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00:00:12,846 --> 00:00:16,314
Narrator: When a night of fun
at the local tavern
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00:00:16,383 --> 00:00:17,983
Ends in mystery.
3
00:00:17,985 --> 00:00:22,587
She had left her cigarettes
and her keys on the bar.
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00:00:22,656 --> 00:00:27,125
She walked out the back door,
never returned.
5
00:00:27,194 --> 00:00:32,731
Narrator: Rumors fly around
a quiet midwestern farm town.
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Curt: Had overheard them say
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They had killed someone
and cut them up.
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00:00:36,603 --> 00:00:41,506
Narrator: And sent police down
an unexpected and dark path.
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00:00:41,575 --> 00:00:43,775
They had abducted three women
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00:00:43,844 --> 00:00:45,744
That they held as sex slave
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In a cave on the property.
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00:00:48,549 --> 00:00:51,350
Narrator: The truth
lies hidden for years,
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Until a horrifying discovery
buried in a rancher's backyard.
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I found a ribcage.
15
00:00:59,359 --> 00:01:02,894
Narrator: Reveals
a small town's deadly secret.
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00:01:02,963 --> 00:01:04,429
[siren wailing]
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There's no way that this
could not be connected.
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The killer
was still out on the loose.
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[♪♪]
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Narrator:
The tiny farm town of ord
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Sits on the eastern edge
of the nebraska sandhills.
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A vast stretch of rolling dunes
that meet the great plains.
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Ord, nebraska
is dead center of the state.
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Michael:
It is kind of a small town
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In america's heartland.
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It's a farming
and ranching community.
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Very friendly.
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The ranches around ord
are pretty large,
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Kind of gentle rolling hills,
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Fields of alfalfa,
or fields of popcorn.
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Robert: That's safe.
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00:02:06,360 --> 00:02:07,626
There's not a lot of crime.
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You can let you children
run around
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00:02:08,829 --> 00:02:11,730
And not have to worry
about them.
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[♪♪]
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00:02:16,370 --> 00:02:18,503
Narrator: On a beautiful
spring afternoon,
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Dee petska and her children
are out picking up
38
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Discarded bottles and cans
to recycle for pocket money.
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And there are plenty
on party hill,
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A popular hangout spot
for teens
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Hidden in a remote corner
of a rancher's backyard.
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Party hill was--
was well known back then.
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Kind of a known drinking spot
for underage teenagers.
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Curt: As dee petska
and her children were out,
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They walked, they found
something in the road.
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Initially,
she thought it was a ball
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Or something that had
become deflated.
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00:02:57,878 --> 00:03:01,414
But when she looked
at it closer,
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00:03:01,481 --> 00:03:03,883
It looked like bone.
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00:03:05,752 --> 00:03:08,621
She made an x
where she had found it
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And then called law enforcement.
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They determined it was a piece
of a human skull.
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[♪♪]
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[siren wailing]
55
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Narrator: Police
are immediately dispatched
56
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To the rancher's
secluded backyard.
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It was by hand
and very, very meticulous.
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It was comparable
to an archeological dig.
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Larry: I started to walk
around a little bit
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And I went up to, uh,
a little indentation
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At the top of this pasture,
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And I found a ribcage.
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Narrator: As the work
stretches on for hours,
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Many of the searchers
have their suspicions
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About who they found.
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Curt: I think almost
universally thought
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There's only been one person
disappeared here,
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And now it's possibly her.
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Narrator: Investigators send
the bones for dna testing,
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Hoping it will confirm
their suspicion
71
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About the victim's identity.
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We think we know who was buried
in the backyard.
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[♪♪]
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Curt:
The someplace else tavern
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Is where people go for a meal,
a drink or two, socialize.
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Robert: Bar is pretty busy
place back then,
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And it's a bar, so of course
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You have your scuffles here
once in a while.
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Usually, everybody got along
with everybody.
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[♪♪]
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Narrator:
The someplace else tavern
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00:04:54,928 --> 00:04:56,461
Is like a second living room
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00:04:56,530 --> 00:04:59,331
For much of the tiny
community in ord.
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On most nights,
that's where you'll find
85
00:05:01,401 --> 00:05:05,604
Sharlene whitefoot
and cathy beard.
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00:05:06,940 --> 00:05:08,807
Michael:
Sharlene was the bar manager
87
00:05:08,875 --> 00:05:13,411
And cathy beard worked
as a part-time waitress
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00:05:13,480 --> 00:05:15,614
At the someplace else tavern.
89
00:05:15,616 --> 00:05:18,817
Casey: Sharlene and cathy
were very good friends.
90
00:05:18,819 --> 00:05:21,619
I think you would call them
best friends.
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00:05:21,688 --> 00:05:24,956
Robert: I've known cathy
for a long time.
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00:05:24,958 --> 00:05:27,560
I remember when my mom sharlene
bartending,
93
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It seemed like cathy was always
sitting at the end of the bar.
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Cathy has always had
a smile on her face.
95
00:05:36,570 --> 00:05:41,273
Cathy was kind of social
and really enjoyed her friends.
96
00:05:44,545 --> 00:05:46,444
Narrator:
On a warm spring evening,
97
00:05:46,513 --> 00:05:50,048
Cathy heads
to the someplace else tavern.
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00:05:50,117 --> 00:05:52,785
Michael: This happened
to be cathy's night off,
99
00:05:52,853 --> 00:05:55,520
But she, you know,
went down to the bar
100
00:05:55,522 --> 00:05:58,791
To see her friends.
101
00:05:59,860 --> 00:06:02,727
She had talked to several
people in the bar
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00:06:02,729 --> 00:06:04,797
Including sharlene whitefoot.
103
00:06:04,865 --> 00:06:07,766
Michael:
This was a safe place to her.
104
00:06:07,834 --> 00:06:11,870
She was very familiar
with the people there.
105
00:06:11,939 --> 00:06:13,538
Narrator: But at closing time,
106
00:06:13,607 --> 00:06:15,473
Sharlene who has been
tending bar all night,
107
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Realizes that cathy is
suddenly nowhere to be found.
108
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Sharlene noted that cathy
had left her cigarettes
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And her keys and some
other items on the bar
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Which she felt was very unusual.
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Michael: Cathy lived
with her mother veneta.
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They were very close.
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00:06:38,632 --> 00:06:41,500
Narrator: But veneta
hasn't seen or heard from cathy
114
00:06:41,568 --> 00:06:43,969
Since she left earlier
that evening
115
00:06:43,971 --> 00:06:46,171
To head for the bar.
116
00:06:46,239 --> 00:06:48,840
Sharlene became worried
about cathy
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And called
in the missing persons
118
00:06:52,045 --> 00:06:55,046
From the bar that night.
119
00:06:55,048 --> 00:06:56,781
Police don't really get involved
120
00:06:56,783 --> 00:06:59,919
Until a person has been missing
for more than 24 hours.
121
00:06:59,986 --> 00:07:05,790
But because of the unusual
nature of cathy's disappearance,
122
00:07:05,859 --> 00:07:10,529
Police started looking
into the case right away.
123
00:07:10,531 --> 00:07:13,531
When somebody leaves
their stuff unattended,
124
00:07:13,600 --> 00:07:18,103
That is a kind of a sign
of maybe something went wrong.
125
00:07:20,007 --> 00:07:21,807
Narrator:
When police interview people
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00:07:21,875 --> 00:07:23,676
Who were in the bar that night,
several say they saw cathy
127
00:07:23,743 --> 00:07:26,744
Talking to a man
named john oldson,
128
00:07:26,813 --> 00:07:28,980
A lifelong resident of ord.
129
00:07:31,618 --> 00:07:33,485
Curt:
John oldson and cathy beard
130
00:07:33,553 --> 00:07:35,754
Did know each other.
