May 3, 2023 • 35 mins
On March 16, 1991, Jessica Lyn Keen took the most important run of her life. Hopefully if you ever find yourself running for your life in pitch darkness, you're in familiar territory. Originally broadcast November 20, 2019.
Written by Schuyler Fastenau and executive produced by Daniel Jones. Additional voices by Jessica Buttafuoco, Jeremy Staple, Madelaine Weymouth, Matthew MacNelly, Allyn Anthony Moriyon, Daniel Jones, Sophia Sassone, and Karli Bell. Cover artwork by Catherine Fastenau. Theme music by Tracy Zales.
Follow us on:
Check out our other shows:
Written by Schuyler Fastenau and executive produced by Daniel Jones. Additional voices by Jessica Buttafuoco, Jeremy Staple, Madelaine Weymouth, Matthew MacNelly, Allyn Anthony Moriyon, Daniel Jones, Sophia Sassone, and Karli Bell. Cover artwork by Catherine Fastenau. Theme music by Tracy Zales.
Follow us on:
Check out our other shows:
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:15):
When you look at a cemetery,what do you see? To some people,
the centuries old headstones need only alight fog to become the perfect backdrop
for a terrifying horror film. Inmy eyes, I see a place to
relax and write a script in peaceduring the daylight. Of course, my
college town in Athens, Ohio,has a legend associated with its cemeteries.
(00:39):
There are five major ones surrounding thecampus, and rumor has it they line
up perfectly to make a pentagram.This is why a town with less than
twenty five thousand people ranked on USAToday's list of most Haunted cities. Whether
you choose to believe the ghostly storiesis entirely up to you and will absolutely
not affect today's story. I simplyneed you to imagine with me a very
(01:03):
old graveyard from the eighteen hundreds.It's situated in rural Ohio. So on
either side of the aged and crackedroad rests a seemingly endless field of yellowed
grass. It's late at night,and there's at best one, maybe two
street lamps providing just a sliver oflight. Jessica Lynn Keene was fifteen years
(01:26):
old and blindly sprinted through the pitchdark cemetery. Her heart pounded as sweat
ran down her face, but shedidn't care. It was refreshing after being
stuck in the car for the pastOh who knows however many hours. Get
off the road, Jessica, Justget yourself away from this car. Did
she know she was entering Foster ChapelCemetery? Perhaps, and if she didn't,
(01:49):
she certainly would. After she bumpedinto the sharp edge of the ancient
tombstone, she hopped up and downon her foot, trying not to shout
too loudly. Whatever, you don'tlet him hear you're over here. She
looked around. Could he see her? Did he even know she was in
the graveyard? She took a fewseconds to rip the duct tape from her
(02:10):
mouth and stifled a gasp from thesharp, sudden pain. Oh that's a
bit better. You point wrong forever, little girl. His heavy footsteps were
definitely closer than they had been.Jessica shivered, partly from fear and partly
because she was now in nothing buther brawl. And where's my other sock?
She shook her head. That dotget help. She couldn't see a
(02:36):
damn thing, but that meant herhunter couldn't either. She ran as quietly
as she could and knelt down behindanother headstone. This one belonged to the
Beach Family joint. Getting fog early, not Tad in the shoot. He's
getting closer now. Jessica desperately lookedaround to try to form some kind of
(02:57):
plan, and then, like alighthouse, beck and ships to safe harbor.
A light appeared at a nearby farmhouse. Again, remember this is rule
Ohio we're talking about. I can'tfight him, but maybe I can outrun
him, Jessica squinted as he gotdangerously closer. It's about a quarter mile
to the leading totally prepped me forsometidness, Right, Jessica was about to
(03:21):
take the most important run of herlife. Welcome to Dead Time Stories,
(03:58):
and that completes the little tour ofour home. I'm happy to answer any
questions for you here in my office. Here's a chair for you, Jessica,
and for you, missus Smitley.Her parents were divorced, by the
way, That's why Jessica's mother's namewas Smitley. Now, this overly peppy
woman was named Becky Westerfeld, andshe was the executive director of a group
home cheerily referred to as the HuckleberryHouse. Two weeks before Jessica sprinted through
(04:24):
the fields of Madison County, shefound herself here on the doorstep of the
Victorian building. Now, to me, Huckleberry House looked like the home on
the ninety sitcom Sabrina the Teenage Witch. But to Jessica it might have looked
like the start of a foul twoweeks now, looking at your sweet face,
Jessica, I must say I'm alittle surprised. Year here. Jessica's
(04:46):
mother, Rebecca, sat a littlehigher in her seat and nervously pulled a
strand of blonde hair behind her ear. Yes, well, we both agreed
that this was the best place forJessica to be her graves. Well,
they've slipped a little bit. Then, when the school called and said she
quit cheerleading, I was a littlemore than shocked. Oh, dear,
that's not good. No, it'snot sit up, Jessica. Jessica did
(05:09):
so and smiled at Becky. Ithink my mother's more concerned about Sean than
my grades or extracurricular activities. Husha, The love of my life that my
mother thinks is the absolute worst boyon this planet. Well, honey,
he's an eighteen year old dropout whoran into problems with the law. I
don't think that's the type of boyyou should be with. Do we argue?
(05:31):
Often? Rebecca's fingers flexed on herpurse, hoping Becky when it notice,
She fixed a bright smile to herface. We raise our voices to
each other every now and then.But oh yeah, we bitch each other
out like every day, Jessica.But mom, the lady asked a question.
Shouldn't we be honest? Of course? But the language is not needed,
sweetheart. Jessica turned back to Beckyand flapped her hand in defeat.
(05:55):
See this is the type of shipthat causes our fights. She thinks.
Cuss words make each ash and can'tbe a form of expression. Well they
aren't. I think you painted aclear picture, ladies. Thank you.
Spats between mothers and daughters are absolutelynatural, whether it's about boys, friends,
or bad language. Give our programtwo weeks and we'll have Jessica's grades
(06:15):
back up to our four point zeroand a happy home for you both.
What do you say? The womenlooked at each other, then turned back
to Becky. I think This isa perfect match, a two week vacation
from this pain. I'm sold.Now that's the spirit. We'll just go
over a few forms here, thenthe fun will begin. Jessica, why
(06:36):
don't you look over this list ofrules while mom and I fell out the
boring paperwork. Jessica mindlessly twirled herhair as she read over the sheet.
Eleven o'clock curfew. Oh, yes, you're allowed to roam free after the
daily meetings. We won't ask whereyou've been as long as you're home,
safe in bed by eleven o'clock.Jessica nodded, satisfied with this answer,
(07:00):
and before she knew it, hermother was driving away. You're so funny.
Listen to me. I'm telling youthe truth. There is not a
detailed record of what Jessica did whileat Huckleberry House, but i'd imagine it
was something along the lines of attendingmeetings, talking through feelings, and trying
(07:23):
to understand why parents treated their childrena certain way. Oh and that boy
Jessica who was madly in love withSean Thompson, Well, i'm sure she
called him too. Well, weknow she at least called him once.
On Friday, March fifteenth, Hey, baby, it's me Chess. What's
(07:44):
up baby girl? Oh you know, I finished another round of therapy today.
