Who Killed...?

The disappearance of Eugene Martin on August 12, 1984, remains a haunting mystery in Des Moines, Iowa. Eugene, a 13-year-old paperboy, vanished while delivering newspapers, leaving enduring questions and a community seeking answers for decades. Despite extensive investigations and the involvement of federal agents, Eugene's case is still unresolved. The only clues left behind were witness accounts of Eugene speaking with an unidentified man early that morning and his abandoned newspaper bag found later. This case and the similar disappearance of another paperboy, Johnny Gosch, have sparked theories and continuous search efforts. The impact of Eugene's story extends beyond Des Moines, symbolizing the broader issue of missing children and the importance of community awareness and safety. Resources are available at the Iowa Cold Cases website and The Charley Project for more detailed information on Eugene's case. SOURCES: https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81885830/ https://www.newspapers.com/image/546159760/?terms=Eugene%20Martin&match=1 http://www.doenetwork.org/cases/8dmia.html https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/local/eugene-martin-case-remains-open-after-31-years/524-02cb76a5-43bd-4297-af0d-5275df5aee9e https://charleyproject.org/case/eugene-wade-martin https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/johnny-gosch/ https://www.radioiowa.com/2017/07/20/johnny-goschs-red-wagon-to-be-displayed-at-iowa-state-fair/ https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2012/04/etan-patz-case-why-did-dairies-put-missing-children-on-their-milk-cartons.html Websleuths.com National Center for Missing & Exploited Children “AROUND THE NATION: Des Moines Man Sought In Boy’s Disappearance,” The New York Times, Aug. 15, 1984 “Missing Newspaper Boy’s Father Dies,” KCCI.com, Dec. 29, 2010 Donald J Martin (1945 – 2010) – Find A Grave Memorial “Cold Case: Des Moines paperboy Eugene Martin,” by Aaron Brilbeck, WHO-TV Channel 13 Des Moines, July 8, 2010 “Hansen: 25 years later, Eugene Martin case still haunts,” The Des Moines Register, Aug. 12, 2009 “New Picture Released In 25-Year-Old Case,” KCCI.com, Aug. 5, 2009 “Years drag on for parents of missing boys,” by Rod Boshart, The Cedar Rapids Gazette, Saturday, August 12, 1989 “Gosch, Martin only ‘stranger abduction’ cases on missing list,” by Rod Boshart, The Cedar Rapids Gazette, Saturday, August 12, 1989 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hvTC_i6aDQ https://www.reddit.com/r/UnsolvedMysteries/comments/dru51z/eugene_martin_and_johnny_gosch_case/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two bodies were recovered in rural Oklahoma, a day after four people were charged with kidnapping and murder in the disappearance of two Kansas women, authorities said. Veronica Butler, 27; and Jilian Kelley, 39, of Hugoton, Kansas, were driving through the Oklahoma panhandle to pick up Butler’s children for a March 30 birthday party in Kansas, but never showed up. Their vehicle was found abandoned later that day on a rural highway in Texas County, near the Oklahoma-Kansas state line. PRESS CONFERENCE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'd like to introduce the Jordan Harbinger Show which I have been listening to a ton. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Brand new!! Join us this week as defense attorney and former prosecutor Matt Mangino of New Castle, PA, breaks down the details of the Idaho 4 case and offers a few words on OJ. http://www.mattmangino.com/ In the early morning hours of November 13, 2022, between 3 am and 4 am, four University of Idaho college students were stabbed to death in a shared rental home close to campus, in which three of them resided. Four University of Idaho students were killed: Ethan Chapin, 20, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Madison Mogen, 21. Chapin was a freshman, Kernodle was a junior, and Goncalves and Mogen were both seniors. This week's guest, Matthew T. Mangino, is the former district attorney of Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. He also spent a six year term on the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole. He is currently 'Of Counsel' with Luxenberg, Garbett, Kelly and George, P.C. Mangino's book The Executioner's Toll, 2010 was published by McFarland & Company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brand new!! Join us this week as defense attorney and former prosecutor Matt Mangino of New Castle, PA, breaks down the case details out of Delphi, Indiana, and gives his perspective on what comes next with the trial next month. http://www.mattmangino.com/ This week's guest, Matthew T. Mangino, is the former district