All Episodes

April 11, 2023 49 mins

The fourth installment in this true-crime series of episodes originating from the Anvil Bar & Grill in Curtis, Ne. Podcast host John Murphy dives into the criminal investigation of the gruesome murders of Edwin and Wilma Hoyt after a menage' a trois love affair involving their daughter, Kay Hein, and a married couple, Harold and Ena Nokes ended badly.

Murphy interviews lead investigator Lannie Roblee, Frontier County Sheriff at the time, about the challenges of trying to prove the Nokes' guilt when there was little evidence that pointed directly to them. Nebraska State Patrol investigator Jack Sexton and "In Cold Storage" book author, James Hewitt, also provide commentary and insight into the case.

The episode begins with details from the first interviews with Harold and Ena who categorically deny any involvement or knowledge about what happened to the Hoyt's on the night of September 23rd, 1973.  But later, Harold confesses he and Ena made a plan to visit the Hoyt's at their rural farm to discuss the difficulties they were having with Kay. Harold admits bringing a .22 caliber Ruger pistol with him in case things got out of hand.

Sheriff Roblee (retired) explains how, for the first time in Nebraska law enforcement history, eavesdropping devices were used to listen in on the Nokes' conversations as a way to help build the case against them--and it didn't run too smoothly.

Roblee also shares how a Denver psychiatrist concluded Harold was extremely vulnerable and probably very stressed about what they had done and could be broken if he was arrested and separated from his wife. Which is what Roblee did. They also learned from the recorded tapes the Nokes' made a suicide pact which was foiled.

Everything builds toward next week's final episode when Harold Nokes' full confession on how the Hoyts were killed and dismembered is made available to the general public for the first time ever.

Show Notes:

IN COLD STORAGE
In Cold Storage: Nebraska Press (unl.edu)
Also available on Amazon.

The Anvil Bar & Grill
223 Center Ave.
Curtis, Ne.  69025
308-367-5119
https://anvilbarandgrill.com

Support the show

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
Ruthie's Table 4

Ruthie's Table 4

For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.