I think I'm improving a lot.Cool, cool, still hot ache,
Mama, don't you out there?I mean, yeah, baby,
it's kind of crazy, but Irealized now she did it because she loves
me. That some real bullshit,babe. So what you're keeping up your
(08:05):
grades and quick hunting glass cool?Then as soon as your mamma find out
you dat me again, she's gonnasend your ass right back to that Colson.
You're not being fair. Wow,favor and whist she real quick?
Sorry, girl, We're done.Did she hear that correctly? Was the
future missus Sean Thompson really single again? Jessica sniffled as she hung up the
(08:28):
phone. Somebody may have handed hera tissue, or perhaps she just wiped
her damp eyes on her sleeve,like her time at Huckleberry House. The
exact reasoning for why Sean broke upwith her over the phone isn't known,
but records agree she landed on onesolution. I'm going to the mall.
(08:50):
Ah. Yes, the Westland Mallnow nothing more than an abandoned post apocalyptic
reminder of a time long gone,was once a popular hangout for teenagers.
In nineteen ninety one, Jessica purchaseda few bus tickets and marched over to
the Coda bus stop across the streetfrom Huckleberry House. She could have been
going just to blow off steam,or perhaps it was because she hoped to
(09:13):
bump into Seawan at the food court, but either way, she was growing
impatient in the cold. Where isthis a bus? As if they could
read her mind, a car slowlypulled up and rolled down its window.
Good evening, young lady buses runninglad again. Not wanting to appear rude,
(09:33):
Jessica put on her best cheerleader smile. No, I don't think so.
The driver checked his watch. Geeis skinting light Olla, good days.
You're like you shouldn't be waiting alone. He popped the passenger door open
with a familiar grin. Jessica hesitated, but he leaned back confidently. I'm
(09:54):
clean up and have less stops thana bus. Nobody knows why, because
usually okay cut to the chase witha giggle. She got in the car
with a total stranger. If shewas really hoping to see Sean at the
Westland Mall. Maybe the bus wassimply taking too long, and she didn't
care how dangerous this was. Jessicawatched the houses passed by and soon realized
(10:22):
the roads this guy was taking wouldn'tlead them to the mall. Her heart
started to beat just a little fasteras she turned and saw the driver's knuckles
clenched around the steering wheel. Washe nervous or had he done something like
this before? I think the mall'sback there. Shut up and show me
those hits. You can surely seewhere this car ride was going, and
(10:46):
this driver was definitely experienced when itcame to taking advantage of young women.
He tied Jessica's arms behind her backwith duct tape before placing a piece over
her mouth. He held the girlcaptive for no less than six hours,
raping her over and over again.Wait here, I gotta take a break.
(11:15):
The man returned to the driver's seat, leaving the terrified and revolted Jessica
in the back with her braw twistedup around her neck. She looked up
at the back door he'd foolishly lefta jar, then up at his reflection
in the rearview mirror as he wipedsweat from his brow. This is my
chance. Jessica knew her escape windowwas limited. True, it was dark
(11:37):
out, and yes she was farfrom home, but that didn't mean she
couldn't find somebody to help her.Thinking quickly, she kicked the car door
open and bolted from the back seat. It was painful to run on the
assphalt and just her socks, butthat was nothing compared to what he would
(11:58):
do to her. Again she ran. Adrenaline took over and she freed herself
from her duct tape bonds. Thenducked behind the headstones and knows the light
pop on in the far off farmhouse. It's about a quarter mile. She
leading totally prepped me for stuff likethis, right, he was definitely getting
(12:18):
closer. Now. This was heronly chance to get to the house and
hope they'd help her out, Soshe ran. He the man took off
after her. Jessica did her bestto ignore him and focused only on the
lights streaming from the farmhouse. Justget to the house. Just get to
the house. Just get to thehouse. Just get to the house.
Just get to the house. Andbeing unfamiliar with the graveyard, Jessica had
(12:43):
no idea the land was surrounded byan old fence. You know the kind.
It's made of splintery wooden posts connectedby barbed wire. It's the kind
where if you run into it atfull speed, it's guaranteed to knock you
out. The farmhouses lights slid fromJessica's view as the world faded to black.
(13:16):
Rebecca was fast asleep, with noidea the danger her daughter was in.
Her pleasant dreams were interrupted by aShe rolled over and sleepily grabbed the
phone. Hello, Hi, missusSmiley, this is Becky from Huckleberry House.
(13:37):
Did Jessica come home to you?Rebecca suddenly felt like she drank eight
cups of coffee and sat bolt upright, I asked, Because none of
the counselors have seen her since ourfour thirty group session. When she didn't
come to the eight thirty one,we assumed she was out celebrating almost being
a graduate of the program. Butthen she is the curfew. I'll call
(14:03):
her friends. Rebecca tried her bestto control her temper, but it was
hard when all she could picture wasJessica walking hand in hand with one person,
Sean Thompson. She venomously picked thephone back up. This is not
the time to be celebrating the younglady. You've reached the Thompson family.
(14:31):
Leave a message. Hi, Sean, It's Rebecca, Jessica's mother. When
you get this, give me acallback immediately. Rebecca called a few of
Jessica's close friends, but those thatanswered hadn't seen her since she left for
the group home. It was lateand Rebecca knew she couldn't contact too many
more people, so tried the policearound midnight. It was going to be
(14:54):
a long night and all she coulddo was wait for Please, let this
s bee Jessica. Hello, goodevening, ma'am. It's Sean. I
got to call. It's Jessica withyou. No, ma'am, isn't she
at the Huckleberry House. She's supposedto be, sean young man. If
she's with you, I will notbe mad, and I will not ask
(15:16):
questions. I just want to knowmy daughter's okay. I'm sorry, ma'am,
but I haven't spoken to her sinceabout five thirty. Rebecca's eyes fluttered,
Yes, I see, thank you. She mechanically hung up the phone
and stared ahead blankly. She's outthere and going to call me any second
now, or a ride home.The next day dragged on for Rebecca as
(15:37):
she called her own friends for helpfinding Jessica, but still there was no
sign of her daughter. As Rebeccapulled down the bedspread for another night without
sleep, she stopped and grabbed apen and notepad from her nightstand. Hello
God, I know I am notalways a perfect Christian, but I'm writing
to ask you to please send mea sign. Even if Jessica doesn't come
(16:00):
home tonight, Please let me knowthat she's okay. I picture a light
fog over Foster Chapel Cemetery. It'sthe Sunday morning after Jessica was reported missing,
(16:22):
and now in the daylight, it'snot scary or unwelcoming, but rather
peaceful. A college student took advantageof the quiet as she walked through the
grass and examined a few headstones.She rubbed the dirt and mildew from one
of the edged letters, snapped apicture of it with a grin, and
continued her morning track, determined toget the photographs she needed for her latest
(16:45):
project. She then spotted the barefootsticking out from behind one of the headstones.
Was it a drunk passed out fromthe night before or perhaps someone homeless
and she was invading their territory.No, something about this didn't feel right
to her, so she cautiously approachedHello. She carefully peered around the headstone
(17:11):
and screamed as she got the shockof her life. This was way worse
than she imagined. You and Iof course know it was Jessica, But
all this student saw was the bloodyremains of a naked girl. Her head
was so smashed up it looked likeit had been through a meat grinder.
