Cold Case Chronicles

Missing since 1983, Viola Marie Findley left her 3 children with a sitter in Iowa to visit family in Florida and never returned.  Nearly 40 years have passed and there are more questions than answers.

Catherine Diane "Catrina" Mowrey moved to Dallas, Texas for an exciting new life. How could she have known only six years later, she would be murdered, wrapped in a sheet, and stuffed in the trunk of a car as if her life meant nothing? To make things worse... the Dallas Police Department chose to treat her case as if she never mattered, causing a ripple effect of damage through an entire family.

Far removed from the Free Love and Peace of the late 1960s, the late 19970s were pay to play.  In 1978 a body was found in rural Iowa.  She would be Jane Doe for three decades.  This is Unidentified Female – The Story or Wilma June Nissen.  

Sometimes when a case is researched, very little information is found.  In the case of 18-year-old Calab Luckett who was found shot in an abandoned apartment, is no different.  While the crew found little information about his killer, they found a lot of information about a systemic problem of violence among youth. 

In November 1997, 13 year old Ricky Lane Thomas vanished into thin air.  Speculation surrounded a step father and the rural background makes a random abduction unlikely.  Will we ever know where Ricky is?

It takes a special kind of evil to prey on the weak.  Sarah Gibbs had autism spectrum disorder and was the target of someone heinous.  In December of 2014, in Warsaw, Indiana she was murdered and a fire was started to cover it up.  Her case remains cold.  Or does it?

The 1988 Murder of Mary Plummer is nothing short of a travesty.  Taken before her time, her family still suffers.  In cold cases like these, that are still entirely solvable, justice is still to be served. The prime suspect may be long dead, but the preponderance of evidence suggests he likely did not act alone.

The murder of Mary Plummer is not without suspects.  But what do you do when all the people who have motive and opportunity also have alibis?  As we learn this week, no alibi is airtight.  We just have to find the leaks.

Of course, a spouse will always be the first suspect in a homicide. Some will have doubts, especially when a case goes cold.  As we ask who and why would anyone want to kill Mary Plummer, we have to look at everyone, starting with those closest to her.

Avon, Indiana was a small town back in November of 1988 when a young mother of three was found shot to death in her running car, just a half of a mile from her home.  Mary Plummer was murdered without witness.  32 years later, her case remains unsolved.

In the last 18 months the Cold Case Chronicles team has covered 17 cases in over 70 episodes.  In each case the crew dives as deep as possible, researching and talking to family and local investigators where allowed.  Inevitably, some of these cases become very personal to the team.  We have built many relationships and are grateful for every single one of them.  Just like the families of victims we don’t stop seeking justice and truth.  We still follow up, dig for more answers, and every so often we see motion in the cases.  Here are the latest updates from a few of our cases.

Live from from Indianapolis’ Ash and Elm Cider Company, the Cold Case Chronicles Crew delivers the case of Trisha Meredith to live audience.  On April 7th, 1986, 19 year old Trisha was brutally murdered in an apartment laundry room on the Indianapolis west side.  Her live in boyfriend found her, but was he guilty?  Or was it a crime of opportunity?

These days, most of our cases come from listeners, or family members who want desperately to solve a case close to them.  The family of a missing Missouri MMA fighter wants answers before the case becomes cold.  This is the story of David Koenig, The Missing Giant.

Marcie Fuller Swinford deserves justice.  As do many missing and murdered victims.  Surely, in a free society adults have a right to be missing, to run away, or start over.  But where does that right end as the families and loved ones fear for their well being?  That is why many states have adopted laws forcing local law enforcement to investigate adult missing persons cases, so the critical time and evidence isn’t lost in the delay.  But still some cases seem to get priority over others.  What makes one life worth more than another?

This week, we hear from family:  Marcie’s niece, Courtney tell us what the case means to her.  We’ll update our relationship with the Sheriff’s Department and give a special insight from Marcie’s youngest son.  Why contrast sides of a story when we all have a common goal?

In the 1985 murder of Marcie Fuller Swinford there is no shortage of suspects.  Each with his own opportunity, but the motives raise eyebrows.  That's not all of Vigo County's secrets.

