Cold Case Files – "REOPENED: One Tough Mother"
Release Date: April 2, 2026
Host/Narrator: Marisa Pinson (with featured voices of Tiffany Johnston’s family, investigators, and reporters)
Overview
This episode dives into the harrowing case of Tiffany Johnston, a vivacious 19-year-old newlywed whose murder in 1997 went cold for decades, until her determined mother, Kathy Johnston, and relentless investigators finally brought her killer to justice. Exploring the pain, perseverance, and advances in forensic science, the episode uncovers how one mother’s refusal to give up became the driving force behind the rare solution of a cold case, unmasking a serial predator in the process.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Disappearance and Initial Investigation
[00:10–07:18]
- Tiffany Johnston was extremely close to her mother, Kathy, and cousin, Misty.
- She was last seen at the Sunshine Car Wash in Bethany, OK, on July 26, 1997. Her car, purse, and pager were found abandoned the same night.
- Family and friends organized an immediate search, but hope dimmed after her body was found near I-40, having been strangled.
- Early suspicion fell on her husband, Ryan, who had a rock-solid alibi.
- A witness noticed three individuals watching Tiffany at the car wash; they were tracked and cleared.
Notable quote:
"It's a case where anyone could be the suspect." – Major Lynn Williams, OSBI [07:39]
2. Emotional Fallout and Family Response
[08:24–12:49]
- Misty describes paralyzing anxiety and fear following the murder.
- The funeral, packed with over 400 people, was emotional and fraught with suspicion—family members wondered if the killer was among the mourners.
- Kathy, desperate for answers, had a friend videotape the service to scrutinize attendees for suspicious behavior.
Notable quote:
"A parent's not supposed to bury their child. The children are supposed to bury their parents." – Kathy Johnston [12:05]
3. Initial Breaks and William Reese as a Suspect
[13:30–17:47]
- Five months later, a tip from the car wash owner identifies William Reese as a past customer with a criminal history and connections to the area.
- Reese had recently attempted to abduct a pregnant woman, Sandra Saypaugh, in Texas.
- But without physical evidence, eyewitnesses, or direct ties to the car wash, Reese could not be arrested.
Notable quote:
"We have William Reese in the area now but we don't have him at the car wash...There was no physical evidence." – Major Lynn Williams [17:04]
4. Years in the Cold, Persistent Advocacy
[17:47–19:59]
- The case stagnated for 15 years. Kathy never let authorities or the public forget Tiffany, annually contacting police and media to spotlight the unsolved murder.
- Mysterious trinkets were left on Tiffany’s grave on significant dates—a silent remembrance that both haunted and comforted the family.
Notable quote:
"But I'm glad that someone didn't forget Tiffany's case." – Kathy Johnston [18:30]
5. The Breakthrough: DNA Evidence and Modern Forensics
[20:33–23:08]
- In 2012, technological advances allowed a partial male DNA profile to be developed from old evidence.
- The DNA was partial—too incomplete for a CODIS match—requiring direct comparison with suspects.
- Everyone from the original investigation (including family, friends, and on-site witnesses) was eliminated, except William Reese.
Notable quote:
"After 16 long years...the swabs provided a partial male DNA profile." – Narrator [21:37]
6. Connecting to a Serial Predator
[23:08–25:44]
- Reese was also a suspect in the disappearances of Jessica Kane and Kelly Cox, both young women abducted under similar circumstances in 1997. No hard evidence previously linked him.
- Investigators coordinated with Texas authorities to obtain a swab from Reese, whose DNA—though a partial match—could not conclusively identify him alone.
- Reese remained imprisoned for a separate kidnapping, giving police time to build a case.
7. The Confession: Closing the Circle
[26:20–29:47]
- In 2016, under pressure of the possible death penalty and armed with DNA evidence, Reese confessed in detail to Tiffany’s abduction, rape, and murder, as well as to the Texas cases.