Forgetting all about the photography project,the girl ran as quickly as she could
(17:34):
to a phone and notified police.Reports on the murder in the graveyard hit
evening news stations all across Columbus,and one of Rebecca's friends happened to overhear
the story as she was cooking dinner. Her eyes bulged out of her head
(17:57):
as she dropped her wooden spoon andran to turn up the volume. Investigators
don't quite know how Jane doe Llarrive at the cemetery, but clumps of
hair attached the fence post indicated shewas trying to run from her attacker,
hit the post and blacked out.Detectives also found two bloody pieces of a
sandstone grape marker on the other sideof the fence, and presumed this delivered
(18:17):
the blow that ended the young woman'slife. Madison County Sheriff Jim Saban is
still working to identify the girl,and now the weather wasting no time.
Rebecca's friend grabbed her cordless phone anddialed the worried mother, you should turn
on channel six and sit down.When Rebecca watched the tragedy unfold before her
eyes, the possibilities of what hadbecome of Jessica zipped around inside her mind.
(18:42):
She called police with an inkling thatJessica was the Jane Doe. Sheriff
Jim Sabin paid Rebecca visits. Hescratched his grain buzz cut as the woman
looked over the crime scene photos.Jim was used to these types of interviews,
asually glanced around the room, takingnote of anything that could prove useful,
(19:03):
and then his gray eyes landed ona photo of the beautiful cheerleader,
and he slowly nodded to himself,that's our girl, all right. His
eyes shifted back to Rebecca as sheshook her head. No, there's no
way that's my Jessica rist Jesus.It was like she had been holding her
breath for days. Jim, however, wasn't so sure. Are you absolutely
(19:26):
certain about that, ma'am? Yes, I know my own daughter. She
angrily tossed the photos back. Perhapsan in person visit will reveal something else,
if that's what you want, fine. Rebecca brought the man she was
seen at the time to the morgue. In this new environment, Jim decided
(19:49):
it would be best for the motherto wait outside while the man, whose
name history has ignored, examined thebody. Well, the man and didn't
glance at her, instead shaking hishead not to say no, but rather
in disbelief. He recognized a scaron her finger. Ma'am, there's no
doubt that's your daughter in there.I'm gonna make sure we catch the monster
(20:14):
who did this to her. Yousaid she had a boyfriend. Rebecca pulled
herself together as best as she could. Coffee and she dried her tears.
Yes, Sean Thompson, I knowhe did this. Well, look sprow
that option, ma'am. Until then, get some rest if you can't,
and we'll contact you if we learnanything new. Rebecca was sent back home
(20:36):
as investigator sat down to hash outthe latest details. Becky Westerfeld said her
counselor witnessed Jessica get in a fightwith Sean over the phone, and she
kept rubbing a necklace with the wordtaken on it. And that necklace,
gifted to her by Sean, isnow missing. So do we think he
raped her and snatched it back fromher dead body? Gruesome but possible.
(21:02):
A detective savings, we found SeanThompson in Georgia. Jim nearly dropped his
coffee Georgia, When blue blazes ishe doing there? Our boys down south
say him and five others were ontheir way to a vacation in Florida.
You can ash on yourself soon.They send him back up to us.
(21:22):
Thanks. Vicky, the sheriff puton his stern face while Sean nervously tapped
the table and recalled everything from thatnight. Our breakup was foolish. There
was a party everyone was going togo to, and I thought she'd be
there too. Now we get backtogether. She didn't show up, so
I left to Florida. Strange youjust kept down after your girlfriend shows up
(21:45):
dead. Sean looked up, bewildered, He started to quiver, then held
his head to hide his tears.Jim allowed the boy to have his moment,
then tapped the table. Sean lookedback up at him with red eyes.
Sir, I was running away tofloor because I was called burglarizing a
home. I didn't want to goto my court day and thought maybe his
voice trailed off as he stared blanklyat the wall. I can't believe she's
(22:08):
dead. The tears are a greattouch. We'll see if your DNA can
back them up. Sean's head nearlypopped off as he looked up. Two
men entered and escorted him out ashe tried to fight back and get more
answers DNA for what she raped theSomething all Sean could do was watch Sheriff
Saban walk off in the opposite directionwithout giving any other details. The officers
(22:32):
pressed Sean by another room, wherea short haired, blonde teenage boy sat
with his arms crossed. This wasGeorge Cole, and he had been with
Sean on their trip to Florida.We'll let me tell you George was a
real piece of work. Looks likeit. Can't keep your hands to yourself.
Bud looked at all these sexual assaultcharges. You like taking advantage of
(22:53):
your classmates. What guy doesn't likesex? I like consensual sex. Bitch
ain't getting a lot of that.George's eyes transformed into those of a confused
child as the detective joined in onhis laughter. You're one cocky little shit.
(23:14):
I heard how you bragged to yourfriends about raping Jessica. How did
you know she was murdered and raped? George found himself at a loss for
words. He tried to cover hisfear by leaning back and stretching out his
legs. I wanted to impress theguys. Real men get laid whenever they
want. The detective forcefully grabbed Georgeby his shoulder and guided him out of
(23:36):
the room and to the cells.You got a lot to learn about being
a man, kiddo. Like othersciences, DNA testing wasn't as advanced as
it is today. Still, itwas accurate enough to show neither Sean nor
George had raped Jessica the night shewas murdered. Pair that with no evidence
(23:56):
appearing in the getaway car, andwhat other choice do you have but to
release the boys. A lot oftime was spent on Sean and his friends
and there was nothing to show forthe work. With no new leads coming
in, the outcome appeared bleak forJim and Rebecca. More than a decade
(24:34):
had gone by since Jessica Keene's murder, but Rebecca's determination for justice was as
strong as ever. What would Jessicahave been doing today if she was still
alive. Could she have become anactress or singer like she'd always dreamed of,
or perhaps more realistically, she'd beopening up her veterinary clinic after studying
zoology at Ohio State University. Thesethoughts passed through Rebecca's head as a carpool
(25:00):
up beside her at the red light. She turned to the man and watched
us he fished inside his nose.Did you kill one little girl? The
other driver finally found that troublesome nasalmucus and examined it, slowly rubbing it
between his thumb and forefinger, justa few seconds before popping it between his
lips. Like the rest of us, Rebecca grimaced, we are certainly disgusting
(25:23):
enough. The man turned and lockedeyes with her. He nodded and politely
waved, and Rebecca fiend pleasantries.As the light turned green and they went
their separate ways. Even during everydayevents like this, Rebecca felt her mind
slipping away and wondering what monster wouldhave taken her daughter's life. The public
certainly wasn't going to easily forget whathappened to Jessica, as every so often
(25:47):
the networks would run an Unsolved Mysteryspecial on her murder. Sheriff Sabin occasionally
stopped at Foster Chapel Cemetery to retracethe cheerleader's steps, just in case something
new popped up. Her footprints hadlonged and spanished, but the fence and
distant farmhouse remained. If only theycould speak to him. But of course
(26:07):
they couldn't, and maybe now itwas time to pass the case along to
a fresh set of eyes. Enterthe Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Special
Agent Greg cost Us. He readover the old pages with a nod.
