Murder In The Rain

The three trappers were missing for months before their bodies were found in the water beneath a rough hole chopped into the ice of a remote lake. Killed in an ambush, their mutilated bodies wove a tale of furious violence: two had been shot execution-style, one was beaten to death with a hammer, and all three had been raked with shotgun blasts. Committed 99 years ago this past January, and though a likely culprit has been identified, these murders, unfortunately, remain officially unsolved. Today, I'll tell you about Oregon's Lava Lake Trapper Murders, one of the most infamous killings in the history of the Pacific Northwest.

For photos and sources for today’s episode, check out the Murder in the Rain Episode Blog. 

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On July 4th 2007, a horrifying incident unfolded when a 12-year-old girl was abducted from outside her own home in Tacoma, WA. The relentless efforts of the police led them through a maze of leads, gradually narrowing down their search until they finally identified the prime suspect. As the realization sank in that yet another young girl in Tacoma went missing, the city was gripped with fear, worrying that she might be lost forever. However, the discovery of her remains brought no solace, it only brought more anguish as subsequent failures in the justice system came to light as the investigation went on. In today's episode, we delve into the heart-wrenching case of Zina Linnik and shed light on how the capture of her murderer ultimately led to the closure of multiple cases.

For photos and sources for today’s episode, check out the Murder in the Rain Episode Blog. 

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Over the last two episodes, you’ve heard the stories of the missing children featured in the 1993 Soul Asylum music video, Runaway Train. In today’s conclusion, we’ll discuss the disappearances of Polly Klaas and Thomas “Tommy” Dean Gibson.

For photos and sources for today’s episode, check out the Murder in the Rain Episode Blog. 

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Last week I introduced you to the first set of stories surrounding the cases involving children who were pictured in the 1993 Soul Asylum video for Runaway Train. Today, I’ll continue to tell those stories. As you’ll soon hear, the themes of cops not believing the families, a lack of information surrounding the cases and some of the cases remaining unsolved continues. So, if you’re from the area being talked about, please pay extra attention and share with others. Someone knows something. 

For photos and sources for today’s episode, check out the Murder in the Rain Episode Blog. 

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Thirty years ago, a music video hit airwaves that changed how videos could be used for good. Soul Asylum’s choice to use photos of missing children as the backdrop to their song “Runaway Train” did in fact bring children home; in some cases heroically, in some, against the children’s will. Sadly, some were returned home, only to be laid to rest and others yet remain lost. For the next three episodes, I’ll be talking about the individual cases behind those faces and what the outcome was…if there is one available.

For photos and sources for today’s episode, check out the Murder in the Rain Episode Blog. 

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There have been many conversations of late discussing systemic issues in our world. While we've given many examples of current issues within the justice system, it is important to look back at the foundation of such a system to understand why it operates the way it does today. 

For Portland, the corrupt history of the police bureau and local government is a story that isn't special to our city, though it does contain some uniquely Portland elements. 

This is the story of Big Jim Elkins and how pinball machines, teamsters, gangsters, bootleggers, drug dealers, and gambling dens in every corner of the city helped form both its police and local government, one bribe at a time. You'll also learn about Portland's old-timey coven of corruption, The Bourbon and Ham Club.

For photos and sources for today’s episode, check out the Murder in the Rain Episode Blog. 

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The Northons Part 2: “The Perfect Story”

In last week’s episode, we explored the background of Christopher and Liysa Northon. If you haven’t listened go check it out because there will be spoilers! On October 9th, 2000, authorities found Chris dead inside his sleeping bag at the campsite he and Liysa had been staying at with their young son Dane. Later that day, Liysa sought out medical help for some minor injuries, telling nurses and police that they were caused due to a fight with her husband, who had been abusing her. She told her story to multiple law enforcement officers, and over time there were parts of her that were different or that people questioned. In this week’s episode, we’ll conclude the case of Liysa Northon and how her story, when compared to evidence, just didn’t add up. We'll also dive into some major bombshells in this case. 

For photos and sources for today’s episode, check out the Murder in the Rain Episode Blog. 

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788

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Part 1: “Who’s the Monster?”

Liysa Northon never disputed the fact that she had killed her husband. Truth be told, she informed the police that she may have killed him. But the story that she would go on to tell, would change, like many of the stories told throughout her life. She was adamant she had to kill her husband, if she hadn’t, it would have been her or her son. When Lisya’s case was being prepared for court, it by no means drew notoriety across the country, but in the NW corner and in Hawaii, it became well-known and highly anticipated. People were intrigued and even moved by the fit, pretty, young woman who claimed to desperately fight for her life, and yet, many people stood behind the victim to point the blame at her. Once court was over and the case settled, many were left scratching their heads at the outcome. Soon, one of the most famous true crime writers in the world would discover Liysa’s case and pen her final chapter, and what she had to say showed Liysa in an entirely different light. Over the next two episodes of Murder in the Rain, I’ll share Liysa’s story and dig into why when picked apart, it didn’t quite line up with the evidence. So, was Liysa Northon married to a monster who terrorized her every day, or was she the monster?

For photos and sources for today’s episode, check out the Murder in the Rain Episode Blog.

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788

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The Portland metro area has always been the ‘quirky girl’ of American cities. We partake in anything usually deemed ‘weird’ or ‘out of the norm’, and we like it that way. However, that weirdness can often be perceived as a gateway to even more strange and, who knows, maybe even dangerous lifestyles. So, when a young mother in Gresham called 911 after being attacked, her life was dissected and detectives thought they may have uncovered the role the evil-doer played in her life. That role was of a pirate. Today, I’ll be telling you the story of Annastasia Hester of Gresham, Oregon, and how her killer was closer than detectives ever imagined. 

For photos and sources for today’s episode, check out the Murder in the Rain Episode Blog. 

Episode Host: Alisha Holland

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Part 2: "An Act of Sheer Madness"

Before 1970, anyone over the age of twelve could legally purchase dynamite in Oregon. Beginning in 1963 on the University of Oregon Campus and the surrounding area, many many bombs were detonated. Mostly aimed at military buildings off-campus and ROTC buildings, on campus, the bombings didn't slow until the law changed, and almost no one was ever charged significantly for the crimes. 

In part two of Explosive, we’ll discuss the University of Oregon bombings and Odie's Steakhouse and Bronco Room, in the tiny town of Elgin, Oregon, which exploded in 1986, killing one man and sending another fleeing from justice for over a decade.

For photos and sources for today’s episode, check out the Murder in the Rain Episode Blog. 

Episode Host: Josh McCullough

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