Digest

This podcast delves into the tragic case of Becca Williams, a 13-year-old girl who disappeared in Omaha, Nebraska in 2003. Her body was found two weeks later, and the investigation focused on a potential sexual assault. The podcast details the discovery of Becca's body by a group of boys riding bikes in the park, and the subsequent involvement of the police. Becca's mother, Shelley, recounts the last time she saw her daughter, who had gone to the park with friends but was left alone. The police initially dismissed Becca's disappearance as a possible runaway case, but her family knew she wouldn't have left without her belongings. The community rallied to search for her, but the investigation was hampered by a lack of leads. The podcast describes the crime scene where Becca's body was found, partially unclothed, suggesting a sexual assault. However, the decomposition of the body made it difficult to determine the cause of death or recover any DNA evidence. The investigation focused on a 13-year-old boy named Matt T, who had a history of violence against women. He admitted to being with Becca at the park but denied any involvement in her murder. Matt T and his mother agreed to an interview with detectives, where he denied killing Becca but admitted to kissing and fondling her. He also mentioned a scab on his cheek, which led to a search of his house. The podcast discusses the potential for tunnel vision and confirmation bias in the investigation, focusing on Matt T as the primary suspect. The lack of hard evidence led to a dead end. A grand jury was convened to review Becca's case, which was unusual in Nebraska. Matt T's lawyer argued against his client testifying, and the grand jury ultimately decided not to file charges. The podcast introduces a new suspect, Matt Kitter, one of the boys who found Becca's body. He had a history of violent crimes, including rape and murder. Deputy Dechellis interviewed Matt Kitter about Becca's murder, and he denied any involvement but admitted to knowing Becca and having a traumatic experience after finding her body. Kitter eventually admitted to walking away from the park with Becca towards a fallen tree, refusing to provide further details, making him the last person to see Becca alive. The podcast team reached out to Matt Kitter in prison, asking for an interview or statement, but received no response. Becca's mother, Shelley, was surprised to learn about the new suspect, Matt Kitter, and expressed her desire for justice and to understand why her daughter was murdered.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Disappearance of Becca Williams

This chapter introduces the case of Becca Williams, a 13-year-old girl who disappeared in Omaha, Nebraska in 2003. Her body was found two weeks later, and the investigation focused on a potential sexual assault. The podcast details the discovery of Becca's body by a group of boys riding bikes in the park, and the subsequent involvement of the police. Becca's mother, Shelley, recounts the last time she saw her daughter, who had gone to the park with friends but was left alone. The police initially dismissed Becca's disappearance as a possible runaway case, but her family knew she wouldn't have left without her belongings. The community rallied to search for her, but the investigation was hampered by a lack of leads.

00:08:02

The Investigation and Early Suspects

This chapter focuses on the initial investigation and the emergence of early suspects. The podcast describes the crime scene where Becca's body was found, partially unclothed, suggesting a sexual assault. However, the decomposition of the body made it difficult to determine the cause of death or recover any DNA evidence. The investigation focused on a 13-year-old boy named Matt T, who had a history of violence against women. He admitted to being with Becca at the park but denied any involvement in her murder. Matt T and his mother agreed to an interview with detectives, where he denied killing Becca but admitted to kissing and fondling her. He also mentioned a scab on his cheek, which led to a search of his house.

00:16:59

Tunnel Vision and Confirmation Bias

This chapter explores the potential for tunnel vision and confirmation bias in the investigation, focusing on Matt T as the primary suspect. The lack of hard evidence led to a dead end. A grand jury was convened to review Becca's case, which was unusual in Nebraska. Matt T's lawyer argued against his client testifying, and the grand jury ultimately decided not to file charges.

00:22:22

A New Suspect Emerges

This chapter introduces a new suspect, Matt Kitter, one of the boys who found Becca's body. He had a history of violent crimes, including rape and murder. Deputy Dechellis interviewed Matt Kitter about Becca's murder, and he denied any involvement but admitted to knowing Becca and having a traumatic experience after finding her body. Kitter eventually admitted to walking away from the park with Becca towards a fallen tree, refusing to provide further details, making him the last person to see Becca alive.

00:32:45

The Search for Answers Continues

This chapter explores the ongoing search for answers and the impact of the new suspect on Becca's family. The podcast team reached out to Matt Kitter in prison, asking for an interview or statement, but received no response. Becca's mother, Shelley, was surprised to learn about the new suspect, Matt Kitter, and expressed her desire for justice and to understand why her daughter was murdered.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were the initial challenges faced by investigators in Becca's case?

  The initial challenges included the lack of leads, the decomposition of the body, and the difficulty in recovering DNA evidence. The police initially dismissed Becca's disappearance as a possible runaway case, which hindered the investigation.

• Why was Matt T initially considered a primary suspect?

  Matt T had a history of violence against women, and he admitted to being with Becca at the park. He also mentioned a scab on his cheek, which led to a search of his house. However, no hard evidence was found to connect him to the crime.

• What led investigators to focus on Matt Kitter as a new suspect?

  Matt Kitter, one of the boys who found Becca's body, had a history of violent crimes, including rape and murder. His crimes were similar to what is suspected to have happened to Becca, and his original statement about not knowing Becca was found to be false.

• What was the significance of Matt Kitter's admission about walking away from the park with Becca?

  This admission made him the last person to see Becca alive. He refused to provide further details, raising suspicions about his involvement in her murder.

• How did Becca's family react to the new suspect and the ongoing investigation?

  Becca's family was surprised to learn about the new suspect, Matt Kitter. They expressed their desire for justice and to understand why their daughter was murdered. They hoped that the new focus on Kitter would bring them closer to finding answers.

Show Notes