All right, so they focused onthis Sean and George, we can't do
that anymore since their DNA rules themout. But the other four in the
Florida car, maybe they're involved.All four men submitted their DNA and partook
(26:32):
and polygraph tests. None were amatch, and all passed the tests Sean
and his friends are out done.Finished nadios. Greg bit his pen and
stared off into space for a newidea. CODIS. It wasn't around yet
when she was murdered. Maybe wecan get a hit off or killer's DNA.
The Combined DNA Index System or CODIS, houses DNA profiles for individuals linked
(26:56):
to violent crimes. Aligned investigators allacross the country to team up and perhaps
trace where an unknown criminal from severalyears ago resides today. In nineteen ninety
six, Ohio law required anyone convictedof a violent crime to submit DNA to
the state's database. Greg hoped Jessica'skiller was found guilty of some other crime
(27:17):
and wound up inside this database.Greg entered the lab and found remnants of
evidence from days long gone. Withthe shuffle of a few vials, he
located what he came for and liftedthe clear test tube. Found you,
my little friend. There was justone tiny problem. The DNA sample scrape
from Jessica's body seemed to be gone. Panicked, Greg turned to forensic scientist
(27:44):
Max Layer Johnny. Do not worry, Gregg. The sample has been tested
numerous times over the years, sonaturally it is depleted. But if I
can find at least one cell,I can make a match. With a
snap of his rubber gloves, Maxtook the sample and got to work.
Greg returned to his office and preparedto wait whatever agonizingly long time he had
(28:06):
to My god, we have alittle something in there still seventeen years and
it survived. It was March seventeenth, two thousand and eight, seventeen years
to the day that Jessica was found. By the way. When maxim put
the DNA sample into codis, hebit down on his lip and prayed for
a match. Greg waited impatiently inhis office until Greg castus, Greig,
(28:36):
thank god, you answered, I'mgoing to make your day. Are you
sitting down? Greg looked around andflopped down into his desk chair. Yeah,
yex give me the news. Theman you want is Marvin Lee Smith
Junior. Greg's browsing it together ashe tried to figure out what exactly this
meant. He slowly nodded his head. Great, Max, love it,
(28:56):
love it. Who the hell isMarvin Lee Whatever? That is up to
you to find out and find outhe would. Research had taught Greg that
Marvin had once lived in a partof Columbus known as the Short North,
and five months after Jessica's murder,found himself guilty on two counts of robbery
and kidnapping, unrelated to Jessica.Of course. He was imprisoned for nine
(29:19):
years, during which he submitted asample of his DNA. Presently he lived
in North Carolina, and Greg wasdetermined to lock him back up. As
Greg stepped away from a car andprepared for his flight out of CMH,
an attorney put a gentle hand onhis arm. Remember Greg, careful with
(29:41):
your questions. If you realize thatyou found his burm inside her, you
could easily say they knew each otherand had consensual sex the night she died.
Her mom would know he was lying. The attorney raised an eyebrow.
You tell your mom about every girlyou fucked when you were fifteen, right,
I'll be cautious. Greg waited patientlyoutside Marvin's job, coffee in his
(30:08):
hand, sunglasses covering his eyes.He soon spotted the elderly gentleman leaving the
building, his tight, curly grayhair shining in the sun. It was
strange to see a killer walking slowand looking so frail, but soon became
obvious the years had taken a tollon him. There, yard dirt bag,
Greg pulled himself away from his carand carefully approached the killer. Marvin
(30:32):
sat his bottle of soda on thepicnic table while packing his red one hundreds.
Oh good afternoon, sir, Marvinsaid, while saving his refried cigarette.
How can I help you today,Marvin Lee Smith Junior. That's me.
Greg flashed his badge and Marvin's facadefell. Oh what now, my
buddy and I need to talk toyou Back at the office. Marvin nervously
(30:56):
fiddled with his blue vest and namebadgess. He sat at the entire Asian
room table. Greg entered with afile and slight smirk, then took a
seat across from the hunched man.Greg looked his thumb, pulled out a
photograph of Jessica and placed it beforeMarvin. You by chance know this young
lady. Marvin carefully examined it beforeshaking his head. No, sir,
(31:18):
I never seen it before. Hername's Jessica Lynn Keene and she was found
raped and murdered in an Ohio cemeteryback in ninety one. I'm sorry to
hear that your DNA was on severaldifferent items at the crime scene. I
would got there, I don't know, not by me. I can't explain
that I don't know the girl.Greg smiled as he wrote down the number
(31:41):
one and eighteen zeros after it.The statistics are that it's one in a
quintillion, that it's somebody other thanyou. Do you know how many zeros
are in a quintillion? A lot? Marvin sat back, defeated as Greg
triumphantly laid the sheet of paper beforehim. Eighteen zeros. Pal Marvin and
placed a sturdy hand on the tableand glared up at Greg. I don't
(32:04):
know what you want me to say. I don't know who the hell that
girl is. I expect you don't. You picked her up from the bus
stop because he needed to get yourrocks off. It wasn't the first time
you've done something like that, Marvin. Only she was strong and escaped,
which pissed you off. The littlegirl was getting away from you if you
could help it, so you chasedher down in the dark and bashed her
over the head with a tombstone.Marvin had turned away in silence. I
(32:29):
never seen that bitch before. We'llsee what the Ohio courts, saying Marvin
was extradited up to Ohio after currentDNA sample matched the one found on Jessica's
body. Marvin must have had adamn good lawyer, too, because in
two thousand and nine, he avoideda death penalty trial in exchange for pleading
guilty to aggravated murder with specifications ofrape and kidnapping. Instead of death.
(32:53):
Marvin was sentenced to thirty years tolife in prison, but without a death
penalty trial. We have to takewhat Marvin told the panel of three judges
in the Madison County Common Police Courtas the truth. She got in my
car. I raped her before sheescaped. I chased it through a cemetery
before being now to death with theseventy pound grave marco he had a so
hard a thing snapped in half.His testimony certainly seemed to match the evidence.
(33:19):
After the trial, Jessica's family wouldplace across where she collided with the
fence post. But before they couldhonor her memory, they watched as Marvin
was dished his punishment. When JimSabin described her daughter's corpse, Rebecca had
to leave the room, and thenas Marvin pleaded guilty, she quivered.
When it came time for the familyto give their impact statements to Marvin,
(33:40):
Rebecca gathered up her courage, lookedthe killer square in the eyes and said,
do you feel the heat? Doyou feel his presence? Do you
smell the sickening odor? He's rightthere, smiling, standing right behind you.
It's the Devil himself, ready totake you. Whistle in the Graveyard.
(34:07):
Summon the Devil was written and producedby me Skyler Fastonel with the voice
talents of Jessica about a Fuco JeremyStaple, Madeleine Weymouth, Matthew McNelly,
Alan Anthony Morion, Daniel Jones,Sophia Sasney, and Carly bell. Our
beautiful new theme song was written andperformed by Tracy Zales. Thank you for
(34:28):
listening in on another chapter of theoriginal Dead Time Stories. Now. I
know you definitely loved what you justheard, but make sure the rest of
the world and myself know just howmuch you enjoyed it by dropping a rating,
review or both on Apple Podcasts,Spreaker, Spotify, or whatever podcasting
app you're using. It might notseem like much, but it helps us
(34:51):
out more than you can imagine.You can also send us a message or
comment on our post at the originalDead Time Stories on Instagram and Facebook.
