Digest

The episode delves into the unsolved murder of Yule Kay Miller, a 26-year-old woman from Texas, who was found murdered in her apartment in July 1970. The investigation begins with the discovery of her body, revealing multiple stab wounds but no signs of a struggle. A note found at the scene mentions a man named Don Barnett, leading police to interview those who knew Kay and those who lived in the apartment building. Through interviews, police establish a timeline of Kay's last known movements, placing her murder between Sunday, July 12th, and Monday, July 13th. A confusing witness account is later contradicted by other evidence. The investigation reveals that Kay worked as a go-go dancer and was dating multiple men, potentially involved in sex work. Two separate tips point to a man named Lonnie as a potential suspect, but he provides an alibi and is cleared by a polygraph. The investigation expands to include anyone who had contact with Kay, leading to a long list of suspects. A wallet found in Kermit, Texas, reveals a past relationship with a man who had hidden it to avoid his wife finding out. Two individuals mention Kay's boyfriend, Don, who visited the Tempo Club on July 14th, but didn't ask about Kay, raising suspicion. Police interview a man named Michael who met Kay at the Caprice Club and provides a detailed alibi, which is supported by a polygraph examination. Don Barnett is finally interviewed and admits to meeting Kay but claims to have moved to Houston and then Van Horn, returning to Odessa on July 14th. He is cleared by a polygraph. A tip about a man named Ron, who knew Kay and another murdered woman named Ruth Maynard, raises concerns about a possible serial killer in Odessa. The episode discusses the string of murders that occurred in Odessa between 1968 and 1971, with Kay being one of six women brutally murdered. Ron admits to dating Kay but claims to have broken up with her before her murder. Two men, Johnny Meadows and Tommy Ray Nieland, are convicted of two of the six Odessa murders. Meadows also confesses to murdering three other women, including Ruth Maynard, but his confession is later thrown out. Police investigate a couple, Dorothy and LT, who worked at the Hilltop Apartments where Kay lived, due to their suspicious behavior and connection to Kay's apartment. Dorothy denies catching her husband in Kay's apartment and provides an alibi, but her husband's alibi cannot be confirmed. The episode reiterates that the mystery man who brought chicken to Kay's apartment has never been identified. Detective Gonzalez acknowledges the challenges in solving the case, citing the large number of suspects and the lack of confirmed alibis. She expresses hope that technological advancements could lead to a breakthrough, mentioning that the fingerprint from the chicken box has been entered into a database but there have been no matches. Detective Gonzalez reveals that new evidence has been discovered during the reporting of the podcast, which may lead to new investigative leads, but declines to disclose the nature of the evidence on the record. She believes that the passage of time may actually help solve the case, hoping that people who were reluctant to talk to police at the time may be more forthcoming now. Detective Gonzalez expresses a desire to speak with Kay's friend, Brenda O'Neal, who she believes may have information that could help the case. The episode concludes with a call to action for anyone with information about Kay's murder to contact Detective Gonzalez or Odessa Crime Stoppers.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Unsolved Murder of Yule Kay Miller

This episode investigates the unsolved murder of Yule Kay Miller, a 26-year-old woman from Texas, who was found murdered in her apartment in July 1970. The episode explores the initial investigation, the discovery of her body, and the first leads that emerged from a note found at the crime scene.

00:03:29

The Investigation and Suspects

The investigation expands as police interview witnesses, establish a timeline of Kay's last known movements, and explore her relationships and potential involvement in sex work. The episode introduces several potential suspects, including Don Barnett, Lonnie, and Michael, and examines their alibis and connections to Kay.

00:18:52

The Odessa Murders and New Evidence

The episode delves into the string of murders that occurred in Odessa between 1968 and 1971, including Kay's murder. The investigation explores the possibility of a serial killer and examines the convictions of Johnny Meadows and Tommy Ray Nieland for two of the murders. The episode also reveals new evidence that has emerged during the reporting of the podcast, which may lead to new investigative leads.

00:24:52

Seeking Justice and Closure

Detective Gonzalez discusses the challenges of solving the case, the hope for technological advancements, and the potential for the passage of time to encourage new information. She expresses a desire to speak with Kay's friend, Brenda O'Neal, and emphasizes the importance of honoring the work of previous investigators. The episode concludes with a call to action for anyone with information to contact the authorities.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was the main piece of evidence found at the crime scene that initially led police to a suspect?

  A note found on the floor inside the apartment door, written by Kay, mentioned a man named Don Barnett and his address.

• What was the timeline established for Kay's last known movements?

  Police determined that Kay was likely murdered between Sunday, July 12th, after she paid her rent, and Monday, July 13th, before 10 a.m.

• What was the significance of the tip about Ron and his connection to both Kay and Ruth Maynard?

  The tip raised concerns about a possible serial killer in Odessa, as both Kay and Ruth were murdered in similar ways.

• What new evidence has emerged during the reporting of the podcast?

  Detective Gonzalez revealed that new evidence has been discovered, but she declined to disclose the nature of the evidence on the record.

• What is Detective Gonzalez's hope for the future of the investigation?

  Detective Gonzalez hopes that the passage of time will encourage people who were reluctant to talk to police at the time to come forward with information. She also hopes that technological advancements will lead to a breakthrough in the case.

Show Notes