Digest

This podcast delves into the chilling true crime story of Ruth Masters' murder, a case that remained unsolved for years. The episode begins with the discovery of Ruth's mutilated body in Miles Standish State Park, leaving investigators with no leads. Five months later, a hitchhiker's near-fatal attack by a man wielding a knife and driving a blue car sparks a connection to the unsolved murder, leading detectives to Eric Anderson, a man with a history of violence against women. Twelve years after the murder, Anderson is released from prison after serving time for attacking a hitchhiker. He reemerges in Maine, where he attacks another woman with a knife, leading to his arrest and confession. However, he remains a suspect in the Masters case. Rick Nagel, a state police detective and son of the former Plymouth police chief, takes on the Masters case, determined to solve the murder his father couldn't. He begins by reviewing the case files and interviewing the victim's daughter. Nagel discovers a crucial piece of evidence: a 22 caliber magazine clip found at the crime scene. He connects this to a 22 rifle owned by Anderson, and through further investigation, learns that Anderson's son purchased the rifle for him. Nagel re-examines witness statements from the day of the murder, focusing on a couple who saw a man staring at them in the park. He tracks them down in Florida and shows them a photo lineup, leading to their identification of Anderson as the man they saw. Nagel confronts Anderson in prison, presenting him with evidence linking him to the crime scene and the murder weapon. Anderson denies involvement but becomes emotional, revealing his knowledge of the case. Nagel interviews inmates who knew Anderson in prison, gathering information about his violent tendencies and his confession to a similar murder. These inmates provide crucial details about the Masters attack, solidifying the case against Anderson. After years of investigation, Anderson is finally brought to trial for the murder of Ruth Masters. The prosecution presents evidence of his violent history, his connection to the crime scene, and the testimony of former inmates. Anderson is found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.

Outlines

00:00:45

The Ruth Masters Murder and the Initial Investigation

The podcast begins with the brutal murder of Ruth Masters in Miles Standish State Park, leaving investigators with no leads despite a massive search effort.

00:04:55

A Hitchhiker's Attack and the Connection to Anderson

Five months after Ruth's murder, a hitchhiker reports a near-fatal attack by a man wielding a knife and driving a blue car. This incident sparks a connection to the unsolved murder, leading detectives to Eric Anderson, a man with a history of violence against women.

00:13:59

Reopening the Cold Case and the Pursuit of Justice

Rick Nagel, a state police detective, takes on the Masters case, determined to solve the murder his father couldn't. He begins by reviewing the case files and interviewing the victim's daughter. Through meticulous investigation, Nagel discovers crucial evidence linking Anderson to the crime scene and the murder weapon.

00:22:46

The Trial and Verdict: Justice for Ruth Masters

After years of investigation, Anderson is finally brought to trial for the murder of Ruth Masters. The prosecution presents evidence of his violent history, his connection to the crime scene, and the testimony of former inmates. Anderson is found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was the key piece of evidence that helped Rick Nagel solve the Ruth Masters murder?

  The key piece of evidence was a 22 caliber magazine clip found at the crime scene. Nagel connected this to a 22 rifle owned by Eric Anderson, and through further investigation, learned that Anderson's son purchased the rifle for him.

• How did the witness testimony of the Moors help to identify Eric Anderson as the suspect?

  The Moors, who were in the park the day of the murder, identified Anderson from a photo lineup as the man they saw staring at them. They also identified his blue Nova as the car they saw that day.

• What role did inmate testimony play in securing a conviction against Eric Anderson?

  Inmates who knew Anderson in prison provided crucial details about his violent tendencies and his confession to a similar murder. They also provided specific details about the Masters attack, solidifying the case against Anderson.

• How did the reopening of the Ruth Masters cold case impact the victim's family?

  The reopening of the case brought closure and justice for the victim's family, particularly for her daughter, Pam. It allowed them to move forward with their lives, knowing that the man who took her mother's life was finally held accountable.

Show Notes