On August 2nd, 1985 Marcie Fuller Swinford went missing while out running errands.  The young mother's remains were found nine days later in a wooded area, miles from where the car she was driving was found.  More than 35 years later, the case remains unsolved.

Tawnya's Mother, Lori shares her thoughts and knowledge on her daughter's murder.  Time and lies have marred the case over the years.  Almost as much as police treating her like a runaway instead of a victim.

Sara's own words contradicted themselves in her recorded statement to police.  The timeline was further muddied by Steve's statements to Tawnya's mother.  The only thing clear, is that someone is lying.

On December 7th, 1996 Tawnya Knight was supposed to be spending the night with a friend.  After attempting to walk home around midnight, she disappeared.  Her remains were found 6 months later near a cemetery.  23 years, no arrests, and no suspects.

Scheduled in April, then postponed (Thanks COVID!), using social distancing, masks, and limiting audience size, the Cold Case Chronicles were LIVE from the Vogue Theatre in Indianapolis.  Here's the show!

There are facts and there are theories.  Without police help, we are limited in facts but. there are no shortage of theories.  Not many of them come to a conclusion of suicide.  We give a special, "Thank You," to those who have helped share Joseph's story.

Between truth and mystery are the fringe theories.  Some theories are plausible while others are far fetched.  This week Joseph's father shares some theories while the crew pieces them together.  Andrew Sadek comes to mind.  Are there secret reasons the police don't want to share the information with the family?

This week we dive deeper into the seemingly odd differences between Joseph’s case and other cases at Indiana University.  Was it racial?  Was is circumstantial?  We hear from Andrea Stirling on the reaction of his disappearance and death, and the campus handling of racial issues.  His neighbor has something to say and Vivianne is far from giving up.

Vivianne joins the crew to talk about her brother as they take a look at Greek life and student safety on campus.  If fraternities are a brotherhood, why do they distance themselves from tragedy?  Are the schools held accountable?  Do they hold others accountable?

The crew works with Forensic Toxicologist Andrea Tully to cover Josephs labs after death.  Science doesn't lie.  Exactly what evidence suggests suicide?

Somewhere in the grey hours of September 28th, 2015 Joseph Smedley disappeared from society.  Leaving random and odd clues, his body would be recovered from a nearby lake some 5 days later.  His death was quickly ruled a suicide.  Uncooperative police, and piles of circumstantial evidence leads many to believe it wasn't suicide at all.

In this final chapter in the Search for Molly Dattilo, Amy has an interview with Derek VanLuchene.  Derek is the CEO of Ryan United, a non-profit organization specializing in family and victim advocacy for those effected by horrible crimes like these.  Derek also provides training to law enforcement agencies on the actions they should take when investigating these crimes.  He was involved with Molly’s case and even worked with Indianapolis Police Department.  She may be gone, but she is never forgotten.

Molly's family fought so hard to invigorate a police investigation and find answers. Years later, legislation for Molly's Law.  Molly's cousin Keri has been  in the driver's seat since she first heard Molly was missing.

As we continue the Search for Molly Dattilo a pattern seems to emerge.  It is entirely possible that a stranger, unknown to Molly abducted her sometime after she was known to be with suspect John on the day of her disappearance.  However, the persistent rumors about John combined with his past, paint a very bleak picture. 

Molly's oldest brother Ben shares the impact of Molly's disappearance on his family.  He tells of the interaction with police, and efforts made by the family.  What is the value of a human being?

In Indianapolis Indiana on July 6th, 2004, 23 year old College student Molly Dattilo disappeared.  In Indiana, Molly’s law forces law enforcement agencies to begin searching immediately for missing adults determined to be in a high risk of danger and not to assume they are left on their own free will.  Follow along in the search for Molly Dattilo.

In this tragic case of missing Lauren Jackson, we may be no closer to her recovery, but we may be closer to how it happened.  While it is entirely plausible that a crime of opportunity occurred, and someone unknown to Lauren made her vanish without a whisper or witness, it is more than likely based on the preponderance of the evidence that someone she knew played a key role in her disappearance.  This week, in Lauren’s final episode, Amy gives a summary of her findings and current status of the case. 

