The Reservoir
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Pothole State Park
Pothole State Park is a state park located in Grant County, Washington, known for its unique geological formations, including potholes, which are large depressions in the ground carved out by floods during the ice age. The park is also popular for its fishing, boating, and camping opportunities.
Jesse Lohman
Jesse Lohman was a 45-year-old man who was murdered in 1999 near Pothole State Park in Washington State. His body was found shot and dumped in a field, and the case remains unsolved. Lohman was a devoted father of four and a hardworking mechanic who was known for his kind nature and lack of enemies. His murder shocked the community and left his family seeking answers and justice.
Unsolved Murder
An unsolved murder is a homicide case where the perpetrator has not been identified or apprehended. These cases often leave families and communities seeking closure and justice. Unsolved murders can be challenging to investigate due to a lack of evidence, witnesses, or leads. They often become cold cases, but advancements in technology and renewed investigations can sometimes lead to breakthroughs.
Grant County Sheriff's Office
The Grant County Sheriff's Office is the law enforcement agency responsible for investigating crimes in Grant County, Washington. The office is responsible for maintaining order, enforcing laws, and providing public safety services. In the case of Jesse Lohman's murder, the Grant County Sheriff's Office has been actively investigating the case for over two decades, but it remains unsolved.
Columbia National Wildlife Refuge
The Columbia National Wildlife Refuge is a federal wildlife refuge located in Washington State, adjacent to Pothole State Park. The refuge is home to a diverse array of wildlife and provides habitat for migratory birds, waterfowl, and other species. The refuge is also a popular destination for recreation, including fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing.
Cold Case
A cold case is an unsolved criminal investigation that has been inactive for a significant period of time. Cold cases can be reopened if new evidence emerges, advancements in technology allow for re-examination of existing evidence, or there is a renewed public interest in the case. Cold cases often present challenges due to the passage of time, the loss of witnesses, and the potential for evidence degradation.
ATM
An automated teller machine (ATM) is an electronic banking device that allows customers to perform financial transactions, such as withdrawing cash, depositing funds, and checking account balances, without the need for a bank teller. ATMs are commonly found in public locations, such as banks, grocery stores, and shopping malls.
Surveillance Video
Surveillance video is a recording captured by a security camera that can be used to monitor activity in a specific area. Surveillance video can be valuable evidence in criminal investigations, providing information about the identity of suspects, the sequence of events, and the location of objects or individuals. However, the quality of surveillance video can vary, and it may not always be clear enough to identify individuals or provide definitive evidence.
Moses Lake
Moses Lake is a city located in Grant County, Washington. It is known for its large lake, Moses Lake, which is a popular destination for recreation, including boating, fishing, and swimming. Moses Lake is also a major agricultural center, with a large farming and ranching industry.
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
When a devoted father and outdoorsman is found shot to death near Potholes State Park on Mother’s Day weekend in 1999 his family is left with more questions than answers. Law enforcement immediately finds a promising trail of clues and surveillance video only to have their investigation fizzle out.
- If you know anything about the unsolved murder of Jesse Guy Loman, call the Grant County Sheriff’s Office in Washington, USA at (509) 754-2011.
View source material and photos for this episode at: parkpredators.com/the-reservoir
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