Digest

This episode of Criminal podcast delves into the chilling case of Mary and Suzanne Raker, two sisters who vanished on Labor Day 1974. The episode begins with a recap of the case, previously covered in a two-part episode on Ashley Flowers' other show, The Deck. The episode then chronicles the events of the Raker family's last day with Mary and Suzanne, highlighting Mary's unusual behavior and the family's frantic search for the missing girls. The investigation is initially dismissed by police, but a statewide broadcast is eventually issued. The episode then explores the similarities between the Raker case and the Sue Dukeowitz case, a similar abduction and stabbing that occurred in 1976, leading investigators to Herb Notch Jr., a local who was convicted in the Dukeowitz case. The investigation takes a turn with the emergence of Michael Bartichesky, a suspect in a Colorado murder case, but the evidence is inconclusive. The episode also highlights the role of the BDOC Society, a cold case review organization, and the emergence of Lloyd Welch as a suspect in the "Lion's Sister" case. The episode concludes with a discussion of Herb Notch Jr.'s deathbed confession and the possibility of an accomplice, focusing on Roy, a friend of Herb Notch Jr. who worked at Zayr's and was present when Susie Raker's body was found. The episode ends with Sergeant Brian Bolig, the current investigator, discussing the ongoing investigation and the challenges of solving a case with multiple potential suspects.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Raker Sisters Disappearance

Ashley Flowers introduces the story of Mary and Suzanne Raker, two sisters who disappeared on Labor Day 1974. She mentions a previous two-part episode on their case on her other show, The Deck, and hopes to bring closure to the family.

00:01:45

The Raker Family's Last Day

The episode delves into the events of Labor Day 1974, focusing on the Raker family's last day with Mary and Suzanne. Mary's insistence on going shopping despite recent shopping trips and her unusual behavior raise concerns.

00:02:48

The Disappearance and Initial Investigation

The Raker family's frantic search for Mary and Suzanne begins after they fail to return home. Police initially dismiss their concerns, but a statewide broadcast is eventually issued. A bus station attendant claims to have sold tickets to the girls, but they are not found in Little Falls.

00:34:08

The Sue Dukeowitz Case and Herb Notch Jr.

The episode shifts to the Sue Dukeowitz case, a similar abduction and stabbing that occurred in 1976. The similarities between the cases lead investigators to Herb Notch Jr., a local who was convicted in the Dukeowitz case.

00:41:17

Michael Bartichesky and the Search for Evidence

The investigation takes a turn with the emergence of Michael Bartichesky, a suspect in a Colorado murder case. His age and location in 1974 raise suspicions, but the evidence is inconclusive. Lawrence Crizzet, a former investigator, dies in 1983, leaving behind a pair of glasses that may be connected to the murders.

00:49:13

The BDOC Society and New Leads

Rita Raker, the girls' mother, seeks help from the BDOC Society, a cold case review organization. They confirm the investigators are on the right track, but no arrests are made. In 2014, Lloyd Welch emerges as a suspect in the \"Lion's Sister\" case, and a Minnesota woman claims to have been attacked by him in 1974.

00:59:01

Herb Notch Jr. and the Fox 9 Investigation

A Fox 9 investigative piece reveals previously unknown details about the Raker and Dukeowitz cases, highlighting similarities and bringing Herb Notch Jr. back into the spotlight. His connection to the area, his work at Zayr's, and his mental health history raise further suspicions.

01:03:53

Herb Notch Jr.'s Deathbed Confession

Herb Notch Jr. dies in 2017, and Rita Raker visits him in the hospital. He maintains his innocence but makes statements that suggest guilt, leading the Raker family to believe he was involved.

01:06:15

The Possibility of an Accomplice

The episode explores the possibility of an accomplice in the Raker murders, focusing on Roy, a friend of Herb Notch Jr. who worked at Zayr's and was present when Susie Raker's body was found. Roy's connection to the case and his evasive behavior raise questions.

01:14:28

The Ongoing Investigation and Hope for Closure

Sergeant Brian Bolig, the current investigator, discusses the ongoing investigation and the challenges of solving a case with multiple potential suspects. He emphasizes the importance of finding answers for the Raker family and the need for anyone with information to come forward.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are the key similarities between the Mary and Suzanne Raker case and the Sue Dukeowitz case?

  Both cases involve young girls who were abducted, stabbed, and hidden in brush. The similarities suggest a possible connection between the crimes and raise suspicions about Herb Notch Jr., who was convicted in the Dukeowitz case.

• Why is it difficult to definitively rule out suspects in the Raker case?

  The lack of physical evidence, the passage of time, and the involvement of multiple agencies have made it challenging to gather conclusive evidence and identify the perpetrator(s).

• What role did the BDOC Society play in the Raker investigation?

  The BDOC Society reviewed the case materials and confirmed that investigators were on the right track, but they did not provide any new leads or evidence that led to an arrest.

• What is the significance of Lloyd Welch's involvement in the \"Lion's Sister\" case?

  Welch's involvement in the \"Lion's Sister\" case, which involved the abduction and murder of two young girls, led to a Minnesota woman coming forward with a claim that she was attacked by him in 1974, the same year the Raker sisters disappeared.

• What is the current status of the Raker investigation?

  The investigation is ongoing, and Sergeant Brian Bolig is still actively pursuing leads. While Herb Notch Jr. is considered a person of interest, the possibility of an accomplice remains, and the investigation continues to explore all avenues.

Show Notes