131
00:07:35,756 --> 00:07:38,390
I think cathy considered him
somewhat of a friend.
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00:07:40,293 --> 00:07:42,027
Larry: They were all sitting
at a table and john,
133
00:07:42,029 --> 00:07:44,230
Uh, got off from the table
and walked over
134
00:07:44,297 --> 00:07:49,634
And started talking to cathy
who was standing at the jukebox.
135
00:07:49,703 --> 00:07:51,569
They had some type
of a discussion
136
00:07:51,638 --> 00:07:56,041
And at some point went out
the back door into the alley.
137
00:07:56,043 --> 00:07:57,909
Narrator: When the detectives
visit john oldson
138
00:07:57,911 --> 00:08:00,979
To ask him what happened
in the alley behind the bar,
139
00:08:00,981 --> 00:08:06,652
He readily admits that
he was trying to hit on cathy.
140
00:08:06,720 --> 00:08:09,188
John wanted to be with cathy.
141
00:08:09,256 --> 00:08:14,993
Michael: He attempted to have
a relationship with her
142
00:08:14,995 --> 00:08:16,661
But she refused.
143
00:08:16,730 --> 00:08:19,731
Glenn: She said, uh,
I see you as a friend but,
144
00:08:19,799 --> 00:08:25,136
You know, not--
not the way you're talking.
145
00:08:25,138 --> 00:08:26,672
Narrator:
John tells the investigators
146
00:08:26,740 --> 00:08:28,206
That while he and cathy
were talking,
147
00:08:28,275 --> 00:08:31,743
A pickup truck
pulled into the alley.
148
00:08:31,812 --> 00:08:33,945
Larry:
The passenger door opened up
149
00:08:34,014 --> 00:08:38,082
And cathy entered the vehicle
and the door closed.
150
00:08:38,151 --> 00:08:40,885
Narrator: John claims
he didn't recognize the man,
151
00:08:40,954 --> 00:08:44,622
But he did catch part
of the truck's license plate
152
00:08:44,691 --> 00:08:46,559
As it drove off.
153
00:08:46,626 --> 00:08:47,959
He thought it had
88 county plates
154
00:08:48,028 --> 00:08:52,297
And he couldn't get
the rest of the numbers.
155
00:08:52,365 --> 00:08:54,832
An 88 county license
which would be loup county
156
00:08:54,901 --> 00:08:59,204
And it would be about
31 miles from ord.
157
00:09:01,308 --> 00:09:02,974
Narrator: John tells the police
158
00:09:03,043 --> 00:09:06,311
Cathy seemed to willingly
go off with the two men.
159
00:09:06,379 --> 00:09:08,580
He said he felt
rebuffed and ashamed
160
00:09:08,649 --> 00:09:11,983
So he got in his pickup
and drove home
161
00:09:12,052 --> 00:09:14,185
And took a shower.
162
00:09:14,254 --> 00:09:16,387
His dad said john
was in the shower
163
00:09:16,389 --> 00:09:17,656
At the time he got home
164
00:09:17,724 --> 00:09:21,159
And basically backed
john's story.
165
00:09:23,330 --> 00:09:25,330
Narrator: John oldson
isn't the only one
166
00:09:25,332 --> 00:09:28,266
Who tells police he saw cathy
get into an unidentified
167
00:09:28,268 --> 00:09:31,636
Pickup truck behind the bar.
168
00:09:33,073 --> 00:09:35,673
Curt: Jerome walkowiak
came forward,
169
00:09:35,742 --> 00:09:39,011
He had seen the pickup
in the alley.
170
00:09:42,816 --> 00:09:44,282
Jerome basically stated
171
00:09:44,351 --> 00:09:47,885
That through the back door
window of the bar
172
00:09:47,954 --> 00:09:51,756
He saw cathy beard
walk away from john
173
00:09:51,758 --> 00:09:55,226
And get into this other
88 county pickup.
174
00:09:55,295 --> 00:10:01,432
He basically corroborated
john's story.
175
00:10:01,501 --> 00:10:03,234
Narrator: Investigators
now have two witnesses
176
00:10:03,236 --> 00:10:05,037
Who claimed to have seen cathy
177
00:10:05,105 --> 00:10:08,439
Getting into a pickup truck
behind the bar.
178
00:10:08,441 --> 00:10:11,176
[♪♪]
179
00:10:11,244 --> 00:10:13,979
Larry:
Cathy, uh, left with someone
180
00:10:14,047 --> 00:10:18,651
And, uh, did not return of--
of her own accord.
181
00:10:18,718 --> 00:10:23,688
To find cathy,
we need to find the truck.
182
00:10:25,258 --> 00:10:26,924
Curt: So the officers
were trying to see
183
00:10:26,993 --> 00:10:28,326
If they could locate a pickup
184
00:10:28,328 --> 00:10:30,328
That would match
the description.
185
00:10:30,330 --> 00:10:34,667
Larry: We were asking anyone
that may have witnessed, uh,
186
00:10:34,734 --> 00:10:37,935
Anything to do with this
loup county vehicle
187
00:10:38,004 --> 00:10:40,005
To come forward.
188
00:10:40,073 --> 00:10:42,073
As time went by,
it was becoming fairly certain
189
00:10:42,075 --> 00:10:45,677
That something serious
happened to cathy.
190
00:10:45,745 --> 00:10:47,513
She could be in real trouble.
191
00:10:47,580 --> 00:10:51,015
But it was quite urgent
to getting her located.
192
00:10:51,084 --> 00:10:53,718
[♪♪]
193
00:10:53,787 --> 00:10:57,656
He was pursuing
a sexual fantasy.
194
00:10:59,693 --> 00:11:01,492
The man who was soliciting sex
195
00:11:01,561 --> 00:11:03,294
Could have killed her himself.
196
00:11:03,363 --> 00:11:08,733
He was the last person
to see her alive.
197
00:11:16,509 --> 00:11:18,042
[♪♪]
198
00:11:18,111 --> 00:11:20,811
Narrator: A day into the search
for cathy beard,
199
00:11:20,881 --> 00:11:24,450
Police in ord, nebraska
are looking for a pickup truck
200
00:11:24,517 --> 00:11:27,719
That witnesses reported
seeing her get into
201
00:11:27,787 --> 00:11:30,856
With two unidentified men.
202
00:11:30,924 --> 00:11:33,058
[♪♪]
203
00:11:36,196 --> 00:11:38,797
They did a search of
department motor vehicle records
204
00:11:38,799 --> 00:11:40,998
For any and all
88 county pickups
205
00:11:41,067 --> 00:11:45,671
That were licensed
that fit that description.
206
00:11:45,739 --> 00:11:47,205
Larry: They were able to look
207
00:11:47,207 --> 00:11:49,207
At all of the vehicles
ever registered
208
00:11:49,209 --> 00:11:51,876
And could not find one
that matched the color
209
00:11:51,878 --> 00:11:53,678
And description
that was provided
210
00:11:53,747 --> 00:11:55,948
By both walkowiak and john.
211
00:11:58,151 --> 00:12:00,085
Narrator: Police wonder
could john or jerome
212
00:12:00,153 --> 00:12:01,819
Have gotten the plate or color
213
00:12:01,888 --> 00:12:04,089
Of the pickup truck wrong.
214
00:12:04,157 --> 00:12:09,160
Curt: Alcohol affects
the way you think.
215
00:12:09,229 --> 00:12:11,896
John and jerome
would have had enough to drink
216
00:12:11,898 --> 00:12:14,633
That they would have probably
not seen things
217
00:12:14,701 --> 00:12:19,370
The same way
as of they were sober.