attorney of Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. He also spent a six year term on the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole. He is currently 'Of Counsel' with Luxenberg, Garbett, Kelly and George, P.C. Mangino's book The Executioner's Toll, 2010 was published by McFarland & Company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The case of Riley Strain, a University of Missouri student, has captured widespread attention following his mysterious disappearance and subsequent death. Riley Strain was reported missing after a night out with friends in Nashville on March 8, 2024. His disappearance led to an extensive search that ended tragically when his body was discovered in the Cumberland River two weeks later.  The initial autopsy suggested that Strain's death was accidental, with no signs of trauma from weapons. However, the Strain family, seeking further clarity, ordered a second private autopsy. This decision came amid puzzling circumstances surrounding the discovery of Riley's body, which was found without pants, boots, and wallet. The absence of water in his lungs, a common indicator of drowning, further complicated the narrative and prompted the family to seek additional tests. Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKS2akwLe-c&list=RDNSMVfeEjEtE3k&index=6 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michelle Martinko was a victim of a tragic crime that occurred in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on December 19, 1979. The case remained unsolved for nearly four decades until advancements in DNA technology led to the identification and conviction of Jerry Lynn Burns for her murder. The case of Jerry Lynn Burns highlights a complex intersection of privacy rights and law enforcement's use of modern technology in criminal investigations. The Iowa Supreme Court's decision underscores a legal precedent that discarded items are not protected under the Fourth Amendment, which guards against unreasonable searches and seizures. This ruling aligns with previous court decisions that have determined once an individual throws something away, they forfeit any expectation of privacy over the discarded item. However, Burns' argument about the invisibility of DNA and the need for specialized analysis to obtain a DNA profile raises important questions about the extent of privacy individuals can expect over their genetic information, even when it is left in a public place. The court's decision reflects the ongoing debate over privacy in the age of DNA testing and forensic advancements, balancing the rights of individuals with the needs of law enforcement to solve crimes. You can contribute to the show via the Venmo app with my username @bill-huffman-3. SOURCES: www.evergreenpodcasts.com/who-killed https://youtu.be/vfb8BXB5O3s https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/michelle-martinko/ https://www.thegazette.com/crime-courts/jerry-burns-sentenced-to-life-for-killing-michelle-martinko-in-1979/ https://www.thegazette.com/crime-courts/jerry-burns-sentenced-to-life-for-killing-michelle-martinko-in-1979/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1zVT3lS6hs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp4EfCTgwz0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRkjjJDOpzU https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2018/12/20/michelle-martinko-cold-case-cedar-rapids-iowa-ia-jerry-burns-manchester-arrest-murder-dna-homicide/2377189002/ https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/crime-and-courts/2019/12/19/jerry-burns-michelle-martinko-accused-1979-iowa-killing/2702680001/ https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/crime-and-courts/2019/04/15/michelle-martinko-jerry-burns-suspect-murder-homicide-cedar-rapids-iowa-dna-parabon-labs-cold-case/3476459002/ https://www.thegazette.com/subject/news/public-safety/michelle-martinko-murder-cedar-rapids-1979-arrest-made-cold-case-cedar-rapids-gazette-archive-articles-12202018 https://www.thegazette.com/crime-courts/what-we-know-key-moments-in-the-michelle-martinko-cold-case-murder-investigation/ https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87432449/ https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87432352/ https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87431852/ https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87431750/ https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87432697/ https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87430401/ https://www.newspapers.com/clip/26391312/des-moines-tribune/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us as we dive into the tragic case of the Lake Waco murders that occurred in 