Murder Is Bad

What if simple tools like wire and wire cutters held the secrets to a grim series of events that shocked the community? From a blood speck in Ken Botham's Land Cruiser to his mysteriously missing pistol to the unsettlingly casual comments about his wife's tragic demise, listen as  evidence and testimonies are pieced together that paint Botham in an increasingly suspicious light in the murders of his wife, Pat, and their neighbors Linda, Troy, and Chad Miracle.

Giblin, Mary Louise. “Authorities found .22 pistol under Botham house.” The Daily Sentinel. Grand Junction, Col. January 13, 1976. 
Giblin, Mary Louise. “Two witnesses testify at Botham hearing.” The Daily Sentinel. Grand Junction, Col. January 14, 1976. 
Giblin, Mary Louise. “Judge refuses to disqualify himself in trial.” The Daily Sentinel. Grand Junction, Col. March 18, 1976. 
Giblin, Mary Louise. “Judge hears testimony in venue change.” The Daily Sentinel. Grand Junction, Col. May 4, 1976. 
Giblin, Mary Louise. “Judge continues hearing in venue change request.” The Daily Sentinel. Grand Junction, Col. May 5, 1976. 
Giblin, Mary Louise. “Judge denies motion to bar press from Botham hearing.” The Daily Sentinel. Grand Junction, Col. October 6, 1976.
Giblin, Mary Louise. “Fatal slugs never found, DA tells Botham jury.” The Daily Sentinel. Grand Junction, Col. December 1, 1976. 
Giblin, Mary Louise. “‘Last hours’ aired in Murder trial.” The Daily Sentinel. Grand Junction, Col. December 2, 1976.

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Can you imagine coming home to find your spouse and children missing, only to discover the same eerie emptiness in your neighbor's home? Picture the chilling realization of not one mother, but two, along with two children, vanishing without a trace in the quiet town of Grand Junction, Colorado. 

As the episode unfolds, you'll encounter the baffling contradictions within the police force concerning the disappearances. From claims hinting at intentional disappearance to police's belief of the women initiating a fresh start. The story is woven during a time authorities call Grand Junction's "killing season." This episode promises an enthralling journey through this captivating true crime story, teeming with strange coincidences, and questions that still remain unanswered.

Frederick, Don. “Identity of woman’s body still a mystery.” The Daily Sentinel. Grand Junction, Col. September 28, 1975. 
Frederick, Don. “Victim’s husband jailed in multiple slayings.” The Daily Sentinel. Grand Junction, Col. November 9, 1975. 
Frederick, Don and Sinclair, Suzanne. “Police stymied in murder, disappearance cases.” The Daily Sentinel. Grand Junction, Col. September 14, 1975.
Sinclair, Suzanne. “Two Junction women disappear.” The Daily Sentinel. Grand Junction, Col. August 26, 1975.
Sinclair, Suzanne. “Police ‘beef up’ investigation of disappearances.” The Daily Sentinel. Grand Junction, Col. August 27, 1975.
Sinclair, Suzanne. “Private investigators enter probe of disappearance case.” The Daily Sentinel. Grand Junction, Col. September 27, 1975.
Sinclair, Suzanne. “Two bodies identified, third found in search.” The Daily Sentinel. Grand Junction, Col. October 3, 1975.
Sinclair, Suzanne. “Relief evident, but fear lingers.” The Daily Sentinel. Grand Junction, Col. November 9, 1975.
Sullivan, Ray. “Uncertainty finally ends for Bothams.” The Daily Sentinel. Grand Junction, Col. October 3, 1975.

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This episode pulls back the curtain on the trial of Dondie Tidwell, Greg Dodson's nephew-in-law accused of the crime. The emotional testimonies of Mary Reese and Joy Dodson, Greg's mother and wife, alongside neighbor Vivian Knox, paint a haunting picture of racial slurs and threats from Tidwell. Meanwhile, Chris Stacey's testimony, the man who already confessed to the murder, tries to shift the blame away from Tidwell.

The media often slaps the 'innocent victim' label on victims who fit a certain profile - white and affluent. But victims come from all walks of life, and their stories deserve to be told. Greg Dodson, a 22-year-old father and husband, was no less of a victim because of his race, creed, or socio-economic status. Let's remember Greg Dodson, acknowledge his life, and explore the circumstances of his tragedy. Remember, justice may be blind, but we are not.

