Digest

This podcast episode delves into the complex investigation of Katelyn Markham's disappearance and murder, exploring the evidence, suspects, and the eventual conviction of her fiancé, John Carter. The episode begins with the introduction of Katelyn, a vibrant young woman with a promising future, and her fiancé, John Carter. Katelyn's disappearance on a summer Sunday at a festival sparks a frantic search by her family and friends, and the initial investigation focuses on a former classmate with a history of harassment. However, the focus shifts to John Carter as inconsistencies emerge in his alibi and he fails multiple polygraph tests. The episode details the investigation's twists and turns, including the discovery of Katelyn's remains, the emergence of new suspects, and the mounting evidence against John. The episode highlights the frustration of Katelyn's family and friends as the investigation stalls, and their unwavering determination to find answers. The episode also explores the impact of the case on John's life, his relationship with his girlfriend, and the enduring grief of Katelyn's family and friends. Ultimately, the episode concludes with John Carter's conviction for involuntary manslaughter, highlighting the importance of persistence, the power of witness testimony, and the complexities of solving cold cases.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction to Open Book with Jenna Podcast and Dateline: The Butterfly

Jenna Bush Hager introduces her new podcast, "Open Book with Jenna," featuring candid conversations with celebrities, experts, and friends. She highlights the diverse guest lineup, including Stephen and Evie Colbert, Nicholas Sparks, and Emily Henry, promising an inspiring and entertaining experience. Dateline introduces the season premiere episode, "The Butterfly," focusing on the disappearance of Katelyn Markham, a young art student.

00:00:06

Katelyn's Disappearance and Initial Investigation

The episode details Katelyn's disappearance on a summer Sunday at a festival, her family's frantic search, and the initial investigation by Fairfield Police. The episode explores Katelyn's vibrant personality, artistic talent, and loving relationship with her fiance, John Carter. The episode highlights the public's interest in Katelyn's case, the extensive search efforts by friends, family, and neighbors, and John's public pleas for her return.

00:01:51

John Carter's Alibi and Investigation

The episode examines John's alibi for the night Katelyn disappeared, his cooperation with police, and the investigation into his potential involvement. The episode introduces Ryan Ball, a former classmate with a history of harassment, and the investigation's focus shifts to him as a potential suspect. The episode explores public speculation about John's involvement, his defense of his innocence, and the lack of evidence linking him to Katelyn's disappearance.

00:27:19

The Discovery of Katelyn's Remains and the Renewed Investigation

The episode reveals the discovery of Katelyn's remains in Indiana, the shift from a missing person case to a homicide investigation, and the family's grief. The episode details John's suspicions about Brad Von Bargett, a friend who was at Katelyn's house the night she disappeared, and the investigation into his potential involvement. The episode highlights the frustration of Katelyn's family and friends as the investigation stalls, and their unwavering determination to find answers. The episode reveals a new lead in the case, the discovery of more of Katelyn's remains, and the renewed hope for finding her killer.

00:36:13

John Carter's Interview and the Private Investigator

The episode details Dave Markham's interview with Indiana State Police, his suspicions about John Carter, and the renewed investigation into Katelyn's death. The episode examines John's interview with Indiana State Police, his insistence on his innocence, and the involvement of a private investigator, Jay Ryan Greene. The episode focuses on Greene's investigation, his interviews with key individuals, and his discovery of potential evidence in Brad's car.

00:48:07

The Focus on John Carter and a New Murder

The episode explores Dave's lingering doubts about John Carter, Michelle's suspicions based on John's behavior, and the growing belief that John may be responsible. The episode highlights the coincidence of Katelyn's remains being found near John's father's property, Michelle's confrontation with John, and Amber's growing suspicions. The episode details Greene's narrowing focus on John Carter, the discovery of another murder with similarities to Katelyn's case, and the introduction of Michael Strauss.

00:51:58

Greene's Findings and the Fairfield Police's Response

The episode examines John's interview with Greene, his revelation of an argument with Katelyn the night she disappeared, and his defense of his innocence. The episode details Greene's findings, his belief that John is responsible, and the Fairfield Police's continued insistence on John's innocence. The episode explores the passage of time, John's move on with his life, and the enduring grief of Katelyn's family and friends.