218
00:12:19,372 --> 00:12:21,706
Narrator:
Since john was the last person
219
00:12:21,775 --> 00:12:24,643
To see cathy that night,
the detectives go back to him
220
00:12:24,711 --> 00:12:29,313
To see if his memory
has become any clearer.
221
00:12:29,382 --> 00:12:31,582
But his story is unchanged.
222
00:12:31,651 --> 00:12:33,384
To prove he's not hiding
anything from them,
223
00:12:33,386 --> 00:12:38,657
He agrees to let the police
search his pickup truck.
224
00:12:40,060 --> 00:12:41,125
Curt: Law enforcement collected
225
00:12:41,194 --> 00:12:43,060
Whatever samples
they could find.
226
00:12:43,129 --> 00:12:47,598
Then everything came back
that there was no dna trace
227
00:12:47,667 --> 00:12:50,669
That belonged to cathy.
228
00:12:50,737 --> 00:12:53,204
[♪♪]
229
00:12:53,273 --> 00:12:56,841
Narrator: Crime is rare
in a tiny town like ord,
230
00:12:56,910 --> 00:12:58,009
But as police search for cathy,
231
00:12:58,078 --> 00:13:00,211
They find themselves
in the middle
232
00:13:00,280 --> 00:13:03,749
Of two big investigations.
233
00:13:03,817 --> 00:13:06,084
[♪♪]
234
00:13:06,086 --> 00:13:07,685
Jay: On the same night,
235
00:13:07,754 --> 00:13:10,755
Cathy beard
becomes a missing person,
236
00:13:10,757 --> 00:13:16,694
There was an armed robbery
at a motel.
237
00:13:16,763 --> 00:13:18,696
There's no way that this
cannot be connected
238
00:13:18,765 --> 00:13:20,965
Because what's the chances
of an armed robbery
239
00:13:21,034 --> 00:13:25,603
In ord, nebraska the same night,
um, a woman comes up missing.
240
00:13:28,107 --> 00:13:31,009
Narrator: The robbery victim
is a businessman
241
00:13:31,077 --> 00:13:33,011
Visiting from colorado.
242
00:13:33,079 --> 00:13:37,915
He tells police about two men
he met in a local bar.
243
00:13:37,984 --> 00:13:40,986
[♪♪]
244
00:13:41,054 --> 00:13:45,657
He was in town as a popcorn
seed salesman.
245
00:13:45,725 --> 00:13:47,925
He said they started
drinking together
246
00:13:47,994 --> 00:13:50,863
And he had a lot
of cash on him.
247
00:13:50,930 --> 00:13:53,130
And he was offering $100 to $200
248
00:13:53,199 --> 00:13:59,003
If they could find him
a woman that evening.
249
00:13:59,072 --> 00:14:00,471
Narrator:
The traveling salesman
250
00:14:00,540 --> 00:14:02,341
Claims nothing came of it.
251
00:14:02,408 --> 00:14:04,442
But that an hour
after he left them,
252
00:14:04,511 --> 00:14:09,148
The two men showed up
at his motel room.
253
00:14:09,215 --> 00:14:14,385
And they forced the door open
and had a shotgun
254
00:14:14,387 --> 00:14:18,022
And robbed him of his money.
255
00:14:18,024 --> 00:14:20,091
Narrator: From the
salesman's description,
256
00:14:20,160 --> 00:14:24,763
Police recognize the robbers
as two local men,
257
00:14:24,831 --> 00:14:27,765
Rex white and glen hall.
258
00:14:27,767 --> 00:14:30,636
Glen hall and rex white
were known locally
259
00:14:30,703 --> 00:14:34,205
For having been involved
in some other crimes
260
00:14:34,274 --> 00:14:36,775
Around the area.
261
00:14:36,843 --> 00:14:38,977
Rex and glen who live locally
262
00:14:38,979 --> 00:14:40,779
And were kind of
local troublemakers
263
00:14:40,847 --> 00:14:43,514
And they kind of pieced together
who these--
264
00:14:43,516 --> 00:14:46,184
These two culprits were.
265
00:14:46,186 --> 00:14:48,253
Narrator: They don't match
the description
266
00:14:48,321 --> 00:14:49,987
Of the men in the alley,
267
00:14:50,057 --> 00:14:51,389
But when they bring in the pair
for questioning,
268
00:14:51,457 --> 00:14:54,058
Detectives discover
a disturbing connection
269
00:14:54,060 --> 00:14:57,996
Between them and cathy
on the night she vanished.
270
00:14:58,064 --> 00:15:00,265
[♪♪]
271
00:15:00,333 --> 00:15:03,435
Larry: Glen hall explained
that this salesman
272
00:15:03,503 --> 00:15:08,806
Was looking for a person
he could have sex with.
273
00:15:08,875 --> 00:15:12,411
And they-- they left
the other bar in ord
274
00:15:12,478 --> 00:15:16,949
And went
to someplace else tavern.
275
00:15:20,354 --> 00:15:21,720
And they walked in
276
00:15:21,788 --> 00:15:24,423
And they were asking
where cathy was.
277
00:15:24,490 --> 00:15:26,959
And it popped into their head
that cathy beard
278
00:15:27,026 --> 00:15:32,830
Would be someone that
they would, uh, find for him.
279
00:15:32,899 --> 00:15:37,902
Cathy beard had a reputation,
deserved or not.
280
00:15:37,971 --> 00:15:40,104
Curt: There was a belief
amongst law officers
281
00:15:40,173 --> 00:15:43,375
That glen hall and rex white
might have taken cathy
282
00:15:43,443 --> 00:15:47,512
To the motel and the man
who was soliciting sex
283
00:15:47,580 --> 00:15:50,748
Was the one that killed her.
284
00:15:52,485 --> 00:15:54,385
Narrator: Detectives
can't find any evidence
285
00:15:54,387 --> 00:15:57,121
Connecting the salesman
to cathy's disappearance.
286
00:15:57,190 --> 00:16:01,459
And rex and glen claim they
never saw cathy that night.
287
00:16:01,461 --> 00:16:04,863
But as the investigators
check out their alibi,
288
00:16:04,931 --> 00:16:08,867
What they learn
sets off an alarm.
289
00:16:08,935 --> 00:16:10,736
[♪♪]
290
00:16:10,803 --> 00:16:15,140
Curt: Mr. Hall and mr. White
worked for a construction crew
291
00:16:15,208 --> 00:16:17,875
And their boss indicated
to the investigators
292
00:16:17,877 --> 00:16:22,146
At one point that he had
overheard rex white say
293
00:16:22,215 --> 00:16:25,783
They had killed someone
and cut them up.
294
00:16:27,286 --> 00:16:31,123
And indicated that they may be
buried somewhere.
295
00:16:33,125 --> 00:16:35,960
Larry: One of the concrete crew
reported to us
296
00:16:36,029 --> 00:16:41,065
That there was a bag of lime
that was missing.
297
00:16:42,435 --> 00:16:44,236
Narrator:
It's a disturbing discovery.
298
00:16:44,303 --> 00:16:47,505
The detectives know lime
is often used by killers
299
00:16:47,507 --> 00:16:51,108
To try to hide evidence
of their crime.
300
00:16:51,177 --> 00:16:54,045
Lime is basically used
to keep the odor
301
00:16:54,113 --> 00:16:58,316
And the decomposition
attraction for bugs
302
00:16:58,318 --> 00:17:02,186
To a minimum.
303
00:17:02,255 --> 00:17:07,059
The crew just
had had a hole dug.
304
00:17:07,126 --> 00:17:09,594
They poured the concrete
the next day.
305
00:17:09,662 --> 00:17:11,328
We had to search the jobsite
306
00:17:11,397 --> 00:17:14,266
Where they were pouring
a concrete pad.
307
00:17:14,333 --> 00:17:18,135
Cathy beard may be buried
under a slab of concrete.
