Ch. 31 - "Hell, I'll pull the switch!"

Ch. 31 - "Hell, I'll pull the switch!"

Author: Radio Vérté | Cory Zimmerman June 29, 2023 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 claiming knowledge about the fire's origin. He offers an alternative account of the conversation, suggesting that the man in line behind him merely made a general comment about setting fires. David emphasizes that Michelle Bell may have had ulterior motives, pointing to the reward money for leads in the case. This divergence in testimonies adds to the complexity of the investigation, leaving us to ponder the reliability of eyewitness accounts and the potential influence of personal interests on their recollections.

Amidst the ongoing uncertainty, David sheds light on the gossip and smearing campaign surrounding Donna in the community. He recounts instances where individuals made derogatory remarks, insinuating that Donna's attire somehow justified her tragic fate. However, David vehemently defends Donna's professionalism and appropriate dress at work, emphasizing that her personal wardrobe choices were never scandalous. These insights serve as a reminder of the damaging impact of victim-blaming and the need to separate baseless assumptions from the search for truth.

As the investigation proceeds, it becomes increasingly crucial to evaluate testimonies critically, considering potential biases and motivations that may color people's perceptions and recollections of events.

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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…
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…
Ch. 28 - What Ghosts Remain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 li…
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…