Digest

This episode of True Crime Garage delves into the chilling unsolved case of the bedside murders, which occurred in Yucaya, California, on October 13th, 1968. The victims, Clyde Delaney, a 24-year-old pregnant woman, and her grandmother, Nancy Warren, were found strangled with a leather boot lace. The case is particularly perplexing due to the lack of panic at the crime scene, suggesting the victims were taken by surprise. The episode explores the potential motives, suspects, and inconsistencies in the investigation, including the possibility of multiple killers and the role of Clyde's estranged husband, John Usry. The episode also highlights the challenges faced by investigators in 1968, including the limited availability of forensic techniques and the pressure to quickly release information to the public. The episode concludes with a discussion of the lingering questions surrounding the case and the need for further investigation.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the episode and the case of the bedside murders, highlighting the tragic deaths of Clyde Delaney and her grandmother, Nancy Warren. It also mentions the involvement of the True Crime Garage team and their sponsor, Three Floyd's Brewing, with their Dark Lord beer.

00:00:13

The Discovery

This Chapter recounts the harrowing discovery of the bodies by Johnny Usry, Clyde's eight-year-old son. He describes finding his mother lying on the gravel between their trailers and then discovering his grandmother in her trailer. The chapter also introduces the term "bedside murders" and discusses the initial reports of the crime.

00:12:21

Background of the Victims

This Chapter provides detailed background information on the victims, Nancy Warren and Clyde Delaney. It discusses Nancy's antique shop, her ownership of the trailers, and Clyde's relationship with her estranged husband, John Usry. The chapter also explores Clyde's relationship with her boyfriend, Donald Delaney, and the circumstances surrounding their relationship.

00:23:06

The Investigation

This Chapter details the initial investigation by the Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff Reno Bartolomey. It describes the arrival of officers at the scene, the labeling of the case as a top priority, and the assignment of senior investigator Earl Friend to the case. The chapter also discusses the evidence found at the scene, including the leather boot lace used to strangle the victims, and the lack of panic observed by investigators.

00:32:23

Motive and Suspects

This Chapter explores the potential motives for the murders, focusing on the possibility of a robbery gone wrong or a targeted attack. It discusses the suspect list and the close relationships between Clyde and some of the suspects. The chapter also examines the possibility of multiple killers and the role of Clyde's estranged husband, John Usry, as a potential suspect.

00:42:15

Evidence and Inconsistencies

This Chapter delves into the evidence found at the crime scene, including the leather boot lace used to strangle the victims. It highlights the inconsistencies in the reports, particularly regarding the description of the murder weapon and the lack of information about its origin. The chapter also discusses the challenges faced by investigators in 1968, including the limited availability of forensic techniques and the pressure to quickly release information to the public.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are the key details of the bedside murders case?

  The bedside murders involved the deaths of Clyde Delaney, a 24-year-old pregnant woman, and her grandmother, Nancy Warren, who were both found strangled with a leather boot lace. The murders took place in Yucaya, California, on October 13th, 1968. The case is notable for the lack of panic at the crime scene, suggesting the victims were taken by surprise.

• Who are the main suspects in the bedside murders case?

  The main suspects in the case include Clyde's estranged husband, John Usry, who was seeking full custody of their children, and her boyfriend, or possibly husband, Donald Delaney, a California Highway Patrol officer. The investigation also considered other potential suspects, but no arrests were ever made.

• What are some of the challenges faced by investigators in the bedside murders case?

  Investigators faced several challenges in the bedside murders case, including the limited availability of forensic techniques in 1968, the pressure to quickly release information to the public, and the lack of clear evidence pointing to a specific motive or suspect. The inconsistencies in the reports, particularly regarding the description of the murder weapon, further complicated the investigation.

• What are some of the lingering questions surrounding the bedside murders case?

  Some of the lingering questions surrounding the case include the identity of the killer or killers, the motive for the murders, and the role of Clyde's estranged husband, John Usry, as a potential suspect. The lack of conclusive evidence and the passage of time have made it difficult to definitively answer these questions.

Show Notes