March 19, 2019 • 30 mins
Its our one year anniversary!!!
Episode 21 covers the case of Elvia Fragstein, an amazing woman who was kidnapped in the middle of the day in a busy shopping area. Promos from California True Crime and Murder Under the Midnight Sun.
Sources used for research on this episode:
Police reports, Court documents and the following publications –
https://www.unz.com/sbpdl/her-name-is-elvia-fragstein-72-year-old/
Written by Paul Kersey
https://www.thecabin.net/news/20190612/murder-suspects-transfer-hearing-begins
https://www.thecabin.net/news/20190207/march-hearing-set-in-fragstein-murder-case
Written By Marisa Hicks
https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2019/jul/19/teen-denied-bid-to-transfer-case-201907/
Written by Bill Boden
https://www.thv11.com/article/news/crime/fragstein-suspects-charged-with-capital-murder-possible-motives-revealed/91-590911232
Written by Winnie Wright
Episode 21 covers the case of Elvia Fragstein, an amazing woman who was kidnapped in the middle of the day in a busy shopping area. Promos from California True Crime and Murder Under the Midnight Sun.
Sources used for research on this episode:
Police reports, Court documents and the following publications –
https://www.unz.com/sbpdl/her-name-is-elvia-fragstein-72-year-old/
Written by Paul Kersey
https://www.thecabin.net/news/20190612/murder-suspects-transfer-hearing-begins
https://www.thecabin.net/news/20190207/march-hearing-set-in-fragstein-murder-case
Written By Marisa Hicks
https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2019/jul/19/teen-denied-bid-to-transfer-case-201907/
Written by Bill Boden
https://www.thv11.com/article/news/crime/fragstein-suspects-charged-with-capital-murder-possible-motives-revealed/91-590911232
Written by Winnie Wright
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Hey, Nikki, this is Jeremyfrom the podcast we listen to podcast and
Facebook group. I just wanted topop in and say happy birthday to Strictly
Homicide. You know, not manyshows make it to a full year,
so it's kind of a big deal. I think that you are a wonderful
host and your show is pretty fantastictoo, So congratulations, Happy Birthday Strictly
(00:24):
Homicide. And as we determined yourhusband would say when you came on my
show, I've been in a fool. It doesn't listen to this podcast.
Happy Birthday Strictly Homicide. One pieceof smart technology could help solve a murder
(00:47):
mystery in Arkansas. Two punt Bluffteens are in jail tonight facing murder charges.
Police say they are in custody andconnection to the shooting depth of two
seventeen year olds. Our story InRussellville, Arkansas, today, a man
who reportedly quit his job over lowpay went on a shooting spree with two
handguns. Tributes are pouring in forAnne Presley, the Little Rock TV anchorwoman
(01:11):
died over the weekend. A suspectand a deadly fable shooting on New Year's
Day in court this morning, alittle rock mother is pleading for help.
Tonight she is asking anyone thanks forlistening this Strictly Homicide and Arkansas True crime
podcast covering lesser known cases out ofthe natural State. I'd like to start
(01:37):
off by thanking my Patreons supporters.If you'd like to help support us,
you can find us on Patreon andhelp with as little as a dollar a
month. There's also a donate buttonfor a one time donation on Strictly Homicide
dot com. Please stay tuned untilthe end of the show to hear a
few promos from some of my favoriteshows. Warning, Strictly Homicide covers cases
(02:08):
that include sexual assault, violence,and homicide. Episodes may contain explicit language
and are not suitable for young ears. Listener discretion is advised. Hey,
Nikki, it's Tyler from the Mindsof Madness podcast Beck and I want to
(02:31):
wish you a happy anniversary for yourfirst year of podcasting. I still remember
when you started your show, andafter hearing the very first episode, I
knew there was great things to come. So here's hoping to have another fantastic
year of podcasting. Thanks for allthe support you've given us, and also
for being a great friend. Happyanniversary. Hey y'all, So this is
(03:01):
a special episode because we just celebratedour first anniversary of the show Boy.
It's been a roller coaster of ayear, from starting a podcast with very
little knowledge of what I was actuallydoing, to major health and family issues.
Here we are a year later onepisode twenty one. For this episode,
(03:22):
I'll be covering a case that occurredin twenty eighteen, so it's real
current. I'll be sharing some recordingsfrom fellow hosts and listeners as well.
I want to give a huge shoutout and thank you to all of the
hosts and listeners who sent in messagesfor our one year special. Thank you
all for the support and advice andfor just being rad. Happy first birthday
(03:46):
to Strictly Homicide. This is Rachelfrom Yours and Murder. You share a
birthday with Senator Tammy Duckworth, withLiza Minellie, with the Girl Scouts,
and with me, So happy birthdayand many more. Nikki. I want
to wish all the Strictly Homicide fansa happy first year anniversary. This podcast
(04:10):
has been amazing. You are oneof the hardest working women in the business,
and I can't wait to hear whatyou have next. Hey Nikki and
listeners of your show. This isAri from Murder Under the Midnight Sun.
Just wanted to wish you a happybirthday and a happy anniversary for your show,
(04:31):
and congratulations on that as well.Here's to you another fantastic year of
your podcast and I can't wait tosee what you have for us. Before
I get to the case, Iwant to give all of my listeners a
(04:51):
huge thank you and let you knowhow much I appreciate every single listen.
