Ch. 28 - What Ghosts Remain

Ch. 28 - What Ghosts Remain

Author: Radio Vérté | Cory Zimmerman June 15, 2023 Duration: 30:46

Step inside the charred remains--

Inside the old Victorian at 356 South First Avenue, we witness the fire's aftermath through the vivid descriptions of investigators who discover a crucial piece of evidence in Donna's living room: the pull-out sofa bed where Donna and Justine’s remains were found. As suspicion arises as they detect the presence of a flammable liquid at the scene, all collected evidence is meticulously examined at the Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms Forensic Science Laboratory in Rockville, Maryland. The analysis reveals alarming findings, verifying the traces of gasoline on clothing, wood, and hair samples taken from Donna Tompkins. Additionally, ethyl alcohol is detected, adding another layer of complexity to the case.

During the investigation, an interview with Sarah Haynes, David Haynes' wife, offers insight into their relationship and interactions with Donna. Sarah describes meeting Dave at the National Bank of Canton and emphasizes that they were married for four years. She acknowledges Donna as an acquaintance and reveals that Dave considered her one of his closest friends. While Sarah claims that she and Dave never babysat for Justine, they were always willing to offer help since they knew Donna faced financial struggles. Sarah provides an alibi for Dave, stating that he was home on the night of the incident, celebrating their child's birthday. However, Sarah's occasional memory lapses and eagerness to conclude the interview leave room for further exploration.

The interviews conducted at Donna's workplace—the bank—uncover intriguing details surrounding the case. And David Haynes, for the most part, maintains a consistent story among his colleagues, describing the chaotic gas meter, an orange-reddish glow from the front room, and his heroic act of breaking down the front door. Moreover, insights into Jon Tompkins' family dynamics emerge, suggesting that Jon's family was weary of his temper and speculating that he could have hired someone to harm Donna and Justine. These revelations hint at deeper tensions and motivations within the Tompkins family, leaving us to ponder the true extent of their involvement in this tragedy.

As we navigate the captivating narrative of this episode, we witness the emotional significance of the Victorian home and its impact on the community. The forensic discoveries from the crime scene and the insightful interviews provide valuable clues and raise thought-provoking questions about the parties involved. The evolving dynamics between the Haynes and Tompkins families and the intriguing inconsistencies and potential motives fuel our curiosity and leave us eagerly anticipating the subsequent revelations in this haunting case.

The tragic tale of Donna and Justine Tompkins continues to unravel, urging us to delve deeper into the enigma and seek justice for the victims.

Contact SRG: cz@studios.works.

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In the shadows of small towns and along forgotten backroads, stories linger. The Spoon River Gothic Podcast, from Radio Vérté and Cory Zimmerman, unearths these true crime narratives, giving voice to tales that are often whispered but seldom fully told. Each episode is a carefully crafted journey, written and narrated by Zimmerman himself, whose delivery sets a distinctive, atmospheric tone. The work is rooted in detailed research provided by Rachel Laubis, Moira King, and Allison Hester, ensuring every narrative is built on a foundation of factual depth. This isn't just a recitation of events; it's an immersive audio experience designed to pull you into the heart of each mystery. For those who want to delve even deeper, Samantha Thomas provides extended written analysis on the blog, and supporters can access The Spoon River Gothic case file for exclusive bonus episodes and additional investigative material. This podcast lives in the space where the ordinary meets the ominous, exploring the unsettling truths that define the genre. Listen for stories that stick with you, long after the episode ends.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Spoon River Gothic Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Ch. 32 - The Detective Drama [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:38
Peeling back the layers-- Donna's life gradually reveals a woman hopeful for her future but burdened by uncertainty. The revelation of her potential pregnancy adds an additional layer of complexity to her already challen…
Ch. 31 - "Hell, I'll pull the switch!" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:19
The statement-- The exchange reported by Michelle Bell at Kroger's Grocery Store raises a familiar question: Who should we believe? David Haynes denies ever making the statement about being glad Donna was dead and claimi…
Trailer - SPOON RIVER GOTHIC [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:30
Spoon River Gothic | Narrative of a Double Homicide - Part Two. A four-part series hosted by Cory Zimmerman. On an icy morning in 1993, an old house beside a pair of rusty tracks burst into flames. And when the charred r…
Ch. 30 - "Grief can take care of itself." [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:41
Grief-- Amongst the intricate web of emotions that entangle those who experience the loss of a loved one, we witness the profound impact of murder on a family and delve into the depths of their grief. Donna and Justine's…
Ch. 29 - Best People on Earth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:08
A spotlight on the Elks Club-- The esteemed and exclusive organization with a long-standing history, the Elks, known for fostering camaraderie and philanthropy among its members, held a significant position within the co…
S1. Bonus - Where the Bodies Were Dumped [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:17
An interview with Kelly Kurtz--Kelly, a recovering addict and now a dedicated advocate for others facing addiction, shines a peculiar light on some shocking revelations that raise intriguing questions. With her unique pe…
Ch. 27 - Undetermined [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:09
The autopsies-- The postmortem examinations conducted on Donna and Justine reveal a disturbing truth that adds a chilling dimension to the investigation. Contrary to initial assumptions, their deaths occurred before the…
Ch. 26 - From There to Zero [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:30
Canton, Illinois-- Bruce, a local historian, takes us back in time with his perspective on the community, the case, and his longtime friend, Jon Tompkins. Bruce raises intriguing questions about how we, as people, form j…
Ch. 25 - A Prodigal Hand [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:40
Echoes of the past-- We are confronted with a bottomless list of crimes from the past that still reverberate through the present, having left an indelible mark on the community's consciousness—tales of unsolved murders a…
Ch. 24 - "It's not what you know. It's who you know." [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:45
Terry Haynes-- The interview process of Terry Haynes and its comparison to David Haynes sheds light on the potential influence of personal relationships and insider status in the investigation. Terry's established connec…