Cold Case Files: REOPENED — "A is for Arson"
Original Air Date: May 7, 2026
Host/Narrator: Marisa Pinson (A&E / PodcastOne)
Episode Overview
This gripping episode revisits the decades-old arson case that claimed the life of firefighter Gary Parks in Everett, Washington, in 1987. Host Marisa Pinson narrates a journey through trauma, family resilience, dogged detective work, and the modern breakthroughs that finally brought justice. Listeners are taken from the harrowing night of the fire through false leads, heartbreak, and the ultimate confession from an unlikely suspect nearly 35 years later.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Fire and Gary Parks’ Sacrifice
(01:25–07:19)
- On February 16, 1987, a massive fire broke out at the Everett Community College's library. Firefighter Gary Parks, normally the engine driver, bravely entered the building and died from smoke inhalation.
- First responders recall intense, chaotic conditions, highlighting Gary’s heroism.
- Quote: “At his own risk, he selflessly took off his mask and freely offered the very air that was sustaining him in that fire and held it out toward me. That’s why Gary is a hero.” — Deputy Chief Sam Franchimone (07:19)
2. Impact on the Parks Family and Community
(07:34–10:46)
- Family members Kathy (wife), Aaron, and Jennifer (daughters) reminisce about Gary’s warmth, humor, and love for life, describing the personal and community loss.
- Gary’s ethos as someone “born to help,” who “fulfilled his dream by becoming a firefighter” (Kathy Parks, 10:06).
3. The Immediate Investigation and Determination of Arson
(10:46–12:18)
- Initial fire investigation finds that the fire was intentionally set. Books and papers were used as starter fuel.
- Quote: “If you set a fire and a firefighter dies, you’re guilty of first-degree murder.” — Bruce Hansen, Fire Marshal (12:03)
4. Early Suspects: Security Guards and the “Street Kids”
(14:46–18:56)
- Security guard Fred Gorham is briefly a suspect after inconsistencies but is eventually cleared; confesses he was asleep on duty, not wanting to get in trouble.
- Attention shifts to a group of troubled local kids, including Elmer Nash, after a witness offers a bizarre “astral projection” story implicating a fair-haired boy. Nash denies involvement and passes a polygraph.
5. The False Trail: Serial Arsonist Paul Keller
(19:02–23:29)
- Years later, Paul Keller, responsible for a regional arson spree and multiple deaths, becomes a suspect.
- Investigators unravel circumstantial evidence (proximity, fire interest), but his MO and logistics don’t fit the Everett case; he had not lived near the college at the time, nor appeared on fire scene video.
- Quote: “The investigation really started slowing down.” — Detective Kwalczyk (23:29)
6. Cold Case Revived — New Investigative Push
(24:01–25:47, 25:57–27:54)
- On the 30th anniversary of the crime, Detective Mike Atwood picks up the cold case, prioritizes thorough review, and brings in Special Agent Dawn T. Dodsworth’s expertise.
7. Break in the Case: Elmer Nash Revisited
(28:15–34:48)
- By chance, Nash is found in jail and agrees to talk. Under polygraph and interrogation, Nash first minimizes involvement, then confesses: he set the fire with a wooden kitchen match to cover up a burglary with friends.
- Quote: “He said, ‘I used a wooden kitchen match,’ and I almost fell out of my chair.” — Detective Kwalczyk (31:12)
- Nash later tries to recant his confession, claiming no memory of the event.
8. Prosecutorial Hurdles and a Long-awaited Breakthrough
(35:41–38:11)
- Despite the recantation, new forensic analysis by Dodsworth supports the confession and original arson conclusion; the case is submitted for prosecution.
- Nash is formally charged with arson, burglary, and first-degree murder based on his age at the time of the offense.
9. The Plea Deal and Sentencing Saga
(38:32–42:21)
- Nash accepts a plea deal, facing a much shorter sentence due to juvenile status. Family is left angry and frustrated.
- Quote: “What kind of crap is that?...But this crime was committed when Elmer was 12 years old, so they had to charge him based on his age at the time of the crime.” — Aaron Parks (39:00)
- Nash fails to appear for sentencing, is pursued and eventually tracked down by U.S. Marshals.
- Upon sentencing, the judge rejects the light sentence—Nash receives 10 years and lifetime community supervision.
- Quote: “Today the court is sentencing a grown man who sadly appears to have not fully grown up.” — Judge David Kurtz (42:21)
10. Family, Forgiveness, and Gary’s Legacy
(42:52–44:22)
- Emotional confrontation between Kathy Parks and Elmer’s mother leads to a moment of mutual compassion and forgiveness.
- Quote: “I just got overwhelmed with a feeling that I had to touch her. It was wonderful. I pray for her. I love her. That’s maybe where my forgiveness is.” — Kathy Parks (42:59)
- Gary Parks’s legacy is honored through a campus building, a sculpture, and a scholarship in his name for aspiring firefighters.
- Quote: “He touched so many lives. My dad was a hero. He still is a hero.” — Jennifer Parks (44:22)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- "At his own risk, he selflessly took off his mask and freely offered the very air that was sustaining him in that fire and held it out toward me. That’s why Gary is a hero." — Deputy Chief Sam Franchimone (07:19)
- "If you set a fire and a firefighter dies, you’re guilty of first-degree murder." — Bruce Hansen (12:03)
- "He said, 'I used a wooden kitchen match,' and I almost fell out of my chair." — Detective Kwalczyk (31:12)
- "Today the court is sentencing a grown man who sadly appears to have not fully grown up." — Judge David Kurtz (42:21)
- "I just got overwhelmed with a feeling that I had to touch her...That's maybe where my forgiveness is." — Kathy Parks (42:59)
- "He touched so many lives. My dad was a hero. He still is a hero." — Jennifer Parks (44:22)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [01:25] – Kathy Parks recounts learning of Gary’s death
- [03:09] – Firefighters describe the inferno and Gary’s heroism
- [10:46] – Family and community impact, investigation launch
- [12:03] – Fire officially ruled as arson/murder
- [14:46] – Initial suspects, security guard interviews
- [18:56] – New leads: the street kids, Elmer Nash enters
- [23:29] – Paul Keller theory fizzles
- [25:22] – Detective Atwood reopens the case, new resolve
- [28:27] – Unexpectedly re-encountering Nash in jail
- [31:12] – Nash confessed to using a wooden kitchen match
- [34:30] – Detective delivers case update to Parks family
- [39:00] – Family reacts to plea deal and sentencing issues
- [41:17] – Nash’s emotional courtroom apology
- [42:41] – Final sentencing: 10 years, lifetime community supervision
- [43:43] – Kathy Parks’ act of forgiveness
- [44:08] – Gary's legacy: building, sculpture, scholarship
Conclusion
This emotionally charged episode of Cold Case Files is a testament to persistence and the human cost of unresolved tragedy. With moving firsthand accounts, dogged investigation, and eventual closure—but not perfect resolution—for Gary Parks’ family, it’s a powerful story of heroism, heartbreak, and ultimately, hard-won justice. The memory of Gary Parks endures through community recognition and the lives inspired by his legacy.