Cold Case Files: "Circle of Friends" – Detailed Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: Cold Case Files
• Host: Paula Barros
• Guest Contributors: Detectives, Forensic Experts, Witnesses
• Episode: Circle of Friends
• Release Date: June 24, 2025

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Circle of Friends," host Paula Barros delves into the harrowing cold case of Shannon Siders, an 18-year-old girl whose brutal murder in Newaygo, Michigan, remained unsolved for over two decades. This case exemplifies the relentless pursuit of justice by dedicated investigators and the pivotal role of community involvement in solving heinous crimes.

The Disappearance of Shannon Siders

The story begins on the evening of July 17, 1989, when Shannon Siders vanished without a trace. While her single father, Bob Siders, was working the night shift at a local bottling plant, Shannon spent the evening with friends. Upon his return, Shannon was nowhere to be found.

Carolyn Siders (Shannon’s Father) at [02:19]:

"17 July. That was the last time I saw Shannon alive. I was working for Pepsi Cola on third shift. I started at midnight and I got out at 8:30 in the morning. And when I came home, Shannon was nowhere to be found."

Determined to find his daughter, Bob undertook extensive efforts to locate her, including distributing missing person flyers and mobilizing the community.

Witness at [03:15]:

"There were so many different things that Bob did to get the word out about his daughter. He did everything he could in his power to say, hey, my daughter is missing. What do you know about this?"

The Initial Investigation

Detective [Name] explains the immediate steps taken by law enforcement, highlighting that eight individuals were the last to see Shannon alive.

Detective at [01:33]:

"There were eight people that last saw Shannon alive."

Forensic experts noted possible signs of sexual violence and aggression in Shannon's injuries, suggesting a violent confrontation.

Forensic Expert at [01:20]:

"You're either dealing with a sick son of a bitch or somebody trying to dispose of some evidence."

Finding Shannon

Nearly three months after her disappearance, Shannon’s body was discovered on October 15, 1989, in the Manistee National Forest. The severity of her injuries underscored the brutality of the crime.

Carolyn Siders at [08:04]:

"I never viewed her. Didn’t want to for the pallbearers. I had some difficulty with that because I felt that whoever killed her knew her..."

The community grappled with the shocking reality that someone they knew could perpetrate such violence.

Witness at [10:06]:

"It was scary because when you think about something like this could happen in a small town, it could be your neighbor, it could be the person right next door."

The Long Cold Case

Over the years, the case grew cold with scant leads and dwindling investigative momentum. Shannon's family remained steadfast, refusing to let the case fade into obscurity.

Carolyn Siders at [19:08]:

"There's not a day goes by I don’t think about her... Somebody knows something. I knew I had to keep it out there in the public's eye."

Despite relentless efforts, the absence of substantial evidence and the passage of time made solving the case increasingly challenging.

The Reopening of the Case

In August 2011, a renewed determination by a new administrative team led to the formation of a cold case task force dedicated to solving Shannon’s murder.

Forensic Expert at [19:55]:

"I started in Newaygo as chief in 2000. Part of the reason I took the job in Newaygo was the case. I wanted the case solved."

Amy Bonner, a former police receptionist, joined the task force, driven by her personal connection to the case.

Amy Bonner at [20:19]:

"Finding those responsible for the murder of Shannon was the reason I became a police officer."

Gathering New Evidence

The task force embarked on comprehensive victimology interviews to reconstruct Shannon's life and identify potential motives and suspects.

Pat Hedland at [20:38]:

"First thing that we do is we need to learn who Shannon Siders is... studying our victim to see if Shannon or Shannon's lifestyle will lead us to her killer."

A crucial discovery was the absence of Shannon's class ring, which was typically worn on her right hand, hinting that the perpetrator might have taken it as a trophy or evidence.

Forensic Expert at [21:12]:

"The ring is missing. This was something that was held back. The police didn't advertise this. If we could find the ring, we could find the person that killed Shannon Siders."

Amy Bonner’s relentless pursuit led her to create a Facebook page to generate new tips from the community, capitalizing on the rise of social media.

Amy Bonner at [22:10]:

"I never did stop thinking about Shannon... My motivation behind it was justice for this family."

The Breakthrough and Conviction

A pivotal moment came when Jenny Corrigan, a friend of Shannon, came forward with crucial information after years of silence.

Jenny Corrigan at [27:20]:

"I was so caught off guard. She's crying hysterically, telling me the story about what happened and what she had seen."

Jenny revealed that on the night Shannon disappeared, she witnessed Dean Robinson and Paul Jones interacting suspiciously near Shannon’s location.

Detective at [34:03]:

"Dean and Jenny were able to describe exactly what happened that night."

Further testimonies linked Paul and his brother Matt Jones directly to Shannon's murder. The discovery of Shannon's class ring in Paul's ashtray solidified the case against them.

Lindsey Bradley at [28:47]:

"She saw a female class ring in the ashtray in Paul's vehicle."

Faced with compelling circumstantial evidence and corroborative testimonies, Matt and Paul Jones were arrested and subsequently convicted.

Matt Skip Jones was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole. Paul Jones received a conviction for second-degree murder, resulting in a 30 to 75-year prison sentence.

Impact and Conclusion

The resolution of Shannon Siders' case brought long-awaited closure to her grieving family and the community of Newaygo. Carolyn Siders expressed profound relief and vindication.

Carolyn Siders at [36:42]:

"We got justice. Shannon finally got the justice she deserved."

The case underscores the importance of continued vigilance, community involvement, and advancements in forensic technology in solving cold cases. Paula Barros concludes the episode by highlighting the enduring hope and determination that eventually brought justice to Shannon Siders.

Notable Quotes:

• Detective [01:25]:

  "There were eight people that last saw Shannon alive."

• Amy Bonner [22:10]:

  "I never did stop thinking about Shannon... My motivation behind it was justice for this family."

• Carolyn Siders [36:42]:

  "We got justice. Shannon finally got the justice she deserved."

This episode of Cold Case Files eloquently demonstrates how perseverance, combined with modern investigative techniques and community support, can illuminate the darkest of mysteries, bringing peace to those left in the wake of unsolved tragedies.