1982. The episode explores the controversial details surrounding the case, including questions about forced confessions and the possibility of the wrong individual being executed. With twists and turns, listeners will uncover the unsettling story of three teenagers - Raylene Rice, Jill Montgomery, and Kenneth - whose lives were cut short in a horrifying summer tragedy. Tune in to unravel the mysteries of this haunting case. Texas Monthly Careless Whispers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us as we dive into the tragic case of the Lake Waco murders that occurred in 1982. The episode explores the controversial details surrounding the case, including questions about forced confessions and the possibility of the wrong individual being executed. With twists and turns, listeners will uncover the unsettling story of three teenagers - Raylene Rice, Jill Montgomery, and Kenneth - whose lives were cut short in a horrifying summer tragedy. Tune in to unravel the mysteries of this haunting case. Texas Monthly Careless Whispers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Riley Strain's family has requested the United Cajun Navy's assistance to enhance the organization of their search operations. The United Cajun Navy, a volunteer-driven nonprofit established during Hurricane Katrina, is known for its disaster response efforts. David Flagg, UCN's Director of Operations, has announced that the search for Strain along the Cumberland River will intensify starting Tuesday or Wednesday. The team calls on individuals conducting independent searches to coordinate under the UCN's comprehensive search plan. Flagg has indicated that a systematic and well-planned ground search will be organized shortly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ANzcWs3JPI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the press conference the Sheriff’s Office press conference to be held on Friday, November 4, at 9 a.m., at our main office, located at 215 SW Adams Avenue in Hillsboro. Investigators will provide an update on the 1974 murders of 16-year-old Donald Bartron and 18-year-old Peter Zito, Jr. The Sheriff’s Office will be joined by Peter Zito’s sister. Washington County Sheriff's Office Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Portland Police Bureau Cold Case Unit will be reinstated thanks to a grant. In 2004, PPB formed a Cold Case Unit to use technological advances to review and investigate unsolved homicides dating back to the 1960s. Over the next 18 years, the Cold Case Unit reviewed more than 270 cases, clearing more than 50 of them. More than 30 individuals were charged with homicide-related crimes. In 2022, the Cold Case Unit was disbanded due to the reallocation of resources in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, civil unrest, unprecedented retirements and resignations, and exponential increases in both homicides and gun-related crimes. In 2023, PPB applied for and received a grant through the National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI). The $2.5 million grant will fund four detectives and provide $300,000 for advanced testing, including Forensic Genetic Genealogy (FGG). The Cold Case Unit will review not only unsolved homicides but also unsolved missing persons cases and unsolved violent crimes, such as robberies and assaults. “I feel very fortunate that we’re able to bring back the Cold Case Unit,” Chief Bob Day said. Clearing unsolved cases will hopefully provide some closure for victims’ families. Work in this space can also reduce crime by apprehending prolific violent offenders.” With hundreds of unsolved cases to examine, the Cold Case Unit will be tasked with prioritizing their caseload. The prioritization process will consider severity, with homicides being a priority. Violent crimes will be prioritized based on the time remaining under the statute of limitations. One of those cold cases is from August 29, 1988, police responded to a welfare check at 2612 N. Holman, which the granddaughter of the occupants of that residence called in. Police entered the residence, where they discovered the bodies of Robert Wheatley, 61, and Frieda Wheatley, 69, in the basement. The medical examiner determined the cause of death as strangulation. Detectives believe that the Wheatley’s died on August 27, 1988. It is apparent from the crime scene that the motive was robbery. There was no sign of forced entry. The home was ransacked, and a television set, ATM card, credit card, and the Wheatley’s light green 1979 Buick Regal were stolen. The ATM and credit cards were used extensively in Northeast, North, and Downtown Portland before Wheatley’s bodies were discovered. The Buick was recovered in a Jantzen Beach Shopping Center parking lot a few days later. Investigating Detectives believe that people in the community have information about this crime.  