Demsky, Ian. “Man convicted of 1996 killing to get new trial.” The Tennessean. December 25, 2002.
Goode, Jennifer. “Police charge victim’s brother-in-law with murder after help from citizen.” The Tennessean. July 19, 1996.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Informant tip nets arrest in murder.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. July 19, 1996.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “2nd arrested in shotgun slaying of man.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. July 21, 1996.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Alleged murderers face court hearing.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. July 21, 1996.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Men indicted in killing.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. October 16, 1996.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Death penalty sought in killing.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. April 10, 1997.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Attorneys sought to take murder trial.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. April 29, 1997.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Insanity defense: Two men face death penalty in murder case.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. October 30, 1997.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Murder suspect escapes: Shooting suspect on lam too.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. April 8, 1998.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Defendant’s mental check on way: Man faces death penalty.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. April 21, 1998.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “In-law killer set to join in appeal of penalty: Plans to link with fast-food murderer.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. May 22, 1998.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Man murdered brother-in-law.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. March 2, 1999.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Trial attorney critical after crash.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. January 22, 2000.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Lawyer: Tidwell didn’t kill.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. April 11, 2000.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Wife: Murder suspect racist.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. April 12, 2000.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Murderer claims nephew no killer.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. April 13, 2000.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Hate killing nets life term.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. April 15, 2000.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Murderer’s sentence keeps going.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. June 23, 2000.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Second trial denied in alleged hate crime.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. October 3, 2000.
Stockard, Sam. “Victim’s mom shows true compassion.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. April 18, 2000.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Murderer’s sentence reduced.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. November 11, 2004.

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A man is approached to buy a shotgun and a Nissan Stanza in the middle of the night at a Circle K. What follows is a bizarre exchange involving a gruesome discovery, and the arrest of two 19-year-olds.

Demsky, Ian. “Man convicted of 1996 killing to get new trial.” The Tennessean. December 25, 2002.
Goode, Jennifer. “Police charge victim’s brother-in-law with murder after help from citizen.” The Tennessean. July 19, 1996.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Informant tip nets arrest in murder.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. July 19, 1996.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “2nd arrested in shotgun slaying of man.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. July 21, 1996.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Alleged murderers face court hearing.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. July 21, 1996.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Two trials for murder delayed.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. August 10, 1996.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Men indicted in killing.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. October 16, 1996.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Death penalty sought in killing.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. April 10, 1997.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Attorneys sought to take murder trial.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. April 29, 1997.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Insanity defense: Two men face death penalty in murder case.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. October 30, 1997.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Murder suspect escapes: Shooting suspect on lam too.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. April 8, 1998.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Defendant’s mental check on way: Man faces death penalty.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. April 21, 1998.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “In-law killer set to join in appeal of penalty: Plans to link with fast-food murderer.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. May 22, 1998.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Man murdered brother-in-law.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. March 2, 1999.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Trial attorney critical after crash.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. January 22, 2000.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Lawyer: Tidwell didn’t kill.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. April 11, 2000.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Wife: Murder suspect racist.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. April 12, 2000.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Murderer claims nephew no killer.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. April 13, 2000.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Hate killing nets life term.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. April 15, 2000.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Murderer’s sentence keeps going.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. June 23, 2000.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Second trial denied in alleged hate crime.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. October 3, 2000.
Stockard, Sam. “Victim’s mom shows true compassion.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. April 18, 2000.
Marchesoni, Lisa. “Murderer’s sentence reduced.” The Daily News Journal. Murfreesboro, Tenn. November 11, 2004.

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This episode is just the tip of the iceberg of the often overlooked issue of missing indigenous people in Oklahoma. Listen as Julia shares the heart-wrenching stories of Kassaundra Denise Williams Patterson, Dawn Michelle Nakedhead, David Allen Crabtree, and Kendra Nicole Battelo.

We peel back the layers of the unique challenges these cases present – from limited media coverage to bureaucratic indifference – while revealing the relentless hope and resilience of the families involved. Listen to the heartbreaking struggle of Kassaundra's mother, the anguish of Dawn's sister, and the tireless determination of David's mother. Experience the chilling mystery that surrounds Kendra's recent disappearance. This isn't just a podcast episode, it's a call for justice, a critique of systemic issues, and a tribute to the indomitable human spirit.

Avery, Amy. “Haskell police re-open 30-year-old missing persons case.” News On 6. Tulsa, Oklahoma. February 14, 2019
Hales, Donna. “The missing are not forgotten.” Muskogee Phoenix. July 24, 2010.
NamUs #MP55234. 2019, February 6. namus.gov.
Eubank, Mckenna. “‘Oklahoma Missing Persons Day’ gives hope to families.” Fox 25. 2019, April 13. okcfox.com.
NamUs #MP41472. 2017, December 23. namus.gov.
Holt, Ashley. “The 18-year-old cold case Locust Grove never knew about is being investigated by the state.” 2 News Oklahoma. May 11, 2018.
O’Donnell, Brenna. “20 Years and Still Searching: The David Crabtree Case.” missingkids.org. 9 April, 2020.
McKendrick, Kelci. “Family, police searching for missing 24-year-old Enid woman.” Enid News. 2022, July 22. enidnews.com.

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This episode explores the chilling unsolved murders of Diana Smith and Scott Jones. Diana, a promising theater set design graduate, and Scott, a former x-ray equipment salesperson turned landscape architecture student, had lives full of potential that were abruptly ended when their bodies were discovered in Scott’s apartment.

