Cold Case Files: "Blood Red Snow" – Detailed Summary
Episode Release Date: February 25, 2025
Host: Paula Barros
Podcast Network: A&E / PodcastOne
1. Introduction to the Case
"Blood Red Snow" delves into the harrowing murder of Christopher Green, a 19-year-old from Bangor Township, Michigan. On December 9, 2002, Christopher was brutally attacked and left to die in a rural ditch, marking one of the rare cases that eventually saw justice after remaining unsolved for years.
2. The Crime Scene and Initial Investigation
On a typical Michigan winter day, Michael McKay, a former Michigan State Police trooper, responded to a distress call about a man lying in the ditch on 60th Street and 16th Avenue. Upon arrival, investigators found Christopher Green's body, showing multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma, indicating a vicious and premeditated attack.
Rebecca Burkert (02:38):
"The victim was a white male, thin guy that he had been stabbed in the skull and the body multiple times. This was a very, very brutal assault. Clearly, this was murder."
3. Key Suspects and Early Leads
Initial suspects included Howard Butler, who called 911 reporting the body, and his girlfriend Jamie Crawford. Additionally, Floyd Cousins, Lisa Cousins' father, emerged as a person of interest due to his aggressive behavior towards Christopher. Ray Barry, a neighbor with a tumultuous past, also became a suspect after a confrontation involving Christopher and Lisa.
Jennifer Green (04:23):
"Christopher was just 19 years old. He was very goofy. He would always do things to try to make somebody laugh. Yet he loved to play Barbies with me... I couldn't fathom that anybody had any ill will against my brother."
4. Challenges and Cold Case Status
Despite identifying Floyd Cousins and Ray Barry as primary suspects, investigators struggled to find concrete evidence linking them to the crime. Both suspects had alibis that were either unverifiable or contradicted by forensic evidence. With no new leads and mounting case files, the investigation stalled, and the case went cold after a year.
Kevin Conklin (15:01):
"Howard Butler was not very cooperative...He was now strongly looked at as being a suspect."
5. Reopening the Investigation
In 2010, Kevin Conklin was reassigned to the Bangor area, reigniting interest in Christopher's case. Advances in forensic technology and the possibility of obtaining new witness testimonies provided fresh avenues for investigation. The focus remained on Floyd Cousins and Ray Barry, with particular attention to Ray's behavior and alibi discrepancies.
Kevin Conklin (26:28):
"We make sure that there weren't any stones unturned by reviewing as many reports as possible."
6. Breakthrough and Arrest
A significant breakthrough occurred in 2011 when Claude Taylor, Ray Barry's half-brother, came forward with crucial information. Offering to cooperate in exchange for leniency, Taylor provided a confession implicating Ray in Christopher's murder. Utilizing a wiretap operation, detectives obtained a confession where Ray admitted inflicting fatal blows on Christopher.
Kevin Conklin (33:11):
"We got the admission that we were looking for. Ray Barry said, 'Chris Green said, don't kill me, man.' That admission kind of sealed it up."
Ray Barry was subsequently arrested for first-degree murder after his prior warrants were addressed.
7. Trial and Conviction
The trial, commencing in January 2014, centered on circumstantial evidence linking Ray Barry to the murder. Key pieces included:
- Footwear Evidence: Ray owned New Balance shoes that matched the tread marks found at the crime scene.
- Confessions and Statements: Ray's inconsistent statements and eventual confession provided a narrative of jealousy over Christopher's relationship with Lisa Cousins.
Despite the absence of direct DNA or fingerprint evidence, the jury found Ray Barry guilty of premeditated first-degree murder, sentencing him to life without the possibility of parole.
Jennifer Green (37:15):
"It was like this huge relief just raised off of my shoulders... We're not still sitting here wondering what happened."
8. Impact and Conclusion
The resolution of Christopher Green's case brought a semblance of closure to his family, though the emotional scars remain. Jennifer Green reflected on the loss and the enduring pain caused by her brother's untimely death. The case underscores the challenges of solving violent crimes, especially in rural settings, and highlights the critical role of perseverance and advancements in forensic science in achieving justice.
Kevin Conklin (38:24):
"We were happy that we were able to bring justice to Christopher. I would say to the family, I wish we could have done it sooner."
Notable Quotes
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Jennifer Green (04:44):
"Christopher was just 19 years old... I couldn't fathom that anybody had any ill will against my brother." -
Kevin Conklin (06:10):
"It was such a brutal crime, brutal assault. Looking at the crime scene, it was obvious that the victim knew the assailant." -
Eric Jenkins (19:39):
"The autopsy report also released showed decisive evidence of blunt force trauma."
Conclusion
"Blood Red Snow" is a poignant exploration of a tragic cold case that ultimately found resolution through diligent investigation and the relentless pursuit of truth. The episode not only chronicles the procedural aspects of solving a murder but also deeply humanizes the impact on the victim's family, emphasizing the profound need for closure in the wake of unspeakable loss.
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