308
00:17:18,204 --> 00:17:20,404
Larry: If her remains
were found there,
309
00:17:20,473 --> 00:17:26,144
We might be able to figure out
what happened to cathy.
310
00:17:36,289 --> 00:17:37,889
♪]
311
00:17:37,957 --> 00:17:39,891
Narrator: A week after
cathy beard vanishes
312
00:17:39,959 --> 00:17:42,226
In ord, nebraska,
police are searching
313
00:17:42,295 --> 00:17:44,695
In nearby construction site
where the foreman
314
00:17:44,764 --> 00:17:48,766
Has told them he overheard
an employee named rex white
315
00:17:48,835 --> 00:17:50,835
Brag about killing her.
316
00:17:50,903 --> 00:17:54,706
Larry: He reported that
he had overheard rex white
317
00:17:54,774 --> 00:17:58,776
Talking about how they had
disposed of cathy beard
318
00:17:58,845 --> 00:18:01,312
Underneath this concrete slab.
319
00:18:01,380 --> 00:18:03,314
Narrator: Rex
and his co-worker glen hall
320
00:18:03,382 --> 00:18:06,784
Are already suspects
in cathy's disappearance,
321
00:18:06,786 --> 00:18:08,386
So the information
from their boss
322
00:18:08,388 --> 00:18:11,455
Is enough for officers
to obtain a search warrant
323
00:18:11,457 --> 00:18:16,194
And begin breaking down
the concrete slab.
324
00:18:16,262 --> 00:18:20,798
The sheriff's office
was able to completely remove
325
00:18:20,867 --> 00:18:23,402
All that concrete, demolish it,
326
00:18:23,469 --> 00:18:27,805
And search the area underneath.
327
00:18:27,874 --> 00:18:30,208
There was no remains.
328
00:18:34,347 --> 00:18:36,081
Narrator: It's a disappointment
329
00:18:36,149 --> 00:18:40,418
But it doesn't remove suspicion
from rex white and glen hall.
330
00:18:40,420 --> 00:18:44,823
We later found
that they had stolen a boat.
331
00:18:46,292 --> 00:18:48,827
There was rumors of her
being thrown into the lake
332
00:18:48,895 --> 00:18:51,229
And they dredged ericson lake.
333
00:18:52,298 --> 00:18:54,932
But they didn't find anything.
334
00:18:56,536 --> 00:19:00,438
That did not clear mr. Hall
and mr. White as suspects.
335
00:19:02,909 --> 00:19:05,442
It was always in the back
of everybody's mind,
336
00:19:05,511 --> 00:19:08,013
"hey, what happened to cathy?"
337
00:19:08,080 --> 00:19:11,181
Robert: I was 12 years old
when she disappeared.
338
00:19:11,251 --> 00:19:17,355
And I just wanted her
to be found alive and okay.
339
00:19:21,460 --> 00:19:23,994
Curt: After she disappeared,
340
00:19:23,996 --> 00:19:28,266
Cathy's mother
became more homebound.
341
00:19:28,334 --> 00:19:30,001
She did think about it a lot.
342
00:19:30,069 --> 00:19:34,973
She really needed to know
what happened to her daughter.
343
00:19:36,209 --> 00:19:39,043
Michael:
The family was heartbroken.
344
00:19:40,079 --> 00:19:41,346
No arrest had been made.
345
00:19:41,414 --> 00:19:45,283
[♪♪]
346
00:19:47,420 --> 00:19:49,153
Narrator:
Detectives continue to watch
347
00:19:49,221 --> 00:19:52,289
Their potential suspects
rex white and glen hall
348
00:19:52,358 --> 00:19:54,291
But can't find
any solid evidence
349
00:19:54,360 --> 00:19:57,027
Connecting them
to cathy's disappearance.
350
00:19:57,096 --> 00:19:59,063
And there's no sign
of the pickup truck
351
00:19:59,065 --> 00:20:01,899
Witnesses reported
seeing cathy get into
352
00:20:01,968 --> 00:20:04,235
Behind the
someplace else tavern.
353
00:20:04,303 --> 00:20:06,904
The mystery stretches
into its third
354
00:20:06,906 --> 00:20:12,043
Heart-wrenching year
and the case grows cold.
355
00:20:13,646 --> 00:20:15,247
I would stop frequently
356
00:20:15,314 --> 00:20:19,183
And visit
with cathy beard's mother.
357
00:20:19,251 --> 00:20:24,322
And I told her I was not gonna
forget about her daughter.
358
00:20:28,261 --> 00:20:31,396
Narrator: Then, a woman
walking with her children
359
00:20:31,464 --> 00:20:34,932
Makes a horrifying discovery
360
00:20:35,001 --> 00:20:40,071
In a secluded corner
of a rancher's backyard.
361
00:20:43,075 --> 00:20:45,542
Casey: Dee petska found
the skull on party hill
362
00:20:45,611 --> 00:20:49,414
Where kids would go out
in a desolate area and--
363
00:20:49,482 --> 00:20:51,148
And have their beer parties.
364
00:20:51,217 --> 00:20:56,287
Larry: It's located
about five miles from the bar
365
00:20:56,355 --> 00:20:58,289
Where cathy was last seen.
366
00:20:58,357 --> 00:21:02,260
She called the police department
to report that.
367
00:21:03,496 --> 00:21:05,830
Narrator: Crime techs comb
the isolated backyard
368
00:21:05,898 --> 00:21:09,934
Collecting pieces
of the remains.
369
00:21:11,504 --> 00:21:14,105
Curt: The body parts
had been somewhat scattered.
370
00:21:14,173 --> 00:21:18,243
Larry: Based on the evidence,
damage to the skeletal,
371
00:21:18,311 --> 00:21:22,246
Uh, remains,
we knew that it was a homicide.
372
00:21:22,315 --> 00:21:23,981
Casey:
The anthropologist determined
373
00:21:24,050 --> 00:21:30,854
That it was a white
caucasian female in her 30s.
374
00:21:30,923 --> 00:21:32,456
Narrator: And the more
evidence they find
375
00:21:32,458 --> 00:21:35,259
Buried in the backyard,
the more investigators
376
00:21:35,328 --> 00:21:41,665
Are convinced they know
the identity of the victim.
377
00:21:41,667 --> 00:21:43,534
I started to brush the dirt away
378
00:21:43,602 --> 00:21:46,170
And I found the sweater
that cathy beard
379
00:21:46,172 --> 00:21:51,476
Was reported wearing
when she disappeared.
380
00:21:51,544 --> 00:21:58,249
There was a large hole in the
abdominal area of the sweater.
381
00:21:58,251 --> 00:22:00,919
A blood sample was drawn
from cathy beard's mother's arm
382
00:22:00,986 --> 00:22:06,424
So we could use, uh, the blood
for mitochondrial dna.
383
00:22:06,492 --> 00:22:10,961
Narrator: Dna testing confirms
the family's worst fears.
384
00:22:11,030 --> 00:22:16,901
The body found on party hill
is cathy beard.
385
00:22:19,405 --> 00:22:21,305
[♪♪]
386
00:22:21,307 --> 00:22:25,642
Larry: It was an emotional,
tearful event.
387
00:22:25,644 --> 00:22:28,112
They knew that it was her and--
388
00:22:28,180 --> 00:22:33,218
And the search for cathy beard
was over.
389
00:22:36,255 --> 00:22:40,190
Robert: My mom came home
and she was crying.
390
00:22:40,259 --> 00:22:43,994
She told me that
they had found cathy.
391
00:22:44,063 --> 00:22:49,266
I was saddened
that she wasn't still alive
392
00:22:49,335 --> 00:22:52,403
But happy that maybe
they did find her,
393
00:22:52,471 --> 00:22:57,241
Now some questions
could be answered.