I also owe an enormous thank youand I'll probably never be able to thank
you enough to all of my Patreonsupporters, and if you're not a supporter
and want to be, just visitus at www dot patreon dot com board
(05:13):
slash strictly Homicide. I also wantto say thank you to all the listeners
who have left helpful reviews, goodor bad. Hi, Nikki, it's
me Mina. I wanted to issuea happy first anniversary Yay. It's a
(05:36):
big deal and not too many peoplemake it this far. You started a
bit after me, and I've beenfollowing you and listening to your podcast from
the start. I really enjoy dotcontent you put out and I think you're
doing awesome. Please keep up thegood work. I can't wait to meet
you in Chicago. Hey, Nikki, it's Michael from Unresolved. I just
(06:05):
wanted to drop a line and say, happy birthday, happy anniversary, whatever
you're calling it, but I loveStrictly Homicide. It makes your weird,
somewhat boring state a little more interesting, if that makes sense. But I
love the show. Keep up thegreat work. Happy birthday, Nicky.
(06:28):
Congratulations it's a year. I can'tbelieve it. It seems like just yesterday
that you started, and how crazyis it that it's been a year of
podcasting for you. I'm so proudof you, and I hope the next
year is full of just as manytriumphs. Nikki. I wanted to thank
(06:54):
you for all the hard work thatyou put into not only your show,
Strictly Homicide, but everything else thatyou do aside from that, douggling your
day job, taking care of yourfamily, being a wife and mom,
not to mention your amazing artistry withyour photography. I do not know how
you do it all. Congratulations onyour first anniversary of Strictly Homicide and here's
(07:15):
to many many more to come.Thank you for your friendship and support.
You've been there with me from thevery beginning, and for that I'm forever
grateful. Wishing you all the bestinto year number two. Now on to
(07:40):
our case. It was a hotSunday afternoon in the middle of July in
Arkansas. Most of the state's residentsrun their errands on Sunday afternoon. Seventy
two year old Elvia Frogstein was oneof those residents. Elvia was a successful
business woman and from Colombia, whereshe owned two successful alcohol companies. She
(08:05):
met her husband Helmut later in life, and they eventually married in two thousand.
That year, she moved to theUnited States and spent her retirement years
between Arkansas and Wisconsin. Elvia andHelmut spent a lot of their time with
their grandkids, describing those moments asthe greatest enjoyment. They also spent a
(08:26):
lot of time with their church andtraveling together. When the local news interviewed
her husband, he described her asthe most beautiful, most gentle, most
generous, impressive woman that one couldmeet. She was truly loved by all
that knew her. She was themost beautiful, most Chentle Jenna's impressive personal
(08:54):
that one could meet and if likewhat you was met. If Elvia would
walk a clause a pasture and shewould be a leave off glass, she
would turn back and place it upand make sure we go again. That's
(09:20):
how gentle she was. On Julyeighth, Elvia and Helmut ate breakfast together
and then headed out on their ownto enjoy their individual hobbies. This was
a pretty normal thing for the couple. Helmut was working on a project in
his workshop and Elvia went shopping.She made a small trip to Kroger to
(09:41):
pick up some groceries and a TJMax card, stopping by the Starbucks Chios
to grab a bye injury. Sheexited Kroger and walked to her silver Honda
CRV, where you can see heron camera entering the vehicle, carefully backing
out and heading on Salem Road.In the video footage, you can see
(10:03):
her driver's side visor with a garagedoor remote attached. Elvia's next scene on
video footage entering TJ Max after shepurchased some clothes and sunglasses. She exits
the store, walks to her vehicle, and gets in at about three forty
six pm, her vehicle is seenon video leaving the parking lot at a
(10:24):
high speed, driving carelessly. Thevehicle is seen on camera in front of
target, same silver Honda CRV,the driver's side visor down with a black
garage door remote clipped on it.The same vehicle from the Kroger footage,
but not driving the same at all. Next, the vehicle is seen on
(10:45):
footage behind target with a mail ina white T shirt. The driver pulls
over and movement is seen in thevideo before the vehicle drives off. Around
five pm, Helmut came into theirhome for supper, only to find an
empty house. He wasn't worried,though, because Elvia was known to let
(11:05):
her shopping trips run a bit late. Helmut ate his supper and headed back
to his project. When the sunbegan to set, he thought his wife
was exhausted and might have fallen asleepon the couch. He finished his project
and headed into the house, onlyto be shocked that the home was again
empty. This was the point whenhe became worried and asked his friends to
(11:33):
help locate her. They went tothe Conway Police Department because it was the
biggest one nearby, but Conway letthem know that that wasn't their jurisdiction,
So they returned to the home,where Helmut checked his bank account and called
nine one. It was about midnightwhen he got through to the Faulkner County
(11:54):
Sheriff's office. Lieutenant Woolley took thereport and gathered the times and locations where
ELVM made purchases. On July seventh, the lieutenant made his way to the
stores to review the video footage.They immediately started viewing more video footage looking
for potential suspects. Helmut was distraughtduring the days that went by with no
(12:18):
signs of his loving wife, buthe said that he had to put all
his faith in law enforcement that theywould find her. On July eleventh,
Faulkner County got word that there isa deceased body found in a wooded area
near Pine Bluff in Jefferson County.They contacted the detective that was handling the
case and he described the female andher clothing and this was when they knew
(12:41):
it was Elvia. And we haveidentified as of one o'clock today is that
being miss Fragstein. And so that'skind of where we are at on this
investigation. Do you think she waskidnapped from the shopping in her hair conway.
(13:01):
We are relatively confident that she wastaken by force in the parking lot
of them all. Is there anyidea like what motive there would have been
or evacuator? We have no ideanot At the time, the lieutenant began
discussing possible motives and the detective mentioneda game called MG, which stood from
(13:26):
Murder Game. He said that theywere out of the Pine Bluff area and
the members were typically young African Americanmales. The lieutenant decided to make a
call to ACIC and ask if anylaw enforcement agencies had ran the plates of
lv as Honda's CRV anytime after threepm on July seven. Not long after,
(13:48):
they received the information that an ArkansasState trooper did run these plates on
a Silver CRV around five pm thatday. This was hours before she was
even reported missing, so there wasno bolo out. The state trooper was
traveling on the five thirty right outsidea Pine Bluff near gravel Pit Road.