The links to those are in theepisode description. I always love hearing from
listeners like you, and spreading theword to your friends helps us continue making
quality stories for you to enjoy.And speaking of quality stories, we'll be
(35:13):
back before you know it with anotherchapter for you to enjoy. Until then,
stay safe out there. I don'twant you to become the next chapter's
topic on the original Debt Time Stories,
When you look at a cemetery,what do you see? To some people,
the centuries old headstones need only alight fog to become the perfect backdrop
for a terrifying horror film. Inmy eyes, I see a place to
relax and write a script in peaceduring the daylight. Of course, my
college town in Athens, Ohio,has a legend associated with its cemeteries.
(00:39):
There are five major ones surrounding thecampus, and rumor has it they line
up perfectly to make a pentagram.This is why a town with less than
twenty five thousand people ranked on USAToday's list of most Haunted cities. Whether
you choose to believe the ghostly storiesis entirely up to you and will absolutely
not affect today's story. I simplyneed you to imagine with me a very
(01:03):
old graveyard from the eighteen hundreds.It's situated in rural Ohio. So on
either side of the aged and crackedroad rests a seemingly endless field of yellowed
grass. It's late at night,and there's at best one, maybe two
street lamps providing just a sliver oflight. Jessica Lynn Keene was fifteen years
(01:26):
old and blindly sprinted through the pitchdark cemetery. Her heart pounded as sweat
ran down her face, but shedidn't care. It was refreshing after being
stuck in the car for the pastOh who knows however many hours. Get
off the road, Jessica, Justget yourself away from this car. Did
she know she was entering Foster ChapelCemetery? Perhaps, and if she didn't,
(01:49):
she certainly would. After she bumpedinto the sharp edge of the ancient
tombstone, she hopped up and downon her foot, trying not to shout
too loudly. Whatever, you don'tlet him hear you're over here. She
looked around. Could he see her? Did he even know she was in
the graveyard? She took a fewseconds to rip the duct tape from her
(02:10):
mouth and stifled a gasp from thesharp, sudden pain. Oh that's a
bit better. You point wrong forever, little girl. His heavy footsteps were
definitely closer than they had been.Jessica shivered, partly from fear and partly
because she was now in nothing buther brawl. And where's my other sock?
She shook her head. That dotget help. She couldn't see a
(02:36):
damn thing, but that meant herhunter couldn't either. She ran as quietly
as she could and knelt down behindanother headstone. This one belonged to the
Beach Family joint. Getting fog early, not Tad in the shoot. He's
getting closer now. Jessica desperately lookedaround to try to form some kind of
(02:57):
plan, and then, like alighthouse, beck and ships to safe harbor.
A light appeared at a nearby farmhouse. Again, remember this is rule
Ohio we're talking about. I can'tfight him, but maybe I can outrun
him, Jessica squinted as he gotdangerously closer. It's about a quarter mile
to the leading totally prepped me forsometidness, Right, Jessica was about to
(03:21):
take the most important run of herlife. Welcome to Dead Time Stories,
(03:58):
and that completes the little tour ofour home. I'm happy to answer any
questions for you here in my office. Here's a chair for you, Jessica,
and for you, missus Smitley.Her parents were divorced, by the
way, That's why Jessica's mother's namewas Smitley. Now, this overly peppy
woman was named Becky Westerfeld, andshe was the executive director of a group
home cheerily referred to as the HuckleberryHouse. Two weeks before Jessica sprinted through
(04:24):
the fields of Madison County, shefound herself here on the doorstep of the
Victorian building. Now, to me, Huckleberry House looked like the home on
the ninety sitcom Sabrina the Teenage Witch. But to Jessica it might have looked
like the start of a foul twoweeks now, looking at your sweet face,
Jessica, I must say I'm alittle surprised. Year here. Jessica's
(04:46):
mother, Rebecca, sat a littlehigher in her seat and nervously pulled a
strand of blonde hair behind her ear. Yes, well, we both agreed
that this was the best place forJessica to be her graves. Well,
they've slipped a little bit. Then, when the school called and said she
quit cheerleading, I was a littlemore than shocked. Oh, dear,
that's not good. No, it'snot sit up, Jessica. Jessica did
(05:09):
so and smiled at Becky. Ithink my mother's more concerned about Sean than
my grades or extracurricular activities. Husha, The love of my life that my
mother thinks is the absolute worst boyon this planet. Well, honey,
he's an eighteen year old dropout whoran into problems with the law. I
don't think that's the type of boyyou should be with. Do we argue?
(05:31):
Often? Rebecca's fingers flexed on herpurse, hoping Becky when it notice,
She fixed a bright smile to herface. We raise our voices to
each other every now and then.But oh yeah, we bitch each other
out like every day, Jessica.But mom, the lady asked a question.
Shouldn't we be honest? Of course? But the language is not needed,
sweetheart. Jessica turned back to Beckyand flapped her hand in defeat.
(05:55):
See this is the type of shipthat causes our fights. She thinks.
Cuss words make each ash and can'tbe a form of expression. Well they
aren't. I think you painted aclear picture, ladies. Thank you.
Spats between mothers and daughters are absolutelynatural, whether it's about boys, friends,
or bad language. Give our programtwo weeks and we'll have Jessica's grades
(06:15):
back up to our four point zeroand a happy home for you both.
What do you say? The womenlooked at each other, then turned back
to Becky. I think This isa perfect match, a two week vacation
from this pain. I'm sold.Now that's the spirit. We'll just go
over a few forms here, thenthe fun will begin. Jessica, why
(06:36):
don't you look over this list ofrules while mom and I fell out the
boring paperwork. Jessica mindlessly twirled herhair as she read over the sheet.
Eleven o'clock curfew. Oh, yes, you're allowed to roam free after the
daily meetings. We won't ask whereyou've been as long as you're home,
safe in bed by eleven o'clock.Jessica nodded, satisfied with this answer,
(07:00):
and before she knew it, hermother was driving away. You're so funny.
Listen to me. I'm telling youthe truth. There is not a
detailed record of what Jessica did whileat Huckleberry House, but i'd imagine it
was something along the lines of attendingmeetings, talking through feelings, and trying
(07:23):
to understand why parents treated their childrena certain way. Oh and that boy
Jessica who was madly in love withSean Thompson, Well, i'm sure she
called him too. Well, weknow she at least called him once.
On Friday, March fifteenth, Hey, baby, it's me Chess. What's
(07:44):
up baby girl? Oh you know, I finished another round of therapy today.
I think I'm improving a lot.Cool, cool, still hot ache,
Mama, don't you out there?I mean, yeah, baby,
it's kind of crazy, but Irealized now she did it because she loves
me. That some real bullshit,babe. So what you're keeping up your
(08:05):
grades and quick hunting glass cool?Then as soon as your mamma find out
you dat me again, she's gonnasend your ass right back to that Colson.
You're not being fair. Wow,favor and whist she real quick?
