Cold Case Files: REOPENED – The Pastor's Wife

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "REOPENED: The Pastor's Wife," Cold Case Files delves into the mysterious disappearance and eventual murder of Patty Jo Pulley, the wife of Pastor Rick Pulley. Hosted by Brooke Giddings and featuring insights from former host Bill Curtis and Investigator Keith Isom, the episode meticulously unravels a case that remained unsolved for years until new evidence brought it to justice.

The Disappearance of Patty Jo Pulley

On May 16, 1999, Patty Jo Pulley's pickup truck was discovered abandoned near Highway 62, and she was reported missing shortly thereafter. Initially perceived as a disappearance, the case hinted at underlying complexities that were not immediately apparent.

Initial Investigation and Suspicion on Rick Pulley

Bill Curtis emphasizes the personal connection investigators maintain with victims:

"I always keep a picture. Anytime I work an investigation, I keep a picture of the person missing or the victim because you always look back and the person is not just a number or not just something that fades away." [00:57]

Detective Keith Isom, though not frequently handling homicides, approached Patty Jo's case with personal dedication. Upon interviewing Rick Pulley, several red flags emerged. Curtis recounts his first impression:

"When I saw Mr. Rick Pulley for the first time, that's when I realized the scratches, the wounds on his face. And I realized at that time I needed to take a statement from him." [00:57-03:31]

Pulley presented himself as a devoted pastor with a seemingly perfect marriage, actively involved in church ministries and community missions. However, discrepancies began to surface during interviews.

Uncovering Rick Pulley's Secret Life

Detective Isom's suspicions deepened when he noticed:

"He had some scratch marks here on his chest, but also these four elongated bruises on his right bicep. When I looked at the bruises was consistent with Patty Jo reaching up, grabbing him with her left hand on his right bicep and him and also reaching with her right hand and scratching his face." [06:10-06:44]

An eyewitness, Robert Roland, identified Rick Pulley near the scene of Patty Jo's disappearance, further implicating him:

"When I pulled him, started talking to this fella, he turned and tried to hide from me and looked over his shoulder." [06:53]

Investigations revealed that Rick was leading a double life, struggling with a sexual addiction that strained their finances and threatened his public image.

Discovery of Patty Jo's Body

After three years of searching with little progress, breakthrough came in December 2002. A project geologist stumbled upon Patty Jo's skeletal remains under a bridge. Curtis describes the discovery:

"There was a bra. I didn't see a skull or anything like that. It was just bones and what appeared to be a bra across the bones." [12:51]

Forensic analysis confirmed the remains belonged to Patty Jo, and a length of rope found with them indicated foul play, shifting the case from a missing person to a homicide investigation.

Building the Case Against Rick Pulley

With newfound evidence, Detective Isom and his team revisited the case files. Critical pieces included the scratches on Rick's face and body, which forensic pathologist Dr. Patrick Lantz determined were inconsistent with a fall into a briar patch, as Rick had claimed:

"These are fairly linear...not nearly as wide as the injuries we saw in Mr. Pulley's cheek and face." [16:00]

Consolidating circumstantial evidence, the investigators were prepared to charge Rick Pulley with Patty Jo's murder, pending his location.

Arrest and Trial

Rick Pulley eventually resurfaced in Lebanon, Virginia, where he attempted to resume his pastoral role. His niece, Connie Winslow, remained steadfast in seeking justice. In February 2003, Rick was apprehended and transported to the sheriff's office. Over the following years, Rick's demeanor changed significantly, reflecting the weight of his guilt.

During the trial, District Attorney Joel Brewer highlighted the disparity between Rick's public persona and his private actions:

"She's working, cleaning houses to try to make ends meet, and he's making telephone sex calls and running up huge telephone bills." [20:56]

Despite lacking DNA or fingerprints, the physical evidence and testimonies built a compelling case:

"Patty Jo left a mark on Rick's face and his body. If it had not been for that, it's a good possibility he'd have got away with murder." [21:18]

Conclusion

On October 29, 2004, Rick Pulley was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. The case concluded with a sense of closure for Patty Jo's family, who placed a cross near the bridge where her remains were found, symbolizing both loss and justice.

"It's justice for Patty Jo and now the family. Even though they always miss her, there's some type of closure." [21:59]

Reflections

The episode underscores the intricate nature of cold cases and the relentless pursuit of truth by dedicated investigators. It also highlights the devastating impact of hidden personal struggles and the facade individuals may maintain in their communities.

Key Takeaways

• Judgment Beyond Appearances: Initial perceptions can be misleading, as seen with the Pulley family's seemingly perfect exterior hiding deep personal issues.

• Persistence Pays Off: Detective Isom's unwavering dedication was crucial in reopening and solving the case.

• Impact of Forensic Evidence: Physical evidence, even in the absence of direct DNA or fingerprint links, can be pivotal in securing convictions.

Notable Quotes

• Bill Curtis on Personal Connection:

  "I always keep a picture. Anytime I work an investigation, I keep a picture of the person missing or the victim because you always look back and the person is not just a number or not just something that fades away." [00:57]

• Connie Winslow on Seeking Justice:

  "I told him, I said, you know what? I said, I just want you to have one last thing to remember our family by." [18:44]

• Keith Isom on the Case's Resolution:

  "The guilt that has gnawed on Rick Pulley is finally realized in the form of a set of cuffs and a ride back to North Carolina to await trial for murder." [19:57]

Final Thoughts

"REOPENED: The Pastor's Wife" serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding unsolved cases and the human stories behind them. Through meticulous investigation and unwavering commitment, Cold Case Files illustrates the path from mystery to resolution, bringing justice to those long waiting for answers.