Cold Case Files – “A Confession for Carmen”
Podcast: Cold Case Files
Host: A&E / PodcastOne
Date: December 2, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode revisits two chilling cold cases that haunted law enforcement for decades: the 1989 rape and murder of Carmen Barracal in Philadelphia, and the disappearance and murder of Jack Irwin in California. The episode delves deeply into advances in forensic science, the persistence of investigators, false accusations, confessions, and the devastating impact on victims’ loved ones and communities. Through interviews with police, prosecutors, forensic experts, and those close to the victims, the show brings to light how seemingly unsolvable cases were finally closed and justice served—though not always to everyone’s satisfaction.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Murder of Carmen Barracal
Discovery and Initial Investigation
- [01:12] Body of 18-year-old Carmen Barracal found in Cobb’s Creek, Philadelphia, in June 1989.
- Detective Jim Corbett describes the scene: “She was in the water, face down. I thought the worst. Her shirt was missing, her brow was off and her looped around her neck. I assumed then that she had been raped and murdered.” (01:27)
- Stephen McNamee, Carmen’s boyfriend, quickly identified her and became the prime suspect.
Stephen McNamee Under Suspicion
- McNamee recounts his last moments with Carmen, revealing an argument and her storming out.
- Subjected to an 11-hour interrogation: “A lot of the interrogation was a blur. It’s just three guys rotating one after another.” (04:09)
- He passes a polygraph and is cleared by blood typing, but the community continues to ostracize him: “There were some people in the neighborhood that just, you know, were evil with, you know, Steve did it. I don’t care what he says.” (05:40)
Case Grows Cold
- Detective Ken Curcio picks up the case. Investigation leads to Carmen’s missing class ring being pawned.
- Trail leads to Raymond Williams, an uncooperative suspect found with Carmen’s ring, but lack of evidence stalls proceedings.
Breakthrough After 15 Years
- [14:29] Cold case detectives, prompted by Assistant DA Jude Conroy, revisit evidence. Coroner’s rape kit, long thought to yield nothing, provides a DNA swab after innovative testing by Brian Fleeger.
- DNA is entered into CODIS, and within 10 days there’s a match – Raymond Williams, the original suspect.
Confrontation and Confession
- Detective Boyle stages Williams’ interrogation: “I took out the DNA report and I showed him the DNA report and I said, ray, we’re talking about quadrillion. 18 zeros after the number that says you.” (17:38)
- Williams confesses, though insists the sex was consensual, a claim disbelieved by prosecutors and detectives.
Justice and Lingering Trauma
- Williams accepts a plea for life without parole, avoiding the death penalty.
- Stephen McNamee, long blamed by his community, expresses pain: “It’s been so many years of being blamed. I already lived the torture… I believe an eye for an eye and he should die. That’s what I believe.” (20:45)
The Murder of Jack Irwin – The Mount Baldy Case
Jack Irwin’s Disappearance
- [25:12] Marsha Johnson’s confession in 2002 recounts the killing and dismemberment of Jack Irwin.
- Friends recall irregularities in Irwin’s behavior after Marsha Johnson and Judy Gellert move in, and suspicions arise as Irwin disappears and the women inherit his assets.
Suspicious Behavior and Financial Motives
- Johnson and Gellert spend Irwin’s money on lavish vehicles and RVs. Neighbors publicly question Irwin’s whereabouts.
Burned Cabin and Arson
- Johnson and Gellert’s cabin (formerly Irwin’s) is set on fire—neighbors suggest searching for Irwin’s remains, but nothing is found.
Civil Suit Leads to Break
- DA investigator Maury Weiss discovers a deposition from Johnson’s therapist, Dr. Martin, containing a confession: “She said she cut him up. She cut him into pieces.” (34:45)
Wiretaps and Arrest
- Detectives wiretap Johnson and Gellert as pressure mounts and assets are confiscated.
- Panic sets in: “No, it’s all over. Everything’s over… I’m turning myself in for killing Jack.” (42:03)
- Marsha Johnson provides a detailed confession to detectives, admitting to shooting and dismembering Irwin, then disposing of his body in the wilderness: “I cut his head off. And then I cut both of his hands off… I put his torso in one area, his head… I took it out of the bag and I just watched it roll down this mountain.” (43:08)
Trial and Outcome
- Despite attempts at mounting a mental instability defense, evidence of greed overwhelms: “Didn’t leave any cookies, just emptied the cookie jar because she knew Jack was not coming back.” (46:37)
- Johnson is convicted of murder; Gellert pleads to receiving stolen property and gets probation. Community and investigators express outrage at the crime’s callousness.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
On Determination and Closure
- “I guess they would call it staging. Well, then that’s what I’m doing. I’m staging a room. I want them to feel uncomfortable. I want their mind racing the minute they come in here.” – Detective Boyle on interrogation strategy (17:09)
On the Emotional Toll for Innocents
- “It’s been so many years of being blamed. I already lived the torture… I believe an eye for an eye and he should die.” – Stephen McNamee, wrongly accused for years (20:45)
On the Power of New Forensic Technology
- “I was able to get a profile from the rectal swab. He said, you’re not going to believe this, but we have a… I got a DNA sample.” – Forensic scientist Brian Fleeger (15:25)
On Remorse and Justification
- “I don’t know what happened to me, but I shot him… Then I cut both of his hands off… I put his torso in one area, his head… I just watched it roll down this mountain.” – Marsha Johnson’s shockingly unemotional confession (43:08)
On Community Responsibility
- “We had to do something to stop them if they think they’ve gotten away with this. And when they run out of Jack’s money, who’s going to be next?” – Jack Irwin’s friend (48:21)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [00:58] – The murder of Carmen Barracal is discovered
- [02:55] – Stephen McNamee identified as Carmen’s boyfriend
- [05:21] – McNamee passes polygraph and is cleared by evidence
- [07:08] – Missing class ring leads to new suspect
- [08:48] – Case goes cold for 15 years
- [14:29] – Cold case detectives discover rape kit offers DNA profile
- [16:18] – DNA hit matches Raymond Williams
- [17:38] – Detective Boyle confronts Williams with DNA evidence
- [18:43] – Williams confesses to the crime
- [20:45] – McNamee speaks about trauma from false accusations
- [25:12] – Marsha Johnson’s confession about murdering Jack Irwin
- [27:24] – Irwin puts women in his trust, disappears a week later
- [32:10] – Fire destroys Jack Irwin’s former cabin
- [34:45] – Johnson’s therapist reveals confession
- [40:20] – Wiretap captures panic: Johnson plans to surrender
- [43:08] – Marsha Johnson details the murder and dismemberment
- [46:37] – Prosecutor’s closing “cookie jar” analogy at Johnson’s trial
- [47:44] – Judy Gellert receives probation; detectives reflect
Conclusion
“A Confession for Carmen” highlights how cold cases can remain unsolved for decades but are never truly forgotten. The painstaking work of detectives and prosecutors, technological advances in forensics, and the courage of those seeking justice finally bring closure—but not always peace—to the victims’ families and wrongly accused. Chilling confessions and the devastation wrought by violent crime echo through both cases, while the show honors the victims by ensuring their stories are heard.