There are suspicious details surrounding the case, from the peculiar $12 check endorsed by Diana, to the elusive woman seen with her just days before the tragic incident. From the drug evidence to the theories surrounding a possible suicide pact and troubling past relationships, curiosity will be stoked in this bewildering true crime narrative.

Ackerberg, Peter. “Mystery of why couple died has investigators perplexed.” The Minneapolis Star. April 7, 1981.
Kimball, Joe. “Without funds for cold case unit, St. Paul police still working on unsolved murders.” Minnpost, Minnesota. December 9, 2011.
Klauda, Paul. “2 St. Paul deaths called suspicious by police.” Minneapolis Tribune. March 13, 1981.
Klauda, Paul. “St. Paul police seek woman in slayings.”
Janos, Adam. “Chloroform: How the 'Knockout Drug' Has Been Used to Murder Over the Last 30 Years.” www.aetv.com. March 12, 2018.
Lowe, Caroline. “Cold Case: Chloroform Murders.” CBS News, Minnesota. February 27, 2006.
Parsons, Jim. “Case of the chloroformed couple still a mystery to St. Paul police. Minneapolis Tribune. March 7, 1982.
“Deaths: Mystery a murder?” Associated Press. May 7, 1981.
“Examiner: Couple were poisoned.” Associated Press. May 28, 1981.
“Murder mystery still baffles St. Paul police.” Associated Press. May 8, 1982.
“Obituaries: Llewellyn Pearl Wilt Jones.” The News Journal. Wilmington, Delaware. March 21, 2012.
Minnesota Historical Society. www.mnhs.org

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For years, there were no answers to who murdered 8-year-old Marguerita Bejarano, but there's finally a break in the case when a pastor's son, escaped convict, and pedophile confesses. And that all describes one person -- Cozzie Merrill Jones.

RESOURCES
 “Find girl’s body.” United Press International. April 21, 1941.
“Hearing for youth: Terre Haute young man held in young girl’s death.” United Press International. April 22, 1941.
“Guard prisoner against suicide.” United Press International. April 24, 1941.
“Parolee is indicted in girl’s death.” Associated Press. May 20, 1941.
“Suspect’s trial is set in Terre Haute slaying.” United Press International. June 3, 1941.
“Youth, held for murder, tries to escape Vigo jail.” Associated Press. July 31, 1941.
“Minister’s son is accused in slaying of girl.” Associated Press. October 15, 1941.
“State lays groundwork for case against Cozzie Jones.” Associated Press. November 30, 1941.
“Convict girl’s slayer: Cozzie Jones found guilty of Second degree murder.” Associated Press. December 6, 1941.
“2d trial denied to Cozzie Jones: Terre Haute man must serve life term for death of girl.” Associated Press. January 5, 1942.
“Terre Haute man quits prison farm.” Associated Press. September 6, 1960.
“Kidnap suspect held: Police fear Tempean slain.” Arizona Republic. December 8, 1962.
“‘I killed him’ — says Cozzie: T. H. slayer tells how he shot victim.” The Terre Haute Tribune. December 8, 1962.
Barr, Pete and Bushnell, Ace. “Escapee admits Bejarano killing: Suspect in two others.” Tucson Daily Citizen. December 14, 1962.
“Confessed killer takes police to death scene: Lawmen say Jones ‘passes all tests.’” The Arizona Daily Star. December 14, 1962.

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In the spring of 1961, a third grader from Tucson, Arizona goes missing on her way to school. Her story quickly becomes a tragedy when her body is discovered. Authorities have to sort through numerous leads, confessions, and allegations in an attempt to find out who murdered Marguerita Bejarano.

RESOURCES
Stirling, Bob. “Missing girl believed detained in secret.” Tucson Daily Citizen. March 27, 1961.
Duddleston, Tom. “Child’s killer sought; sex assault rules out: Teo bullets snuffed out girl’s life.” Tucson Daily Citizen. March 28, 1961.
Emerine, Steve. “‘Huera’ knew, trusted murderer, police think: All agencies pool efforts.” Tucson Daily Citizen. March 29, 1961.
Casey, Dich. “City police continue to question family: Police scour home area, quest futile.” The Arizona Daily Star. April 1, 1961.
“Sheriff given Bejarano tip: Sonoran being quizzed at Caborca tells of “killing a girl in Arizona.’” The Arizona Daily Star. April 20, 1961.
Trent, Doyle. “Escaped slayer admits killing Tucson schoolgirl.” December 13, 1962.
“Confessed killer takes police to death scene: Lawmen say Jones ‘passes all tests.’” Arizona Daily Star. December 14, 1962.

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There just aren’t that many true crime podcasts out there. Okay, that’s a lie. But if you’re like me, you’re always looking for a new case to dive into. Join me as I unravel lesser known cases with a quiet rage. Okay, it’s not always quiet. But you can always find horrendous crimes that you might not have heard of on the Murder Is Bad podcast. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and remember, Murder Is Bad.

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