(14:11):
At this point, they needed tofind leads that could lead them to a
suspect. They began reviewing the videofootage again from the stores for that whole
day. They watched the footage carefullyfor a male in a white T shirt.
Around three forty two pm, theynoticed two young African American males walking
in front of the TJ Max entrance. One of the males was wearing a
(14:33):
white T shirt, which sparked theirentrants in the young male. As they
viewed other footage, they noticed thatthe same two males are in other footage
at different stores. The footage fromTarget, which is right near TJ Max.
They saw them arriving at the storein a blue pt Cruiser, oddly
(14:54):
moving the vehicle from parking space toparking space right before parking it closer to
TJ Max. The lieutenant contacted thedetective to check the footage out and hopes
that they could identify the males.Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and Pine Bluff Police
Department worked together to identify sixteen yearold Robert Lee Smith and eighteen year old
(15:16):
to Corey D. Mackrel. Doyou have anything to say, Robert,
how did you kill Elvia? That'sRobert Smith Junior, an eighteen year old
to Corey mackerel. They are facingkidnap charges not murder charges. Law enforcement
immediately started circulating the information through themedia and on social media, which would
(15:39):
then bring forth witnesses. A femalecame forward and stated that she couldn't remember
the exact day, either the ninthor the tenth, that she was at
Robert Smith's sister's house when they metto Corey and his girlfriend. She said
she witnessed to Corey giving Robert's sisterkey to a vehicle she described as a
(16:00):
silver Honda with a sunroof. Whenthey asked her to describe anything she can
remember, she said that there wasparts missing around the radio area, the
staring wheel had controls, and whilelooking for an auxiliary port, she noticed
men's boxers near the sliding console.She said while they were driving in the
(16:22):
vehicle to Corey made a call tothe driver, Robert Smith's sister, and
told her to bring the vehicle backthe next day. The female said she
needed a ride to run a fewerrands, so she asked Dominique, Robert's
sister. Dominique gave her a rideto Family Dollar and Doubleheader, which is
a game store. After errand's wereran, the witness was then dropped off
(16:44):
at home and when she exited,she almost forgot her belongings, so she
stopped the vehicle to retrieve them.This is when she noticed female belongings and
pink nail polished. The witness saidthat to Corey and Robert returned later in
the vehicle and it seemed like theywere on edge. When they entered the
home. They began pacing and talkingto each other when she overheard one of
(17:08):
them state that the police were hot. She said that night Robert and too
Cory parked the vehicle behind the house, hiding it from view, and then
they left. The Next day,Robert, to Corey and Robert's dad arrived
at the home and their blue petCruiser to move the vehicle. When the
witness questioned Dominique about the vehicle,she said that they told her they got
(17:32):
it from an old white guy inConway. The witness's sister stated that she
woke up on the eleventh to seethe vehicle parked behind their home. Dominique
told her that the vehicle was stolenand the local chop shop wouldn't take any
newer vehicles. She then told herthat they needed to remove the vehicle from
her home or else she was goingto be arrested and lose her children,
(17:55):
and she didn't want to be involved. She then phoned the guys and told
them to move the vehicle immediately.Not long after that call is when they
arrived in the PT Cruiser and sheheard them say something about taking the vehicle
to Conway, but she wasn't sure. She left for the day and when
she arrived, the guys had donewhat she said and removed the vehicle.
(18:18):
On July thirteenth, to Corey wasarrested on unrelated charges, so the lieutenant
conducted an interview with him to Corey'sstory was that he was in Texas and
he recently returned and hasn't been toConway in years. When questioned about his
friendship with Robert Smith Junior, heclaimed that his people fought with Smith's people,
(18:40):
so they didn't hang out. Atthat point, the lieutenant showed to
Corey images of him and Robert togetherin Conway on the day and time of
Elvia's disappearance. At this point,Corey knew the evidence was there and said
he rode to Conway with his motherand Robert picked him up off Oak Street
(19:02):
from a bingo hall. They thendecided to go look for girls at Conway
Common shopping Center, where Elvia waslast seen. He said once they arrived,
they drove around, getting high andlooking for girls. When the Honda
was brought up to Coorey immediately gotdefensive and his demeanor changed drastically until he
(19:23):
finally exercised his right to legal cancel, which ended the interview. A search
warrant was executed and they searched throughhis phone. They found a correspondence between
to Coorey and his girlfriend. OnJuly seventh, around ten twenty seven am,
he texted her, I'm thinna goto Conway. She responded at ten
(19:45):
fifty six am asking where he was. At ten fifty seven am, he
responded McDonald's and Conway. On Julytenth, at one thirty pm, to
Corey texted his girlfriend and said,I'm sorry for getting loud. It's just
Tasha say on the news in Conway. A truck got stolen. I'm finn
(20:06):
get off of it today or tomorrow. The evidence is all there, pointing
to to Chorey and Robert. Thevideo footage places both males at the TJ
Max and can be seen one minutebefore she exits, then three minutes later,
the vehicle driving crazy out of theparking lot, the footage that places
a black male wearing a white Tshirt in her vehicle, and the earlier
(20:29):
footage showing to Corey in a whiteT shirt. Then there's the state trooper
who ran the plates of the Hondaseventy two minutes later near Pine Bluff.