In 2005, local reporter Karin Williams wrote a series of articles covering the few cold cases around Spring City, Pennsylvania.  Among them was the story of Lauren Jackson.  Amy holds a telephone interview with Karin, who offers a different spin on Christina and Dianna’s involvement. 

In the search for Lauren Jackson, the crew has sought possible connections to Pennhurst State Hospital, talked to former investigators, and even Lauren’s father.   This week, we have an interview with Garrett Derr, an expert tracker with the search and rescue team dispatched to look for Lauren.  What does he think? 

Mickey Jackson, the father of Lauren hasn't stopped looking for his daughter since her disappearance in 1988.  Working closely with Law enforcement and Amy, Mickey describes his thoughts on his missing daughter.

No stone was left unturned in the search for missing 5 year old, Lauren Jackson back in 1988.  The police assisted by multiple agencies looked everywhere.  It’s as if she just vanished.  Now retired, Detective Cote recalls his efforts in an interview with Amy.

While recording remotely, the investigation continues for Lauren Jackson.  For now, more cases against children from the 1980s.  Amy Mihaljevic and Patrick Cress just to name a few.  Next week, all Lauren.

Still isolated with the COVID outbreak, the crew pushes forward with research in Lauren's case.  This week they continue to showcase the crimes committed against children in the 1980s.

Since the COVID quarantine has the Crew recording remotely, they will dedicate the next couple of episodes to showcase how prevalent child abductions were in the 1980.  While they research her case, here are some cold cases that still need answers.

In the continued case of missing Lauren Pico Jackson, there was a nearby mental health facility operating as Pennhurst State School and Hospital that closed less than a year before her disappearance.  Could it have been a released patient responsible?

The crew takes us just NW of Philadelphia to Spring City, Pennsylvania.  Where in October of 1988 five-year-old Lauren Marie Pico Jackson vanished into thin air.  Some claimed the family was involved, others think it was an abduction.  To this day, there are still no answers. 

There were only a handful of people to see Josh Middleton in the moments before he vanished.  One of them happens to be the last one to see Dan House alive too.   Secrets are buried with the meth stash.

Rumors fly as years go by without answers.  The case of Josh Middleton and Dan House is no different.  Amy chats with the Facebook group founder, and the Crew addresses the tall tales surrounding the case.

Former Sheriff, now Arkansas State Rep. Keith Slape offers his take from his time investigating the disappearance of Josh Middleton and the murder of Dan House.  Then Josh's sister gives her painful take on her brother vanishing.  Amy provides an update as the case is picking up steam!

Set deep in the Ozark National Forrest is small town called Mt. Judea Arkansas.  Like most small towns, it holds its secrets closely.  Joshua Middleton disappeared the day after his friend was shot to death.  Since 2005, Mt. Judea hasn't been the same.

In the tiny town of Harmony Indiana in 1997, young energetic Jennifer Stockrahm was brutally murdered and her body was burned.  The Crew heads back to Clay County to keep this cold case in the light.  Revenge killing?  Domestic?  Drug related?  Maybe all of the above.

The Iron Mountain Police Department has a suspect in mind they freely share, but keep all other talk under wraps as this is an active investigation.  The Crew is happy to share an additional suspect they may have overlooked.  The murder of Lisa Mack shouldn't go unsolved.  The answers are out there.

It's been over 20 years since Lisa Mack was found murdered in Mayme's Bar in Iron Mountain, Michigan.  Since then the Police have made no arrests but believe Rallund Lee Ottlinger is the culprit.  What does the family think?  Amy chats with Melissa, Lisa's niece who she once raised as a child.  

Lisa Mack was found brutally murdered in Iron Mountain Michigan on May 15th, 1999 after she had closed a local bar where she was a bartender of 8 years.  Her murder remains unsolved.

Like many of the cases the Cold Case Crew covers, there are few facts and a whole lot of rumor.  Time changes truth.  Chuck calls back in to the crew as they touch on everything, but hope for closure.

Norval "Chuck" Pickett may share a name with the Mayor of Brazil, Indiana, but he is also the father to victim Tonya.  Chuck gives his account of things.  From family matters, to who he thinks killed his daughter.