Sorry, girl, We're done.Did she hear that correctly? Was the
future missus Sean Thompson really single again? Jessica sniffled as she hung up the
(08:28):
phone. Somebody may have handed hera tissue, or perhaps she just wiped
her damp eyes on her sleeve,like her time at Huckleberry House. The
exact reasoning for why Sean broke upwith her over the phone isn't known,
but records agree she landed on onesolution. I'm going to the mall.
(08:50):
Ah. Yes, the Westland Mallnow nothing more than an abandoned post apocalyptic
reminder of a time long gone,was once a popular hangout for teenagers.
In nineteen ninety one, Jessica purchaseda few bus tickets and marched over to
the Coda bus stop across the streetfrom Huckleberry House. She could have been
going just to blow off steam,or perhaps it was because she hoped to
(09:13):
bump into Seawan at the food court, but either way, she was growing
impatient in the cold. Where isthis a bus? As if they could
read her mind, a car slowlypulled up and rolled down its window.
Good evening, young lady buses runninglad again. Not wanting to appear rude,
(09:33):
Jessica put on her best cheerleader smile. No, I don't think so.
The driver checked his watch. Geeis skinting light Olla, good days.
You're like you shouldn't be waiting alone. He popped the passenger door open
with a familiar grin. Jessica hesitated, but he leaned back confidently. I'm
(09:54):
clean up and have less stops thana bus. Nobody knows why, because
usually okay cut to the chase witha giggle. She got in the car
with a total stranger. If shewas really hoping to see Sean at the
Westland Mall. Maybe the bus wassimply taking too long, and she didn't
care how dangerous this was. Jessicawatched the houses passed by and soon realized
(10:22):
the roads this guy was taking wouldn'tlead them to the mall. Her heart
started to beat just a little fasteras she turned and saw the driver's knuckles
clenched around the steering wheel. Washe nervous or had he done something like
this before? I think the mall'sback there. Shut up and show me
those hits. You can surely seewhere this car ride was going, and
(10:46):
this driver was definitely experienced when itcame to taking advantage of young women.
He tied Jessica's arms behind her backwith duct tape before placing a piece over
her mouth. He held the girlcaptive for no less than six hours,
raping her over and over again.Wait here, I gotta take a break.
(11:15):
The man returned to the driver's seat, leaving the terrified and revolted Jessica
in the back with her braw twistedup around her neck. She looked up
at the back door he'd foolishly lefta jar, then up at his reflection
in the rearview mirror as he wipedsweat from his brow. This is my
chance. Jessica knew her escape windowwas limited. True, it was dark
(11:37):
out, and yes she was farfrom home, but that didn't mean she
couldn't find somebody to help her.Thinking quickly, she kicked the car door
open and bolted from the back seat. It was painful to run on the
assphalt and just her socks, butthat was nothing compared to what he would
(11:58):
do to her. Again she ran. Adrenaline took over and she freed herself
from her duct tape bonds. Thenducked behind the headstones and knows the light
pop on in the far off farmhouse. It's about a quarter mile. She
leading totally prepped me for stuff likethis, right, he was definitely getting
(12:18):
closer. Now. This was heronly chance to get to the house and
hope they'd help her out, Soshe ran. He the man took off
after her. Jessica did her bestto ignore him and focused only on the
lights streaming from the farmhouse. Justget to the house. Just get to
the house. Just get to thehouse. Just get to the house.
Just get to the house. Andbeing unfamiliar with the graveyard, Jessica had
(12:43):
no idea the land was surrounded byan old fence. You know the kind.
It's made of splintery wooden posts connectedby barbed wire. It's the kind
where if you run into it atfull speed, it's guaranteed to knock you
out. The farmhouses lights slid fromJessica's view as the world faded to black.
(13:16):
Rebecca was fast asleep, with noidea the danger her daughter was in.
Her pleasant dreams were interrupted by aShe rolled over and sleepily grabbed the
phone. Hello, Hi, missusSmiley, this is Becky from Huckleberry House.
(13:37):
Did Jessica come home to you?Rebecca suddenly felt like she drank eight
cups of coffee and sat bolt upright, I asked, Because none of
the counselors have seen her since ourfour thirty group session. When she didn't
come to the eight thirty one,we assumed she was out celebrating almost being
a graduate of the program. Butthen she is the curfew. I'll call
(14:03):
her friends. Rebecca tried her bestto control her temper, but it was
hard when all she could picture wasJessica walking hand in hand with one person,
Sean Thompson. She venomously picked thephone back up. This is not
the time to be celebrating the younglady. You've reached the Thompson family.
(14:31):
Leave a message. Hi, Sean, It's Rebecca, Jessica's mother. When
you get this, give me acallback immediately. Rebecca called a few of
Jessica's close friends, but those thatanswered hadn't seen her since she left for
the group home. It was lateand Rebecca knew she couldn't contact too many
more people, so tried the policearound midnight. It was going to be
(14:54):
a long night and all she coulddo was wait for Please, let this
s bee Jessica. Hello, goodevening, ma'am. It's Sean. I
got to call. It's Jessica withyou. No, ma'am, isn't she
at the Huckleberry House. She's supposedto be, sean young man. If
she's with you, I will notbe mad, and I will not ask
(15:16):
questions. I just want to knowmy daughter's okay. I'm sorry, ma'am,
but I haven't spoken to her sinceabout five thirty. Rebecca's eyes fluttered,
Yes, I see, thank you. She mechanically hung up the phone
and stared ahead blankly. She's outthere and going to call me any second
now, or a ride home.The next day dragged on for Rebecca as
(15:37):
she called her own friends for helpfinding Jessica, but still there was no
sign of her daughter. As Rebeccapulled down the bedspread for another night without
sleep, she stopped and grabbed apen and notepad from her nightstand. Hello
God, I know I am notalways a perfect Christian, but I'm writing
to ask you to please send mea sign. Even if Jessica doesn't come
(16:00):
home tonight, Please let me knowthat she's okay. I picture a light
fog over Foster Chapel Cemetery. It'sthe Sunday morning after Jessica was reported missing,
(16:22):
and now in the daylight, it'snot scary or unwelcoming, but rather
peaceful. A college student took advantageof the quiet as she walked through the
grass and examined a few headstones.She rubbed the dirt and mildew from one
of the edged letters, snapped apicture of it with a grin, and
continued her morning track, determined toget the photographs she needed for her latest
(16:45):
project. She then spotted the barefootsticking out from behind one of the headstones.
Was it a drunk passed out fromthe night before or perhaps someone homeless
and she was invading their territory.No, something about this didn't feel right
to her, so she cautiously approachedHello. She carefully peered around the headstone
(17:11):
and screamed as she got the shockof her life. This was way worse
than she imagined. You and Iof course know it was Jessica, But
all this student saw was the bloodyremains of a naked girl. Her head
was so smashed up it looked likeit had been through a meat grinder.
Forgetting all about the photography project,the girl ran as quickly as she could
(17:34):
to a phone and notified police.Reports on the murder in the graveyard hit
evening news stations all across Columbus,and one of Rebecca's friends happened to overhear
the story as she was cooking dinner. Her eyes bulged out of her head
(17:57):
as she dropped her wooden spoon andran to turn up the volume. Investigators
don't quite know how Jane doe Llarrive at the cemetery, but clumps of
hair attached the fence post indicated shewas trying to run from her attacker,
hit the post and blacked out.Detectives also found two bloody pieces of a
sandstone grape marker on the other sideof the fence, and presumed this delivered
(18:17):
the blow that ended the young woman'slife. Madison County Sheriff Jim Saban is
still working to identify the girl,and now the weather wasting no time.