Witnesses may contact Cold Case Homicide Unit investigators at (503) 823-0400. To remain anonymous, witnesses may provide information through Crime Stoppers of Oregon. Crime Stoppers of Oregon offers cash rewards for information reported to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest in any unsolved felony crime, and tipsters can remain anonymous. Information about this case or any unsolved felony crime may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,500. https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/index.cfm?c=35696 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Crime Capsule is a weekly true crime show hosted by Benjamin Morris. This week, I sit down with host Ben Morris to explore the future of Crime Capsule and what cases the audience has to look forward to. Download Crime Capsule & Who Killed wherever you get your favorite podcasts or on Evergreenpodcasts.com. If you would like to help support Who Killed...? you can do so via the Venmo app with my username @bill-huffman-3. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Source: FBI.gov On August 23, 1992, Tammy J. Zywicki departed Evanston, Illinois, for college in Grinnell, Iowa, where she was expected to arrive that evening. Later that day, Zywicki's car was found by an Illinois State Trooper and ticketed as being abandoned. On August 24, 1992, the vehicle was towed by the Illinois State Police. On that same evening, Zywicki's mother contacted the Illinois State Police and advised them that her daughter had not arrived at college. On September 1, 1992, Zywicki's body was located along Interstate Highway 44 (I-44) in rural Lawrence County, Missouri, which is located between Springfield and Joplin, Missouri. She had been stabbed to death. Zywicki was reportedly last seen with her car (shown above) at mile marker 83 on I-80 in Central Illinois between 3:10 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on August 23, 1992. It was also reported that a tractor/trailer was seen near Zywicki's vehicle during this period. The driver of the tractor/trailer is described as a white male between 35 and 40 years of age, over six feet tall, with dark, bushy hair. Some of the victim's personal property is known to be missing, including a Cannon 35mm camera and a musical wristwatch. The watch is Lorus brand, with a green umbrella on its face and a green band. The watch plays the tune "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head." SOURCES: 1. https://cbs2iowa.com/news/local/milestone-birthday-prompts-reminder-tammy-zywicki-is-still-waiting-for-answers 2. https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-tammy-zywicki-murder-25-years-met-20170823-story.html 3. https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/tammy-j.-zywicki 4. https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/crime-and-courts/2020/05/08/illinois-police-clark-perry-baldwin-not-suspect-1992-slaying/3101500001/ 5. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/man-charged-murder-case-kristin-smart-college-student-who-disappeared-n1263965 6. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-apr-05-me-serialkillers5-story.html 7. https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/news/stories/2009/april/highwayserial_040609 8. https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2020/7/29/21347076/samuel-william-legg-suspected-serial-killer-julie-konkol-lake-county-ohio 9. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poLGmJ3OT7Q 10. https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/tammy-zywicki/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Angela Hicks was only 14 when she went missing on July 21, 1990. Her case rocked the community of Elyria, Ohio and the case remains unsolved to this day. The prime suspect is currently in custody for other crimes. In this episode I speak with Angies best friend, Nicki, who runs a Facebook Page in Angela's Honor, you reach it by clicking on the link: https://www.facebook.com/justiceforangela/ If you would to support this show you can do so Via Venmo with my Username @Bill-Huffman-3. Every contribution goes to keeping these shows on the air. Thank you to all the supporters over the years. SOURCES: 1. https://chroniclet.com/news/229110/vigil-marks-30-years-without-angie-hicks/ 2. https://www.nj.com/news/2011/03/truck_driver_convicted_of_kil.html 3. https://ohiomysteries.com/ohio%20mysteries/1990-the-angela-hicks-case 4. https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/oh-lorain/friend-of-teen-who-was-murdered-in-1990-looks-for-closure 