Like Most cases the Crew covers, there are bound to be urban legends that have codified in the memories of the towns involved in the cases.  And like those other cases the crew looks at each one, each rumor, and each message containing a theory that is sent to us as if it were as plausible as the next.  This week the team takes a look at one of the most involved, if not the most convoluted of potential conspiracy theories in the murders of Tonya Pickett and Ricky Mustard.

While the ladies take a break for the Holidays, I put together a producer's cut.  It's a sort of behind the scenes tale of who they are and what they mean to me.  The women of the Cold Case Chronicles are special in more ways than one.

A wide range of rumors can convolute an investigation, but it is hard to avoid in a small town.  Brazil, Indiana is no exception.  Cheryl joins the Crew on a journey to navigate the stories to find the killer of her husband and daughter.

November 18th, 1988 should have been a festive season in a small Indiana town.  However,16 year old Tonya Pickett and her 32 year old step-father Ricky Mustard would be found murdered in their Brazil, IN home.  Someone would be arrested 20 years later only to have the charges dropped when key evidence was thrown out.  Who killed Tonya and Ricky?

By popular request, here is the theme to the Cold Case Chronicles.  Original music written and created by Jadah Rose, and produced by Crew producer Ronnie.  Created specifically for the Cold Case Chronicles Podcast, this is the first take, rough edit, as intended, music.  Enjoy!

What if its not the monster?  Just because a monster is in the woods doesn't mean it wasn't the fox that stole the hen.  In the case of missing Shannon Sherrill we can't be sure it was the monster, or bogey man.  Even if it was him, there is no physical evidence.  We HAVE to keep digging.  Detective Sweet believes a jail house snitch proves it was David Penton.  But the little birdie who told him is no angel.

There is a fine line between mental illness and maliciousness.  Can both exist?  When Donna Walker appeared in 2003 claiming to be long missing Shannon, were her actions evil or not her fault?  Regardless, the devastation was all too real. 

By now, most everyone should know about the Delphi Murders.  Nearly 3 years later Kelsi, Libby's older sister is leading the charge to keep this case in the public eye.  Since this case is still actively investigated, this podcast is less about the details of the crime and more about the advocacy to solve this crime.  Help Kelsi's promise to keep people talking about this case until justice arrives.

According to Mark from MJA, Inc. the prosecutor was handed the case 16 years ago.  So why wasn't it tried?  The Crew digs a little deeper and hangs hope on familial DNA.

In the cold case of missing Shannon Sherrill, the local authorities may have had a narrow view.  MJA, Inc has been investigating this case for 15 years.  An interview with Mark of MJA may shed some light on this otherwise cold case.  Could it be a notorious child killer?

On October 5th, 1986 Shannon Sherrill was playing a game of hide and seek with neighborhood friends when something terrible happened.  33 years later Shannon has never been recovered.  The Crew begins to unwind this odd and dark mystery.  Where is Shannon Sherrill?

After hearing the interview with a neighbor and potential key witness, the timeline comes into question.  Could it be the work of a notorious serial killer or crime of opportunity?  Follow along as the Crew tries to make sense of the senseless.  

Ever wonder why Podcasters do what they do?  Story telling?  Passion?  Fun?  Today we are with four Indiana based true crime podcasts: Infamous Indy, Hoosier Homicide, 3CPodcast, and of course the Cold Case Chronicles.  Hear their history, passions, stories and what drives them going forward.  Get an inside listen from the Podcasters themselves.

In the Dickus Murders, where Blake and Chynna were brutally attacked at home in 2006, there is a potential witness to the timeline.  Can she both corroborate or break a timeline?  Who does she think is guilty?  

The conversation continues this week as the crew discusses the crime scene, motive, and potential suspects.  Blake, just 10 years old, and his step mother Chynna were brutally murdered in their home.  It has been over 13 years and no suspects have been named.  

On July 24th, 2006 Blake and Chynna Dickus were found brutally murdered in their own home.  Blake, just 10 and Chynna, his young step mother were stabbed, beaten, and strangled just moments before Sean, father and husband returned home from work.  Do you have information that could help catch a killer?