Rebecca's friend grabbed her cordless phone anddialed the worried mother, you should turn
on channel six and sit down.When Rebecca watched the tragedy unfold before her
eyes, the possibilities of what hadbecome of Jessica zipped around inside her mind.
(18:42):
She called police with an inkling thatJessica was the Jane Doe. Sheriff
Jim Sabin paid Rebecca visits. Hescratched his grain buzz cut as the woman
looked over the crime scene photos.Jim was used to these types of interviews,
asually glanced around the room, takingnote of anything that could prove useful,
(19:03):
and then his gray eyes landed ona photo of the beautiful cheerleader,
and he slowly nodded to himself,that's our girl, all right. His
eyes shifted back to Rebecca as sheshook her head. No, there's no
way that's my Jessica rist Jesus.It was like she had been holding her
breath for days. Jim, however, wasn't so sure. Are you absolutely
(19:26):
certain about that, ma'am? Yes, I know my own daughter. She
angrily tossed the photos back. Perhapsan in person visit will reveal something else,
if that's what you want, fine. Rebecca brought the man she was
seen at the time to the morgue. In this new environment, Jim decided
(19:49):
it would be best for the motherto wait outside while the man, whose
name history has ignored, examined thebody. Well, the man and didn't
glance at her, instead shaking hishead not to say no, but rather
in disbelief. He recognized a scaron her finger. Ma'am, there's no
doubt that's your daughter in there.I'm gonna make sure we catch the monster
(20:14):
who did this to her. Yousaid she had a boyfriend. Rebecca pulled
herself together as best as she could. Coffee and she dried her tears.
Yes, Sean Thompson, I knowhe did this. Well, look sprow
that option, ma'am. Until then, get some rest if you can't,
and we'll contact you if we learnanything new. Rebecca was sent back home
(20:36):
as investigator sat down to hash outthe latest details. Becky Westerfeld said her
counselor witnessed Jessica get in a fightwith Sean over the phone, and she
kept rubbing a necklace with the wordtaken on it. And that necklace,
gifted to her by Sean, isnow missing. So do we think he
raped her and snatched it back fromher dead body? Gruesome but possible.
(21:02):
A detective savings, we found SeanThompson in Georgia. Jim nearly dropped his
coffee Georgia, When blue blazes ishe doing there? Our boys down south
say him and five others were ontheir way to a vacation in Florida.
You can ash on yourself soon.They send him back up to us.
(21:22):
Thanks. Vicky, the sheriff puton his stern face while Sean nervously tapped
the table and recalled everything from thatnight. Our breakup was foolish. There
was a party everyone was going togo to, and I thought she'd be
there too. Now we get backtogether. She didn't show up, so
I left to Florida. Strange youjust kept down after your girlfriend shows up
(21:45):
dead. Sean looked up, bewildered, He started to quiver, then held
his head to hide his tears.Jim allowed the boy to have his moment,
then tapped the table. Sean lookedback up at him with red eyes.
Sir, I was running away tofloor because I was called burglarizing a
home. I didn't want to goto my court day and thought maybe his
voice trailed off as he stared blanklyat the wall. I can't believe she's
(22:08):
dead. The tears are a greattouch. We'll see if your DNA can
back them up. Sean's head nearlypopped off as he looked up. Two
men entered and escorted him out ashe tried to fight back and get more
answers DNA for what she raped theSomething all Sean could do was watch Sheriff
Saban walk off in the opposite directionwithout giving any other details. The officers
(22:32):
pressed Sean by another room, wherea short haired, blonde teenage boy sat
with his arms crossed. This wasGeorge Cole, and he had been with
Sean on their trip to Florida.We'll let me tell you George was a
real piece of work. Looks likeit. Can't keep your hands to yourself.
Bud looked at all these sexual assaultcharges. You like taking advantage of
(22:53):
your classmates. What guy doesn't likesex? I like consensual sex. Bitch
ain't getting a lot of that.George's eyes transformed into those of a confused
child as the detective joined in onhis laughter. You're one cocky little shit.
(23:14):
I heard how you bragged to yourfriends about raping Jessica. How did
you know she was murdered and raped? George found himself at a loss for
words. He tried to cover hisfear by leaning back and stretching out his
legs. I wanted to impress theguys. Real men get laid whenever they
want. The detective forcefully grabbed Georgeby his shoulder and guided him out of
(23:36):
the room and to the cells.You got a lot to learn about being
a man, kiddo. Like othersciences, DNA testing wasn't as advanced as
it is today. Still, itwas accurate enough to show neither Sean nor
George had raped Jessica the night shewas murdered. Pair that with no evidence
(23:56):
appearing in the getaway car, andwhat other choice do you have but to
release the boys. A lot oftime was spent on Sean and his friends
and there was nothing to show forthe work. With no new leads coming
in, the outcome appeared bleak forJim and Rebecca. More than a decade
(24:34):
had gone by since Jessica Keene's murder, but Rebecca's determination for justice was as
strong as ever. What would Jessicahave been doing today if she was still
alive. Could she have become anactress or singer like she'd always dreamed of,
or perhaps more realistically, she'd beopening up her veterinary clinic after studying
zoology at Ohio State University. Thesethoughts passed through Rebecca's head as a carpool
(25:00):
up beside her at the red light. She turned to the man and watched
us he fished inside his nose.Did you kill one little girl? The
other driver finally found that troublesome nasalmucus and examined it, slowly rubbing it
between his thumb and forefinger, justa few seconds before popping it between his
lips. Like the rest of us, Rebecca grimaced, we are certainly disgusting
(25:23):
enough. The man turned and lockedeyes with her. He nodded and politely
waved, and Rebecca fiend pleasantries.As the light turned green and they went
their separate ways. Even during everydayevents like this, Rebecca felt her mind
slipping away and wondering what monster wouldhave taken her daughter's life. The public
certainly wasn't going to easily forget whathappened to Jessica, as every so often
(25:47):
the networks would run an Unsolved Mysteryspecial on her murder. Sheriff Sabin occasionally
stopped at Foster Chapel Cemetery to retracethe cheerleader's steps, just in case something
new popped up. Her footprints hadlonged and spanished, but the fence and
distant farmhouse remained. If only theycould speak to him. But of course
(26:07):
they couldn't, and maybe now itwas time to pass the case along to
a fresh set of eyes. Enterthe Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Special
Agent Greg cost Us. He readover the old pages with a nod.
All right, so they focused onthis Sean and George, we can't do
that anymore since their DNA rules themout. But the other four in the
Florida car, maybe they're involved.All four men submitted their DNA and partook
(26:32):
and polygraph tests. None were amatch, and all passed the tests Sean
and his friends are out done.Finished nadios. Greg bit his pen and
stared off into space for a newidea. CODIS. It wasn't around yet
when she was murdered. Maybe wecan get a hit off or killer's DNA.
