An audit at the Arkansas Crime Lab over thousands of untested rape kits changes everything for the Billie Jean Letterman case. A ballistics report completed in 1997—but never delivered to investigators—finally reaches the Miller County Sheriff's Office. When newly-elected Sheriff Wayne Easley reads it, he begins digging through long-forgotten evidence boxes in the case.

With the ballistics report and what he finds in the evidence boxes, Sheriff Easley is convinced it's enough to prove Michael Letterman murdered Billie Jean. Michael is arrested. More than three decades after Billie Jean's death, Michael Letterman has been taken into custody and awaits trial.

Burden is hosted by journalist Karen Tricot Steward and attorney Stephanie Harris.

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We want to share with you a true crime podcast we think you’ll really like. It’s called Ozarks True Crime. Listen to Episode 1 of Season 2 right here. It tells the story of the Feeney family murders.

On February 25, 1995, Jon Feeney said goodbye to his wife and two young children before driving to a teacher’s conference an hour and a half away. Two days later, his wife and two young children were found brutally murdered. There are some who are convinced Jon Feeney snuck away from the conference, drove back home, killed them, and then returned.

Join journalist Anne Roderique-Jones as she returns to her hometown to investigate the murders of Cheryl, Tyler, and baby Jennifer and answer the question: Is Jon a killer who escaped consequences, or an innocent man who lost his entire family? And if you like what you hear, find Ozarks True Crime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts to hear more episodes and subscribe!

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On the season finale, legal expert Erin Cassinelli weighs in on what charges could have been filed against Michael Letterman for the role he played in the shooting death of Billie Jean. Then, a conversation with Billie Jean’s daughter Ashly about the impact telling her mom’s story has had on her and her family. Ashly also talks about present-day experiences with law enforcement’s handling of domestic violence situations.

Bonus content available on Patreon.

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With all the physical evidence lost and little investigation into Billie’s case, we look to Billie’s body for clues about what happened the night she was shot. 

The 1991 autopsy of Billie Jean Letterman was performed by a controversial medical examiner named Dr. Fahmy Malak, who resigned amid accusations that he botched several autopsies. We took the autopsy results to Dr. Charles Kokes, the new chief medical examiner for the state of Arkansas after Malak. Would he stand by the conclusions drawn by his controversial predecessor?

We also spoke with Jen Bucholtz to get her insight on Billie’s case. She’s a professor of forensics and a private investigator.

Bonus content available on Patreon.

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After Billie Jean died, Michael Letterman married for a third time to a young woman named Ginna. This is Ginna’s story about her 15-year marriage to Michael, the man she calls a monster. We hear how she eventually got away from him and the lingering questions she has about the death of his second wife. 

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On this episode, stories of growing up in the Letterman household. We also hear from Billie's family and friends about times they were afraid of Michael Letterman and efforts to call police.

Ashly’s cousin David Wayne comes forward to say he has information about the night Billie Jean died that he’s never revealed.

And, a reflection on the violent past of a man elected prosecuting attorney in Miller County around the time that Billie died, Brent Haltom. He went on to be elected as a judge.

Bonus content available on Patreon.

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Michael’s first wife tells police about the horrible things Michael did to her when they were married. Hospital records reveal the final moments of Billie’s life. The crime lab sends its findings to lead investigator Sgt. Don Nix. And, five years after she died, the investigation into Billie’s death is reopened.

Correction: A previous version of this episode stated that Sheriff H.L. Phillips received a ballistics report from the crime lab after he requested one in 1996. We don't know that to be true.

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Police officers report what they saw at the scene the night Billie Jean was shot. Lead investigator Sgt. Don Nix talks about the case many years later and says he believes it was a homicide. He has trouble remembering some of the details, though, and contradicts himself numerous times.

Ashly speaks publicly about her mom’s case and is told what she is saying only proves that Michael is telling the truth.

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Billie Jean Letterman’s daughter Ashly was in the house the night her mother was shot in the head. Ashly is Michael Letterman's step daughter. She was only six years old when her mom died. What she saw that night has been haunting her ever since. 

Ashly’s father Topper Letterman, who is also Michael Letterman’s older brother, talks about his relationship with Michael and what he thinks happened the night Billie Jean was shot.

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Billie Jean Letterman died of a gunshot wound to the head at her home in Texarkana, Arkansas in 1991. Her husband Michael said she shot herself.

When paramedics arrive at the scene, Michael is behaving suspiciously. At the hospital, medical staff also notice some concerning behavior. 

Police interview Michael to try to understand what happened to Billie Jean but are quick to appease him when he becomes nervous and can’t get his story straight.

Bonus content available on Patreon.

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