American Homicide: S1:E17 – Murder on the Parkway, Part 2

Release Date: February 13, 2025
Host: Sloane Glass
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and Glass Podcasts

Introduction

In the gripping second part of "Murder on the Parkway," host Sloane Glass delves deeper into the harrowing case of Maria Marshall’s murder. Set against the backdrop of Toms River, New Jersey, this episode meticulously unpacks the intricate web of deceit, betrayal, and justice that surrounded the tragic event. With insightful interviews from those directly involved, including victim’s family members and investigators, Glass paints a comprehensive picture of this infamous American homicide.

Case Background

Maria Marshall's Tragic Death
On a late summer night in 1984, Maria Marshall was fatally shot twice in the back at a rest stop along the Garden State Parkway. Initially, authorities dismissed the incident as a robbery gone wrong. However, suspicions soon pointed towards a more sinister motive.

Robert Marshall’s Alleged Involvement
Maria was married to Robert Marshall, an insurance salesman with a seemingly idyllic family life, including three teenage sons who were championship swimmers. Despite appearing devoted, Robert harbored significant personal troubles, including mounting debts and a gambling problem. According to prosecutors, Robert orchestrated his wife’s murder to secure a hefty life insurance payout and escape his failing marriage.

“He had a girlfriend and he wanted out, and he wanted his wife to pay for it with her life.”—Judy Peet, Interviewee [05:06]

Investigation and Evidence

Linking Robert to the Murder-for-Hire Plot
The investigation uncovered that Robert Marshall had increased Maria’s life insurance shortly before her death, with an additional policy taken out the morning of the murder. These financial maneuvers raised red flags, directing suspicion towards Robert.

Involvement of Louisiana Associates
Three men from Louisiana—Billy Wayne McKinnon, Larry Thompson, and Bobby Cumber—were implicated in the case. Robert allegedly connected with McKinnon through Bobby Cumber, a hardware clerk, to hire a private detective who ultimately became entangled in the murder plot.

“Marshall would have signs out of cardboard and turn around, show it to his kids and say I love you.”—Robert Marshall during Trial [20:28]

Key Evidence
One critical piece of evidence was a manipulated tire on Robert’s car. Investigators discovered a two-inch cut in the sidewall, making it impossible for Robert to have driven the car from Atlantic City without the tire blowing out—a pivotal factor that initially implicated him.

“There was about a 2 inch cut in the sidewall. Perfect for somebody who had a fairly large knife and just stuck it in there and let it out.”—Lieutenant Jim Churchill [09:15]

The Trial

Prosecution’s Strategy
The prosecution decided to try Robert Marshall and Larry Thompson together, with Billy Wayne McKinnon as a key witness. McKinnon, a former deputy sheriff turned private detective, claimed that Robert had hired him to murder Maria. However, McKinnon later revealed his true intentions were to extort money from Robert rather than carry out the killing.

“McKinnon has no intention of doing this, but he has an intention of bleeding this guy for money.”—Lieutenant Jim Churchill [06:44]

Robert Marshall’s Defense
In a surprising move, Robert chose to testify in his own defense. He admitted to the affair with Saran Crashhauer and other women but vehemently denied involvement in his wife's murder. His testimony included emotional displays, such as giving thumbs-ups to his family during questioning.

“I didn’t do it. I was a loving father and didn’t do it.”—Robert Marshall [19:10]

Notable Exchange
One of the most dramatic moments occurred during cross-examination when the prosecutor highlighted Robert’s continued display of his wedding ring, questioning the absence of any collection of Maria’s ashes.

“He didn't pick up the ashes of Maria Marshall at the funeral home.”—Prosecutor [20:55]

Verdict and Aftermath

Conviction of Robert Marshall
Despite his defense, the jury found Robert guilty, and he was sentenced to death. The emotional weight of the trial had a profound impact on his family and the community.

“What happened was after the verdict came in, he fainted and they took him to a local hospital.”—Lieutenant Jim Churchill [26:49]

Acquittal of Larry Thompson
In a surprising twist, Larry Thompson was acquitted. His alibi, backed by family and community testimonies, convinced the jury of his innocence, despite significant evidence pointing towards his involvement.

“The jury acquitted Larry Thompson.”—Sloane Glass [27:16]

Public Reaction
The local community of Toms River was left in turmoil, with the case remaining a topic of discussion for decades. A poignant photograph capturing Thompson leaving the scene while Robert lay injured became an iconic image symbolizing the unresolved tensions of the case.

Later Developments

Larry Thompson’s Confession
Three decades later, in 2014, Lieutenant Jim Churchill finally received a confession from Larry Thompson, who admitted to fabricating his alibi and committing the murder. This revelation provided long-awaited closure for Maria Marshall’s family, particularly her son Robbie.

“Did you fire those shots that killed Maria Marshall? Yes, I did.”—Larry Thompson [32:00]

Robert Marshall’s Death
Robert Marshall remained incarcerated until he died of a stroke in 2015, mere months before his scheduled parole hearing. His death effectively closed the chapter on the case, but not without lingering questions and a legacy of pain for his family.

“He was resented and had the possibility to address the court.”—Lieutenant Jim Churchill [30:15]

Conclusion and Reflections

Impact on the Community and Family
Maria Marshall’s murder left an indelible mark on Toms River, influencing countless lives and sparking conversations about justice and morality. The Marshall children, who endured the loss of their mother and the upheaval caused by their father’s actions, have carried the scars of this tragedy into their adult lives.

“It had an impact on a lot of people. It's a case that's still talked about in town.”—Linda Fenwick [30:51]

Lieutenant Jim Churchill’s Perspective
For Lieutenant Churchill, the case remains a poignant reminder of the complexities within criminal investigations and the pursuit of truth. The eventual confession by Thompson validated years of relentless dedication, bringing a semblance of justice for Maria Marshall.

“I feel I know more about him and her and Larry Thompson and McKinnon than I do some of my relatives.”—Lieutenant Jim Churchill [34:38]

Looking Forward

In the upcoming special bonus episode, Glass promises to shed light on Bobby Cumber’s role in the case— the unassuming hardware store clerk who connected Robert Marshall to Billy Wayne McKinnon. Peet emphasizes the importance of Cumber’s narrative, hinting at overlooked aspects that may have further unraveled this intricate murder-for-hire plot.

“The Bobby Cumber angle was small. He was the little guy that nobody really paid attention to.”—Judy Peet [35:36]

Final Thoughts

"Murder on the Parkway, Part 2" intricately weaves the factual evidence, personal testimonies, and emotional narratives surrounding Maria Marshall’s untimely death. Through meticulous storytelling and engaging interviews, Sloane Glass ensures that listeners gain a profound understanding of the case’s complexities and enduring impact.

Notable Quotes:

• “He had a girlfriend and he wanted out, and he wanted his wife to pay for it with her life.”—Judy Peet [05:06]
• “There was about a 2 inch cut in the sidewall.”—Lieutenant Jim Churchill [09:15]
• “I didn’t do it. I was a loving father and didn’t do it.”—Robert Marshall [19:10]
• “Did you fire those shots that killed Maria Marshall? Yes, I did.”—Larry Thompson [32:00]

For More Information:
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