394
00:23:01,614 --> 00:23:05,282
Jay: Cathy beard's death
was a homicide
395
00:23:05,351 --> 00:23:08,018
And she suffered
both blunt force trauma
396
00:23:08,087 --> 00:23:10,922
And sharp force trauma.
397
00:23:12,525 --> 00:23:15,692
Michael:
The killer was still out.
398
00:23:15,761 --> 00:23:21,532
Whoever was responsible for this
was still out on the loose.
399
00:23:23,302 --> 00:23:28,772
Glenn: He was gonna have sex
with her that night regardless.
400
00:23:28,841 --> 00:23:31,576
Casey: A lot of times
criminals will brag
401
00:23:31,644 --> 00:23:33,110
When they're incarcerated
and say,
402
00:23:33,179 --> 00:23:36,214
"oh, yeah, I did this
but I never got caught."
403
00:23:36,282 --> 00:23:46,557
[♪♪]
404
00:23:46,724 --> 00:23:49,259
Narrator: Three years
after she vanished
405
00:23:49,261 --> 00:23:50,929
From a bar in ord, nebraska,
406
00:23:50,996 --> 00:23:53,531
Cathy beard's remains
have been found
407
00:23:53,533 --> 00:23:55,366
Buried in a rancher's backyard
408
00:23:55,435 --> 00:23:59,503
And a homicide investigation
is underway.
409
00:24:01,173 --> 00:24:04,142
Michael: The ranch owners
cooperated fully
410
00:24:04,210 --> 00:24:08,345
With law enforcement
in this investigation.
411
00:24:08,414 --> 00:24:11,148
There was no connection
to cathy beard.
412
00:24:11,217 --> 00:24:16,887
In ord, it's quite possible
that a body could be buried
413
00:24:16,956 --> 00:24:21,091
In this backyard
for quite a long time
414
00:24:21,160 --> 00:24:23,293
And nobody noticed it
415
00:24:23,295 --> 00:24:26,931
Because the land is so vast.
416
00:24:32,304 --> 00:24:34,939
Narrator: Detectives quickly
turn their focus back
417
00:24:35,007 --> 00:24:38,308
To the two men
who were strong early suspects,
418
00:24:38,377 --> 00:24:41,311
Glen hall and rex white.
419
00:24:41,313 --> 00:24:43,513
Mr. Hall and mr. White
had actually been
420
00:24:43,583 --> 00:24:49,186
To the someplace else tavern
looking for cathy beard.
421
00:24:49,255 --> 00:24:53,123
Larry: People at the bar
overheard them questioning,
422
00:24:53,192 --> 00:24:54,591
"where is cathy?"
423
00:24:54,660 --> 00:24:57,127
And the next thing
that was reported
424
00:24:57,196 --> 00:24:59,597
Was cathy's disappearance.
425
00:25:04,136 --> 00:25:05,469
Their employer had reported
426
00:25:05,537 --> 00:25:08,405
That he had overheard
rex white talking
427
00:25:08,407 --> 00:25:12,376
About how they had disposed
of cathy beard.
428
00:25:12,445 --> 00:25:14,511
Narrator:
But the new investigation
429
00:25:14,513 --> 00:25:16,013
Can't turn up any evidence
430
00:25:16,081 --> 00:25:18,549
Connecting them
to cathy's murder.
431
00:25:20,352 --> 00:25:26,357
Curt: Mr. Hall and mr. White
had taken a polygraph
432
00:25:26,425 --> 00:25:30,962
And it turned out the polygraph
came up negative.
433
00:25:34,066 --> 00:25:37,035
Larry: Basically,
we feel that rex white
434
00:25:37,102 --> 00:25:41,505
Is trying to sound tough
and intimidate people.
435
00:25:41,573 --> 00:25:43,240
As far as being suspects,
436
00:25:43,242 --> 00:25:46,377
They were discredited
and disproved.
437
00:25:46,445 --> 00:25:48,312
Narrator: Investigators
were also unable
438
00:25:48,314 --> 00:25:51,481
To find any new evidence
connecting cathy's murder
439
00:25:51,550 --> 00:25:53,051
To the popcorn seed salesman
440
00:25:53,118 --> 00:25:55,285
Who claims that glen and rex
robbed him,
441
00:25:55,354 --> 00:25:59,256
A crime for which
they were never convicted.
442
00:25:59,325 --> 00:26:01,992
Michael: In the end,
there was no connection
443
00:26:02,061 --> 00:26:07,198
Between the robbery
and cathy beard's disappearance.
444
00:26:11,470 --> 00:26:14,939
Narrator: With their strongest
potential suspects ruled out,
445
00:26:15,007 --> 00:26:16,673
The detectives go back to
the witnesses
446
00:26:16,742 --> 00:26:20,677
Who were in the bar
the night cathy vanished.
447
00:26:20,746 --> 00:26:22,513
That includes john oldson,
448
00:26:22,582 --> 00:26:24,748
The last person
to report seeing cathy.
449
00:26:24,817 --> 00:26:28,485
They're stunned to discover
that john is in jail
450
00:26:28,554 --> 00:26:33,056
Awaiting arraignment
on sexual assault charges.
451
00:26:33,125 --> 00:26:35,459
[♪♪]
452
00:26:35,527 --> 00:26:40,163
Larry: John had been arrested
for sexually assaulting a clerk
453
00:26:40,232 --> 00:26:44,368
At a gas station in burwell.
454
00:26:44,370 --> 00:26:46,971
Curt: When she left work,
john had grabbed her,
455
00:26:47,039 --> 00:26:48,472
He had forced her
to the ground,
456
00:26:48,540 --> 00:26:51,242
Lifted her shirt,
rubbed her stomach,
457
00:26:51,310 --> 00:26:52,509
And she had tried
to fight him off
458
00:26:52,578 --> 00:26:57,315
And once she did that,
he turned and left.
459
00:26:57,383 --> 00:26:59,249
Narrator:
The sexual assault charge
460
00:26:59,317 --> 00:27:01,019
Raises red flags.
461
00:27:01,086 --> 00:27:03,120
But when detectives interview
john in jail
462
00:27:03,189 --> 00:27:05,723
About what happened
the night cathy disappeared
463
00:27:05,725 --> 00:27:11,128
Three years ago,
his story doesn't change.
464
00:27:15,334 --> 00:27:19,337
Jay: John oldson's version
of the events in the alley
465
00:27:19,405 --> 00:27:23,007
Was that
he approached cathy beard
466
00:27:23,075 --> 00:27:27,344
For sexual relations,
she refused him.
467
00:27:27,413 --> 00:27:29,479
She then went to a pickup
468
00:27:29,481 --> 00:27:35,019
With two other guys
and left with them.
469
00:27:35,087 --> 00:27:38,356
Jerome walkowiak,
the man at the bar
470
00:27:38,424 --> 00:27:42,259
Who also saw cathy
get into the, uh, truck,
471
00:27:42,261 --> 00:27:46,229
Corroborated what
john oldson's version was
472
00:27:46,298 --> 00:27:49,666
Of what happened in that alley.
473
00:27:49,735 --> 00:27:55,372
Larry: We had no evidence to
dispute what he was telling us.
474
00:27:55,441 --> 00:27:58,643
It was extremely frustrating
for not only myself,
475
00:27:58,711 --> 00:28:01,511
But local law enforcement
in valley county,
476
00:28:01,580 --> 00:28:04,581
And in ord, and, uh,
the family members
477
00:28:04,583 --> 00:28:09,454
That this was ongoing
and unsolved.