Then the sworn witnesses who confirmed toKorey and Robert were in possession of a
silver Honda CRV on July sixteenth.To Corey was again interviewed and stated that
he was at Conway Commons on Julyseven with Robert Smith Junior, when an
(20:53):
unknown white male with a three fiftyseven caliber revolver pulled up next to them,
pointed Miss Fragstein out and instructed themto kidnap her. He said she
entered the driver's side of the vehicleand he got in the back seat,
when he then reached around and grabbedElvia, pulling her into the back seat
(21:14):
next to him. Robert then enteredthe vehicle wrapped his belt around her legs
while to Corey wrapped his belt aroundher arms. They then pushed her down
into the floorboard while Robert got inthe driver's seat and took off. He
claimed the unknown white male then gotin the back seat and began punching her
in the stomach and face. Thiswas when Elvia started screaming she was scared
(21:37):
for her life. Robert said becauseof that, he knew that she was
still breathing. He said that allof this took place while Robert was driving
on the Interstate. He said theywere instructed to drive to mister Smith's home,
where the white male left them ashe drove off with the Honda and
Elvia returning to the home ten minuteslater with just the vehicle. The longer
(21:59):
they interviewed him, the more toCorey's story change. Now, the white
male was holding Elvia down with hisfeet until they reached a dirt road and
forced them out of the vehicle,all while dragging Elvia out by her feet,
he said. The white male thensaid to Robert, because help grab
her because her head hit the ground. He said, they all got in
(22:19):
the vehicle and went a different direction. When questioned if she was alive when
he left, his response was shewas beat up and when her head hit
the ground, boom, Her headjust hit bop. Then no words were
said nothing, and if your headhit the ground that hard and don't say
(22:40):
nothing, then yeah, she probablydid. Before they got down the dirt
road. The lieutenant asked him whenthe last time he heard her speak,
and he said that it was aroundLittle Rock, which is about forty five
minutes away, when he heard hermoan. When asked about the white male,
to Corey didn't even know his name, he said he just pulled up
(23:00):
beside them and was strapped with athree fifty seven, So they did what
he said. They reviewed the videofootage again looking for this white male and
no evidence was found. On Julysixteenth, a search warrant was executed and
they searched Robert's home. They foundthe clothes he was wearing that day,
which contained suspected bloodstains. Sixteen yearold Robert Lee Smith Junior an eighteen year
(23:26):
old to Cory D. Mackerel ofPine Bluff were both being arrested for capital
murder. The next day, thesilver Honda CRV, abandoned and set on
fire, was found in the threehundred block of North Elm Street and Pine
Bluff. The medical examiner's report wasreleased and LVUS cause of death was found
(23:48):
to be strangulation and blunt forced traumato the chest and cervical spine ruled as
a homicide. Both boys were beingcharged as an adult with theft of property,
aggravated robbery, kidnapping, and capitalmurder, and both boys pled not
guilty. Alvia's husband attended all ofthe court hearings, sitting in the front
(24:11):
row behind the prosecutors. Many residentsof Faulkner County, who never even knew
Elvia, came to support the victim'sfamily. Many spoke about the fear that
they now have when leaving their ownhomes. It's rumored that gang activity was
motive behind this horrible crime, butauthorities declined to comment on that rumor.
(24:32):
The court records did show where thedetective mentioned a gang that went by MG,
which stands for murder gang. Amental health evaluation was motioned for the
boys and trial was set for thismonth. The state hospital has completed the
requested mental evaluations and the courts arestill waiting for the reports. Both boys
(24:53):
are still incarcerated without Belle, awaitingfor their trial. Dates to Corey's date
set from May twenty first, andRoberts was set for April third. I
plan to update y'all when those datesapproach. Thank you all again for downloading
(25:15):
episode twenty one. On the nextepisode, we'll get back to the Rushed
Execution series and cover the case ofStacy Williams. I also want to remind
you that this July I will beat the True Crime Podcast Festival, so
go get your tickets and we'll seeyou there. Hi. It's Charles from
(25:41):
California True Crime and we want towish one of our favorite podcasts, Strictly
Homicide, a happy anniversary and birthday. We can't wait to listen to another
year of Nikki t and her amazingpodcast. O. Hi. This has
(26:03):
Ben and Alex from Mysteries and UrbanLegends podcasts, and we want to wish
Nikki and Strictly Homicide are happy oneyear anniversary. Congratulations on one year and
here's to many more. Yay Happywhen your anniversary, guys at Strictly Homicide.
With lots of love from Bethan fromSaying Red, I want to say
(26:29):
happy anniversary birthday to the Strictly Homicidepodcast. This goes out to Nikki the
host. We've exchanged Facebook comments backand forth, some funny ones some way
out there once but it's been fun. This is Robert of the Bits for
you podcast again. I hope youhave a fantastic fucking anniversary for your podcast.
(26:53):
Strictly Homicide podcasts. Check it out. Strictly Homicide is written, hosted,
and produced by me Nikki T.The original music is done by mister
T. No, not that one, my mister T. If you're a
(27:14):
fan of the show, please makesure you are subscribed on iTunes and please
rate and review the show. Youcan also find us on Patreon, where
you can support the show for aslittle as one dollar a month. If
there is a case that you wouldlike to discuss, or if you have
any comments, corrections, or suggestion, send us an email at strictly Homicide
(27:37):
at yahoo dot com or on socialmedia. You can find us on most
social media sites by searching strictly Homicidepodcast and on Twitter as at strictly hmi
cide that's strictly homicide with no O. You can also visit our website strictly
homicide dot com. Stick around tohear a few promos from some of the
(28:04):
best podcasts around, and until nexttime, y'all stay safe, especially you
Arkansas. Hey Nikki, it's TanyaTodd listening from Canada. I just wanted
to say happy anniversary and can't waitto see you in July in Chicago.
