Bone Valley Podcast: Jeremy | Chapter 4 - Horse and Buggy

Release Date: April 23, 2025
Host: Gilbert King
Production: Lava for Good Podcasts in association with Signal Co. No1

Introduction

In Chapter 4 - Horse and Buggy of the groundbreaking podcast Bone Valley, host Gilbert King delves deeper into the controversial case surrounding Jeremy Scott. This episode uncovers new evidence and testimonies that challenge the convictions of Leo Schofield and Dan Odie, suggesting that Jeremy Scott may be responsible for a series of unsolved murders in Florida.

Revisiting Jeremy Scott's Confessions

The episode begins with Gilbert King discussing his initial discovery of Jeremy Scott’s confessions. Fifteen years after Michelle Schofield's murder, Jeremy Scott, a previously unidentified individual, confessed to her murder as well as others, including the killing of a taxicab driver, Joseph Levera ([04:41]).

• Gilbert King [04:41]: "Jeremy Scott has become my most constant ally. Someone I believe is being more truthful and more credible than the prosecutors and sheriffs."

Jeremy’s confessions were detailed and included a precise account of the murders, including a meticulously hand-drawn map matching witness testimonies and police reports ([24:51]).

Confronting Law Enforcement Challenges

King faced significant obstacles when presenting Jeremy’s confessions to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. Despite compelling evidence, including Jeremy's detailed letter and corroborative testimonies, the Sheriff's Office dismissed the claims, maintaining that Dan Odie was the rightful suspect.

• Gilbert King [23:09]: "The Osceola County Sheriff's Office destroyed all of it [physical evidence]... There's no way to know if the prints left behind were his."

The Florida prosecutor reinforced the Sheriff's stance, deeming Jeremy’s confessions as mere fabrications intended to manipulate King, a perspective that has stymied efforts to reopen the case ([04:08]).

New Leads and Testimonies

An unexpected message from retired Detective Buddy Shepard, who initially prosecuted Dan Odie, added a new layer of complexity to the investigation. Shepard's willingness to speak raised hopes for uncovering hidden truths ([09:39]).

• Buddy Shepard: "I know Mr. Scott. He's been dead for three years now... Watch out, Cujo baby."

King and his team met with Shepard, hoping to gain insights that could solidify Jeremy’s confessions. However, Shepard's revelations were minimal, further deepening the mystery ([12:57]).

Tracking Down Joseph Levera's Ex-Wife

In a poignant segment, King attempts to connect with Janet, Joseph Levera’s ex-wife, to understand more about her late husband. Janet’s recounting of their life together humanizes Joseph, painting him as a hardworking taxicab driver with a passion for fishing and martial arts.

• Kelsey [19:47]: "JB loved to fish... He was handsome... He loved martial arts."

Janet’s tragic loss of her husband and son, Christopher, adds emotional depth to the narrative, highlighting the personal costs of unsolved murders.

Destroyed Evidence and Its Implications

A critical turning point in the episode is the revelation that the physical evidence from Joseph Levera’s murder was destroyed by the Sheriff's Office in 2009, eliminating any possibility of DNA or fingerprint verification ([36:21]).

• Gilbert King [36:21]: "The Osceola County Sheriff's Office destroyed all of it. I know that there had been a hat, hair samples, a bullet... Jeremy Scott left fingerprints at the other three murders he confessed to."

This destruction not only hampers the pursuit of justice but also solidifies Jeremy’s position as an overlooked and possibly pivotal figure in multiple murders.

Family Connections and Symbolic Evidence

The conversation delves into the significance of a black baseball cap, a key piece of evidence that Jeremy linked to his cousin Jason and was essential in identifying his presence at the crime scene. Despite efforts to locate photographic evidence, the cap's destruction poses a significant hurdle.

• Jeremy Scott [47:48]: "When I came out of prison, my brother had it and I took it back."

King’s persistent efforts to recover or find alternative evidence surrounding the cap underscore the intricacies of unraveling long-buried truths.

Law Enforcement’s Reluctance to Reopen Cases

King's interactions with the State Attorney’s office reveal a systemic reluctance to revisit the case without substantial new physical evidence, leaving Jeremy Scott’s confessions largely dismissed. This institutional inertia encapsulates the challenges faced by those seeking justice against entrenched legal narratives.

• Gilbert King [37:50]: "Unless they find some physical evidence from a legal standpoint, it's going to be difficult for them to go forward."

Personal and Emotional Toll

Throughout the investigation, King reflects on the emotional burden of reopening these old cases. The pain it causes to families like Janet’s and the frustration of not being able to secure justice for individuals like Dan Odie amplify the podcast’s narrative.

• Kelsey [50:51]: "It's like opening a wound. That or that box that you close up and put on the shelf and just leave it there."

Conclusion and Ongoing Efforts

Despite the setbacks, King remains undeterred in his mission to uncover the truth behind Joseph Levera’s murder and Jeremy Scott’s involvement. The episode concludes with a determination to continue the fight for justice, despite the systemic barriers and the emotional costs involved.

• Gilbert King [52:31]: "I just really always wanted to be able to come back to you and say, all right, this is it. This is who did it, and there's going to be charges and your name will be officially cleared."

Key Takeaways

1. Jeremy Scott’s Confessions: Detailed and corroborated by witness testimonies, yet dismissed by authorities due to lack of physical evidence.
2. Systemic Barriers: Destruction of critical evidence by the Sheriff's Office has obstructed the pursuit of justice.
3. Personal Impact: The emotional toll on victims’ families and those seeking justice underscores the human element of cold cases.
4. Ongoing Investigation: Despite obstacles, King remains committed to uncovering the truth and seeks to challenge the established narrative.

Notable Quotes

• Gilbert King [04:41]: "Jeremy Scott has become my most constant ally. Someone I believe is being more truthful and more credible than the prosecutors and sheriffs."
• Buddy Shepard [09:39]: "Mr. Scott's my daddy and he's been dead for three years now."
• Kelsey [19:47]: "JB loved to fish... He was handsome... He loved martial arts."
• Gilbert King [37:50]: "Unless they find some physical evidence from a legal standpoint, it's going to be difficult for them to go forward."
• Kelsey [50:51]: "It's like opening a wound."
• Gilbert King [52:31]: "I just really always wanted to be able to come back to you and say, all right, this is it. This is who did it, and there's going to be charges and your name will be officially cleared."

Looking Forward

Bone Valley continues to probe the depths of unsolved crimes, shedding light on overlooked evidence and challenging established legal outcomes. As Chapter 4 concludes, listeners are left anticipating the next steps in Gilbert King’s relentless pursuit of truth and justice.

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