American Homicide: Murder on the Parkway, Part 1 (S1:E16) – Detailed Summary
In Episode 16 of Season 1 of American Homicide, hosted by Sloane Glass, listeners are taken on a gripping journey through the tragic and enigmatic murder of Maria Marshall in New Jersey. This installment, titled "Murder on the Parkway, Part 1," meticulously unpacks the events leading up to the crime, the subsequent investigation, and the web of relationships that may have contributed to the tragedy.
Overview
"Murder on the Parkway, Part 1" explores the unsettling murder of Maria Marshall, a beloved mother and wife, and the intricate circumstances surrounding her death. Set against the backdrop of 1980s Atlantic City and the serene suburbs of Toms River, New Jersey, the episode delves into themes of trust, betrayal, and the quest for justice.
The Evening of September 6, 1984
A Perfect Family Life
Maria and Robert Marshall epitomized the ideal American family in the 1980s. As Glass describes, "Maria was a stunning blonde... The couple made family time a priority" ([02:06]). Robert, a successful insurance salesman, provided a lavish lifestyle for his family, including expensive cars, a boat, and a luxurious home in Toms River. Their social life primarily revolved around the Thomas River Country Club, where Maria was affectionately known as "the mom of the swim team" due to her active involvement in their children's activities ([03:31]).
An Evening in Atlantic City
On September 6, 1984, the Marshalls enjoyed dinner and gambling at Atlantic City, likened to the East Coast's version of Las Vegas. As they prepared to return home, Robert decided to continue driving despite concerns about their Cadillac's deteriorating rear passenger tire. "Maria slid off her shoes and earrings and laid back in her seat to get a little sleep," while Robert grappled with the car's handling ([04:44]).
The Fateful Stop at Oyster Creek Picnic Area
Tire Troubles Escalate
Approximately 45 miles from Atlantic City, Robert's tire issues worsened, prompting him to pull over at the secluded Oyster Creek Picnic Area. Glass notes, "If you're having tire trouble... you would pull off to the side and put your flashers on", highlighting the odd choice of a dark, tree-lined rest area with minimal lighting ([16:32]).
The Attack
As Robert examined the flat tire, a dark-colored sedan approached. "Seconds later, someone hit Robert over the head and he fell to the ground," rendering him unconscious ([06:38]). Upon regaining consciousness, Robert discovered his wife, Maria, had been shot twice in the back, resulting in her immediate death. Her purse and $2,000 in blackjack winnings were missing, though her gold jewelry and wedding ring remained untouched, suggesting the motive was robbery ([07:23]).
The Investigation Begins
Immediate Response
Detective Dan Mahoney of the Ocean County Prosecutor's office was assigned to the case. "She wasn't giving any resistance. She wasn't fighting. She probably never knew what happened," Mahoney remarked, emphasizing the mystery surrounding the motive ([07:48]).
Initial Questions
Authorities sought answers from Robert Marshall, probing into the couple's plans, any unusual sightings, potential motives, and missing items. Robert recounted the timeline, explaining the car trouble and the abrupt attack at the picnic area ([09:21]).
Unraveling Suspicions
Extramarital Affair Revealed
During the investigation, it emerged that Robert had been having an affair with Saran Crashauer, a vice principal at the local high school and a fellow member of their country club. Maria, suspecting infidelity, had hired a private investigator to surveil Robert. "Maria planned to confront Robert about the affair and seek a divorce," Glass explains ([19:07]).
The Louisiana Connection
Phone records revealed an unusual pattern: over 30 calls from Robert to Bobby Cumber, a hardware store clerk in Bossier City, Louisiana, situated 1400 miles away from New Jersey. This perplexing detail led investigators to explore the significance of these calls ([21:00]).
Bobby Cumber: From Acquaintance to Suspect
Meeting at the Summer Party
Bobby Cumber met Robert at a summer party in New Jersey, where Maria also interacted with him. The encounter was brief but significant, as Cumber later assisted Robert in hiring a private investigator, Billy Wayne McKinnon, a former deputy sheriff from Louisiana ([26:15]).
Charges and Arrest
Amid mounting evidence and financial discrepancies, Bobby Cumber was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit murder two weeks after Maria's death. Cumber maintained his innocence, displaying emotional distress during his interrogation ([30:29]).
Billy Wayne McKinnon: The Private Investigator
Robert's Confession
Audible tapes recovered from Robert's motel room revealed his desperate state. He confessed to his affair, financial debts, and suspected Billy Wayne McKinnon of possibly following him to murder Maria due to financial disputes. "I believed he was a suspect in Maria's murder, but claimed he was innocent," Robert stated on the tape ([32:46]).
McKinnon's Role
McKinnon admitted to being in Atlantic City the night Maria was killed but denied involvement in the murder. Instead, he identified Larry Thompson, a short-order cook with a troubled past, as the shooter. Despite cooperation, Thompson remained evasive, complicating the investigation ([34:41]).
Larry Thompson: A Reluctant Witness
Larry Thompson, characterized by his aggressive history and missing fingers from dog fighting incidents, was arrested and charged with Maria's murder in December 1984. His refusal to provide substantial information impeded the case's progress, leaving many questions unanswered ([35:04]).
The Arrest of Robert Marshall
Charged as an Accomplice
In the wake of Thompson's arrest, Robert Marshall was also charged as an accomplice to his wife's murder. This shocking development strained familial bonds, as his children and extended family vehemently supported his innocence ([35:53]).
"Did Robert Marshall have something to do with killing his wife?... The relationship between the two of them seemed perfect to me." ([36:18])
Notable Quotes
- Sloane Glass: "Maria was a stunning blonde... The couple made family time a priority." ([02:06])
- Detective Dan Mahoney: "She wasn't giving any resistance. She wasn't fighting. She probably never knew what happened." ([07:48])
- Sloane Glass: "I believe it was the passenger rear that was flat and it looked like it suffered damage to the wall of the tire, not the tread like a nail would do." ([09:21])
- Robert Marshall (on tape): "I love Maria. I couldn't have done this." ([33:15])
Conclusion and Next Steps
The episode concludes on a suspenseful note, with the arrest of both Bobby Cumber and Larry Thompson, followed by Robert Marshall's indictment. Despite arrests, the true motive and identity of the murderer remain obscured, setting the stage for Part 2 where Sloane Glass promises to uncover the remaining truths and deliver justice for Maria Marshall.
"We'll learn who killed Maria Marshall, who didn't kill Maria Marshall, and how justice was ultimately served. That's next time on American Homicide in Part two of Murder on the Parkway." ([36:32])
Production and Credits
American Homicide is produced by Glass Podcasts, a division of Glass Entertainment Group, in partnership with iHeartPodcasts. The episode was executive produced by Nancy Glass and Todd Ganz, with additional writing by Ben Fetterman and Andrea Gunning. Audio editing was handled by Nico Aruka, and voice acting was provided by Trae Morgan.
How to Listen
To stay updated on the resolution of this case and continue following the Marshall family’s quest for truth, tune into "Murder on the Parkway, Part 2" of American Homicide. Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or your preferred podcast platform.
This detailed exploration provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the initial phases of the murder investigation, highlighting the complexities and emotional turmoil faced by those involved. As the narrative unfolds in the subsequent episode, expect deeper insights and revelations that bring listeners closer to unraveling the mystery behind Maria Marshall's untimely death.