Cold Case Files: "REOPENED: The Calling Card"

Host: Brooke Giddings
Release Date: February 20, 2025
Source: A&E / PodcastOne

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "REOPENED: The Calling Card" from Cold Case Files, host Brooke Giddings delves deep into the harrowing murder of Regina Reynolds, a 19-year-old student whose case remained unsolved for nearly three decades. This detailed recounting not only explores the relentless pursuit of justice by dedicated investigators but also highlights the transformative impact of advancements in forensic technology.

Background of the Case

Regina Reynolds, affectionately known as Reggie by friends and family, was a beloved student at Morrisville State College in 1975. On November 6th of that year, Regina embarked on what should have been a routine walk to campus. With hopes of hitching a ride, she accepted a lift from a stranger around 5 PM—a decision that tragically ended with her disappearance.

Brooke Giddings [00:00]: "Regina was murdered. Regina was missing for four days before her roommates called the police."

Despite thorough efforts, Regina remained missing for four days, prompting her roommates to report her disappearance. Investigator Jean Rifenberg was assigned to the case, with friends noting that Regina's unexplained absence from a planned dinner was highly unusual.

Bill Fitzpatrick [01:13]: "It was unusual to have a dinner date and then not show up... It just didn't make sense that she would just take off."

Initial Investigation and Suspect Identification

As days turned into weeks with no leads, investigators began to suspect the worst. On November 19th, Regina's body was discovered at Otisco Lake, 50 miles from her college. The circumstances of her disposal pointed to a calculating and indifferent killer.

Detective Dave Paul [02:19]: "You could tell at that particular time you're looking for a very serious killer just by the way he threw the body away."

The autopsy revealed a single stab wound to the heart and the presence of semen, preserved for future testing. Initial attempts to analyze the biological evidence were futile due to the limitations of forensic technology at the time.

Detective Ray Salvi's discovery at the crime scene became a pivotal moment. A plastic container containing several business cards bearing the name Donald Sigsbee and his company, Model Display Company, raised suspicions.

Detective Ray Salvi [03:25]: "When I looked down at the scene there, I saw this plastic container, which..."

Multiple cards suggested a deliberate act, indicating that Sigsbee might be directly involved rather than a mere customer.

Challenges in the Early Investigation

Investigators focused their search on Sigsbee, beginning with his business address and then his residence. Surveillance efforts led to the discovery of blood-like substances in his van, which Sigsbee claimed were deer blood—a claim later confirmed by the crime lab.

Detective Dave Paul [02:48]: "All that would have done is knock it down to a couple million people if we got the blood typing."

Despite these findings, Sigsbee remained uncooperative, providing no incriminating information during lengthy interrogations.

Detective Dave Paul [10:55]: "You'd be in there for six hours and you'd be mentally exhausted after talking to him."

An unconventional strategy was employed: Sigsbee was released with a tape recorder to document his daily activities, hoping to find inconsistencies or admissions. However, this method yielded no substantial evidence.

The DNA Breakthrough

In 1999, Detective David Krause revisited the cold case, armed with DNA technology that wasn't available during the initial investigation. While sifting through stored evidence, Krause discovered the preserved slide containing Regina's semen.

Detective Ray Salvi [14:04]: "As soon as I saw it, I said, whoever's responsible for this crime, this is probably their DNA right there on that slide."

Despite concerns about the sample's condition, the DNA extraction was successful, producing a viable profile that could link a suspect to the crime.

Detective Ray Salvi [14:45]: "Probably the best moment I've had on this job."

Arrest and Trial

The DNA evidence catapulted investigators back into active pursuit of Sigsbee. Despite his continued lack of cooperation, strategic surveillance led to the collection of DNA evidence from a discarded cup and straw at a restaurant where Sigsbee dined.

Detective Ray Salvi [17:40]: "I'm sure he just thought I was another customer..."

The match was undeniable. Armed with both the business cards and DNA evidence, law enforcement arrested Sigsbee in March 2004.

Bill Fitzpatrick [19:39]: "The business cards were an important piece of evidence... but it was the DNA evidence that connected him to the murder."

At trial, District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick emphasized the irrefutable nature of the DNA match, alongside the circumstantial evidence of the business cards, leading to a swift conviction.

Bill Fitzpatrick [20:16]: "This is a no brainer."

Within a day, the jury returned a guilty verdict, and Donald Sigsbee was sentenced to prison for Regina Reynolds' murder.

Aftermath: Other Possible Crimes

Despite Sigsbee's conviction, questions lingered regarding his potential involvement in other unsolved murders, notably that of Martha Allen—a case from two years prior with striking similarities to Regina's abduction and murder. Investigators suspect that Sigsbee may have been responsible for multiple crimes during that period, though concrete evidence remains elusive.

Bill Fitzpatrick [21:05]: "There's very little doubt in my mind that he is responsible for the death of other women in central New York."

Further investigations into similar cases from the 1970s continue, but Sigsbee's death in 2009 leaves many questions unanswered.

Conclusion

"REOPENED: The Calling Card" underscores the relentless dedication of law enforcement in solving cold cases, even decades after the fact. Regina Reynolds' tragic story serves as a testament to the advancements in forensic science and the unwavering pursuit of justice. While Sigsbee was held accountable for Regina's murder, the episode leaves listeners contemplating the profound impact of unresolved cases on families and communities alike.

Notable Quotes

• Bill Fitzpatrick [01:13]: "It was unusual to have a dinner date and then not show up... It just didn't make sense that she would just take off."

• Detective Dave Paul [02:19]: "You could tell at that particular time you're looking for a very serious killer just by the way he threw the body away."

• Detective Ray Salvi [03:25]: "When I looked down at the scene there, I saw this plastic container, which..."

• Detective Ray Salvi [14:12]: "Whoever's responsible for this crime, this is probably their DNA right there on that slide."

• Detector Ray Salvi [17:40]: "I'm sure he just thought I was another customer..."

• Bill Fitzpatrick [19:39]: "The business cards were an important piece of evidence... but it was the DNA evidence that connected him to the murder."

Final Remarks

The episode, produced by McKamey Lin and Steve Delamater with contributions from Julie McGruder and executive production by Ted Butler, offers a poignant exploration of a case that spanned decades. With evocative storytelling and meticulous attention to detail, Brooke Giddings brings Regina Reynolds' story to life, honoring her memory and the relentless quest for justice by those who refused to let her case go cold.

For more information on similar cases, visit the A&E Real Crime blog or reach out to the Cold Case Files team at coldcase@aetv.com.

Connect with Brooke Giddings:

• Twitter: @brookegames
• Instagram: @brookthepodcaster
• Facebook: Podcast for Justice