Slaberry, hugs and kisses. Bye. Hey there, Strictly Homicide Podcast.
(28:32):
I want to congratulate you for yourfirst anniversary and I'm so absolutely thrilled that
you guys stuck with this and youmade it through. In case you can't
tell, it's it's it's me leefrom a murder. What's the case?
And I'm just so happy that it'sworking out for you. So you keep
(28:52):
it up. Okay, I bettergo now by. California has the largest
population in the United States and thesite of some of the most famous true
crime cases in history, but there'smore than meets the eye to the crime
in California. Joined Sean, Jessicaand Charles on the California True Crime Podcast
(29:15):
as they cover crime both infamous andoverlooked from around our state while looking at
the deeper history that goes beyond thebeaches and movie stars. Murder under the
(29:41):
Midnight Sun is an Alaskan based truecrime and history podcast with the focus on
unsolved murders and missing persons cases.Available on all podcast platforms,
Hey, Nikki, this is Jeremyfrom the podcast we listen to podcast and
Facebook group. I just wanted topop in and say happy birthday to Strictly
Homicide. You know, not manyshows make it to a full year,
so it's kind of a big deal. I think that you are a wonderful
host and your show is pretty fantastictoo, So congratulations, Happy Birthday Strictly
(00:24):
Homicide. And as we determined yourhusband would say when you came on my
show, I've been in a fool. It doesn't listen to this podcast.
Happy Birthday Strictly Homicide. One pieceof smart technology could help solve a murder
(00:47):
mystery in Arkansas. Two punt Bluffteens are in jail tonight facing murder charges.
Police say they are in custody andconnection to the shooting depth of two
seventeen year olds. Our story InRussellville, Arkansas, today, a man
who reportedly quit his job over lowpay went on a shooting spree with two
handguns. Tributes are pouring in forAnne Presley, the Little Rock TV anchorwoman
(01:11):
died over the weekend. A suspectand a deadly fable shooting on New Year's
Day in court this morning, alittle rock mother is pleading for help.
Tonight she is asking anyone thanks forlistening this Strictly Homicide and Arkansas True crime
podcast covering lesser known cases out ofthe natural State. I'd like to start
(01:37):
off by thanking my Patreons supporters.If you'd like to help support us,
you can find us on Patreon andhelp with as little as a dollar a
month. There's also a donate buttonfor a one time donation on Strictly Homicide
dot com. Please stay tuned untilthe end of the show to hear a
few promos from some of my favoriteshows. Warning, Strictly Homicide covers cases
(02:08):
that include sexual assault, violence,and homicide. Episodes may contain explicit language
and are not suitable for young ears. Listener discretion is advised. Hey,
Nikki, it's Tyler from the Mindsof Madness podcast Beck and I want to
(02:31):
wish you a happy anniversary for yourfirst year of podcasting. I still remember
when you started your show, andafter hearing the very first episode, I
knew there was great things to come. So here's hoping to have another fantastic
year of podcasting. Thanks for allthe support you've given us, and also
for being a great friend. Happyanniversary. Hey y'all, So this is
(03:01):
a special episode because we just celebratedour first anniversary of the show Boy.
It's been a roller coaster of ayear, from starting a podcast with very
little knowledge of what I was actuallydoing, to major health and family issues.
Here we are a year later onepisode twenty one. For this episode,
(03:22):
I'll be covering a case that occurredin twenty eighteen, so it's real
current. I'll be sharing some recordingsfrom fellow hosts and listeners as well.
I want to give a huge shoutout and thank you to all of the
hosts and listeners who sent in messagesfor our one year special. Thank you
all for the support and advice andfor just being rad. Happy first birthday
(03:46):
to Strictly Homicide. This is Rachelfrom Yours and Murder. You share a
birthday with Senator Tammy Duckworth, withLiza Minellie, with the Girl Scouts,
and with me, So happy birthdayand many more. Nikki. I want
to wish all the Strictly Homicide fansa happy first year anniversary. This podcast
(04:10):
has been amazing. You are oneof the hardest working women in the business,
and I can't wait to hear whatyou have next. Hey Nikki and
listeners of your show. This isAri from Murder Under the Midnight Sun.
Just wanted to wish you a happybirthday and a happy anniversary for your show,
(04:31):
and congratulations on that as well.Here's to you another fantastic year of
your podcast and I can't wait tosee what you have for us. Before
I get to the case, Iwant to give all of my listeners a
(04:51):
huge thank you and let you knowhow much I appreciate every single listen.
I also owe an enormous thank youand I'll probably never be able to thank
you enough to all of my Patreonsupporters, and if you're not a supporter
and want to be, just visitus at www dot patreon dot com board
(05:13):
slash strictly Homicide. I also wantto say thank you to all the listeners
who have left helpful reviews, goodor bad. Hi, Nikki, it's
me Mina. I wanted to issuea happy first anniversary Yay. It's a
(05:36):
big deal and not too many peoplemake it this far. You started a
bit after me, and I've beenfollowing you and listening to your podcast from
the start. I really enjoy dotcontent you put out and I think you're
doing awesome. Please keep up thegood work. I can't wait to meet
you in Chicago. Hey, Nikki, it's Michael from Unresolved. I just
(06:05):
wanted to drop a line and say, happy birthday, happy anniversary, whatever
you're calling it, but I loveStrictly Homicide. It makes your weird,
somewhat boring state a little more interesting, if that makes sense. But I
love the show. Keep up thegreat work. Happy birthday, Nicky.