478
00:28:12,458 --> 00:28:17,194
Narrator: In 2004, five years
after cathy vanished,
479
00:28:17,263 --> 00:28:19,362
Her mother veneta passes away,
480
00:28:19,431 --> 00:28:21,532
Never knowing
who was responsible
481
00:28:21,600 --> 00:28:25,803
For her daughter's murder.
482
00:28:25,805 --> 00:28:28,939
She's laid to rest
next to cathy.
483
00:28:29,008 --> 00:28:31,408
Curt: I know it was
very difficult for the family.
484
00:28:31,477 --> 00:28:35,412
I had-- I had talked
to some of them over the years.
485
00:28:35,481 --> 00:28:39,884
The whole thing
was very devastating.
486
00:28:39,952 --> 00:28:42,753
But I think they all had hope.
487
00:28:45,390 --> 00:28:47,624
Narrator: The investigation
stays cold
488
00:28:47,693 --> 00:28:50,561
For another six
agonizing years.
489
00:28:50,629 --> 00:28:54,498
Then in 2010,
the nebraska state patrol
490
00:28:54,500 --> 00:28:56,233
Decides to try a new tactic
491
00:28:56,301 --> 00:28:59,971
To solve some
of its cold cases.
492
00:29:00,038 --> 00:29:02,707
Casey: I was contacted
by nebraska state patrol
493
00:29:02,775 --> 00:29:06,243
About a set of cold case
playing cards.
494
00:29:06,312 --> 00:29:11,416
Each card had a cold case
on it of an unsolved murder,
495
00:29:11,483 --> 00:29:14,317
And they would have details
of the case.
496
00:29:14,386 --> 00:29:20,190
And they were distributed
into the state prison.
497
00:29:20,259 --> 00:29:22,259
A lot of times
criminals will brag
498
00:29:22,327 --> 00:29:23,661
When they're incarcerated
and say,
499
00:29:23,729 --> 00:29:26,930
"oh, yeah, I did this
but I never got caught."
500
00:29:26,932 --> 00:29:30,934
Cathy's case
was on the two of spades.
501
00:29:31,003 --> 00:29:36,273
And few months later,
we did get a-- a hit.
502
00:29:37,008 --> 00:29:38,475
Jay: It fanned the flame
503
00:29:38,544 --> 00:29:41,611
And got the investigation
rolling again.
504
00:29:41,613 --> 00:29:52,723
[♪♪]
505
00:29:52,957 --> 00:29:56,426
Narrator: Twenty-one years
after cathy beard disappeared
506
00:29:56,428 --> 00:29:59,430
From a bar in ord, nebraska,
507
00:29:59,498 --> 00:30:01,431
There's a new lead.
508
00:30:01,500 --> 00:30:03,534
It comes after police
distributed playing cards
509
00:30:03,602 --> 00:30:08,305
Featuring unsolved cases
to prison inmates.
510
00:30:09,641 --> 00:30:13,578
Jay: That was August of 2010,
511
00:30:13,645 --> 00:30:16,114
I got assigned
to follow up a lead
512
00:30:16,181 --> 00:30:18,516
That had come in
as a result of an inmate
513
00:30:18,584 --> 00:30:23,520
At the lancaster
county corrections,
514
00:30:23,589 --> 00:30:25,323
Who viewed a playing card
515
00:30:25,390 --> 00:30:29,060
And he had heard
about cathy beard from ord.
516
00:30:29,127 --> 00:30:34,531
Casey: A cellmate was
incarcerated in valley county
517
00:30:34,600 --> 00:30:36,266
With john oldson.
518
00:30:36,335 --> 00:30:39,503
Jay: John oldson
had made an admission to him
519
00:30:39,571 --> 00:30:44,174
Regarding being involved
with the death of cathy beard.
520
00:30:45,277 --> 00:30:47,345
Narrator: To the detective's
frustration,
521
00:30:47,412 --> 00:30:50,747
The jailhouse informant refuses
to testify in court.
522
00:30:50,816 --> 00:30:55,118
But the tip refocuses
their attention on john oldson
523
00:30:55,187 --> 00:30:57,154
And the deeper
detectives delve,
524
00:30:57,156 --> 00:31:02,160
The more alarming
john's story becomes.
525
00:31:02,227 --> 00:31:04,694
Casey: We found out
that john oldson went to prison
526
00:31:04,763 --> 00:31:10,367
In 2003 for sticking
hypodermic needles
527
00:31:10,369 --> 00:31:14,172
In his stepdaughter's
midsection area.
528
00:31:14,239 --> 00:31:18,142
John oldson got out of prison
in 2005.
529
00:31:18,210 --> 00:31:23,180
Michael: This was just
so egregious and so abusive,
530
00:31:23,182 --> 00:31:27,584
So they knew he was dangerous.
531
00:31:27,653 --> 00:31:29,786
Narrator: Investigators
see a connection
532
00:31:29,855 --> 00:31:31,389
Between john's stomach fetish
533
00:31:31,456 --> 00:31:34,458
And the evidence found
with cathy's remains
534
00:31:34,526 --> 00:31:36,860
Two decades earlier.
535
00:31:36,929 --> 00:31:38,863
Larry: The recovery of the--
the sweater
536
00:31:38,931 --> 00:31:42,200
With a hole
in the abdominal area,
537
00:31:42,267 --> 00:31:44,401
Made a suspicion
that john oldson
538
00:31:44,469 --> 00:31:47,737
Was directly involved with this.
539
00:31:47,739 --> 00:31:49,339
Because of his two arrests,
540
00:31:49,341 --> 00:31:53,144
Where he assaulted women
in the abdominal area.
541
00:31:53,211 --> 00:31:54,745
Curt: We believe
that the cathy beard
542
00:31:54,813 --> 00:31:58,549
Having her sweater cut
and the marks on her bones
543
00:31:58,617 --> 00:32:01,852
Would indicate
that he was pursuing
544
00:32:01,854 --> 00:32:04,621
A sexual fantasy.
545
00:32:04,690 --> 00:32:07,624
Casey: We had evidence
the whole time,
546
00:32:07,693 --> 00:32:12,396
The tip that we got
from the confidential informant
547
00:32:13,065 --> 00:32:15,299
Was the key.
548
00:32:15,367 --> 00:32:18,236
Narrator: But there's a problem
with the investigator's
549
00:32:18,303 --> 00:32:19,836
New theory of the murder.
550
00:32:19,905 --> 00:32:21,905
John's claimed
to have seen cathy
551
00:32:21,974 --> 00:32:23,507
Get into a truck with two men
552
00:32:23,509 --> 00:32:26,309
Was confirmed
by another eyewitness
553
00:32:26,311 --> 00:32:27,644
At the bar that night.
554
00:32:27,646 --> 00:32:30,513
Jay: Jerome walkowiak
was the only person
555
00:32:30,582 --> 00:32:34,584
That corroborated
what happened in that alley.
556
00:32:34,586 --> 00:32:36,254
Narrator: Investigators
take another look
557
00:32:36,321 --> 00:32:40,323
At jerome's story
and make a key discovery.
558
00:32:40,392 --> 00:32:43,993
Jay: We had taken pictures
of the bar inside and out
559
00:32:44,063 --> 00:32:49,900
And we compared them
with photographs of it in 1989.
560
00:32:51,270 --> 00:32:55,605
Casey: I explained to him
there was no way he could see
561
00:32:55,674 --> 00:32:57,474
Out the back window.
562
00:32:57,543 --> 00:33:00,410
And at that point,
he come clean
563
00:33:00,479 --> 00:33:02,879
And said he did not see that.
564
00:33:02,881 --> 00:33:05,449
It never happened.
565
00:33:06,618 --> 00:33:09,419
He heard john talking
about a pickup in the bar
566
00:33:09,421 --> 00:33:11,021
A couple of days later
567
00:33:11,089 --> 00:33:17,361
And had repeated it
during the investigation.
