American Homicide: S1E5 – Murder in the Desert, Part 2
Introduction
In the fifth episode of the first season, titled "Murder in the Desert, Part 2," American Homicide delves deeper into the chilling triple murder case that shook the serene community of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Hosted by journalist Sloan Glass, this episode meticulously unpacks the investigation, the relentless pursuit of justice, and the profound impact the case had on both the victims' families and the local law enforcement. Through interviews with key figures such as prosecutor Amy Orlando and detectives like Robin Gokovich, listeners are guided through the intricate web of deceit, fear, and determination that characterized this high-stakes investigation.
The Triple Murder Case
The foundation of this episode rests on the harrowing events of 2010, when the lives of Jill DeLisle, her wife Helga DeLisle, and business partner Peter Wythe were abruptly ended in a violent triple homicide. Sloan Glass sets the stage by highlighting the significance of this case within Las Cruces, an otherwise safe and tight-knit community.
Sloan Glass [03:36]: "That safe feeling was shattered in 2010 following the triple murder of Jill and Helga DeLisle and Peter Wythe."
Prosecutor Amy Orlando provides insight into the community's reaction, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of such a tragedy in Las Cruces.
Amy Orlando [03:43]: "This was the biggest homicide that we had had since the 80s. And trust me, as the prosecutor, leading kind of the legal part of it and working with law enforcement, we all felt that stress because we did not want to be, you know, the group that went down to not solve a triple homicide, which was our biggest case of that nature in Las Cruces."
Investigating the Suspect: Gino Ferry
As the investigation unfolds, suspicion initially falls on Gene O'Farre (referred to as Gino Ferry), a contractor with business ties to the victims. The breakdown of their professional relationship, marked by financial disputes and eventual bankruptcy, sets a plausible motive.
Sloan Glass [04:15]: "Amy Orlando: We narrowed in on kind of one suspect, and his name was Gene O'Farre."
Gino Ferry's behavior raises red flags among the detectives. His arrogance and perceived ability to outsmart law enforcement lead them to employ more sophisticated surveillance tactics.
Detective Robin Gokovich [06:05]: "He was a type of individual that thought he was smarter than everybody and he could get away with anything that he did."
Ricky Huckabee: The Reluctant Witness
A turning point in the investigation comes with Ricky Huckabee, a convicted felon who had worked odd jobs with Ferry, including driving him to the victims' home on the day of the murders. Initially fearful of Ferry's wrath, Huckabee is persuaded to cooperate with authorities in exchange for protection.
Sloan Glass [05:28]: "Amy Orlando: So Ms. Tuckerby, I think, was getting a little frustrated with Gino because he'd always talk in circles."
Huckabee's eventual cooperation provides crucial evidence. During a conversation, Ferry's nonchalant admission inadvertently solidifies his guilt.
Sloan Glass [05:42]: "Amy Orlando: There's one point in the investigation where he said to Gino, 'Would you really do it again? Would you do anything different?' And Gino said to him, 'Yes, I would do it again.'"
Despite this seemingly damning statement, the district attorney remains cautious, insisting on further evidence to build a watertight case.
The Hunt Intensifies
As months pass, the pressure mounts on law enforcement to apprehend Ferry. His increasing paranoia leads him to surveil investigators, prompting them to adopt more aggressive strategies, including placing GPS trackers on his vehicles.
Robin Gokovich [07:09]: "He had the mentality of, like, he was like the godfather, you know?"
The discovery of over a hundred guns and a bizarre collection of stuffed exotic animals in Ferry's storage units adds layers to his criminal profile, though initially, these items do not directly link him to the murders.
Sloan Glass [08:58]: "Robin Gokovich: We found over 500 animals, like exotic animals, like lions, tigers, full size animals, bears, deer, elk, rhinos."
These revelations not only highlight Ferry's potential for violence but also suggest a deeper, more disturbed psyche.
The Arrest and Flight
On April 8, 2012, just days shy of a year after the murders, law enforcement finally secures a warrant for Ferry's arrest. However, the story takes a dramatic turn when GPS data reveals Ferry's attempted escape to Mexico.
Sloan Glass [10:34]: "Detective Alex Cross: We thought that somehow he had found out that we were about to charge him and we think he's fleeing."
The urgency escalates as authorities mobilize an extensive pursuit, leading to Ferry's capture in El Paso, Texas, without incident.
Robin Gokovich [12:27]: "We get to El Paso, we're in communication with El Paso Police Department. He's here at this location. He's at this intersection."
Trial and Heightened Security
The trial of Gino Ferry in May 2013 is depicted as a high-security affair, fraught with tension and fear. Ferry's erratic behavior and explicit threats necessitate an unprecedented level of protection within the courthouse.
Amy Orlando [20:10]: "We had snipers on the roof every day, and lunch break, any break, they combed the courthouse with the dogs."
Ferry's antagonistic demeanor and continuous threats to harm witnesses like Ricky Huckabee underscore the genuine danger faced by those seeking justice.
