MURDERED: Thomas Bearson & Geetha Angara
Digest
This episode of Crime Junkie delves into two chilling unsolved cases, both involving young individuals whose deaths remain shrouded in mystery. The first case focuses on Thomas Beerson, a college freshman who vanished without a trace in 2014. Despite a widespread search effort, Tom's body was eventually found in an RV lot, miles away from his campus, with his left shoe and cell phone missing. Authorities ruled his death a homicide, but the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and the lack of concrete evidence have left investigators and Tom's family searching for answers. The second case centers around Geeta Angara, a senior chemist at a water treatment plant in New Jersey, who was found dead in a water tank in 2005. While the medical examiner ruled her death a homicide by drowning, the cause of death was initially reported as accidental, leading to confusion and frustration for Geeta's family. Despite extensive investigations and numerous interviews, the killer remains unidentified, leaving a lingering sense of unease for both Geeta's family and the plant's employees. Both cases highlight the importance of community involvement and the power of speaking up, as the families of both victims continue to seek justice and closure.
Outlines
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the episode and the two unsolved cases that will be discussed: the disappearance and death of Thomas Beerson and the death of Geeta Angara.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
The Disappearance of Thomas Beerson
This Chapter details the disappearance of Thomas Beerson, a college freshman who went missing in 2014. The chapter covers the frantic search efforts by his parents, the discovery of a cryptic tweet from his account, and the eventual discovery of his body in an RV lot. The chapter also explores the lack of concrete evidence and the ongoing investigation.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
The Death of Geeta Angara
This Chapter focuses on the death of Geeta Angara, a senior chemist at a water treatment plant in New Jersey. The chapter details the discovery of her body in a water tank, the initial confusion surrounding the cause of death, and the investigation into her co-workers. The chapter also explores the family's frustration with the lack of progress in the case and the ongoing search for answers.
Keywords
Thomas Beerson
Thomas Beerson was a college freshman who disappeared in 2014. His body was later found in an RV lot, miles away from his campus. His death was ruled a homicide, but the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and the lack of concrete evidence have left investigators and his family searching for answers.
Geeta Angara
Geeta Angara was a senior chemist at a water treatment plant in New Jersey. She was found dead in a water tank in 2005. While the medical examiner ruled her death a homicide by drowning, the cause of death was initially reported as accidental, leading to confusion and frustration for her family. Despite extensive investigations and numerous interviews, her killer remains unidentified.
Unsolved Cases
Unsolved cases are criminal investigations that have not been closed due to a lack of evidence or a failure to identify the perpetrator. These cases often leave families and communities searching for answers and justice.
Cold Case
A cold case is an unsolved criminal investigation that has been inactive for a significant period of time. These cases are often revisited when new evidence emerges or when advancements in technology allow for further analysis.
Homicide
Homicide is the unlawful killing of another human being. It can be classified as murder, manslaughter, or negligent homicide, depending on the intent and circumstances of the crime.
Drowning
Drowning is a form of death that occurs when the respiratory system is submerged in water or other liquid, preventing the intake of oxygen. It can be accidental, suicidal, or homicidal.
Forensic Evidence
Forensic evidence is any physical or biological material that is collected and analyzed to help solve a crime. It can include fingerprints, DNA, bloodstains, and other traces of the crime.
Lie Detector Test
A lie detector test, also known as a polygraph test, is a technique used to assess a person's truthfulness by measuring physiological responses, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration.
Water Treatment Plant
A water treatment plant is a facility that purifies water for public use. It typically involves a series of processes, such as filtration, sedimentation, and disinfection, to remove impurities and contaminants from the water.
Sabotage
Sabotage is the deliberate act of damaging or disrupting something, often with the intention of causing harm or disruption. It can be used in various contexts, including industrial espionage, warfare, and political activism.
Q&A
What are the key similarities between the cases of Thomas Beerson and Geeta Angara?
Both cases involve young individuals whose deaths remain unsolved, leaving their families and communities searching for answers. Both cases also highlight the importance of people speaking up and providing information to investigators.
What are some of the challenges investigators faced in both cases?
In both cases, investigators faced challenges due to a lack of concrete evidence, conflicting accounts from witnesses, and the passage of time. The destruction of potential DNA evidence in Geeta's case due to the chlorine in the water tank further complicated the investigation.
