One week after Helen Eskew was found murdered in her home, a neighbor told police something shocking: a man had confessed. His name was known. His record was violent. His connection to Helen undeniable.

But what followed wasn’t an arrest. It wasn’t even a search warrant.

Instead, the case began to drift—despite multiple burglary reports, named suspects, and fingerprints collected from inside Helen’s trailer. As new interviews surfaced, another name entered the picture—a teenager with a quiet presence and a history of break-ins, including Helen’s.

In this episode, we examine how two suspects ended up at the center of the same crime. We trace their stories, the contradictions in their timelines, and the details investigators had right in front of them. What emerges is a case that feels less like a mystery—and more like a missed opportunity.

Two confessions. Two sets of prints. Zero charges.

Twenty-seven years later, we’re asking why.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-grimes-files-gone-not-silent/donations

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy