Digest

This episode of Park Predators delves into the unsolved murder of Jesse Lohman, a 45-year-old man who was found shot and dumped in a field near Pothole State Park in Washington State in 1999. The episode begins by introducing the location, Pothole State Park, known for its unique geological formations and popular fishing spots. The discovery of Lohman's body by two friends, Chris Mora and Rodrigo, is detailed, along with the subsequent investigation by the Grant County Sheriff's Office. The episode highlights the numerous unanswered questions surrounding the case, including the location of the actual crime scene, the motive behind the murder, and the identity of the perpetrator. Despite the efforts of investigators and the family's pleas for information, the case remains unsolved. The episode concludes with a call for anyone with information to contact the Grant County Sheriff's Office, emphasizing the need for closure for Lohman's family and the importance of bringing the killer to justice.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the host, Dylia DeAmbra, and the podcast, Park Predators, which focuses on unsolved murders in national parks and surrounding areas. The episode's subject, the murder of Jesse Lohman, is introduced, and the location of the crime, near Pothole State Park in Washington State, is described.

00:02:10

The Discovery of Jesse Lohman's Body

This Chapter details the discovery of Jesse Lohman's body by two friends, Chris Mora and Rodrigo, who were driving to go fishing at Hampton Lake. They noticed a blue object in a field and upon closer inspection, realized it was a body. They attempted to call for help using their CB radio but were unsuccessful, so they flagged down a passing car with a cell phone. The authorities were alerted, and upon arrival, they determined that the victim was a middle-aged white man who had been shot and beaten. Evidence was collected, including footprints, a spent shell casing, and drag marks.

00:08:51

Identifying the Victim and Missing Truck

This Chapter focuses on the identification of the victim as Jesse Lohman, a Basin City man who had been reported missing earlier that morning. The episode details the circumstances surrounding Lohman's disappearance, including his plans for a Mother's Day weekend camping trip with his family at Canal Lake. The discovery of Lohman's truck parked at a Safeway grocery store in Moses Lake adds another layer of mystery to the case.

00:15:07

Autopsy Results and Financial Activity

This Chapter discusses the results of Lohman's autopsy, which revealed two gunshot wounds, one to the torso and another to the head. The episode also explores Lohman's financial activity on the night before his death, including a $100 cash withdrawal from an ATM near the Safeway grocery store. The lack of surveillance footage from the ATM leaves investigators with unanswered questions about the withdrawal.

00:22:32

The Unsolved Mystery and Call for Information

This Chapter explores the lingering questions surrounding Lohman's murder, including the location of the actual crime scene, the motive behind the killing, and the identity of the perpetrator. The episode highlights the lack of progress in the investigation and the frustration of Lohman's family. The episode concludes with a call for anyone with information to contact the Grant County Sheriff's Office, emphasizing the need for closure for Lohman's family and the importance of bringing the killer to justice.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are the unique geological features of Pothole State Park?

  Pothole State Park is known for its potholes, which are large depressions in the ground carved out by floods during the ice age. These potholes are often filled with water, creating a unique landscape of lakes and ponds.

• How was Jesse Lohman's body discovered?

  Jesse Lohman's body was discovered by two friends, Chris Mora and Rodrigo, who were driving to go fishing. They noticed a blue object in a field and upon closer inspection, realized it was a body. They attempted to call for help using their CB radio but were unsuccessful, so they flagged down a passing car with a cell phone.

• What evidence was found at the scene of Jesse Lohman's murder?

  Evidence found at the scene included footprints, a spent shell casing, drag marks, and tire marks. The drag marks indicated that something heavy, likely Lohman's body, had been pulled from a vehicle.

• What was the cause of death for Jesse Lohman?

  The autopsy revealed that Jesse Lohman suffered two gunshot wounds, one to the torso and another to the head. His official cause of death was ruled as a homicide, and his manner of death was attributed to the gunshot wound to his head.

• What is the significance of the $100 cash withdrawal from the ATM?

  The $100 cash withdrawal from the ATM near the Safeway grocery store is significant because it provides a potential link between Lohman and the perpetrator. However, the lack of surveillance footage from the ATM leaves investigators with unanswered questions about the withdrawal.

• Why is the location of the actual crime scene important?

  The location of the actual crime scene is important because it could provide valuable clues about the events leading up to Lohman's murder. The discovery of a spent shell casing near the roadway where Lohman's body was found suggests that the murder may have occurred there, but this is not confirmed.

• What is the current status of the Jesse Lohman murder investigation?

  The Jesse Lohman murder investigation remains unsolved. The Grant County Sheriff's Office is actively working the case and is seeking any information that could help bring the killer to justice. The case has been reopened several times over the years, but no significant breakthroughs have been made.

• What can people do to help solve the Jesse Lohman murder?

  Anyone with information about the unsolved murder of Jesse Lohman is urged to contact the Grant County Sheriff's Office or email CrimeTips@grantcountywa.gov. Even seemingly insignificant details could be crucial to the investigation.

Show Notes