What are the key differences between the cases of Thomas Beerson and Geeta Angara?
The circumstances surrounding the deaths of Thomas Beerson and Geeta Angara are quite different. Beerson's case involves a disappearance followed by the discovery of his body in a remote location, while Angara's case involves the discovery of her body in a water tank at her workplace. The nature of the deaths also differs, with Beerson's death being ruled a homicide by blunt force trauma and Angara's death being ruled a homicide by drowning, although the initial cause of death was reported as accidental.
What are the potential motives for the deaths of Thomas Beerson and Geeta Angara?
In Beerson's case, the motive remains unclear, but investigators are exploring the possibility of a connection to his recent DUI arrest. In Angara's case, investigators initially focused on her co-workers, particularly those who had expressed resentment or jealousy towards her. However, the possibility of an accidental death has also been raised.
What are the families of Thomas Beerson and Geeta Angara doing to seek justice for their loved ones?
Both families are actively seeking justice for their loved ones. Beerson's family has established a foundation in his honor and continues to make public pleas for information. Angara's family has filed a lawsuit against the water commission, alleging that the working environment at the plant was dangerous and contributed to her death.
What role does technology play in both cases?
Technology plays a significant role in both cases. In Beerson's case, a cryptic tweet from his account provided investigators with their first real lead. In Angara's case, the lack of surveillance cameras and the unreliability of the plant's sensors hindered the investigation.
What is the significance of the unsolved nature of these cases?
The unsolved nature of these cases highlights the vulnerability of individuals and the importance of community involvement in solving crimes. It also underscores the need for continued investigation and the pursuit of justice, even in the face of challenges and setbacks.
What is the message that the podcast is trying to convey to its listeners?
The podcast is trying to convey the importance of speaking up and providing information to investigators, even if it seems insignificant. The families of both victims are relying on the public's help to solve these cases and bring their loved ones' killers to justice.
What are some of the ethical considerations raised by these cases?
These cases raise ethical considerations regarding the responsibility of employers to ensure the safety of their employees, the importance of transparency in investigations, and the potential for bias in the reporting of crime.
What are some of the lessons that can be learned from these cases?
These cases highlight the importance of being aware of your surroundings, taking precautions to ensure your safety, and speaking up if you have any information that could help solve a crime. They also underscore the need for continued investigation and the pursuit of justice, even in the face of challenges and setbacks.
Show Notes
We have two stories for you today. Two separate cases that both need one thing – people to talk. Thomas and Geetha’s cases are both in desperate need for more information, and we’re certain someone out there holds key details that could solve these cases. We’re hoping by sharing each of their stories, someone out there will do the right thing and speak up.
If you know anything about:
- The death of Thomas Bearson in North Dakota in 2014, or the location of his phone, please call the Moorhead Police Tip Line at 218-299-5120.
- The death of Geetha Angara in New Jersey in 2005, please call the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office at 1-877-370-PCPO (7276) or email them at tips@passaiccountynj.org.
Check out Barbara Butcher is CJAF Part 1 and Part 2 on our YouTube channel!
- You can also view and purchase Barbara Butcher’s book, What The Dead Know, here or anywhere you purchase books.
Source materials for this episode cannot be listed here due to character limitations. For a full list of sources, please visit: crimejunkiepodcast.com/murdered-thomas-bearson-and-geetha-angara
Did you know you can listen to this episode ad-free? Join the Fan Club! Visit crimejunkie.app/library/ to view the current membership options and policies.
Don’t miss out on all things Crime Junkie!
- Instagram: @crimejunkiepodcast | @audiochuck
- Twitter: @CrimeJunkiePod | @audiochuck
- TikTok: @crimejunkiepodcast
- Facebook: /CrimeJunkiePodcast | /audiochuckllc
Crime Junkie is hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat.
- Instagram: @ashleyflowers | @britprawat
- Twitter: @Ash_Flowers | @britprawat
- TikTok: @ashleyflowerscrimejunkie
- Facebook: /AshleyFlowers.AF
Text Ashley at 317-733-7485 to talk all things true crime, get behind the scenes updates, and more!