568
00:33:17,429 --> 00:33:22,499
Larry: I suspect that he was
just trying to get attention.
569
00:33:22,501 --> 00:33:26,569
Narrator: John oldson's alibi
has just evaporated.
570
00:33:26,638 --> 00:33:29,906
But the case against him
is more than 21 years old
571
00:33:29,975 --> 00:33:34,511
And the evidence
is purely circumstantial.
572
00:33:36,115 --> 00:33:39,916
Glenn: We never found anything
during the investigation.
573
00:33:39,985 --> 00:33:41,718
Dna-wise or fiber
or any otherwise,
574
00:33:41,787 --> 00:33:47,324
That would link john oldson
to the murder of cathy beard.
575
00:33:47,326 --> 00:33:49,793
There simply wasn't anything.
576
00:33:49,861 --> 00:33:55,066
Dna, unless it's protected,
ain't gonna stay there forever.
577
00:33:55,133 --> 00:33:57,868
It's gonna wash away.
578
00:34:00,605 --> 00:34:01,938
Narrator:
Seeking more information
579
00:34:02,007 --> 00:34:03,473
About their suspect,
580
00:34:03,475 --> 00:34:04,875
Police tracked down
john's family.
581
00:34:04,943 --> 00:34:07,877
His father died
several years earlier.
582
00:34:07,946 --> 00:34:11,414
But his sister who
wasn't previously interviewed
583
00:34:11,483 --> 00:34:14,484
Has surprising new information
for them.
584
00:34:14,553 --> 00:34:17,388
She describes
the lengths john went
585
00:34:17,390 --> 00:34:18,722
To clean his pickup truck
586
00:34:18,724 --> 00:34:21,958
The day
after cathy disappeared.
587
00:34:23,595 --> 00:34:25,628
Curt: John had basically
cleaned that whole pickup
588
00:34:25,697 --> 00:34:28,431
From stem to stern,
including removing the seats
589
00:34:28,433 --> 00:34:33,736
And cleaning everything
within the pickup.
590
00:34:33,805 --> 00:34:35,705
Larry: It's very possible
that john was cleaning up
591
00:34:35,774 --> 00:34:40,877
To hide any type of evidence
of blood or injury.
592
00:34:42,648 --> 00:34:44,447
Narrator: Then,
the investigation gets a jolt
593
00:34:44,516 --> 00:34:46,983
When a new witness
comes forward,
594
00:34:46,985 --> 00:34:49,652
Suzanne pelster,
a former resident of ord
595
00:34:49,721 --> 00:34:54,524
Has a bone chilling story
to tell the police.
596
00:34:54,593 --> 00:34:56,059
Jay: She overheard
a conversation
597
00:34:56,061 --> 00:35:01,465
Between john oldson
and his first wife.
598
00:35:01,533 --> 00:35:03,666
They had an argument in the bar
599
00:35:03,735 --> 00:35:05,001
And he told her
to shut up
600
00:35:05,003 --> 00:35:08,772
Or I'll do to you
what I did to cathy.
601
00:35:10,475 --> 00:35:12,675
Larry: We brought up
the circumstantial evidence
602
00:35:12,744 --> 00:35:15,512
That we had accumulated
over the years
603
00:35:15,514 --> 00:35:17,013
To the county attorney.
604
00:35:17,015 --> 00:35:19,682
Curt: There was a concern that
we didn't have enough evidence
605
00:35:19,751 --> 00:35:22,953
And maybe forced into a trial
and lose it and therefore,
606
00:35:23,021 --> 00:35:25,955
Wouldn't be able
to prosecute him again.
607
00:35:26,024 --> 00:35:28,424
Narrator: But prosecutors
conclude that the weight
608
00:35:28,493 --> 00:35:32,896
Of the circumstantial evidence
is enough.
609
00:35:32,965 --> 00:35:36,099
As far as we know,
there was really nobody else
610
00:35:36,101 --> 00:35:37,634
Out in that alley.
611
00:35:37,703 --> 00:35:42,506
John was the last person
to see her alive.
612
00:35:45,043 --> 00:35:46,977
An arrest warrant was issued.
613
00:35:47,045 --> 00:35:50,848
We had a swat team
of 15 to 20 members
614
00:35:50,916 --> 00:35:52,715
Swarmed in and--
and arrested john
615
00:35:52,784 --> 00:35:55,452
As he was driving
down the street from his house.
616
00:35:55,454 --> 00:35:57,354
[siren wailing]
617
00:36:02,627 --> 00:36:07,564
Jay: He acted like he had been
expecting it for some time.
618
00:36:10,268 --> 00:36:12,669
Casey: I called mary kirby,
619
00:36:12,737 --> 00:36:14,871
Cathy's sister and I told her,
620
00:36:14,940 --> 00:36:16,940
"hey, we got john in custody."
621
00:36:16,942 --> 00:36:19,143
She just said, "thank you."
622
00:36:19,211 --> 00:36:22,880
Robert: My mom, she's relieved
that he finally got caught.
623
00:36:22,948 --> 00:36:27,484
And she was glad
it was finally coming to an end
624
00:36:27,486 --> 00:36:33,022
That they would bring justice
for cathy.
625
00:36:33,091 --> 00:36:37,093
Narrator: A trial date
is set for March 2012,
626
00:36:37,162 --> 00:36:38,896
But as prosecutors get ready,
627
00:36:38,964 --> 00:36:42,832
John oldson's mother makes
a stunning announcement.
628
00:36:42,901 --> 00:36:44,133
She claims the post office
629
00:36:44,202 --> 00:36:46,135
Has delivered
an envelope to her
630
00:36:46,204 --> 00:36:48,037
With no return address
631
00:36:48,039 --> 00:36:52,576
Containing proof that her son
did not kill cathy beard.
632
00:36:53,912 --> 00:36:56,045
Casey: What come out
of the envelope
633
00:36:56,114 --> 00:36:59,582
Was this long diary
stating that these people
634
00:36:59,651 --> 00:37:03,653
That live north
of ericson, nebraska,
635
00:37:03,655 --> 00:37:05,022
Had this sex slave ranch
636
00:37:05,090 --> 00:37:07,057
And they kept women
incarcerated there
637
00:37:07,125 --> 00:37:13,130
And cathy beard was one
of the victims of this ranch.
638
00:37:14,599 --> 00:37:16,532
This mysterious envelope
showed up
639
00:37:16,601 --> 00:37:21,004
And we'd have to determine
if this was a true diary.
640
00:37:21,006 --> 00:37:24,607
Glenn: It severely interfered
with our prosecution.
641
00:37:24,676 --> 00:37:29,580
You just got to really wonder
if that diary is true.
642
00:37:29,648 --> 00:37:33,149
Jay: This leads to a whole
another investigation.
643
00:37:33,151 --> 00:37:42,092
[♪♪]
644
00:37:42,360 --> 00:37:44,261
Narrator: On the eve
of john oldson's murder trial,
645
00:37:44,329 --> 00:37:47,598
An anonymous letter
containing diary pages
646
00:37:47,666 --> 00:37:50,967
Threatens to upend
the prosecution's case.
647
00:37:51,036 --> 00:37:54,838
Its author claims
cathy beard was held captive
648
00:37:54,840 --> 00:37:56,373
On a ranch 22 miles north
649
00:37:56,441 --> 00:38:00,643
Of her hometown
of ord, nebraska.
650
00:38:00,712 --> 00:38:05,783
Jay: This so-called diary
indicates that this rancher,
651
00:38:05,850 --> 00:38:10,319
Mr. Backus and his wife,
had abducted three women
652
00:38:10,389 --> 00:38:14,791
That they held as sex slaves
and eventually killed them.
653
00:38:14,793 --> 00:38:19,696
One of which was allegedly
cathy beard.