- The confession was a devastating revelation for Kathy, who realized she had known Reese and his mother, Patsy—her own friend who had helped with Tiffany's funeral.
- The family theorized Patsy may have left the annual grave trinkets as a penance until her death.
Notable quote:
"I think Patsy put the trinkets on Tiffany's grave for her own peace of mind, for her son killing Tiffany, because I really believe that she knew he did it." – Kathy Johnston [29:22]
8. Justice at Last
[30:27–34:49]
- William Reese, facing the death penalty, was extradited to Oklahoma and stood trial in 2021.
- The trial’s emotional weight was keenly felt by Misty, Kathy, and the rest of the community, haunted by Reese’s connection to their family.
- Sandra Saypaugh, the survivor, testified, offering strength to Tiffany’s family.
- Within hours of jury deliberation, Reese was convicted of first-degree murder and kidnapping ([33:09]).
- He was sentenced to death in August 2021. His confessions led to the discoveries and closure for the families of other victims.
Notable quotes:
"Don't give up. After all this time, I got justice for Tiffany." – Kathy Johnston [34:16]
"The Tiffany Johnston case that led to his confession...was a lot to do with her mother, Kathy Dobry, who really never gave up." – Caitlin McCulley, Reporter [34:01]
Memorable Moments & Quotes
- Kathy’s unwavering determination:
"Whenever I got so disheartened, I go, maybe I should give up...But then my Indian blood comes out and I go...I will not give up. I will find who did this to you." – Kathy Johnston [00:10] - Community and personal grief:
"My house was flocked with people because everyone came to show their support. I was lost." – Kathy Johnston [12:05] - Emotional impact of the trial:
"She gave me strength through that trial, seeing how she talked with purpose...after her testimony...if he tried intimidating, I would stare right back. He would look away fairly quickly." – Misty, Tiffany’s cousin [32:11] - On perseverance and hope:
"It gets hard and you want to give up. But you're the one that's going to have to be out there for your person, your relative, your sister, your daughter, your son. Don't give up." – Kathy Johnston [34:16]
Timeline of Key Events (with Timestamps)
| Timestamp | Event | |---|---| | 00:10 | Kathy recalls the night Tiffany disappeared; family starts searching. | | 03:17 | Tiffany’s background and relationships. | | 04:37 | Details of Tiffany and Ryan’s marriage and lives. | | 06:25 | Police and OSBI involvement after Tiffany’s body is found. | | 09:41 | Witnesses at the car wash; early leads examined. | | 13:30 | Funeral and family’s suspicions. | | 14:19 | William Reese emerges as a suspect. | | 15:02 | Reese’s prior abduction attempt in Texas detailed. | | 16:56 | Investigators have a suspect but lack solid evidence. | | 17:47 | Kathy’s advocacy in keeping the case alive. | | 20:33 | Cold case officially reopened, evidence reevaluated. | | 21:37 | New DNA evidence obtained. | | 23:36 | Reese connected to other missing persons cases. | | 26:28 | Reese confesses to Tiffany’s murder in 2016 under interrogation. | | 29:22 | Kathy connects Reese’s mother with the grave trinkets. | | 30:27 | Prosecutors seek death penalty; trial begins. | | 32:04 | Sandra Saypaugh testifies at trial. | | 33:09 | Jury finds Reese guilty. | | 34:01–34:49 | Reese sentenced; Kathy reflects on getting justice. |
Conclusion
"REOPENED: One Tough Mother" is a poignant reminder of the power of persistence and parental love. Through years of setbacks, community suspicion, and investigative dead ends, Kathy Johnston’s relentless quest for justice led not only to the conviction of her daughter’s killer, but also to answers for other grieving families. The case underscores the vital role of forensic innovation and the unbreakable resolve required to see justice through, even as years slip by. Tiffany Johnston’s story is ultimately one of hope, community, and the unflagging strength of a mother’s love.