(06:28):
Congratulations it's a year. I can'tbelieve it. It seems like just yesterday
that you started, and how crazyis it that it's been a year of
podcasting for you. I'm so proudof you, and I hope the next
year is full of just as manytriumphs. Nikki. I wanted to thank
(06:54):
you for all the hard work thatyou put into not only your show,
Strictly Homicide, but everything else thatyou do aside from that, douggling your
day job, taking care of yourfamily, being a wife and mom,
not to mention your amazing artistry withyour photography. I do not know how
you do it all. Congratulations onyour first anniversary of Strictly Homicide and here's
(07:15):
to many many more to come.Thank you for your friendship and support.
You've been there with me from thevery beginning, and for that I'm forever
grateful. Wishing you all the bestinto year number two. Now on to
(07:40):
our case. It was a hotSunday afternoon in the middle of July in
Arkansas. Most of the state's residentsrun their errands on Sunday afternoon. Seventy
two year old Elvia Frogstein was oneof those residents. Elvia was a successful
business woman and from Colombia, whereshe owned two successful alcohol companies. She
(08:05):
met her husband Helmut later in life, and they eventually married in two thousand.
That year, she moved to theUnited States and spent her retirement years
between Arkansas and Wisconsin. Elvia andHelmut spent a lot of their time with
their grandkids, describing those moments asthe greatest enjoyment. They also spent a
(08:26):
lot of time with their church andtraveling together. When the local news interviewed
her husband, he described her asthe most beautiful, most gentle, most
generous, impressive woman that one couldmeet. She was truly loved by all
that knew her. She was themost beautiful, most Chentle Jenna's impressive personal
(08:54):
that one could meet and if likewhat you was met. If Elvia would
walk a clause a pasture and shewould be a leave off glass, she
would turn back and place it upand make sure we go again. That's
(09:20):
how gentle she was. On Julyeighth, Elvia and Helmut ate breakfast together
and then headed out on their ownto enjoy their individual hobbies. This was
a pretty normal thing for the couple. Helmut was working on a project in
his workshop and Elvia went shopping.She made a small trip to Kroger to
(09:41):
pick up some groceries and a TJMax card, stopping by the Starbucks Chios
to grab a bye injury. Sheexited Kroger and walked to her silver Honda
CRV, where you can see heron camera entering the vehicle, carefully backing
out and heading on Salem Road.In the video footage, you can see
(10:03):
her driver's side visor with a garagedoor remote attached. Elvia's next scene on
video footage entering TJ Max after shepurchased some clothes and sunglasses. She exits
the store, walks to her vehicle, and gets in at about three forty
six pm, her vehicle is seenon video leaving the parking lot at a
(10:24):
high speed, driving carelessly. Thevehicle is seen on camera in front of
target, same silver Honda CRV,the driver's side visor down with a black
garage door remote clipped on it.The same vehicle from the Kroger footage,
but not driving the same at all. Next, the vehicle is seen on
(10:45):
footage behind target with a mail ina white T shirt. The driver pulls
over and movement is seen in thevideo before the vehicle drives off. Around
five pm, Helmut came into theirhome for supper, only to find an
empty house. He wasn't worried,though, because Elvia was known to let
(11:05):
her shopping trips run a bit late. Helmut ate his supper and headed back
to his project. When the sunbegan to set, he thought his wife
was exhausted and might have fallen asleepon the couch. He finished his project
and headed into the house, onlyto be shocked that the home was again
empty. This was the point whenhe became worried and asked his friends to
(11:33):
help locate her. They went tothe Conway Police Department because it was the
biggest one nearby, but Conway letthem know that that wasn't their jurisdiction,
So they returned to the home,where Helmut checked his bank account and called
nine one. It was about midnightwhen he got through to the Faulkner County
(11:54):
Sheriff's office. Lieutenant Woolley took thereport and gathered the times and locations where
ELVM made purchases. On July seventh, the lieutenant made his way to the
stores to review the video footage.They immediately started viewing more video footage looking
for potential suspects. Helmut was distraughtduring the days that went by with no
(12:18):
signs of his loving wife, buthe said that he had to put all
his faith in law enforcement that theywould find her. On July eleventh,
Faulkner County got word that there isa deceased body found in a wooded area
near Pine Bluff in Jefferson County.They contacted the detective that was handling the
case and he described the female andher clothing and this was when they knew
(12:41):
it was Elvia. And we haveidentified as of one o'clock today is that
being miss Fragstein. And so that'skind of where we are at on this
investigation. Do you think she waskidnapped from the shopping in her hair conway.
(13:01):
We are relatively confident that she wastaken by force in the parking lot
of them all. Is there anyidea like what motive there would have been
or evacuator? We have no ideanot At the time, the lieutenant began
discussing possible motives and the detective mentioneda game called MG, which stood from
(13:26):
Murder Game. He said that theywere out of the Pine Bluff area and
the members were typically young African Americanmales. The lieutenant decided to make a
call to ACIC and ask if anylaw enforcement agencies had ran the plates of
lv as Honda's CRV anytime after threepm on July seven. Not long after,
(13:48):
they received the information that an ArkansasState trooper did run these plates on
a Silver CRV around five pm thatday. This was hours before she was
even reported missing, so there wasno bolo out. The state trooper was
traveling on the five thirty right outsidea Pine Bluff near gravel Pit Road.
(14:11):
At this point, they needed tofind leads that could lead them to a
suspect. They began reviewing the videofootage again from the stores for that whole
day. They watched the footage carefullyfor a male in a white T shirt.
Around three forty two pm, theynoticed two young African American males walking
in front of the TJ Max entrance. One of the males was wearing a
(14:33):
white T shirt, which sparked theirentrants in the young male. As they
viewed other footage, they noticed thatthe same two males are in other footage
at different stores. The footage fromTarget, which is right near TJ Max.