In the murder of Darlene Hulse, there are two more potential suspects.  Is it a local with a penchant for attacking women?  Or is it someone more sinister?  Since 1984, no one has been charged.  Can you help us catch a killer?  

In the murder of Darlene Hulse, the net is tightening around a suspect.  Though still unnamed, the clock is ticking.  With new forensic evidence on the horizon, the Crew is optimistic.  This week Amy interviews the Prosecutor from Marshall County.  There is also a very compelling interview with Darlene's youngest daughter who is leading the charge for justice.

Argos, Indiana is a quaint little town. But on August 17th, 1984 a seemingly random attack on a young mother, in her home, while her children were present shook this farming community.  Her body was found a day later by a timber harvester, just a few miles from her home.  

This isn't over.  Brandie's case is being worked currently by the Indiana State Police.  We can only continue to seek updates and hope for a solution.  The Crew will continue to follow the leads in the murder of Brandie Peltz.  While they wait, they didn't have to go far for the next case.  Just a few miles from Brandie's house in Argos, Indiana there was a brutal murder 2 years prior.  While at home caring for her children Darlene Hulse was murdered and dragged from her home.  Stick around, because there is also an informational update on the Crew's first case, Linda Weldy.

Lacking credible evidence of the passerby committing the crime, this week the crew looks at the array of other suspects.  When Brandie Peltz was murdered in 1986, this cold case is likely because of the "WHY?"  Who would?  Who could? And what would the motive be?

The Crew continues with the interpretation of the book, The Passerby and including more inserts from the author's interview.  In the murder of Brandie Peltz, the preponderance of hearsay evidence has struck the gavel for a few people.  However, the lack of physical evidence must be noted.

This True Crime puzzle of who killed Brandie Peltz has everyone confused.

Since Brandie's cold case murder in 1986 has gone unsolved, urban legends have replaced facts.  In 2011 Thomas Crowel wrote a fictionalized account of Brandie's assault and murder.  Though fiction, Crowel says the book is true.  This may have swayed the jury of public opinion.  An interview with the author may clear things up.  

In part two of the Brandie Peltz murder, Rumors run rampant.  This week the case takes a look at Brandie's family and identifies the rumors surrounding her unsolved murder.  In the town of Argos, IN everyone has a theory, and they all differ.

On December 11th, 1986 Brandie Peltz was found murdered in a bathtub, while her house was set on fire.  Since then, the small town she was from has been divided by conjecture over who is responsible for her death.  Welcome to Argos, IN.  Follow along as the Cold Case Crew opens the case.

As promised the Cold Case Crew is following up with a summary and one more suspect.  Follow along as the team summarizes their findings and interacts with the case.  The Crew will not rest until justice is served for Linda.

In the  unsolved murder of Little Linda Weldy in February of 1987, many believe accused serial killer Larry Hall may have been involved.  Is he a convenient scapegoat or is he a sinister murderer?  Or both?  Listen in as the Crew addresses the possibility either Linda was killed by Larry Hall or possibly persuaded by a book insinuating his involvement.

In this 'release day bonus,' listen in as the Crew details why they chose Linda's case, expand on what happened to her, and start identifying oddities in the facts.  At this stage nothing is off limits.  Amy interviews a childhood friend of Linda's outlining some chilling details about her family.  The crew breaks the surface on suspects, ruling out some, while identifying others.  Listen next week as a notorious 'killer' is discussed.  In the world of suspects, there are always more.

The Cold Case Chronicles is a group of women dedicated to investigating, researching, and reporting on cold cases.  Join the Cold Case Crew on their inaugural episode as they introduce themselves, describe how they met, and give the basics on their first case, The Murder of Linda Weldy.  Murdered as a child in February 1987, Linda's case remains unsolved.  Follow along as they define the crime and build a suspect list.  

The Cold Case Crew, made up of a group of women cold case hunters, chronicle their journey in investigating and reporting cold cases.  Season 1, Little Linda Weldy, releases July 12, 2019.

Little Linda Weldy's True Crime story begins in February 1987 and still lingers on to today.  This murder of a child remains unsolved.  Follow along for some serious moments and some laughs as the Cold Case Crew dissects this case.