Cold Case Files: Episode Summary – "Murder in the Bayou: Horror in Starkville Mississippi"

Hosted by Paula Barros, this episode delves into one of Starkville, Mississippi’s most haunting unsolved murders from 1990. Through meticulous investigation and advancements in forensic technology, the case that once seemed impenetrable eventually found its resolution. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing all essential elements, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

1. Introduction

The episode opens by setting the stage in Starkville, Mississippi—a close-knit college town where community members know one another intimately. On Labor Day weekend in 1990, the tranquility of this small town is shattered by a brutal double murder that leaves the community in shock and fear.

2. The Labor Day Murders (September 3, 1990)

Victims:

• Catherine Kriegler (81 years old)
• Betty Jones

Event:
On the night of September 3, 1990, Catherine Kriegler and her aunt, Betty Jones, were attacked in their Starkville home. Catherine, confined to a wheelchair, was brutally raped by the assailant, while Betty was stabbed to death.

Impact on Community:
The murders not only resulted in tragic loss but also instilled a pervasive sense of fear and vulnerability within Starkville. Community members grappled with the reality that such heinous crimes could occur even in their seemingly safe environment.

Notable Quotes:

• Dolph Bryan (Former Sheriff, 04:43):
  “This was a brutal, brutal crime. Something this horrific is not supposed to happen in small town Starkville.”

• Andrea Self (Local Reporter, 07:12):
  “Because of Betty, there was always an awareness that we had to be careful. But did we think something like that would happen in our little town? Absolutely not.”

3. Initial Investigation Efforts

Lead Investigator:
Dolph Bryan, the former sheriff of Oktoc County, spearheaded the initial investigation.

Challenges:

• Lack of Clear Motive:
  The crime scene provided little evidence pointing to a specific motive, as nothing of significant value was taken aside from some money from a purse.

• Evidence Collection:
  Despite thorough efforts, investigators couldn’t locate the murder weapon or any direct evidence linking a suspect to the crime.

Suspect – Evan Fager: Evan Fager, a 19-year-old local man, emerged as the primary suspect early in the investigation. Several factors pointed towards him:

• Fascination with Knives:
  Fager ran a knife sharpening business, aligning with the use of a sharp knife in Betty’s murder.

• Cigarette Packaging:
  A specific brand found at the crime scene matched cigarettes that only two stores in town sold, one of which Fager frequented.

• Proximity:
  Fager lived just a few houses down from the victims, and it was reported that he left a party earlier that night, potentially placing him near the crime scene.

Notable Quotes:

• Juky Hold (Catherine’s Granddaughter, 09:12):
  “The fact that my 81-year-old granny survived such a traumatic event is astonishing. To this day, I am still astonished at my granny's strength.”

• Dolph Bryan (04:43):
  “I've seen a lot when you see a friend of yours that's been brutalized like that, it's something never goes away.”

4. Cold Case Status and Subsequent Investigations

Despite the mounting circumstantial evidence against Evan Fager, including DNA collected and stored from cigarette butts and a rape kit, Fager was never charged. The primary reason was the absence of definitive evidence linking him directly to the crime.

Cold Case Factors:

• Evan's Alibi:
  Fager claimed he was with his girlfriend during the time of the murders, and this was corroborated, leaving investigators without concrete proof.

• DNA Limitations:
  At the time, DNA technology was not as advanced. The initial DNA profiles were insufficient to definitively connect Fager to the crime.

As years passed, the case grew cold, leaving families without closure and fostering lingering distrust and fear within the community.

5. Reopening the Case and Breakthroughs

Renewed Efforts (2004):
Bill Lott, a retired investigator from the Starkville Police Department, took over the case in 2004, motivated by advancements in DNA technology.

Key Developments:

• Re-examination of Evidence:
  Lott focused on preserved evidence, particularly the rape kit, which had been stored under optimal conditions.

• DNA Analysis:
  In 2005, the rape kit yielded a seminiferous DNA profile, presenting new avenues for the investigation. However, initial DNA databases did not provide a match.

Shift to Genetic Genealogy: By 2018, leveraging genetic genealogy techniques allowed investigators to expand their search beyond traditional DNA databases, leading to the identification of Michael Devaughan as a potential suspect.

Notable Quotes:

• Bill Lott (21:58):
  “If we could just get this profile developed on this sexual assault kit, we have a good strong piece of evidence.”

• Jason Jones (22:45):
  “The profile could be the smoking gun in this case.”

6. Identification and Arrest of Michael Devaughan

Suspect Identification:
Using genetic genealogy, investigators identified Michael Devaughan, a 51-year-old man living near Boonville, as a critical suspect. His DNA matched the evidence collected from the crime scene.

Arrest and Confrontation: Detectives, led by Bill Lott, confronted Devaughan, presenting the DNA evidence that conclusively linked him to the murders.

Sentence:
Faced with overwhelming evidence, Devaughan opted to plead guilty to avoid the death penalty, receiving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Notable Quotes:

• Jason Jones (29:16):
  “We analyzed it and compared it to the sample from Ms. Kreigler's sexual assault kit. Michael Devaughan's DNA was not a match, so that effectively ruled him out as the person who murdered Ms. Jones and attacked Ms. Kreigler.”

• Dolph Bryan (23:34):
  “I'm sorry for Evan Fager happened to carry that load that he had to carry.”

7. Community Impact and Reflections

Family Perspective:
The families of Catherine Kriegler and Betty Jones expressed profound relief at the resolution of the case, though some frustration lingered over the initial misdirection towards Evan Fager.

Investigative Persistence:
Sheriff Dolph Bryan and Detective Bill Lott were praised for their unwavering dedication, likened to bulldogs who never give up until justice is served.

Notable Quotes:

• Bill Lott (36:31):
  “The day we had the press conference, it was not planned, but that was the 93rd birthday of Betty. I know I cried during that press conference, but I'm not ashamed of that. It was a good day.”

• Jason Jones (38:19):
  “Mama Betty was just big in her spirit. When you were with her, you felt like you were the most important person in the world.”

8. Conclusion and Closure

The resolution of the Starkville murders after nearly three decades underscores the critical role of persistent investigative efforts and advancements in forensic science. The community finds a semblance of peace knowing that justice, albeit delayed, was ultimately achieved. The episode concludes by honoring the memory of the victims and acknowledging the relentless pursuit of truth by those dedicated to uncovering it.

Final Reflections: Andrea Self encapsulates the lingering questions surrounding the motive behind the murders, highlighting the complexity and randomness of such violent acts. The episode serves as a testament to the enduring quest for justice in the face of seemingly unsolvable crimes.

This detailed summary encapsulates the episode's journey through tragedy, investigation, perseverance, and eventual justice, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the "Murder in the Bayou" case.