American Homicide: Season 1, Episode 4 – "Murder in the Desert, Part 1"

Release Date: October 31, 2024
Host: Sloane Glass
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and Glass Podcasts

Introduction to the Case

In the tranquil desert town of Las Cruces, New Mexico, a shocking triple homicide disrupts the peaceful community. On April 14, 2010, elderly couple Jill and Helga Delisle, along with their business partner Peter Wythe, were brutally murdered in their affluent hillside home. This episode delves into the intricate details of the case, exploring how the unique desert landscape of Las Cruces is intertwined with the crime.

Victims' Background

Jill and Helga Delisle were prominent figures in Las Cruces. Helga, a multilingual academic with doctorates in language, was a respected professor at New Mexico State University and an active member of the local art scene, known for her acrylic paintings. Jill was an inventive entrepreneur who developed devices aimed at improving everyday tasks, such as a Christmas tree planter that preserved roots and a gas mileage extender. Despite their professional successes, the Delisles lived a relatively private life, frequently traveling internationally and maintaining no children.

Discovery of the Murders

On the afternoon of April 14, 2010, a welfare check at the Delisle residence revealed a gruesome scene. Detectives entered the home through a broken window, finding Helga lying face down in the kitchen with signs of a violent attack. Blood traces extended from her head to where the kitchen met the dining area. Shortly after, Jill was discovered, also face down and soaked in blood, suggesting a swift and brutal execution. The third victim, Peter Wythe, was found in the walk-in shower, clutching his grocery bag—a stark contrast to the otherwise undisturbed and clean environment of the house. Notably, nothing appeared to have been stolen, pointing to a targeted killing rather than a robbery.

Detective Alex Cross (08:40): "It appeared to be an intentional homicide. Whoever did this just absolutely hated these people."

Investigation Begins

Prosecutor Amy Orlando joined the investigative team to piece together the timeline and motive. Initial evidence included shell casings from a 9mm gun and a missing white Nissan Pathfinder belonging to Mr. Delisle. Additionally, the Delisles' landline telephone displayed a series of calls from nearby payphones around the time of the murders, culminating in a menacing voicemail threatening Jill's life.

Detective Alex Cross (12:21): "I'm gonna put a bullet in your head. You understand that, you little disrespectful little mother."

The Suspect: Gino Ferry

All evidence pointed towards Gino Ferry, a former contractor who had been embroiled in a bitter legal dispute with the Delisles. Gino had mismanaged the Delisles' real estate investments, accruing over a million dollars in debts and filing fraudulent bankruptcy to avoid repayment. This financial enmity provided a clear motive for the murders.

Gino Ferry (16:24): "He never really owned anything or really did anything successful in his own right. He just always was like trying to make the next dollar. In other words, a scam artist, a con artist."

Despite Gino's threatening demeanor and history of fraud, concrete evidence linking him to the murders was initially lacking. His alibi—that he was at the gym during the time of the killings—fell apart when investigators found no records of his gym attendance.

Uncovering Evidence

The breakthrough came almost a year later when the Delisles' missing vehicle was found parked ominously across from the sheriff's department, seemingly mocking law enforcement efforts. Surveillance footage from a nearby gas station revealed Gino and another individual making calls to the Delisles' home around the estimated time of the murders. Further investigation identified Ricky Huckabee, a convicted felon and acquaintance of Gino, as the person in the footage.

After intensive questioning and the promise of protection, Huckabee recounted how Gino had orchestrated the murders. According to Huckabee, Gino had manipulated him into meeting the Delisles under the guise of negotiating their legal battle. Once at the scene, Gino executed the murders with the help of an Uzi, demonstrating meticulous planning and a cold-blooded approach.

Gino Ferry (20:27): "Basically says, yeah, I didn't like motherf ker. But I wasn't there. It wasn't me. I can prove where I was."

Breakthrough and Arrest

With Huckabee’s confession and the corroborating surveillance footage, law enforcement had sufficient evidence to move against Gino Ferry. However, Gino proved to be a formidable adversary, engaging in a tense standoff that involved bomb-sniffing dogs and snipers, an unprecedented move in Las Cruces.

Detective Alex Cross (36:53): "Gino was just a hothead. If you said the wrong thing, it pressed a button and the fuse was lit. And so we had to convince the DA we've got to charge this guy. He's too dangerous."

The standoff highlighted the dangerous lengths Gino would go to evade justice, pushing the local community and law enforcement to their limits. Despite his efforts to taunt the police, the relentless pursuit by investigators ultimately led to his apprehension.

Conclusion

As the episode concludes, the meticulous investigation strategies and dedication of Las Cruces' law enforcement showcase the intricate process of solving such a heinous crime. The stark contrast between the serene desert setting and the brutal murders underscores the profound impact of the Delisle murders on the community.

Detective Alex Cross (37:14): "Nerve-wracking. Very nerve-wracking."

This episode sets the stage for the next installment, promising further revelations and the culmination of the manhunt for Gino Ferry.

Notable Quotes:

• Detective Alex Cross (08:40): "It appeared to be an intentional homicide. Whoever did this just absolutely hated these people."
• Gino Ferry (16:24): "He never really owned anything or really did anything successful in his own right. He just always was like trying to make the next dollar. In other words, a scam artist, a con artist."
• Detective Alex Cross (12:21): "I'm gonna put a bullet in your head. You understand that, you little disrespectful little mother."
• Detective Alex Cross (37:14): "Nerve-wracking. Very nerve-wracking."

Key Takeaways:

• The Delisle murders were a meticulously planned attack driven by financial motives and personal enmity.
• Gino Ferry's fraudulent activities and threatening behavior made him the prime suspect, despite initial lack of physical evidence.
• Surveillance footage and Ricky Huckabee's confession were pivotal in linking Gino to the crime.
• The episode highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in piecing together evidence in a seemingly untouched crime scene.

Stay tuned for the next episode of American Homicide, where the intense manhunt for Gino Ferry intensifies, revealing deeper layers of deception and danger.