Digest

This episode of 48 Hours delves into the chilling case of Scott Kimball, a con man who used his position as an FBI informant to manipulate and murder four people. The story begins with the disappearance of Casey McLeod, a 19-year-old woman who vanished in August 2003. Her mother, Laurie, was married to Scott Kimball, who claimed to be an FBI agent and promised to help find Casey. However, as the investigation unfolded, it became clear that Kimball was a dangerous criminal with a history of deception and violence. The episode then introduces the cases of Leanne Emery, Jennifer Markham, and Terry Kimball, all of whom disappeared under suspicious circumstances. Through meticulous investigation and the determination of the victims' families, the FBI uncovered a web of lies and deceit, ultimately leading to Kimball's arrest and conviction for the murders of his uncle and three young women. The episode highlights the devastating impact of Kimball's crimes on the victims' families and the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with manipulative criminals who exploit their positions of authority.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the podcast and the story of Scott Kimball, a con man who used his position as an FBI informant to manipulate and murder four people.

00:00:07

The Disappearance of Casey McLeod

This Chapter focuses on the disappearance of Casey McLeod, a 19-year-old woman who vanished in August 2003. Her mother, Laurie, was married to Scott Kimball, who claimed to be an FBI agent and promised to help find Casey.

00:01:17

The Disappearance of Leanne Emery

This Chapter explores the disappearance of Leanne Emery, a 24-year-old woman who vanished seven months before Casey McLeod. Her father, Howard, discovered that Leanne was leading a secret life and was in contact with a man named Hannibal, who was later revealed to be Scott Kimball.

00:18:31

The Investigation of Scott Kimball

This Chapter details the investigation of Scott Kimball, who became a suspect in a check fraud case. Detective Gary Thatcher and Special Agent Jonathan Groosing began to interview Kimball, who was still in jail pending fraud charges.

00:33:10

The Discovery of Casey McLeod's Remains

This Chapter describes the discovery of Casey McLeod's remains in a remote canyon in Eastern Utah. Kimball had led authorities on a fruitless search for Leanne Emery, but Agent Groosing spotted something that led to the discovery of Casey's skull.

00:35:42

The Trial and Conviction of Scott Kimball

This Chapter recounts the trial and conviction of Scott Kimball for the murders of his uncle and three young women. Kimball was sentenced to 70 years in prison, but he insisted that he was not a serial killer and refused to reveal any accomplices.

00:42:31

The Aftermath

This Chapter reflects on the aftermath of the case, highlighting the devastating impact of Kimball's crimes on the victims' families and the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with manipulative criminals.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was Scott Kimball's motive for killing his victims?

  Kimball's motive for killing his victims was a combination of greed, a desire for power, and a possible sexual attraction to his victims. He used his position as an FBI informant to manipulate and control his victims, and he often targeted vulnerable people who were in need of help.

• How did the families of Scott Kimball's victims help bring him to justice?

  The families of Scott Kimball's victims played a crucial role in bringing him to justice. They refused to give up hope and continued to search for their loved ones, even after law enforcement dismissed their concerns. They also shared information with each other and with the FBI, which ultimately led to Kimball's arrest and conviction.

• What are some of the challenges faced by law enforcement when dealing with manipulative criminals like Scott Kimball?

  Law enforcement faces a number of challenges when dealing with manipulative criminals like Scott Kimball. These criminals are often skilled at deception and they may be able to exploit people's trust. They may also have connections to powerful people, which can make it difficult to investigate them. In addition, these criminals may be able to manipulate the legal system to their advantage.

• What is the significance of the case of Scott Kimball?

  The case of Scott Kimball is significant because it highlights the dangers of manipulative criminals who exploit their positions of authority. It also shows the importance of perseverance and determination in seeking justice for victims of crime. The case also raises questions about the effectiveness of the FBI's informant program and the need for greater accountability within law enforcement.

• What happened to Scott Kimball after he was convicted of murder?

  Scott Kimball was sentenced to 70 years in prison for the murders of his uncle and three young women. He remains in prison and is eligible for parole in 2079. In 2017, he was charged with solicitation of murder and attempted to escape from prison, which added four years to his sentence.

• What is the current status of the search for Jennifer Markham?

  The search for Jennifer Markham continues. Her father, Bob Markham, remains hopeful that her remains will be found, but he also acknowledges that it is possible that they never will be. He takes solace in the fact that Scott Kimball is in prison and will not be able to harm anyone else.

• What lessons can be learned from the case of Scott Kimball?

  The case of Scott Kimball teaches us that we should be wary of people who seem too good to be true. It also shows the importance of trusting our instincts and speaking up when we suspect something is wrong. We should also be aware of the dangers of manipulative criminals who exploit their positions of authority.

• What is the impact of Scott Kimball's crimes on the victims' families?

  The impact of Scott Kimball's crimes on the victims' families is devastating. They have lost loved ones and have been forced to deal with the pain and trauma of their deaths. They have also had to contend with the betrayal of Scott Kimball, who they once trusted. The families have shown incredible resilience and determination in seeking justice for their loved ones.

• What is the role of the FBI in the case of Scott Kimball?

  The FBI played a complex role in the case of Scott Kimball. They initially used him as an informant, but they later became aware of his criminal activity. The FBI was criticized for its handling of Kimball, and some people believe that they could have done more to prevent his crimes. However, the FBI ultimately helped to bring Kimball to justice.

Show Notes