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MURDERED: Mary Morris

MURDERED: Mary Morris

Update: 2024-09-2313
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This episode delves into the perplexing deaths of two women named Mary Morris, both found dead in their cars within a short period in the same county. The first Mary, a mother and wife, was reported missing by her husband, Jay, after she didn't show up for work. Her daughter, Marilyn, joined the search and discovered her car burned out on a remote road. The investigation revealed that Mary's death was a homicide. Just days after the first Mary's funeral, another woman named Mary Morris, Mary McGinnis Morris, was found dead in her car. This Mary was a medical director with a troubled relationship with a coworker. The investigation into her death focused on her husband, Mike, who had a large life insurance policy on her and was uncooperative with investigators. The episode explores the possibility of a hitman being involved, suggesting that the wrong Mary Morris may have been killed. The statistical likelihood of two women with the same name being murdered in the same county within a short period is examined. The episode also discusses an anonymous phone call made to the Houston Chronicle claiming that the wrong Mary Morris was killed. The episode concludes by highlighting unanswered questions surrounding the cases, including the motive behind the murders, the role of Jay Morris in his wife's death, and the identity of the person who made the anonymous phone call.

Outlines

00:00:00
The Mysterious Deaths of Two Mary Morrises

This episode investigates the deaths of two women named Mary Morris, both found dead in their cars within a short period in the same county. The episode explores the details of their deaths and the investigations that followed.

00:00:24
The Disappearance and Death of Mary Morris (Part 1)

The episode delves into the disappearance and subsequent discovery of Mary Morris's body. Her husband, Jay, reports her missing after she doesn't show up for work. Her daughter, Marilyn, joins the search and eventually finds her car burned out on a remote road.

00:01:41
The Death of Mary McGinnis Morris

The episode reveals a shocking twist: another woman named Mary Morris, Mary McGinnis Morris, was found dead in her car just days after the first Mary's funeral. This Mary was a medical director and had a troubled relationship with a coworker.

00:24:19
Investigating Mary McGinnis Morris's Death

The episode focuses on the investigation into Mary McGinnis Morris's death. Her husband, Mike, becomes a suspect due to a life insurance policy and his uncooperative behavior. The episode explores the possibility of a hitman and the connection between the two Mary Morris cases.

00:35:55
The Hitman Theory and Coincidence

The episode examines the theory that a hitman may have killed the wrong Mary Morris. The episode also explores the statistical likelihood of two women with the same name being murdered in the same county within a short period.

00:39:41
Unanswered Questions and the Anonymous Phone Call

The episode discusses an anonymous phone call made to the Houston Chronicle claiming that the wrong Mary Morris was killed. The episode also explores other unanswered questions surrounding the cases, including the possibility of Jay Morris's involvement in his wife's death.

Keywords

Hitman


A person hired to kill another person for a fee. Hitmen are often involved in organized crime and may have specialized skills in weapons, surveillance, and stealth.

Contract Killing


A murder that is planned and carried out for a fee, often by a professional hitman. Contract killings are typically motivated by financial gain, revenge, or other criminal purposes.

Coincidence


The occurrence of events that happen at the same time or in the same place by chance. Coincidences can be surprising and sometimes seem unlikely, but they are a natural part of life.

False Identity


The act of assuming a different identity, often for the purpose of concealing one's true identity or avoiding detection. False identities can be used for a variety of reasons, including criminal activity, witness protection, or personal privacy.

Unidentified Remains


Human remains that have not been identified. Unidentified remains can be a challenge for law enforcement and forensic scientists, as they may lack identifying features or documentation.

Cold Case


A criminal investigation that has not been solved and is no longer actively being investigated. Cold cases can be reopened if new evidence or information comes to light.

Missing Person


A person who has disappeared without a trace. Missing persons cases can be challenging to investigate, as there may be limited information available about the person's whereabouts or what happened to them.

Arson


The intentional setting of a fire to damage or destroy property. Arson is a serious crime that can result in significant property damage, injury, or death.

Polygraph


A lie detector test that measures physiological responses, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, to determine if a person is being truthful. Polygraphs are often used in criminal investigations and security screenings.

Q&A

  • What are the key similarities and differences between the two Mary Morris cases?

    Both Mary Morris cases involved women found dead in their cars, but the circumstances differed. The first Mary's car was burned, and her death was ruled a homicide, while the second Mary was shot and showed signs of a struggle.

  • What evidence suggests that Mike Morris may have been involved in his wife's death?

    Mike had a large life insurance policy on his wife, was uncooperative with investigators, and made a suspicious phone call to Mary's phone after her 911 call.

  • What is the hitman theory, and how does it connect the two Mary Morris cases?

    The hitman theory suggests that a hitman hired to kill one Mary Morris mistakenly killed the other. This theory is supported by the similarities in their names and appearances, as well as the unusual circumstances of their deaths.

  • What are some of the unanswered questions surrounding the Mary Morris cases?

    The identity of the person who made the anonymous phone call to the Houston Chronicle, the motive behind the murders, and the role of Jay Morris in his wife's death remain unclear.

  • What is the significance of the horse manure found at the scene of the first Mary Morris's death?

    Horse manure is a potential accelerant, which could explain the intensity of the fire that destroyed Mary's car. This suggests that the fire was intentionally set.

  • What is the current status of the Mary Morris cases?

    Both cases remain unsolved, and there have been no significant developments in recent years. However, the cases continue to generate interest and speculation, and it is possible that new evidence or information could come to light in the future.

Show Notes

Two women, both in the same county in Texas, are murdered within days of each other. But along with the timing and location, there’s one more big similarity that still puzzles both investigators and their families to this day…

  • If you have any information about the murder of 48-year-old Mary Morris on October 12, 2000, in Baytown, TX, or the murder of 39-year-old Mary McGinnis Morris, found on October 16, 2000, in Houston, TX, please call Crimestoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477).

 


Source materials for this episode cannot be listed here due to character limitations. For a full list of sources, please visit: crimejunkiepodcast.com/murdered-mary-morris

 

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Crime Junkie is hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat. 


Text Ashley at 317-733-7485 to talk all things true crime, get behind the scenes updates, and more!

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MURDERED: Mary Morris

MURDERED: Mary Morris

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