Podcast Summary: America's Crime Lab

Episode Title: The Skull in the Wall: DNA Reveals Esther Granger’s Story
Release Date: October 8, 2025
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and Kaleidoscope

Overview of the Episode

In this gripping episode, "The Skull in the Wall," America's Crime Lab delves into one of the oldest cold cases ever solved using forensic genetic genealogy. The story revolves around the discovery of a human skull inside the wall of a house outside Chicago in 1978—and how, over 40 years later, cutting-edge DNA technology led to the identification of Esther Granger, a young woman who died in the 19th century. The episode offers a detailed look at the investigation, the emotional impact on those involved, and the tireless work of Othram, known as "America’s Crime Lab," in giving names back to the nameless.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Discovery (10:13 – 19:40)

• In 1978, James and Martha Skinner, new renters in Batavia, Illinois, began renovating their old two-story house.

• During the process, Martha discovered odd objects inside the wall: an ear of corn, five single shoes, old bottles, a black bonnet, and finally—a human jawbone and part of a human skull.

• Martha instantly recognized the jawbone as human and called the police.

  Martha Skinner: “The second the jawbone hit the ground, I knew it was human.” (approx. 13:15)

• Police, with the help of a cadaver dog, confirmed only that section of the house was affected. Everyone wondered: Was this the site of a murder? Was there danger still lurking?

2. The Early Investigation & Cold Case (19:40 – 22:44)

• Forensic anthropologist Dr. Clyde Snow, notable for his work on serial killer John Wayne Gacy and even examining JFK’s remains, determined the skull was of a white female, age 16-18, deceased before 1900.
• No match in missing persons records; the skull was turned over to the local history museum, remaining unidentified for decades.

3. Rediscovery & a Renewed Effort (22:45 – 27:45)

• In 2021, a museum employee in Batavia stumbled upon the skull boxed away during an office clean-out.

• Police reconnected the remains to the original case and approached Gabriella Ellison at the Kane County Coroner's office, who had personal motivation—her own grandfather’s murder had gone unresolved.

  Gabriella Ellison: “For me, it’s obviously about the families. And if I can help families get some answers, in a way, I’m maybe giving back to my family in some sort of, you know, way.” (24:42)

• Gabriella vowed the victim would not remain a Jane Doe.

4. The DNA Journey: Othram’s Role (approx. 27:46 – 39:54)

• With only skeletal remains as evidence, Gabriella and coroner Rob Russell contacted Othram’s forensic lab to attempt DNA extraction.

• Segment details how crime scene packages—often evidence as fragile as bones—safely arrive at Othram, where Raina Ramirez oversees chain-of-custody.

• Forensic technologists in Othram’s “bone room” carefully drill into bone to extract DNA.

  Kristin Mittelman (Othram scientist): “She’s going to drill into that bone and get a small amount... so that the DNA can be extracted.” (37:10)

• Using high-throughput sequencing, Othram identifies genetic markers used for genealogical research.

5. The Genealogy Detective Work (approx. 40:00 – 53:15)

• Chief genetic genealogist Carla Davis shares her personal connection to the field—her own search for her birth father and helping adoptees, as well as trauma from her daughter's friend being abducted and murdered.

  Carla Davis: “It’s just finding who he was... it completed the picture of who I was.” (42:30)

• Building from ancient DNA, Carla found the likely ancestors in census, birth, death, and military records, narrowing the mystery skull to one of six children from a 19th-century family.

• The focus fell on Esther Granger, born 1848 in Indiana.

6. Contacting Living Relatives & Solving the Case (53:16 – 60:25)

• Othram provided Gabriella with a list of present-day relatives for DNA confirmation.

• Wayne Swiller, a retiree and ex-police officer in Oregon, received the fateful call from Gabriella.

  Wayne Swiller: "I just gotta tell you right off the bat, I don’t believe you. This is just too incredible." (54:22)

• After his skepticism faded, Wayne agreed to a DNA swab, confirming Esther Ann Granger was his great-great-grandmother.

7. Esther Granger's Story & The Mystery Remains (60:26 – 64:57)

• Esther married young, died tragically after childbirth, and her infant daughter (also named Esther) survived.

• The why and how of her skull ending up inside the Batavia house wall is unresolved. Strong suspicion falls on 19th-century grave robbing for medical schools—the first house owner had been a doctor, and his son a surgeon.

• Only the skull was found; the rest of the body’s fate is unknown.

  Gabriella (on the grave robber theory): “Kind of gross to talk about, but a broker of body parts...” (62:48)

8. Return, Closure, and Reflection (64:58 – 67:58)

• The Batavia community offered to cremate Esther’s skull and inter her in the local cemetery; Wayne attended the ceremony.

• Wayne reflects on the emotional impact:

  Wayne Swiller: “It was just that wave of emotions... sadness about how we got to where we were, but also just the emotion of closure and the respect she deserved...” (66:40)

• The identification of Esther Granger replaced her anonymity, gave closure to her family, and connected them to their own history.

Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Martha Skinner's Shock: “The second the jawbone hit the ground, I knew it was human.” (13:15)
• Gabriella Ellison’s Motivation: “For me, it’s obviously about the families... in a way, I’m maybe giving back to my family in some sort of, you know, way.” (24:42)
• Othram Forensic Science: “She’s going to drill into that bone and get a small amount... so that the DNA can be extracted.” (37:10)
• Carla Davis's Personal Journey: “It’s just finding who he was... it completed the picture of who I was.” (42:30)
• Wayne Swiller, on the call: "I just gotta tell you right off the bat, I don’t believe you. This is just too incredible." (54:22)
• Wayne on closure: “It was just that wave of emotions... sadness... but also just the emotion of closure and the respect she deserved...” (66:40)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Discovery in the Wall: 10:13 – 19:40
• Forensic Investigation & Museum Cold Case: 19:40 – 22:44
• 2021 Rediscovery & Motivation: 22:45 – 27:45
• Othram Lab Process & Chain of Custody: 27:46 – 39:54
• Genealogy Detective Work: 40:00 – 53:15
• Contacting Modern Relatives (Wayne Swiller): 53:16 – 60:25
• Esther's Story & Theories on Remains: 60:26 – 64:57
• Reinterring & Emotional Reflections: 64:58 – 67:58

Conclusion

This episode of America's Crime Lab is a captivating journey from a 1970s home renovation to a 19th-century family mystery solved through the marvels of forensic DNA and genealogy. It movingly illustrates how modern science can finally give a voice and a name to the silenced, offering both families and communities a chance for closure — even after 150 years.

Useful for: True crime enthusiasts, genealogy buffs, students of forensic science, and anyone interested in how new technology intersects with history and human experience.