Digest

This episode of Cold Case Files delves into the chilling case of Joe Terry, a drifter who was convicted of murdering Diane Edwards. The episode begins with the brutal murders of the Healing family in 1978, where 11-year-old Billy Healing was the sole survivor. Sheriff Kostrieba, who responded to the scene, describes the horrific crime and the lack of evidence that initially hindered the investigation. The focus then shifts to the murder of Marla Woolenhouse in 1979, where her mother, Fran, discovered her daughter covered in blood. Despite the efforts of investigators, both cases went cold due to a lack of leads. The episode then reveals how Deputy Gary Miller's routine call about a disruptive customer at a truck stop led to the arrest of Joe Terry for car theft. During an inventory of the stolen car, Miller found a notebook containing names and addresses of women, including waitresses, which sparked suspicion. The investigation into Diane Edwards' murder in 1980, which shared similarities with the previous cases, led investigators to Terry. However, a lack of evidence again stalled the investigation. Years later, while incarcerated for rape, Terry, feeling mentally unstable, contacted Deputy Sun and Saw, offering to cooperate with investigators in exchange for psychiatric help. He confessed to the murder of Diane Edwards, providing details that led investigators to the crime scene. Terry's confession also included details about the murders of the Healing family and Marla Woolenhouse, which he had previously denied. The episode concludes with the conviction of Joe Terry for the murder of Marla Woolenhouse in 1998, and the subsequent reopening of the Healing family case. Through meticulous investigation and the discovery of a toy bat mobile belonging to Billy Healing, investigators were able to link Terry to the Healing family murders. The episode highlights the resilience of the victims' families and the dedication of law enforcement in seeking justice, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Outlines

00:00:00

McDonald's $5 Meal Deal

This Chapter discusses the McDonald's $5 meal deal, which includes a McDouble or McChicken, small fries, a small drink, and a four-piece McNuggets. It highlights the value proposition of the deal, offering a substantial amount of food for a low price.

00:00:14

The Healing Family Murders

This Chapter recounts the horrific murders of the Healing family in Stern's County, Minnesota, in 1978. It details the events of the night, including the attack on the family, the escape of 11-year-old Billy Healing, and the discovery of the victims by Sheriff Kostrieba. The chapter highlights the impact of the crime on the small town and the initial challenges faced by investigators.

00:11:18

Diane Edwards' Murder

This Chapter focuses on the murder of Diane Edwards in 1980. It describes her abduction from a street in West St. Paul, Minnesota, and the subsequent discovery of her body by a hunter. The chapter highlights the similarities between Diane's murder and the Healing family murders, leading investigators to suspect Joe Terry.

00:22:44

Joe Terry's Confession

This Chapter details Joe Terry's confession to the murder of Diane Edwards while incarcerated for rape. It describes his willingness to cooperate with investigators in exchange for psychiatric help. Terry's confession also includes details about the murders of the Healing family and Marla Woolenhouse, which he had previously denied.

00:26:31

The Healing Family Case Reopened

This Chapter recounts the reopening of the Healing family murder case in 1996. It describes the discovery of a toy bat mobile belonging to Billy Healing, which was found in Joe Terry's car, providing a crucial link to the crime. The chapter also highlights the meticulous investigation and the expert testimony that ultimately led to Terry's conviction for the murders of the Healing family.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were the circumstances surrounding the murders of the Healing family?

  In 1978, the Healing family was brutally murdered in their home in Stern's County, Minnesota. 11-year-old Billy Healing was the sole survivor, escaping the house and running for help. Sheriff Kostrieba responded to the scene and discovered the bodies of Alice Healing and her three children, Susie, Wayne, and Patty. The murders shocked the small town and initially presented a challenge for investigators due to a lack of evidence.

• How did Deputy Gary Miller's routine call about a disruptive customer lead to the arrest of Joe Terry?

  Deputy Gary Miller was on patrol in neighboring Wright County when he received a call about a customer harassing a server at a truck stop. Before confronting the customer, Miller ran the man's license plates, which revealed that the vehicle was stolen. Miller then arrested the customer, Joe Terry, for car theft.

• What evidence was found in Joe Terry's stolen car that linked him to the murders?

  During an inventory of the stolen car, Miller found a notebook containing names and addresses of women, including waitresses. This, along with other items like a metal rod and a toy bat mobile, raised suspicion and led investigators to believe that Terry might be connected to the murders.

• How did Joe Terry confess to the murder of Diane Edwards?

  While incarcerated for rape, Terry contacted Deputy Sun and Saw, expressing mental instability and requesting psychiatric help. In exchange for a transfer to a hospital, Terry confessed to the murder of Diane Edwards, providing details that led investigators to the crime scene. He also confessed to the murders of the Healing family and Marla Woolenhouse, which he had previously denied.

• What evidence linked Joe Terry to the Healing family murders?

  The discovery of a toy bat mobile belonging to Billy Healing, the sole survivor of the Healing family murders, in Joe Terry's car provided a crucial link to the crime. This, along with expert testimony about the pattern of bruising on Alice Healing's body, which matched the metal rod found in Terry's car, solidified the connection between Terry and the murders.

• What was the impact of Joe Terry's convictions on the victims' families?

  While the convictions brought a sense of closure and justice for the families of the victims, they also highlighted the enduring pain and trauma associated with the loss of loved ones. Billy Healing, the sole survivor of the Healing family murders, expressed a sense of acceptance but also acknowledged the ongoing impact of the tragedy. Fran Woolenhouse, Marla's mother, described a feeling of relief and freedom after years of uncertainty and grief.

• What are some of the key takeaways from this episode of Cold Case Files?

  This episode highlights the importance of perseverance in investigating cold cases, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It also underscores the devastating impact of violent crime on families and communities, and the importance of seeking justice for victims. The episode also emphasizes the resilience of victims' families and their unwavering pursuit of answers and closure.

• What are some of the challenges faced by investigators in cold case investigations?

  Cold case investigations often present unique challenges, including a lack of evidence, fading memories, and the passage of time. Investigators must rely on meticulous research, innovative techniques, and the cooperation of witnesses and victims' families to bring justice to victims and their loved ones.

• What are some of the ethical considerations involved in cold case investigations?

  Cold case investigations often raise ethical considerations, such as the balance between seeking justice for victims and protecting the rights of suspects. Investigators must also be mindful of the impact of their investigations on victims' families and the communities affected by crime.

Show Notes