5. https://www.cleveland19.com/2019/02/16/elyria-reopens-cold-case-after-nearly-years-new-clues-emerge/ 6. https://chroniclet.com/news/232349/samuel-legg-indicted-in-wood-county-killing/ 7. https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/lorain-county/authorities-re-open-investigation-involving-1990-murder-of-14-year-old-girl/95-d2bbf61e-141b-4dc0-8514-bb6efb5311d4 8. https://medina-gazette.com/news/230010/rape-suspect-samuel-legg-charged-with-illinois-murder/ 9. https://medina-gazette.com/news/239110/ohio-attorney-general-dave-yost-keeping-close-eye-on-samuel-legg-iii-case/ 10. https://chroniclet.com/news/229110/vigil-marks-30-years-without-angie-hicks/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first-ever Cold Case Unit dedicated to solving homicide and sexual assault cases that have gone unsolved for years has been established by the New Mexico Department of Justice.   Attorney General Torrez said that the unit's goal is to provide justice and closure for the victims' families, who have been living with uncertainty and pain. "We will not give up on these cases, no matter how much time has passed. We are working with law enforcement agencies across the state, and we welcome any public or agency input that can help us crack these cold cases," he said.   The Cold Case Unit has six cases under investigation from the 1980s to the 2010s. The unit uses the latest forensic genetic genealogy techniques to generate new leads and identify suspects.   The unit consists of three full-time, sworn law enforcement agents who are reviewing and investigating the cases. The details of the cases can be found on the website: https://nmag.gov/about-us/about-the-office/criminal-affairs/cold-case-unit/ Source: New Mexico Department of Justice - Press Conference: Cold Case Unit Announcement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Jesse P. Pollack is back to debunk the Satanic Panic of the 1980s and the case of Ricky Kasso. He was a teenager from Northport, New York, who became infamous for killing his friend Gary Lauwers in 1984. Kasso, who was also known as the Acid King, was involved in drugs and was believed to be involved with Satanic activities. He stabbed Lauwers multiple times in the woods and left his body there for two weeks. Kasso confessed to the murder but hanged himself in jail before his trial. Kasso accused Lauwers of stealing some of his drugs and attacked him with a knife. He stabbed Lauwers multiple times in the eyes and other parts of his body while allegedly asking him to say he loved Satan. The Acid King Trailer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tragic news on a horrible case. Polk County Sheriff's Office holds a press conference where they announce 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham has been found dead in Trinity River after being reported missing on Thursday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author Jesse P. Pollack is back to debunk the Satanic Panic of the 1980s and the case of Ricky Kasso. He was a teenager from Northport, New York, who became infamous for killing his friend Gary Lauwers in 1984. Kasso, who was also known as the Acid King, was involved in drugs and was believed to be involved with Satanic activities. He stabbed Lauwers multiple times in the woods and left his body there for two weeks. Kasso confessed to the murder but hanged himself in jail before his trial. Kasso accused Lauwers of stealing some of his drugs and attacked him with a knife. He stabbed Lauwers multiple times in the eyes and other parts of his body while allegedly asking him to say he loved Satan. The Acid King Trailer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thank you to Nic from the True Crime Garage Podcast. He is a library full of information about this case. I wanted to take a look at this case. I just finished Beverly Lowry’s book, Who Killed These Girls? and it reinvigorated my interest in the case. I will do my best to do it justice, and next week, I may even have a special guest to discuss the case. December 6, 1991, started like most days in Austin, Texas, for Sarah and Jennifer Harbison. They prepared for school, packed their book bags, and headed off for the day. It was an overcast day for the city, with temperatures maxing out around 72. It was an excellent Texas Friday. Austin, Texas, in 1991, was coming into its own as a nationally known place where creativity can thrive. Austin is not only the capital of Texas but also holds the title of Live Music Capital of the World. In 1994, the city created the Austin Film Festival, and filmmakers and actors such as Mike Judge, Richard Linklater, and Matthew McConaughey call Austin home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices