Cold Case Files: REOPENED - The Deadly Ex
Host: Brooke Giddings
Producer: McKamey, Lynn and Steve Delamater
Executive Producer: Ted Butler
Music: Blake Maples
Release Date: November 28, 2024
Introduction
In the gripping episode titled "REOPENED: The Deadly Ex" of Cold Case Files, host Brooke Giddings delves deep into a haunting unresolved murder from the late 1980s. This case, which remained stagnant for over a decade, highlights the relentless pursuit of truth by both law enforcement and a grieving daughter seeking closure.
Case Background
On a seemingly ordinary Sunday morning in October 1988, Cheryl Petrie vanished without a trace. Cheryl, a dedicated mother and wife, left behind her answering machine recordings and a family that would be devastated by her sudden disappearance. The initial clues were sparse, leading investigators to consider various leads that ultimately went cold.
Initial Investigation
Cheryl's disappearance raised immediate suspicions of foul play, especially after a peculiar series of unanswered calls were discovered on her answering machine. "Cheryl, if you're missing a Purse, I think I found it...," one message indicated a potential link to Seattle. However, Cheryl had no known connections to the city, deepening the mystery (00:02:15).
Detective Ron Trogdon of the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office took charge, scrutinizing possible suspects and motives. His investigation quickly zeroed in on Cheryl's ex-husband, Roland Petrie, given his dubious past, including a previous involvement in a murder-for-hire scheme (00:05:30).
Suspects and Motives
Roland Petrie emerged as the chief suspect. Evidence suggested a possible financial motive, as Cheryl had recently taken out a substantial life insurance policy. Friends and colleagues described Cheryl as a hardworking individual who firmly believed in Roland's innocence despite his criminal record (00:10:45).
Eric Schultz, Cheryl's boss and friend, provided crucial insights into Roland's unstable behavior post-release from prison. "He was supposed to have a date a week after she got killed...," Schultz recounted, painting a picture of Roland's potential motive rooted in jealousy and financial gain (00:12:20).
The Cold Case
Despite mounting evidence, Roland maintained his innocence, claiming an alibi supported by witnesses and receipts. However, discrepancies in his story and the discovery of Cheryl's battered body in her trunk complicated the case. The brutality of the murder, with Cheryl beaten severely alive before being concealed, indicated a level of violence that suggested premeditation (00:18:50).
As years passed with no resolution, the case was archived as cold, leaving Cheryl's daughter, Yvonne Petrie, burdened with unanswered questions and a burning desire for justice.
Yvonne Petrie's Quest
Thirteen years later, in 2001, Yvonne, now 23, refused to accept her father's guilt without concrete evidence. "I wanted it to be that he didn't do it...," Yvonne shared, revealing her inner conflict and determination to uncover the truth about her mother's death (00:25:40).
Her relentless pursuit brought renewed attention to the case, prompting cold case detectives Dick Gagdon and Greg Mexel of the Seattle PD to re-examine old evidence and seek new leads.
Renewed Investigation
The breakthrough came through an unexpected source: a former cellmate of Roland Petrie, Fred McKee, who provided pivotal information from behind bars. McKee disclosed conversations about the murder and suggested Roland's involvement in orchestrating the crime with an accomplice (00:35:10).
Detectives located McKee at McNeil Island Prison, where he confirmed details that aligned with Cheryl's murder, including the transportation of her body to Seattle. This testimony was instrumental in bridging gaps in the original investigation (00:38:25).
Breakthrough and Conviction
Confronted with mounting evidence and McKee's corroboration, Roland Petrie's narrative unraveled. Under pressure, Roland admitted to hiring McKee to execute the murder, revealing a convoluted plan that ultimately failed due to his own unforeseen circumstances. "I had to have an accomplice," he confessed, linking himself directly to the crime (00:45:50).
In a dramatic legal turn, Roland pled guilty to first-degree murder, while McKee accepted a plea deal for second-degree murder. Yvonne Petrie faced the harrowing experience of testifying against her father, a moment that underscored the profound personal toll of cold cases (00:50:30).
Reflection on Cold Case Efforts
The episode emphasizes the critical role of cold case units in delivering justice long after a crime has been committed. Detective Mike Sell highlighted the importance of revisiting neglected cases, stating, "We need to do that. It's not like they just use their detective skills and write you off. They really care about you" (00:55:15).
Conclusion
"REOPENED: The Deadly Ex" serves as a testament to perseverance in the face of unresolved tragedy. Cheryl Petrie's case, once deemed unsolvable, was finally closed thanks to unwavering determination from both her daughter and dedicated investigators. This episode not only provides closure to a family's enduring pain but also reinforces the significance of never giving up on seeking the truth.
Notable Quotes
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Roland Petrie (00:43:10): "I wanted it to be that he didn't do it. So as much as I believed it, in my head, in my heart, I wanted it not to be true."
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Eric Schultz (00:12:55): "There's a lot of us that are going to owe you some big apologies if you can be found innocent."
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Yvonne Petrie (00:52:40): "The pain of knowing that you wanted me dead is so deep inside that when I think about it, my heart hurts."
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Detective Mike Sell (00:56:50): "We need to do that. It's not like they just use their detective skills and write you off. They really care about you."
Production Credits
- Host: Brooke Giddings
- Producer: McKamey, Lynn and Steve Delamater
- Associate Producer: Julie Magruder
- Executive Producer: Ted Butler
- Music: Blake Maples
- Distribution: PodcastOne
For more intriguing real-life mysteries, visit A&E Real Crime Blog.
Note: This summary intentionally omits all advertisement segments and non-relevant content to focus solely on the narrative of Cheryl Petrie's cold case.