They saw them arriving at the storein a blue pt Cruiser, oddly
(14:54):
moving the vehicle from parking space toparking space right before parking it closer to
TJ Max. The lieutenant contacted thedetective to check the footage out and hopes
that they could identify the males.Jefferson County Sheriff's Office and Pine Bluff Police
Department worked together to identify sixteen yearold Robert Lee Smith and eighteen year old
(15:16):
to Corey D. Mackrel. Doyou have anything to say, Robert,
how did you kill Elvia? That'sRobert Smith Junior, an eighteen year old
to Corey mackerel. They are facingkidnap charges not murder charges. Law enforcement
immediately started circulating the information through themedia and on social media, which would
(15:39):
then bring forth witnesses. A femalecame forward and stated that she couldn't remember
the exact day, either the ninthor the tenth, that she was at
Robert Smith's sister's house when they metto Corey and his girlfriend. She said
she witnessed to Corey giving Robert's sisterkey to a vehicle she described as a
(16:00):
silver Honda with a sunroof. Whenthey asked her to describe anything she can
remember, she said that there wasparts missing around the radio area, the
staring wheel had controls, and whilelooking for an auxiliary port, she noticed
men's boxers near the sliding console.She said while they were driving in the
(16:22):
vehicle to Corey made a call tothe driver, Robert Smith's sister, and
told her to bring the vehicle backthe next day. The female said she
needed a ride to run a fewerrands, so she asked Dominique, Robert's
sister. Dominique gave her a rideto Family Dollar and Doubleheader, which is
a game store. After errand's wereran, the witness was then dropped off
(16:44):
at home and when she exited,she almost forgot her belongings, so she
stopped the vehicle to retrieve them.This is when she noticed female belongings and
pink nail polished. The witness saidthat to Corey and Robert returned later in
the vehicle and it seemed like theywere on edge. When they entered the
home. They began pacing and talkingto each other when she overheard one of
(17:08):
them state that the police were hot. She said that night Robert and too
Cory parked the vehicle behind the house, hiding it from view, and then
they left. The Next day,Robert, to Corey and Robert's dad arrived
at the home and their blue petCruiser to move the vehicle. When the
witness questioned Dominique about the vehicle,she said that they told her they got
(17:32):
it from an old white guy inConway. The witness's sister stated that she
woke up on the eleventh to seethe vehicle parked behind their home. Dominique
told her that the vehicle was stolenand the local chop shop wouldn't take any
newer vehicles. She then told herthat they needed to remove the vehicle from
her home or else she was goingto be arrested and lose her children,
(17:55):
and she didn't want to be involved. She then phoned the guys and told
them to move the vehicle immediately.Not long after that call is when they
arrived in the PT Cruiser and sheheard them say something about taking the vehicle
to Conway, but she wasn't sure. She left for the day and when
she arrived, the guys had donewhat she said and removed the vehicle.
(18:18):
On July thirteenth, to Corey wasarrested on unrelated charges, so the lieutenant
conducted an interview with him to Corey'sstory was that he was in Texas and
he recently returned and hasn't been toConway in years. When questioned about his
friendship with Robert Smith Junior, heclaimed that his people fought with Smith's people,
(18:40):
so they didn't hang out. Atthat point, the lieutenant showed to
Corey images of him and Robert togetherin Conway on the day and time of
Elvia's disappearance. At this point,Corey knew the evidence was there and said
he rode to Conway with his motherand Robert picked him up off Oak Street
(19:02):
from a bingo hall. They thendecided to go look for girls at Conway
Common shopping Center, where Elvia waslast seen. He said once they arrived,
they drove around, getting high andlooking for girls. When the Honda
was brought up to Coorey immediately gotdefensive and his demeanor changed drastically until he
(19:23):
finally exercised his right to legal cancel, which ended the interview. A search
warrant was executed and they searched throughhis phone. They found a correspondence between
to Coorey and his girlfriend. OnJuly seventh, around ten twenty seven am,
he texted her, I'm thinna goto Conway. She responded at ten
(19:45):
fifty six am asking where he was. At ten fifty seven am, he
responded McDonald's and Conway. On Julytenth, at one thirty pm, to
Corey texted his girlfriend and said,I'm sorry for getting loud. It's just
Tasha say on the news in Conway. A truck got stolen. I'm finn
(20:06):
get off of it today or tomorrow. The evidence is all there, pointing
to to Chorey and Robert. Thevideo footage places both males at the TJ
Max and can be seen one minutebefore she exits, then three minutes later,
the vehicle driving crazy out of theparking lot, the footage that places
a black male wearing a white Tshirt in her vehicle, and the earlier
(20:29):
footage showing to Corey in a whiteT shirt. Then there's the state trooper
who ran the plates of the Hondaseventy two minutes later near Pine Bluff.
