Digest

This episode delves into the chilling case of Caitlyn Markham, a 21-year-old woman who vanished in 2011. The podcast follows the investigation, spanning years and multiple agencies, and highlights the work of investigators Paul Newton and Ali Weissman. The episode begins with Caitlyn's fiancé, John Carter, reporting her missing after 24 hours. Despite finding her car, belongings, and dog at her townhouse, there was no sign of Caitlyn. The investigation initially focused on the Sacred Heart Festival, which was taking place near Caitlyn's home the night she disappeared. However, the case took a grim turn in 2013 when human remains were found in Indiana, identified as Caitlyn's. The investigation then shifted to a homicide investigation, with John Carter becoming the primary suspect. His alibi was questioned, and inconsistencies in his story emerged. While other potential suspects were investigated, the focus remained on John. Over a decade later, a new lead emerged, but it turned out to be false. However, it sparked Paul's interest in the case, leading him to reopen the investigation with the help of Ali Weissman. They re-interviewed witnesses, revisited physical evidence, and uncovered new information about John and Caitlyn's relationship. Two boys who were at the Sacred Heart Festival came forward with crucial information, stating they saw a red Ford Focus, the same type of car John drove, parked near his house around 1:30 a.m. John Carter failed a polygraph test, and investigators uncovered more inconsistencies in his story. A neighbor also came forward with a disturbing account of hearing a loud thud and a woman screaming from Caitlyn's townhouse the night she disappeared. Based on the new evidence, John Carter was indicted on two counts of murder. However, just before trial, he accepted a plea deal for involuntary manslaughter and received a three-year sentence. The episode concludes with a summary of what investigators believe happened the night Caitlyn died and a reflection on the impact of the case on Ali and Paul. They emphasize the importance of finding answers for families of victims and the lasting sorrow that comes with such cases.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Case of Caitlyn Markham

This episode introduces the case of Caitlyn Markham, a 21-year-old woman who vanished in 2011. The episode will follow the investigation, spanning years and multiple agencies, and highlight the work of investigators Paul Newton and Ali Weissman.

00:03:02

Caitlyn's Disappearance and Initial Investigation

Caitlyn's fiancé, John Carter, reports her missing after 24 hours. He claims she was last seen at her townhouse around midnight. The police find her car, belongings, and dog at the house, but no sign of Caitlyn. The police launch a large-scale search, involving the fire department, police officers, and friends. The search focuses on the Sacred Heart Festival, which was taking place near Caitlyn's home the night she disappeared.

00:11:56

The Grim Discovery and Shift to Homicide Investigation

In 2013, a couple searching for scrap metal finds human remains in Indiana, just across the border from Fairfield, Ohio. The remains are identified as Caitlyn's, and the case becomes a homicide investigation.

00:01:26

Suspects and Early Leads

The investigation focuses on John Carter, Caitlyn's fiancé, as the primary suspect. His alibi is questioned, and inconsistencies in his story emerge. Other potential suspects, including a gas station worker and Caitlyn's father, are investigated but ruled out.

00:23:27

Reopening the Investigation and New Evidence

Over a decade after Caitlyn's death, Paul reopens the investigation and enlists the help of Ali Weissman, a criminalist with a passion for cold cases. They re-interview witnesses, revisit physical evidence, and uncover new information about John and Caitlyn's relationship. Two boys who were at the Sacred Heart Festival the night Caitlyn disappeared come forward with a crucial piece of information. They saw a red Ford Focus, the same type of car John drove, parked near his house around 1:30 a.m. John Carter fails a polygraph test, and investigators uncover more inconsistencies in his story. A neighbor comes forward with a disturbing account of hearing a loud thud and a woman screaming from Caitlyn's townhouse the night she disappeared.

00:36:14

Indictment, Plea Deal, and Aftermath

Based on the new evidence, John Carter is indicted on two counts of murder. However, just before trial, he accepts a plea deal for involuntary manslaughter and receives a three-year sentence. The episode concludes with a summary of what investigators believe happened the night Caitlyn died and a reflection on the impact of the case on Ali and Paul. They emphasize the importance of finding answers for families of victims and the lasting sorrow that comes with such cases.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were some of the initial challenges faced by investigators in Caitlyn Markham's disappearance?

  The initial challenges included the lack of obvious signs of foul play, Caitlyn's seemingly normal life with a strong support system, and the early stage of the investigation before 24 hours had passed.

• How did the discovery of Caitlyn's remains change the course of the investigation?

  The discovery transformed the case from a missing person's investigation to a homicide investigation, increasing the pressure to find answers and identify the perpetrator.

• What role did John Carter's polygraph test play in the investigation?

  John Carter's failed polygraph test, along with inconsistencies in his story and the emergence of new evidence, strengthened the suspicion against him and ultimately led to his indictment.

• What was the significance of the poems and writings found at John Carter's mother's house?

  The poems and writings revealed disturbing insights into John's psyche, suggesting a potential struggle with inner demons and a possible connection to Caitlyn's death.

• What was the outcome of the case, and what were the reactions to the plea deal?

  John Carter pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and received a three-year sentence. The plea deal was met with mixed reactions, with some feeling it was too lenient while others acknowledged the need for finality and closure for Caitlyn's family.

Show Notes