Cold Case Files: REOPENED – Favor For A Friend

Host: Paula Barros
Release Date: January 16, 2025
Production: A&E / PodcastOne

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "REOPENED: Favor For A Friend" from the acclaimed podcast Cold Case Files, host Paula Barros delves into one of the most perplexing unsolved murders that remained dormant for over a decade. This detailed recounting highlights the relentless pursuit of justice by dedicated detectives, the intricate web of friendships and deceit, and the breakthroughs facilitated by advances in forensic technology.

The Crime

On the evening of March 8, 1987, Ray and Rita Duhamel were enjoying a night out at their local VFW before heading home in their van. Around 8 PM, Ray began acting strangely, pulling over near the Blanco Bridge where he subsequently passed out. Rita’s attempts to awaken him were futile, prompting her to seek help by flagging down passersby. Before she could secure assistance, a man in a dark pickup truck approached, but instead of helping, he fired two bullets through Ray's van window, killing him instantly. Rita's desperate call to 911 marked the beginning of a chilling investigation.

Notable Quote:

Detective Dana Peterson ([02:14]): "Mr. Duhamel was in the vehicle. He was in the driver's side. The sidewalk window of the driver's door is broken. I recall one bullet hole through the roof and the other bullet had entered Mr. Duhamel from the left side."

Initial Investigation

Detective Dana Peterson was assigned to the case, where he meticulously gathered evidence from the crime scene. The investigation revealed two .45 caliber shell casings inside the van and tire tracks indicating a second vehicle's presence near the van’s parking spot. A pivotal discovery was an address book found near where Ray was shot, which Detective Gordon noted:

Notable Quote:

Detective Gordon ([03:51]): "Sometimes bad guys make silly mistakes, and that's all to our benefit, you know, so we. When we found the address book, we figured, well, this has got to take us someplace."

The address book belonged to Norman Baird, a 27-year-old local man who owned a dark gray pickup truck. Initial interviews with Baird revealed inconsistencies in his alibi, particularly his claim of being at a job interview in Marina, which clashed with his friend Ron's statement.

Notable Quote:

Detective Gordon ([06:10]): "That was just another confirmation that Baird was not being truthful. And the more inconsistencies and the more lies you can catch a suspect in, the better for the investigation."

Despite these red flags, the lack of concrete physical evidence meant that charges against Baird could not be substantiated, leading the case to grow cold.

Cold Case

Years passed without resolution, but Detective Peterson remained haunted by the unresolved case. His commitment never waned, leading him to become the head of the county robbery homicide division. In October 2000, he decided to revisit the Duhamel case by sending Detective Fred de los Santos to a seminar on cold cases, hoping to apply new strategies and insights.

Revival of the Case

Detective De los Santos re-engaged with Ron, Norman Baird's oldest friend, aiming to extract more information. Initially resistant, Ron gradually revealed critical details about the night of the murder. His breakthrough came when he disclosed the location of the buried gun used to kill Ray Duhamel.

Notable Quote:

Ron ([14:20]): "It's buried somewhere. Yes, sir. But I wanted to get rid of that gun. I didn't want it around where he could come back and get it, so I disposed of it. I buried it in the side of a mountain."

Breakthrough

With Ron’s confession, Detective De los Santos enlisted the help of the Treasure Hunter Society of Santa Clara Valley. On January 30, 2002, a team of 24 treasure hunters meticulously searched the designated field, leveraging their expertise with metal detectors. After hours of fruitless searching, Warren Whited, a seasoned treasure hunter, made a significant discovery:

Notable Quote:

Warren Whited ([15:52]): "I could make out the outline of an ammunition box. And so I gave a good holler. Got a target over here. And the lead man got hold of the officer, and up they came."

The excavation revealed an ammunition box containing a .45 caliber gun and cartons of ammunition. Impressively, fingerprints were still recoverable from the gun after more than a decade underground. These were sent for analysis, leading to a match with Norman Baird.

Resolution

The forensic delay didn't stop the momentum. Ballistic testing confirmed that the retrieved gun was the murder weapon used to kill Ray Duhamel. With this irrefutable evidence, Norman Baird was charged with second-degree murder fifteen years after the heinous crime.

Baird chose to plead no contest, effectively acknowledging the sufficiency of the evidence without admitting guilt. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Throughout the proceedings, Ron grappled with his conscience over his involvement in concealing the weapon.

Notable Quote:

Ron ([18:03]): "You never feel good about anything like that. It doesn't matter how much weight's off your shoulders, you still feel like hell because you participated in it, period, whether it was brought to your door or not."

Aftermath

Rita Duhamel, who had endured years of grief and uncertainty, attended Norman Baird's sentencing in 2004. Tragically, she passed away six years later at the age of 72. Norman Baird was denied parole in 2011 and remains incarcerated, with the next parole eligibility in 2021. Ray and Rita's surviving daughters continue to participate in parole hearings, seeking closure and justice for their father.

Notable Quote:

Detective Dana Peterson ([11:29]): "It was always personal with me. It was the first homicide I'd worked that I really had a major role in. I always felt that this case could be solved. So I. It always bothered me."

Conclusion

"REOPENED: Favor For A Friend" encapsulates the essence of Cold Case Files by showcasing the unwavering determination of law enforcement to seek justice, regardless of the time elapsed. This episode not only highlights the intricate details of the Duhamel case but also underscores the profound personal impacts on those involved, from detectives to friends inadvertently entwined in the tragedy.

For more stories like this, visit AE RealCrime.

Production Credits:
Host: Brooke Giddings
Producers: McCamey, Lynn, and Steve Delamater
Associate Producer: Julie McGruder
Executive Producer: Ted Butler
Music: Blake Maples
Distribution: PodcastOne

Note: The Cold Case Files TV series is produced by Curtis Productions and hosted by Bill Curtis.