Then the sworn witnesses who confirmed toKorey and Robert were in possession of a
silver Honda CRV on July sixteenth.To Corey was again interviewed and stated that
he was at Conway Commons on Julyseven with Robert Smith Junior, when an
(20:53):
unknown white male with a three fiftyseven caliber revolver pulled up next to them,
pointed Miss Fragstein out and instructed themto kidnap her. He said she
entered the driver's side of the vehicleand he got in the back seat,
when he then reached around and grabbedElvia, pulling her into the back seat
(21:14):
next to him. Robert then enteredthe vehicle wrapped his belt around her legs
while to Corey wrapped his belt aroundher arms. They then pushed her down
into the floorboard while Robert got inthe driver's seat and took off. He
claimed the unknown white male then gotin the back seat and began punching her
in the stomach and face. Thiswas when Elvia started screaming she was scared
(21:37):
for her life. Robert said becauseof that, he knew that she was
still breathing. He said that allof this took place while Robert was driving
on the Interstate. He said theywere instructed to drive to mister Smith's home,
where the white male left them ashe drove off with the Honda and
Elvia returning to the home ten minuteslater with just the vehicle. The longer
(21:59):
they interviewed him, the more toCorey's story change. Now, the white
male was holding Elvia down with hisfeet until they reached a dirt road and
forced them out of the vehicle,all while dragging Elvia out by her feet,
he said. The white male thensaid to Robert, because help grab
her because her head hit the ground. He said, they all got in
(22:19):
the vehicle and went a different direction. When questioned if she was alive when
he left, his response was shewas beat up and when her head hit
the ground, boom, Her headjust hit bop. Then no words were
said nothing, and if your headhit the ground that hard and don't say
(22:40):
nothing, then yeah, she probablydid. Before they got down the dirt
road. The lieutenant asked him whenthe last time he heard her speak,
and he said that it was aroundLittle Rock, which is about forty five
minutes away, when he heard hermoan. When asked about the white male,
to Corey didn't even know his name, he said he just pulled up
(23:00):
beside them and was strapped with athree fifty seven, So they did what
he said. They reviewed the videofootage again looking for this white male and
no evidence was found. On Julysixteenth, a search warrant was executed and
they searched Robert's home. They foundthe clothes he was wearing that day,
which contained suspected bloodstains. Sixteen yearold Robert Lee Smith Junior an eighteen year
(23:26):
old to Cory D. Mackerel ofPine Bluff were both being arrested for capital
murder. The next day, thesilver Honda CRV, abandoned and set on
fire, was found in the threehundred block of North Elm Street and Pine
Bluff. The medical examiner's report wasreleased and LVUS cause of death was found
(23:48):
to be strangulation and blunt forced traumato the chest and cervical spine ruled as
a homicide. Both boys were beingcharged as an adult with theft of property,
aggravated robbery, kidnapping, and capitalmurder, and both boys pled not
guilty. Alvia's husband attended all ofthe court hearings, sitting in the front
(24:11):
row behind the prosecutors. Many residentsof Faulkner County, who never even knew
Elvia, came to support the victim'sfamily. Many spoke about the fear that
they now have when leaving their ownhomes. It's rumored that gang activity was
motive behind this horrible crime, butauthorities declined to comment on that rumor.
(24:32):
The court records did show where thedetective mentioned a gang that went by MG,
which stands for murder gang. Amental health evaluation was motioned for the
boys and trial was set for thismonth. The state hospital has completed the
requested mental evaluations and the courts arestill waiting for the reports. Both boys
(24:53):
are still incarcerated without Belle, awaitingfor their trial. Dates to Corey's date
set from May twenty first, andRoberts was set for April third. I
plan to update y'all when those datesapproach. Thank you all again for downloading
(25:15):
episode twenty one. On the nextepisode, we'll get back to the Rushed
Execution series and cover the case ofStacy Williams. I also want to remind
you that this July I will beat the True Crime Podcast Festival, so
go get your tickets and we'll seeyou there. Hi. It's Charles from
(25:41):
California True Crime and we want towish one of our favorite podcasts, Strictly
Homicide, a happy anniversary and birthday. We can't wait to listen to another
year of Nikki t and her amazingpodcast. O. Hi. This has
(26:03):
Ben and Alex from Mysteries and UrbanLegends podcasts, and we want to wish
Nikki and Strictly Homicide are happy oneyear anniversary. Congratulations on one year and
here's to many more. Yay Happywhen your anniversary, guys at Strictly Homicide.
With lots of love from Bethan fromSaying Red, I want to say
(26:29):
happy anniversary birthday to the Strictly Homicidepodcast. This goes out to Nikki the
host. We've exchanged Facebook comments backand forth, some funny ones some way
out there once but it's been fun. This is Robert of the Bits for
you podcast again. I hope youhave a fantastic fucking anniversary for your podcast.
(26:53):
Strictly Homicide podcasts. Check it out. Strictly Homicide is written, hosted,
and produced by me Nikki T.The original music is done by mister
T. No, not that one, my mister T. If you're a
(27:14):
fan of the show, please makesure you are subscribed on iTunes and please
rate and review the show. Youcan also find us on Patreon, where
you can support the show for aslittle as one dollar a month. If
there is a case that you wouldlike to discuss, or if you have
any comments, corrections, or suggestion, send us an email at strictly Homicide
(27:37):
at yahoo dot com or on socialmedia. You can find us on most
social media sites by searching strictly Homicidepodcast and on Twitter as at strictly hmi
cide that's strictly homicide with no O. You can also visit our website strictly
homicide dot com. Stick around tohear a few promos from some of the
(28:04):
best podcasts around, and until nexttime, y'all stay safe, especially you
Arkansas. Hey Nikki, it's TanyaTodd listening from Canada. I just wanted
to say happy anniversary and can't waitto see you in July in Chicago.
Slaberry, hugs and kisses. Bye. Hey there, Strictly Homicide Podcast.
(28:32):
I want to congratulate you for yourfirst anniversary and I'm so absolutely thrilled that
you guys stuck with this and youmade it through. In case you can't
tell, it's it's it's me leefrom a murder. What's the case?
And I'm just so happy that it'sworking out for you. So you keep
(28:52):
it up. Okay, I bettergo now by. California has the largest
population in the United States and thesite of some of the most famous true
crime cases in history, but there'smore than meets the eye to the crime
in California. Joined Sean, Jessicaand Charles on the California True Crime Podcast
(29:15):
as they cover crime both infamous andoverlooked from around our state while looking at
the deeper history that goes beyond thebeaches and movie stars. Murder under the
(29:41):
Midnight Sun is an Alaskan based truecrime and history podcast with the focus on
unsolved murders and missing persons cases.Available on all podcast platforms,
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