The Combined DNA Index System or CODIS, houses DNA profiles for individuals linked
(26:56):
to violent crimes. Aligned investigators allacross the country to team up and perhaps
trace where an unknown criminal from severalyears ago resides today. In nineteen ninety
six, Ohio law required anyone convictedof a violent crime to submit DNA to
the state's database. Greg hoped Jessica'skiller was found guilty of some other crime
(27:17):
and wound up inside this database.Greg entered the lab and found remnants of
evidence from days long gone. Withthe shuffle of a few vials, he
located what he came for and liftedthe clear test tube. Found you,
my little friend. There was justone tiny problem. The DNA sample scrape
from Jessica's body seemed to be gone. Panicked, Greg turned to forensic scientist
(27:44):
Max Layer Johnny. Do not worry, Gregg. The sample has been tested
numerous times over the years, sonaturally it is depleted. But if I
can find at least one cell,I can make a match. With a
snap of his rubber gloves, Maxtook the sample and got to work.
Greg returned to his office and preparedto wait whatever agonizingly long time he had
(28:06):
to My god, we have alittle something in there still seventeen years and
it survived. It was March seventeenth, two thousand and eight, seventeen years
to the day that Jessica was found. By the way. When maxim put
the DNA sample into codis, hebit down on his lip and prayed for
a match. Greg waited impatiently inhis office until Greg castus, Greig,
(28:36):
thank god, you answered, I'mgoing to make your day. Are you
sitting down? Greg looked around andflopped down into his desk chair. Yeah,
yex give me the news. Theman you want is Marvin Lee Smith
Junior. Greg's browsing it together ashe tried to figure out what exactly this
meant. He slowly nodded his head. Great, Max, love it,
(28:56):
love it. Who the hell isMarvin Lee Whatever? That is up to
you to find out and find outhe would. Research had taught Greg that
Marvin had once lived in a partof Columbus known as the Short North,
and five months after Jessica's murder,found himself guilty on two counts of robbery
and kidnapping, unrelated to Jessica.Of course. He was imprisoned for nine
(29:19):
years, during which he submitted asample of his DNA. Presently he lived
in North Carolina, and Greg wasdetermined to lock him back up. As
Greg stepped away from a car andprepared for his flight out of CMH,
an attorney put a gentle hand onhis arm. Remember Greg, careful with
(29:41):
your questions. If you realize thatyou found his burm inside her, you
could easily say they knew each otherand had consensual sex the night she died.
Her mom would know he was lying. The attorney raised an eyebrow.
You tell your mom about every girlyou fucked when you were fifteen, right,
I'll be cautious. Greg waited patientlyoutside Marvin's job, coffee in his
(30:08):
hand, sunglasses covering his eyes.He soon spotted the elderly gentleman leaving the
building, his tight, curly grayhair shining in the sun. It was
strange to see a killer walking slowand looking so frail, but soon became
obvious the years had taken a tollon him. There, yard dirt bag,
Greg pulled himself away from his carand carefully approached the killer. Marvin
(30:32):
sat his bottle of soda on thepicnic table while packing his red one hundreds.
Oh good afternoon, sir, Marvinsaid, while saving his refried cigarette.
How can I help you today,Marvin Lee Smith Junior. That's me.
Greg flashed his badge and Marvin's facadefell. Oh what now, my
buddy and I need to talk toyou Back at the office. Marvin nervously
(30:56):
fiddled with his blue vest and namebadgess. He sat at the entire Asian
room table. Greg entered with afile and slight smirk, then took a
seat across from the hunched man.Greg looked his thumb, pulled out a
photograph of Jessica and placed it beforeMarvin. You by chance know this young
lady. Marvin carefully examined it beforeshaking his head. No, sir,
(31:18):
I never seen it before. Hername's Jessica Lynn Keene and she was found
raped and murdered in an Ohio cemeteryback in ninety one. I'm sorry to
hear that your DNA was on severaldifferent items at the crime scene. I
would got there, I don't know, not by me. I can't explain
that I don't know the girl.Greg smiled as he wrote down the number
(31:41):
one and eighteen zeros after it.The statistics are that it's one in a
quintillion, that it's somebody other thanyou. Do you know how many zeros
are in a quintillion? A lot? Marvin sat back, defeated as Greg
triumphantly laid the sheet of paper beforehim. Eighteen zeros. Pal Marvin and
placed a sturdy hand on the tableand glared up at Greg. I don't
(32:04):
know what you want me to say. I don't know who the hell that
girl is. I expect you don't. You picked her up from the bus
stop because he needed to get yourrocks off. It wasn't the first time
you've done something like that, Marvin. Only she was strong and escaped,
which pissed you off. The littlegirl was getting away from you if you
could help it, so you chasedher down in the dark and bashed her
over the head with a tombstone.Marvin had turned away in silence. I
(32:29):
never seen that bitch before. We'llsee what the Ohio courts, saying Marvin
was extradited up to Ohio after currentDNA sample matched the one found on Jessica's
body. Marvin must have had adamn good lawyer, too, because in
two thousand and nine, he avoideda death penalty trial in exchange for pleading
guilty to aggravated murder with specifications ofrape and kidnapping. Instead of death.
(32:53):
Marvin was sentenced to thirty years tolife in prison, but without a death
penalty trial. We have to takewhat Marvin told the panel of three judges
in the Madison County Common Police Courtas the truth. She got in my
car. I raped her before sheescaped. I chased it through a cemetery
before being now to death with theseventy pound grave marco he had a so
hard a thing snapped in half.His testimony certainly seemed to match the evidence.
(33:19):
After the trial, Jessica's family wouldplace across where she collided with the
fence post. But before they couldhonor her memory, they watched as Marvin
was dished his punishment. When JimSabin described her daughter's corpse, Rebecca had
to leave the room, and thenas Marvin pleaded guilty, she quivered.
When it came time for the familyto give their impact statements to Marvin,
(33:40):
Rebecca gathered up her courage, lookedthe killer square in the eyes and said,
do you feel the heat? Doyou feel his presence? Do you
smell the sickening odor? He's rightthere, smiling, standing right behind you.
It's the Devil himself, ready totake you. Whistle in the Graveyard.
(34:07):
Summon the Devil was written and producedby me Skyler Fastonel with the voice
talents of Jessica about a Fuco JeremyStaple, Madeleine Weymouth, Matthew McNelly,
Alan Anthony Morion, Daniel Jones,Sophia Sasney, and Carly bell. Our
beautiful new theme song was written andperformed by Tracy Zales. Thank you for
(34:28):
listening in on another chapter of theoriginal Dead Time Stories. Now. I
know you definitely loved what you justheard, but make sure the rest of
the world and myself know just howmuch you enjoyed it by dropping a rating,
review or both on Apple Podcasts,Spreaker, Spotify, or whatever podcasting
app you're using. It might notseem like much, but it helps us
(34:51):
out more than you can imagine.You can also send us a message or
comment on our post at the originalDead Time Stories on Instagram and Facebook.
The links to those are in theepisode description. I always love hearing from
listeners like you, and spreading theword to your friends helps us continue making
quality stories for you to enjoy.And speaking of quality stories, we'll be
(35:13):
back before you know it with anotherchapter for you to enjoy. Until then,
stay safe out there. I don'twant you to become the next chapter's
topic on the original Debt Time Stories,
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.