654
00:38:19,698 --> 00:38:23,666
These women were supposedly
kept in a cave
655
00:38:23,735 --> 00:38:26,003
On the property.
656
00:38:27,806 --> 00:38:29,940
Narrator: Police rush
to search the ranch property
657
00:38:30,008 --> 00:38:33,811
And learn wetzel backus
died several years earlier.
658
00:38:33,878 --> 00:38:37,613
But detectives interview
his widow jean,
659
00:38:37,682 --> 00:38:41,751
Who's now in her 80s.
660
00:38:41,753 --> 00:38:44,087
Glenn:
They took her deposition.
661
00:38:44,155 --> 00:38:47,824
She was a frail old lady
662
00:38:47,893 --> 00:38:49,625
And you're looking at her
saying,
663
00:38:49,694 --> 00:38:51,361
"yeah, I don't think so.
664
00:38:51,429 --> 00:38:53,363
Not even in her youth."
665
00:38:53,431 --> 00:38:56,566
Jay: The pages of the diary
were handwritten
666
00:38:56,568 --> 00:39:01,705
And the handwriting
was not that of jean backus.
667
00:39:01,773 --> 00:39:05,909
Narrator: Yet the details
of ranch life are specific.
668
00:39:05,911 --> 00:39:09,847
Jay: The pages of the diary
described the neighbors,
669
00:39:09,914 --> 00:39:13,450
The terrain, and so on
in relationship
670
00:39:13,518 --> 00:39:16,519
To where the backuses live.
671
00:39:16,588 --> 00:39:20,057
A pretty good,
accurate description.
672
00:39:20,059 --> 00:39:21,624
Narrator:
Whoever wrote the diary
673
00:39:21,693 --> 00:39:24,994
Had day to day knowledge
of life on the ranch.
674
00:39:25,063 --> 00:39:26,596
Investigators asked jean
675
00:39:26,598 --> 00:39:30,066
Who might have a grudge
against her.
676
00:39:30,135 --> 00:39:33,536
Jay: Jean threw out
doug olson's name.
677
00:39:33,538 --> 00:39:37,074
Casey: Doug olson
worked for jean backus
678
00:39:37,142 --> 00:39:38,808
At the backus ranch.
679
00:39:38,810 --> 00:39:40,043
Narrator:
Jean tells the investigators
680
00:39:40,045 --> 00:39:41,879
That doug believed
she cheated him
681
00:39:41,946 --> 00:39:45,481
Out of part of the ranch
he thought he would inherit
682
00:39:45,550 --> 00:39:47,618
After wetzel backus' death.
683
00:39:47,685 --> 00:39:53,022
That envelope is taken
to the state patrol crime lab
684
00:39:53,091 --> 00:39:54,857
And they find doug olson's dna
685
00:39:54,926 --> 00:39:59,228
On the flap of the envelope
and/or the stamp.
686
00:39:59,297 --> 00:40:01,030
Narrator: Doug olson admits
trying to ruin
687
00:40:01,099 --> 00:40:05,436
The backus' reputation
by tying them to the murder.
688
00:40:05,503 --> 00:40:08,004
He's charged
with evidence tampering
689
00:40:08,073 --> 00:40:12,208
As the case against john
moves forward.
690
00:40:12,277 --> 00:40:13,576
Casey: We proved the diary
691
00:40:13,645 --> 00:40:16,078
Had nothing to do
with cathy beard.
692
00:40:16,147 --> 00:40:19,449
Bottom line is cathy
walked out the back door
693
00:40:19,517 --> 00:40:22,986
With john oldson
and never returned.
694
00:40:24,656 --> 00:40:26,589
Narrator: In January 2013,
695
00:40:26,658 --> 00:40:31,795
The trial of john oldson
is finally set to begin.
696
00:40:31,863 --> 00:40:35,799
Robert: My mom wanted justice
for cathy.
697
00:40:35,867 --> 00:40:41,171
She was glad it was finally
coming to an end.
698
00:40:43,608 --> 00:40:45,676
Narrator: The investigation
could not determine
699
00:40:45,743 --> 00:40:48,611
Whether cathy beard
was sexually assaulted
700
00:40:48,680 --> 00:40:51,214
Because of the condition
of her remains.
701
00:40:51,282 --> 00:40:53,750
But the prosecutors
paint a picture for the jury
702
00:40:53,752 --> 00:40:59,756
Of what they believe happened
on may 31st, 1989.
703
00:41:01,693 --> 00:41:06,630
Larry: John olson said he was
getting a little bit aroused.
704
00:41:06,698 --> 00:41:10,166
Glenn: When john oldson
and cathy beard
705
00:41:10,168 --> 00:41:11,768
Were in that bar,
706
00:41:11,770 --> 00:41:15,539
He was gonna have sex with her
that night regardless.
707
00:41:16,741 --> 00:41:18,074
Casey: There was a struggle.
708
00:41:18,142 --> 00:41:19,676
He hit her in the head.
709
00:41:19,744 --> 00:41:21,145
He threw her in the pickup.
710
00:41:21,212 --> 00:41:24,981
Michael: John oldson said,
"she said, "no, no, john.
711
00:41:24,983 --> 00:41:26,249
Please no, no."
712
00:41:26,317 --> 00:41:29,051
Well, I believe
those were her last words.
713
00:41:29,120 --> 00:41:31,787
Casey: After murdering her,
714
00:41:31,856 --> 00:41:35,959
He then took her
to the dumpsite.
715
00:41:40,064 --> 00:41:43,332
He did dispose
of cathy's body,
716
00:41:43,401 --> 00:41:45,801
He felt safe that
she would never be found
717
00:41:45,870 --> 00:41:49,740
Because party hill
was a remote area
718
00:41:49,807 --> 00:41:53,676
And law enforcement
was not typically driving
719
00:41:53,745 --> 00:41:55,946
By that location.
720
00:41:58,684 --> 00:42:00,217
[♪♪]
721
00:42:00,285 --> 00:42:03,754
Narrator: After a week
and a half of testimony,
722
00:42:03,821 --> 00:42:05,756
The jury leaves to deliberate.
723
00:42:05,823 --> 00:42:12,195
It takes them just six hours
to decide john oldson's fate.
724
00:42:13,965 --> 00:42:17,233
Glenn: The jury
found him guilty
725
00:42:17,302 --> 00:42:20,003
Of second degree murder.
726
00:42:21,973 --> 00:42:26,243
Narrator: He's sentenced
to life in prison.
727
00:42:28,346 --> 00:42:31,647
Casey: You could just tell
in the community that it was a--
728
00:42:31,716 --> 00:42:35,185
A brick off
everybody's shoulders.
729
00:42:38,389 --> 00:42:43,926
Um, to get justice for cathy
730
00:42:43,995 --> 00:42:45,795
Was what everybody wanted
731
00:42:45,864 --> 00:42:52,069
And that was our goal
and that's what we got.
732
00:42:55,139 --> 00:42:59,075
Michael: This woman
should still be alive today.
733
00:43:00,678 --> 00:43:02,878
I'm confident that the family
734
00:43:02,948 --> 00:43:08,017
And the community
felt justice was served.
735
00:43:08,086 --> 00:43:11,021
Robert: Everybody's much
better with john in prison.
736
00:43:11,089 --> 00:43:14,892
I think the world is better
with john in prison.
737
00:43:16,161 --> 00:43:19,095
Cathy was always wanting
to help my mom.
738
00:43:19,163 --> 00:43:22,165
They did about
everything together.
739
00:43:26,170 --> 00:43:28,170
My mom would want cathy
to be remembered
740
00:43:28,239 --> 00:43:31,107
As a good kind person.
741
00:43:31,175 --> 00:43:35,011
[♪♪]