48 Hours: The Mystery of Jane Mixer – Detailed Summary

Release Date: March 20, 2025
Host/Author: CBS News

Introduction

"48 Hours" delves deep into the haunting case of Jane Mixer, a promising young law student whose life was brutally taken in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in March 1969. This episode meticulously unpacks the investigation, the subsequent trial, and the lingering doubts that have persisted for decades.

Background of Jane Mixer

Jane Mixer was an ambitious individual with a bright future ahead. At just 23 years old, she was one of the first women admitted to the University of Michigan Law School, marking a significant milestone in her academic journey.

• Jane's Character and Aspirations
  • Barbara Nelson (Jane's sister) describes Jane as "bright and articulate and concerned and empathetic" (02:00).
  • Jane's personal writings revealed her dedication to social justice and her uncertainty about her future path, indicating her relentless drive (05:46).

The Night of the Murder

On the evening of March 21, 1969, Jane intended to visit her parents in Muskegon, Michigan. She responded to a ride offer posted on a college ride board and was picked up by a man who introduced himself as David Johnson.

• Disposition and Disappearance

  • Jane expected to head west with her driver but disappeared for several hours.
  • Her body was discovered the next morning in Denton Road Cemetery, displaying signs of extreme violence: shot in the head and strangled (01:15 - 02:21).

• Family's Reaction

  • Barbara Nelson recalls the trauma, stating, "We were buried within our own little worlds of pain and didn't talk about what was really going on" (12:08).

Initial Investigation and Suspect

As the investigation unfolded, Jane's case became intertwined with a series of murders targeting young women in the region, leading authorities to suspect a serial killer.

• John Collins – The Accused
  • John Collins, an education major at Eastern Michigan University, was arrested and convicted for the murder of Karen Sue Binoma (14:28).
  • Despite his conviction, doubts lingered about his involvement in Jane's murder:
    • Katherine Ramsland, a forensics expert, expressed skepticism, stating, "He was level-headed, smart... [but] Jane's case was too different" (15:25).

Reopening the Case

Decades later, Detective Eric Schroeder took a renewed interest in Jane Mixer's unsolved murder. Utilizing advancements in DNA technology, new evidence emerged that complicated the original narrative.

• DNA Evidence

  • A drop of blood found on Jane's hand matched Gary Lighterman, a retired nurse from Goebbels, Michigan (22:19).
  • This discovery contradicted the earlier conviction of John Collins, whose DNA did not match the evidence (22:01).

• Introducing Gary Lighterman

  • Lighterman, a 62-year-old with no violent criminal record, was brought in for questioning (23:19).
  • He vehemently denied any involvement, asserting his innocence multiple times (24:22).

The Trial

In 2005, Gary Lighterman stood trial for the 1969 murder of Jane Mixer. The courtroom became the battleground for unresolved questions and emerging evidence.

• Prosecutor's Theory

  • Stephen Hillard posited that Lighterman answered Jane's ride request under the guise of David Johnson, leading to a fatal encounter (31:28).
  • He emphasized the significance of the DNA evidence, arguing it irrefutably linked Lighterman to the crime scene (34:43).

• Defense's Stance

  • Lighterman's attorney challenged the reliability of the DNA evidence, suggesting possible contamination or innocent explanations for its presence (34:06).
  • Highlighted inconsistencies, such as the lack of fingerprints matching Lighterman and discrepancies in the vehicle description (37:34).

• Family Perspectives

  • Both the Mixer family and Lighterman's loved ones grappled with the trial's emotional toll, expressing doubts and sympathies respectively (38:17 - 38:34).

• Verdict and Sentencing

  • After four hours of deliberation, the jury found Lighterman guilty of first-degree murder (41:08).
  • At sentencing, Lighterman maintained his innocence, his only solace being his sympathy for the Mixers (42:46).

Lingering Doubts and Aftermath

The conviction of Gary Lighterman did not entirely quell the mysteries surrounding Jane Mixer's death. Questions persist about the DNA evidence and the true circumstances of that fateful night.

• Unresolved Evidence

  • The presence of blood from a four-year-old, John Ruellis, raised concerns about potential lab contamination, a point the prosecution struggled to adequately address (35:17 - 35:53).

• Impact on Families

  • Maggie Nelson, Jane's niece, expressed a complex mix of closure and lingering doubts, highlighting the enduring emotional scars (44:12).
  • Barbara Nelson mirrored these sentiments, acknowledging the persistent uncertainties even after the trial (28:34).

• Gary Lighterman's Fate

  • Lighterman remained incarcerated, passing away in 2019 at the age of 76, still contending with the unresolved aspects of his conviction (45:09).

Conclusion

"The Mystery of Jane Mixer" serves as a poignant exploration of a cold case reevaluated through modern forensic techniques. It underscores the enduring quest for truth and justice, the complexities of legal proceedings, and the profound impact unresolved crimes have on families and communities alike.

Notable Quotes

• Maggie Nelson: "She had been shot once in the front and once in the back of the head. Here is just where he dumped her. On a night of cold rain." (01:15)

• Barbara Nelson: "We were buried within our own little worlds of pain and didn't talk about what was really going on." (12:08)

• Detective Donald Bennett: "A homicide case is a homicide case. They're never closed." (19:50)

• Prosecutor Stephen Hillard: "There is not contamination in this part, but there's not contamination in this part." (35:57)

• Maggie Nelson: "The horror of Jane's death made her a forgotten person. It was too hard to look at it." (44:25)

• Prosecutor Stephen Hiller: "Gary Lighterman deserves to pay the price for what he's done, and he'll do that." (44:12)

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the "48 Hours" episode on Jane Mixer, providing listeners with a thorough understanding of the case's progression, the investigative challenges, and the profound personal impacts involved.