Investigators explored David's other alleged crimes, including arson. A tip from his uncle led to the discovery of a burn site, resulting in David's arrest for arson and later a charge of second-degree murder.

01:14:07

Trial, Conviction, and Sentencing

FBI experts recovered crucial data from Jamie's phone. At trial, David Haggard was found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to 15 years, though the family felt it didn't provide full closure.

01:19:28

Uncharged Accomplices and Lingering Questions

Jason Nolte and Scott Barnes were never charged. The podcast questions the completeness of justice and explores theories about sexual assault and potential incest as motives, with Jamie's head remaining unrecovered.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were the initial suspicious findings at Jamie Haggard's home?

  During a welfare check, authorities found Jamie's home vacant. A large pile of dirt and a recently filled hole in the yard were discovered, raising significant concerns about her whereabouts and potential foul play.

• How did law enforcement attempt to generate leads for cold cases in Snohomish County?

  Snohomish County adopted the "playing card" technique, distributing cards with details of cold cases to inmates. This method proved successful, helping to resolve three cases in the county.

• What role did Jason Nullty play in the investigation of Jamie Haggard's disappearance?

  Jason Nullty, Jamie's roommate, provided key witness testimony, recounting arguments and a physical altercation between Jamie and David. He also suggested Scott Barnes might be involved and reported a suspicious text message.

• Why were David Haggard's statements considered unreliable?

  David Haggard provided inconsistent accounts of the events surrounding Jamie's disappearance. His inability to maintain a coherent narrative, coupled with his criminal history and suspicious behavior, made his statements unreliable for investigators.

• What crucial evidence was recovered from Jamie Haggard's phone?

  After extensive forensic work, data was extracted from Jamie's damaged phone. This included a voice memo of David Haggard and a selfie of him appearing distressed, along with a text message that mirrored the voice memo.

• What was the outcome of David Haggard's trial?

  David Haggard was found guilty of second-degree murder for the brutal killing of his sister, Jamie Haggard. He was later sentenced to 15 years in prison.

• Were Jason Nullty and Scott Barnes ever charged in connection with Jamie Haggard's murder?

  Despite their involvement and suspicious behavior, neither Jason Nullty nor Scott Barnes were ever charged with a crime in connection with Jamie Haggard's murder.

Show Notes