Cold Case Files: "Killing On Christmas Eve" - Detailed Summary
Introduction to the Case
In the poignant episode titled "Killing On Christmas Eve," Paula Barros delves into one of Lewis County’s most heart-wrenching cold cases: the brutal murder of Ed and Minnie Marin. This case, which occurred on December 19, 1985, in the close-knit logging community of Chehalis, Washington, remained unsolved for nearly three decades, leaving a lasting scar on the Marin family and the community.
The Disappearance and Initial Investigation
On a cold Christmas Eve in 1985, Ed and Minnie Marin were seen driving through the center of Chehalis in their 1969 Chrysler. Their disappearance shortly after raised immediate alarms in the community.
Minnie Moran [02:37]: "I didn't get the call until 8:30 at night... Soon as I got out of my pickup, I was greeted by one of the officers. He said, we don't know for sure, but your grandma and grandpa's missing and there looks like there's been some foul play."
The initial investigation, led by Detective David Neiser, quickly hit dead ends. With no witnesses willing to come forward and a lack of tangible evidence—Dennis Hadler, Minnie's son, recalls:
Dennis Hadler [04:13]: "We had no murder weapon. We had no fingerprints of suspects at the crime scene. We had no DNA evidence because there was none."
Despite extensive searches involving hundreds of volunteers and officials, the bodies of Ed and Minnie were found days later, revealing a gruesome scene. Minnie was found shot in the left shoulder and neck, while Ed was fatally shot in the back.
The Cold Case
As years turned into decades, the case grew cold, with public interest waning and the Marin family left yearning for answers. Emotions ran high within the family, with Minnie Moran expressing the enduring pain:
Minnie Moran [07:19]: "The rage in me wanted to come out because I wanted to know who did it so we could go take care of it and get it over with."
Breakthrough in 2005
A significant breakthrough came in April 1994 when a tip pointed investigators toward Scott Colter, a man with a criminal history and connections to the Marin family. However, Colter's misleading statements and incorrect details about the crime led detectives to dismiss him as a suspect, pushing the case back into obscurity.
Reopening the Case and Arrest
Nearly two decades later, in 2004, Detective Bruce Kimsey, a young investigator newly hired at the Lewis County Sheriff's office, became determined to solve the case. His relentless pursuit led to a crucial development in November 2005 when Jake Shriver, a high school friend of Mike Hadler (Ed and Minnie's grandson), came forward with vital information implicating the Rife brothers—Rick and Greg Rife.
Jake Shriver [26:55]: "I know who did it. My mother was driving Highway 12 West... I saw him. He did it."
Shriver revealed that the Rife brothers had connections to the Marin family through their work at the Christmas tree farm and were involved in criminal activities, including drugs. This testimony was pivotal in establishing a link between the Rifes and the murders.
Detective Kimsey and his team acted swiftly, securing warrants to arrest the suspects. John Gregory Rife, Rick’s brother, was found dead before they could be apprehended. Nonetheless, Rick Rife was successfully arrested in Alaska on July 8, 2012, after a decade-long manhunt.
Bruce Kimsey [33:05]: "We have the warrants, we're good to go... And he is so matter of fact, at this point, the state investigator advises him he's under arrest."
Impact on the Family
The prolonged quest for justice took an immense toll on the Marin family. Minnie Moran shares the emotional and psychological burden they endured:
Minnie Moran [20:18]: "Take care of it. That's how we was raised... I dreamt ways to torture. And I don't know that we'll ever find peace until we find out who did it."
Despite the eventual arrest and sentencing of Rick Rife to 103 years in prison in 2013, Minnie remains grappling with unresolved grief and the enduring pain of her grandparents' loss.
Minnie Moran [30:19]: "These sons of bitches are still sitting there living, and they took something out of my life that I'll never get back."
Conclusion
After 27 years, "Killing On Christmas Eve" highlights the relentless dedication of law enforcement and the enduring hope of a family seeking justice. Detective Bruce Kimsey’s commitment exemplifies how advancements in forensic technology and persistent investigation can breathe new life into even the coldest cases. The Marin family, while finally having their grandparents’ killer behind bars, continues to mourn and seek closure.
Bruce Kimsey [36:16]: "When that sentencing and verdict came down on Rick Rife, I've never sensed any feeling like that in my career. I was just really proud of our community, proud of our system."
This episode underscores the profound impact of cold cases on families and communities, reminding listeners of the enduring pursuit of truth and justice.