Robin Gokovich [20:32]: "He's a scary guy and we don't want that kind of person in our community."
Key Testimonies and Defense Tactics
Ricky Huckabee takes the stand as the prosecution's pivotal witness. His testimony recounts Ferry's confession and the gruesome details of the murders, painting a clear picture of Ferry's culpability.
Ricky Huckabee [22:36]: "He used a key to get inside the DeLisle's house and wore a mask and rubber gloves. When Jill DeLisle first arrived, Gino shot him repeatedly. A short time later, Peter Wythe unexpectedly showed up. Gino grabbed him by the back of the head and then forced him into a bathroom shower where he shot him. When Helga arrived, Gino shot her once in the back of the neck."
Ferry's defense attorney, Gary Mitchell, aggressively challenges Huckabee's credibility, suggesting alternative motives and questioning the validity of the confession.
Gary Mitchell [23:36]: "I think this idea that Rick Huckabee says that Gino confessed to him is a bunch of nonsense."
The defense presents an alibi for Ferry, supported by a receipt and testimony from a friend, attempting to create reasonable doubt.
Gary Mitchell [24:17]: "We had an alibi depending on the time you're talking about. He was either eating a meal or he was visiting with a friend that he had here."
However, the prosecution adeptly undermines this defense by revealing discrepancies, such as the incorrect timestamp on Ferry's receipt due to daylight savings time adjustments, which places him at the deli during the time of the murders.
Sloan Glass [25:01]: "...the clocks on his cash register were wrong. They were an hour behind because they hadn't been adjusted for daylight savings time."
Jury Deliberation and Verdict
After an intense trial marked by heightened security measures and the ever-present fear of retaliation, the jury deliberates for a notably short period of two and a half hours before delivering a verdict.
Sloan Glass [31:30]: "Amy Orlando: When they came back quickly. It's always an uneasy feeling. It's obviously either a good sign or bad sign."
The swift deliberation suggests a consensus on Ferry's guilt, culminating in his conviction on three counts of first-degree murder.
Sloan Glass [32:00]: "Jury found Gino Ferry guilty."
Ferry is subsequently sentenced to three life terms without the possibility of parole for 90 years, effectively ensuring he remains incarcerated for the rest of his life.
Sloan Glass [32:40]: "The judge sentenced Gino Ferry to three life sentences. He was 50 years old at the time of his sentencing and won't be eligible for parole for 90 years."
Aftermath and Reflections
The resolution of the case brings a semblance of closure to the victims' families and the Las Cruces community. However, the emotional toll on law enforcement, particularly Sergeant Joe Renaud, underscores the personal sacrifices made in pursuit of justice.
Detective Alex Cross [33:17]: "I was blown away."
Ferry's continued defiance, including a civil lawsuit against the New Mexico Department of Corrections, illustrates his unrepentant nature even behind bars.
Sloan Glass [36:16]: "But Gino Ferry would never be done. In 2018, Gino filed a civil lawsuit against the New Mexico Department of Corrections."
For the community, Las Cruces gradually returns to its peaceful state, though the scars of the triple murder and the intense investigation remain.
Concluding Thoughts
"Murder in the Desert, Part 2" masterfully captures the relentless pursuit of justice in the face of intimidation and danger. Through detailed narratives and firsthand accounts, Sloan Glass and his interviewees paint a vivid picture of the complexities involved in solving one of Las Cruces' most notorious crimes. The episode not only highlights the procedural aspects of the investigation but also delves into the psychological and emotional dimensions experienced by those involved. As the community heals and law enforcement reflects on the lessons learned, the episode stands as a testament to the resilience and dedication required to confront and overcome such tragic events.
Notable Quotes
- Amy Orlando [03:43]: "This was the biggest homicide that we had had since the 80s."
- Robin Gokovich [06:05]: "He was a type of individual that thought he was smarter than everybody and he could get away with anything that he did."
- Ricky Huckabee [15:56]: "Gino had arrived back at the park where they had planned to meet, Gino had gone into the portable outdoor bathroom latrine and he walked in with a duffel bag and he walked out without the bag."
- Detective Alex Cross [15:24]: "The crime lab calls us and they did in fact confirm that all three were killed with a 9 millimeter handgun, which was an Uzi type weapon, which leaves very distinctive marks."
- Gary Mitchell [22:36]: "I think this idea that Rick Huckabee says that Gino confessed to him is a bunch of nonsense."
- Amy Orlando [28:25]: "The worst part for a prosecutor is when the jury leaves the courtroom to deliberate because there's absolutely nothing else we can do."
- Detective Alex Cross [33:17]: "I was blown away."
Conclusion
This episode of American Homicide not only recounts a compelling criminal case but also humanizes the individuals striving to uphold justice against formidable odds. Through in-depth storytelling and poignant interviews, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted challenges inherent in solving complex murder cases. "Murder in the Desert, Part 2" serves as a powerful narrative of resilience, dedication, and the unyielding pursuit of truth in the face of darkness.