00:56:01

Ellie Wike's Murder and the Connection to Michael Strauss

The episode reveals the murder of Ellie Wike, the similarities to Katelyn's case, and the arrest of Michael Strauss, who reportedly bragged about having another victim. The episode highlights the discovery of a photo connecting Michael Strauss and John Carter, the revival of Greene's investigation into a podcast, and the renewed hope for finding answers.

00:58:30

The Focus on John Carter and the Evidence

The episode introduces Paul Newton, a new investigator who takes on Katelyn's case, his focus on Michael Strauss, and his determination to solve the case. The episode details Michael Strauss's interview with Newton, his denial of involvement, and Brad's successful polygraph test, eliminating him as a suspect. The episode focuses on John Carter as the primary suspect, the evidence against him, including his deleted text messages, failed polygraph tests, and suspicious behavior.

01:06:51

John's Alibi and the Witness Testimony

The episode details John's failed polygraph test, Caitlin's growing doubts about their relationship, and the unraveling of their future together. The episode reveals the fight between John and Caitlin at the festival, John's temper, and the potential for a violent reaction to Caitlin's decision to end their relationship. The episode highlights the suspicious timing of John's phone records, the witness testimony of two teenagers who saw John's car leaving his house around 2am, and the potential for John's involvement in Katelyn's disappearance.

01:11:53

Conclusion and the Search for Justice

The episode explores Dave's unwavering faith in justice, the pieces of the case coming together, and the potential for a conviction. The episode examines John's alibi, the witness testimony of two teenagers who saw John's car leaving his house around 2am, and the potential for John's alibi to be false. The episode details John Palmerton's interview with Newton, his evasive behavior, and the suspicion that he may have been involved in Katelyn's disappearance. The episode concludes with the mounting evidence against John Carter, the investigator's belief in his guilt, and the ongoing search for justice for Katelyn Markham.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was the initial reaction of Katelyn's family and friends when she disappeared?

  Katelyn's family and friends were immediately concerned and began searching for her. They were shocked and confused by her sudden disappearance, especially since she left her keys, purse, and dog behind.

• How did the investigation into Katelyn's disappearance unfold?

  The investigation initially focused on Ryan Ball, a former classmate with a history of harassment. However, the focus shifted to John Carter, Katelyn's fiance, after he failed multiple polygraph tests and inconsistencies emerged in his alibi.

• What evidence led investigators to believe John Carter was involved in Katelyn's disappearance?

  The evidence against John included his deleted text messages, failed polygraph tests, suspicious behavior, and witness testimony placing him at the scene of the crime. Additionally, the discovery of Katelyn's remains near his father's property raised further suspicions.

• How did the discovery of Ellie Wike's murder impact the investigation into Katelyn's death?

  The discovery of Ellie Wike's murder, which shared striking similarities to Katelyn's case, led investigators to focus on Michael Strauss, who was arrested for Ellie's murder and reportedly bragged about having another victim.

• What was the outcome of the investigation into Katelyn Markham's death?

  After years of investigation, John Carter was ultimately charged with Katelyn's murder. The case highlighted the importance of persistence, the power of witness testimony, and the complexities of solving cold cases.

• What evidence did the investigators find that suggested John Carter may have been involved in Katelyn's murder?

  The investigators found poems written by John that were dark and disturbing, and they also found writing on a basement door that suggested he may have slit Katelyn's wrists.

• What was the challenge with the timeline of events in the case?

  Some friends placed John at a gathering around the time prosecutors believed Caitlin was killed, which made it difficult to prove that he was at the scene of the crime.

• What was the biggest challenge for the prosecutors in the case?

  The biggest challenge for the prosecutors was the fact that the lead detective from Fairfield had cast doubt on the neighborhood boys who had seen John's car that night, and she had stated that she believed John was not guilty.

• What was the outcome of the case?

  John Carter pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to three years in prison. The perjury charge against John Pomeroton was dropped.

Show Notes