The Bathtub Killer
Digest
This episode of Cold Case Files delves into the investigation of two cold cases, the murder of Michelle LaFond in New Hampshire in 1987 and the murder of Dena Kitchler in Florida in 1990. Both victims were raped and strangled, and the cases were linked by the similarities in the crimes and the suspect, John Brewer. The investigation began with a presentation by forensic investigator Lou Eliopoulos at a law enforcement conference in Florida, where he discussed the unsolved murder of Dena Kitchler. A detective in the audience, Jim Tucker, recognized similarities between the Kitchler case and an unsolved murder in New Hampshire. Tucker contacted David Kelly, the head of the cold-case squad in New Hampshire, who was investigating the murder of Michelle LaFond. Kelly found a connection between Brewer and LaFond through a job application that listed LaFond's husband as a reference. The DNA profile from the semen recovered from LaFond's rape kit matched Brewer's DNA, leading to his arrest. Brewer was also questioned about the murder of Kitchler, but Florida detectives were unable to gather enough evidence to charge him. Brewer eventually pleaded guilty to both murders and was sentenced to life without parole in New Hampshire. The episode highlights the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the power of DNA evidence in solving cold cases.
Outlines
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The Murder of Michelle LaFond
This Chapter details the murder of Michelle LaFond in Dublin, New Hampshire in 1987. The episode describes the crime scene, the investigation, and the challenges faced by Sergeant Clay Young in identifying the perpetrator. The case went cold due to the lack of DNA technology at the time, and the rape kit was stored away.
The Murder of Dena Kitchler
This Chapter focuses on the murder of Dena Kitchler in Jacksonville, Florida in 1990. The episode describes the similarities between the Kitchler case and the LaFond case, including the method of murder and the suspect, John Brewer. Forensic investigator Lou Eliopoulos presented the Kitchler case at a law enforcement conference, where he noticed a detective in the audience who recognized similarities to a cold case in New Hampshire.
Connecting the Cases
This Chapter details the investigation that connected the murders of Michelle LaFond and Dena Kitchler. Jim Tucker, the detective who recognized the similarities between the cases, contacted David Kelly, the head of the cold-case squad in New Hampshire. Kelly found a connection between Brewer and LaFond through a job application that listed LaFond's husband as a reference. The DNA profile from the semen recovered from LaFond's rape kit matched Brewer's DNA, leading to his arrest.
Keywords
John Brewer
John Brewer is the main suspect and perpetrator in both the murder of Michelle LaFond in New Hampshire and the murder of Dena Kitchler in Florida. He was identified as a loner and a prime suspect in both cases. Brewer was eventually convicted of both murders and sentenced to life without parole in New Hampshire.
Cold Case
A cold case is an unsolved criminal investigation that has been inactive for a significant period of time. Cold cases are often reopened when new evidence or leads emerge. The episode highlights the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the power of DNA evidence in solving cold cases.
Sexual Sadist
A sexual sadist is a person who derives sexual pleasure from inflicting pain or suffering on others. The episode suggests that John Brewer was a sexual sadist based on the nature of the crimes and the evidence found at the crime scenes. The episode also highlights the increasing violence and brutality of Brewer's crimes over time.
DNA Evidence
DNA evidence is a type of forensic evidence that can be used to identify individuals and link them to crime scenes. The episode highlights the importance of DNA evidence in solving cold cases. The DNA profile from the semen recovered from Michelle LaFond's rape kit was a key piece of evidence that led to the arrest of John Brewer.
Cold Case Files
Cold Case Files is a podcast and television series that investigates unsolved crimes. The episode is a part of the Cold Case Files podcast, which explores true crime stories and the efforts of law enforcement to solve them.
Murder
Murder is the unlawful killing of another human being with malice aforethought. The episode focuses on the murders of Michelle LaFond and Dena Kitchler, both of whom were raped and strangled. The episode highlights the brutality of the crimes and the impact they had on the victims' families.
Rape
Rape is a type of sexual assault that involves sexual penetration without consent. The episode describes the rapes of both Michelle LaFond and Dena Kitchler, which were part of the murders. The episode highlights the trauma and violence associated with rape.
Strangulation
Strangulation is a method of killing that involves constricting the neck, cutting off the supply of blood to the brain. The episode describes the strangulation of both Michelle LaFond and Dena Kitchler, which was the primary cause of death in both cases.
Forensic Evidence
Forensic evidence is any type of evidence that is collected and analyzed in a criminal investigation. The episode highlights the importance of forensic evidence in solving cold cases. The DNA profile from the semen recovered from Michelle LaFond's rape kit was a key piece of forensic evidence that led to the arrest of John Brewer.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement refers to the agencies and individuals responsible for enforcing the law and maintaining public order. The episode highlights the work of law enforcement in investigating cold cases. The episode also highlights the importance of collaboration between different law enforcement agencies in solving complex crimes.
Q&A
What similarities were found between the murders of Michelle LaFond and Dena Kitchler?
Both victims were raped and strangled, and the crimes were committed in a similar manner. Both victims were home alone at the time of their deaths, and there was evidence of a struggle in both cases. The killer also sexually assaulted the bodies and used a bathtub in both cases.
How did the investigation into the murder of Dena Kitchler lead to the arrest of John Brewer for the murder of Michelle LaFond?
A forensic investigator, Lou Eliopoulos, presented the Kitchler case at a law enforcement conference. A detective in the audience, Jim Tucker, recognized similarities between the Kitchler case and an unsolved murder in New Hampshire. Tucker contacted David Kelly, the head of the cold-case squad in New Hampshire, who was investigating the murder of Michelle LaFond. Kelly found a connection between Brewer and LaFond through a job application that listed LaFond's husband as a reference. The DNA profile from the semen recovered from LaFond's rape kit matched Brewer's DNA, leading to his arrest.
What was the significance of the DNA evidence in the case?
The DNA evidence was crucial in linking John Brewer to the murder of Michelle LaFond. The DNA profile from the semen recovered from LaFond's rape kit matched Brewer's DNA, providing strong evidence of his involvement in the crime. The DNA evidence was also important in establishing a connection between Brewer and the murder of Dena Kitchler, although Florida detectives were unable to gather enough evidence to charge him with that crime.
What was John Brewer's defense in the case?
Brewer initially denied knowing Michelle LaFond. When confronted with the DNA evidence, he changed his story and claimed that he was having an affair with LaFond and had left the house before she was murdered. He also claimed to be innocent of both murders, claiming that he was framed.
What was the outcome of the case?
John Brewer was convicted of both murders and sentenced to life without parole in New Hampshire. He pleaded guilty to both crimes in order to avoid the death penalty. The episode highlights the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the power of DNA evidence in solving cold cases.
Show Notes
After a pregnant woman is found sexually assaulted, strangled and dumped in her bathtub in New Hampshire attempts at a DNA match are unsuccessful. 10 Years later a presentation on another unsolved homicide, in a similar manner, helps investigators to connect the dots.
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