Cold Case Files: Episode Summary – “REOPENED: Graveyard Shift”

Podcast Information:

• Title: Cold Case Files
• Host/Author: A&E / PodcastOne
• Description: Based on the iconic, Emmy-nominated series on A&E, this show explores some of the most difficult-to-solve murders, which stymied investigators and went cold, sometimes for decades. In fact, one-third of all murders in America remain open. But thanks to dogged investigators and breakthroughs in forensic technology, these cases become part of the rare 1% of cold cases that are ever solved. Cold Case Files is hosted by Paula Barros.
• Episode: REOPENED: Graveyard Shift
• Release Date: May 8, 2025

Introduction

In the riveting episode titled “REOPENED: Graveyard Shift”, host Paula Barros delves into the haunting unsolved murder of Tracey Sewell in 1984 and the subsequent reopening of the case decades later. This episode underscores the perseverance of law enforcement and the transformative power of forensic technology in solving cold cases.

Case Background

Incident Overview ([00:50] – [03:09])

On August 17, 1984, at approximately 2 AM, Billy Diltz, an oil rig worker, stopped at the Star Stop Texaco station to refuel his gas tank. Something seemed amiss as the usual attendant was absent. When Billy entered the store, he handed his credit card to a man he believed to be an employee to activate the pump.

Notable Quote:

“Normally you'd pull up and the attendant inside would see you were there and they would turn the pump on.”
— Witness, [01:11]

Billy thought odd behavior when the man struggled to activate the pump. Frustrated, Billy drove off, unaware that he had interacted with the station's future victim, Tracey Sewell.

The Murder and Initial Investigation

Discovery of the Crime Scene ([03:09] – [04:03])

Two hours after Billy’s departure, a newspaper delivery person arrived at the station only to find the clerk, Tracey Sewell, lying face down in a pool of blood. Detective Roger Dickey responded to the call and found a large, non-shotgun-related wound on her head.

Autopsy Findings:

• Cause of Death: Eight blows to the head with a heavy object, likely a hammer.
• Evidence: Minimal; no fingerprints or footprints. The cash register and floor safe were untouched, ruling out robbery as the motive.

Notable Quote:

“We discovered that all the money was in the cash register. All the money was in the floor safe. So it didn't fit a typical robbery homicide.”
— Witness, [04:03]

Early Suspect and Leads

Initial Suspect – Clifford Scott Wright ([04:11] – [07:38])

Officer Drenda Thomas, a new member of the police force, investigated a nearby gas station and observed Clifford Scott Wright acting suspiciously—nervous behavior and attempts to evade questioning. Wright was initially cleared due to lack of evidence.

Notable Interaction:

“There were no warrants on him. And at that point, we had no description of any suspects or anything else, so we had to let him go.”
— Officer Drenda Thomas, [05:00]

Despite early suspicions, insufficient forensic evidence led to Wright’s release, and the case went cold for the next 15 years.

Reopening the Case: A Breakthrough

Renewed Focus and New Evidence ([07:44] – [16:25])

Fifteen years later, Clifford Wright’s turbulent marriage to Kelly Wright, marked by abuse, brought new information to light. Kelly disclosed that Wright had confessed to her about killing Tracey Sewell over a trivial dispute regarding cigarettes.

Key Testimony:

“He got mad about it, and he went back later that night and killed her. Because, I mean, he didn't rob the store or anything. He just killed her.”
— Kelly Wright, [11:02]

Simultaneously, advances in DNA technology, specifically Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis, provided an opportunity to re-examine existing evidence. Detective John Reed revisited the case with renewed determination, focusing on a pair of boots found at Wright's residence that had trace amounts of human blood.

Forensic Breakthrough:

“The PCR method of testing helps scientists to make thousands of copies of each strand of DNA, giving them a much larger sample to work with.”
— Forensic Analyst Judy Floyd, [13:15]

DNA analysis revealed that the blood on Wright’s boot matched Tracey Sewell’s DNA with extraordinary certainty—one chance out of 60 billion of it being a coincidence.

Notable Revelation:

“It was an exact match. The blood stain on the boot and her profile were identical.”
— Forensic Analyst Judy Floyd, [14:22]

Arrest, Trial, and Conviction

Legal Proceedings ([14:30] – [17:50])

Armed with compelling DNA evidence and witness testimony from Billy Diltz, the district attorney, James Eatson, indicted Clifford Scott Wright for first-degree murder. At trial, Wright chose to remain silent, further strengthening the prosecution’s position.

Prosecution’s Stance:

“In spite of someone's right to remain silent, this set of circumstances begs for an explanation. And in the absence of an explanation, juries are going to find this evidence very, very persuasive.”
— District Attorney James Eatson, [16:08]

The jury deliberated for only 90 minutes before delivering a guilty verdict. Wright was sentenced to 25 years to life in a Texas prison.

Verdict:

“Guilty in the first degree.”
— Jury Verdict, [17:17]

Conclusion and Aftermath

Impact and Reflection ([17:37] – [19:21])

Tracey Sewell’s father, Buddy Sewell, expressed a mix of emotions—grief over his daughter’s loss and relief at her conviction. Clifford Scott Wright remains incarcerated, denied parole in 2019, and is currently awaiting the next hearing.

Emotional Closure:

“Well, it was tough in a way and rewarding in a way. Tough to hear it, but rewarding when they come back with conviction.”
— Buddy Sewell, [17:37]

Detective John Reed highlighted the significant role of technological advancements in modern forensic science, which ultimately brought justice to a case that had remained unresolved for over a decade.

Key Takeaways

• Persistence Pays Off: The dedication of law enforcement and the resilience of family members can keep a cold case alive, leading to eventual resolution.
• Technological Advancements: Breakthroughs in DNA technology, such as PCR and STR analysis, are pivotal in solving decades-old crimes.
• Witness Impact: Eyewitness testimony, even years later, can provide crucial links that piece together the truth.
• Legal Considerations: Solid physical evidence combined with credible testimonies can significantly influence jury decisions, ensuring justice is served.

“REOPENED: Graveyard Shift” serves as a compelling testament to the relentless pursuit of truth in the face of adversity, illustrating how time and technology can ultimately unveil justice where it once seemed unattainable.