48 Hours: Post Mortem | Tracking the Killer of Mary Catherine Edwards

Introduction

In the gripping "Post Mortem" episode of 48 Hours, host Natalie Morales delves deep into the decades-old cold case of Mary Catherine Edwards, a beloved schoolteacher brutally murdered in Beaumont, Texas, in the mid-1990s. With the assistance of award-winning CBS News correspondents Jenna Jackson and Mary Murphy, Morales unpacks the intricate investigation that ultimately led to the arrest and conviction of Clayton Foreman, bringing long-awaited justice to Mary Catherine and her community.

Overview of the Case

Mary Catherine Edwards, a 31-year-old schoolteacher, was found murdered, sexually assaulted, and handcuffed in her bathroom in Beaumont, Texas, in 1995. The use of police-grade handcuffs baffled investigators, leading to rampant speculation about a possible connection between the perpetrator and law enforcement. Despite having preserved DNA evidence from the crime scene, advancements in forensic science were not yet sufficient to identify the killer, leaving the case cold for nearly three decades.

Breakthrough with Genetic Genealogy

A significant turning point in the investigation came with the advent of genetic genealogy, a technique that combines DNA analysis with traditional genealogical research to identify suspects. Detectives Bennett "Erin" Llewellyn and his wife Tina Murphy spearheaded this innovative approach. As Mary Murphy explains, “It’s pretty incredible that back in '95, they preserved the evidence so well that they still had enough DNA… genetic genealogy technology has come so far that they were able to put this DNA in the system and come up with almost 7,500 names” (05:20).

Key Investigators and Their Roles

The relentless pursuit of justice was driven by a dynamic team:

• Detective Erin Llewellyn: The primary investigator whose dedication never wavered despite the case going cold.
• Tina Murphy: An auto crimes detective who brought her expertise in building extensive family trees and utilizing genealogical databases.
• Shira Lapointe: A professional genetic genealogist who played a crucial role in narrowing down the suspect pool.
• Texas Ranger Brandon Best: Provided additional support in field investigations and the eventual arrest.

Jenna Jackson highlights the teamwork: “The relay and the teamwork among the four of them was really very extraordinary to watch” (09:43).

The Breakthrough and Arrest

Utilizing genetic genealogy, Tina and Shira collaborated to build an extensive family tree that ultimately narrowed down the list to two brothers: Michael and Clayton Foreman, both of whom attended the same high school as Mary Catherine. Upon further investigation, Clayton emerged as the prime suspect due to his criminal history involving aggravated assaults.

A pivotal moment occurred when investigators collected Clayton’s trash to retrieve DNA evidence, which matched the DNA from the crime scene (11:17). Ranger Best recounts the meticulous interrogation process that led to Clayton's apprehension: “When we would sense anxiety in someone, Aaron would immediately tell them, hey, who do you want to play you in the movie?” He adds humorously, “I’ve already got Brad Pitt. So, you know, you can't, you can't be Brad because Brad's playing me” (08:58).

Emotional Testimonies

The trial was marked by deeply emotional testimonies, especially from Diana Ko, Clayton’s former wife and Mary Catherine’s childhood friend. Diana revealed her connection to Clayton and the harrowing realization of his violent past, including the rape of a mutual friend during their high school years. Her testimony underscored the profound impact of Clayton's actions on multiple lives.

Alison Botellar, Mary Catherine’s identical twin sister, delivered a heart-wrenching account of her sister’s loss, expressing enduring grief and love: “I didn't know what happened to her. It was just that she was gone, was all I knew” (19:20). The identical twin bond was poignantly portrayed, highlighting the irreplaceable loss experienced by Alison.

Legal Proceedings and Verdict

Clayton Foreman’s trial culminated in a swift verdict, with the jury reaching a guilty decision in less than an hour. Foreman was sentenced to life in prison for capital murder. The investigative team reflected on the outcome with mixed emotions. Jenna Jackson shares, “Erin said, we did it. And it was just very emotional because everything about the case was emotional” (22:05). Despite securing a conviction, the team grappled with the lingering sense of loss and the realization that Foreman had led a double life for years.

Impact and Legacy

The resolution of Mary Catherine Edwards' case not only brought closure to her family and friends but also highlighted the transformative power of genetic genealogy in modern law enforcement. Mary Murphy emphasizes, “If not for technology advancements and this incredible genetic genealogy, this would never have been solved” (22:44). The case serves as a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice and the importance of preserving forensic evidence.

Helenia Adams, one of Mary Catherine’s former students, shared how her teacher’s legacy inspired her to pursue a career in criminal justice, aspiring to continue the fight for justice: “She attended trial every day, except for one. She's getting her master's in criminal justice right now and plans to go to law school” (23:10).

Conclusion

The "Post Mortem" episode of 48 Hours masterfully recounts the intricate investigation and emotional journey to solve Mary Catherine Edwards' murder. Through unwavering dedication, technological advancements, and collaborative teamwork, the case was finally brought to justice, honoring Mary Catherine’s memory and offering hope to other cold case victims. This episode not only chronicles a remarkable police investigation but also underscores the enduring impact of one individual’s quest for truth and justice.

Notable Quotes

• Detective Erin Llewellyn: “By the time it got bigger than my computer screen, my wife had to jump in because he was like, my mind was blown, basically” (05:20).
• Brandon Best: “I’ve already got Brad Pitt. So, you know, you can't, you can't be Brad because Brad's playing me” (08:58).
• Claire Foreman: “It felt so good and that we had done something for Catherine at the moment” (13:37).
• Mary Catherine’s Sister, Alison Botellar: “I didn’t know what happened to her. It was just that she was gone, was all I knew” (19:20).

Final Thoughts

The "Post Mortem" episode not only revisits a harrowing crime but also celebrates the advancements in forensic science and the unwavering spirit of those committed to uncovering the truth. For those seeking a comprehensive and emotionally resonant true crime narrative, this episode of 48 Hours is a must-listen.

Note: Times in brackets [MM:SS] correspond to the transcript timestamps for reference.