Cold Case Files: REOPENED – The Taunt
Host: Paula Barros
Release Date: January 30, 2025
Produced by: McKamey, Lynn, and Steve Delamater
Executive Producer: Ted Butler
Associate Producer: Julie McGruder
Music by: Blake Maples
Introduction
In the gripping episode titled "REOPENED: The Taunt," hosted by Paula Barros, Cold Case Files delves into the haunting stories of two women, Kira Ash and Lisa Meredith, whose lives were shattered by brutal sexual assaults. This episode not only explores the harrowing experiences of the victims but also highlights the relentless pursuit of justice by investigators, culminating in a rare cold case resolution after decades of uncertainty.
Case Overview
Brooke Giddings introduces the episode by shedding light on the prevalence of sexual violence in America. She states, “In America, one out of every six women have been the victim of rape. And there's a sexual assault every 73 seconds” (02:33). She emphasizes the long-lasting trauma survivors endure, noting that “94% of rape survivors develop PTSD symptoms” (02:05).
Victims' Stories
Kira Ash's Ordeal
At 20 years old, Kira Ash experienced a nightmare that would remain unresolved for years. She recounts her terrifying encounter:
"I saw him for a split second and he turned me around and blindfolded me with a bandana. He just said, do everything I say... God, just please, just save me. I'm not ready to go yet."
— Kira Ash (01:38)
Kira complied with her attacker’s instructions, who raped her and left her with chilling commands. Despite a police investigation and taking a rape kit, no semen was recovered, and the case went cold.
Lisa Meredith's Tragedy
Four days before her wedding, Lisa Meredith faced a similar fate. She describes the horrifying attack:
"He immediately put a pillowcase over my head, and so I didn't see anything... I knew what was going to happen."
— Lisa Meredith (03:33)
After her assault, Lisa’s fiance, Michael Burns, faced scrutiny during the investigation. The lack of physical evidence and Lisa’s inability to provide a clear description of her attacker led the police to doubt her account, causing both cases to go cold.
Investigation and Reopening the Case
Michael Burns felt an immense sense of guilt for not being present during Lisa’s assault:
"At the time, working these types of cases, we were a little skeptical of whether this actually occurred."
— Michael Burns (04:46)
Years later, in 2001, Lieutenant Joe Richardson, head of sex crimes at the Louisville Metro Police Department, revisits the cold cases. Michael Burns spearheads the effort to reopen the investigation, uncovering overlooked evidence from 1996 involving John Boston, a career burglar with a suspect profile matching the assaults.
Key Discovery:
"These three sheets were in the back of that case file, and that's what got the ball rolling in this particular investigation."
— Michael Burns (09:59)
The discovery linked multiple assaults to Boston, but it wasn’t until a taunting letter was sent that DNA evidence finally cracked the case.
The Taunting Letter and DNA Breakthrough
On March 4, 2002, Lieutenant Richardson receives a provocative letter from John Boston, who boasts about his crimes and attempts to taunt the investigators. Unknown to Boston, the envelope he licked to seal the letter contained his DNA.
Michael Burns explains:
"He left DNA on the seal when he licked the envelope. Seven years after the first victim was raped, the investigators had DNA from both a victim and their suspect."
— Michael Burns (17:00)
DNA analyst Sandra Hill successfully develops a DNA profile from the envelope, which matches John Boston’s profile in the DNA Indexing System database. This breakthrough provided the concrete evidence needed to move forward.
Apprehension and Confrontation
With the DNA evidence in hand, FBI Agent Walter Huey tracks Boston to a motel in Dallas. Upon confrontation, Boston is arrested and extradited back to Kentucky.
Michael Burns describes the pivotal moment:
"As I look to my left, John Boston, who I believe to be John Boston, walks up to the counter standing next to me."
— Michael Burns (19:52)
In the interrogation room, Boston's arrogance becomes his downfall as he engages with the investigators, revealing his overconfidence and eventually leading to his conviction.
Trial and Conviction
The trial commenced on March 2, 2004, with Assistant Commonwealth Attorney Tom Vandy Rostein presenting a compelling case. The testimonies of Kira Ash and Lisa Meredith were instrumental in securing a conviction.
Kira Ash bravely testifies:
"When I saw him, I felt pity for him... Why did you do this? What's wrong with you?"
— Kira Ash (23:27)
Lisa Meredith adds:
"I love this dress... We have our faith in each other and trust and our faith in God, and that's what's gotten us through."
— Lisa Meredith (26:12)
Despite Boston's attempts to deny involvement, the overwhelming evidence and victim testimonies lead to his conviction on all counts, sentencing him to 420 years in prison.
Aftermath and Overturned Verdict
While the conviction provided closure for Lisa Meredith and Michael Burns, Kira Ash's case faced legal challenges. The Kentucky Supreme Court overturned her verdict due to inadmissible statements made by Boston in 1996. Kira chose not to pursue a retrial, focusing instead on her healing and faith.
Kira Ash reflects:
"I hope that he finds the Lord and that he will ask for forgiveness and that he'll repent of everything he's done."
— Kira Ash (25:46)
John Boston remains incarcerated, with his parole opportunities denied and a projected release date far into the future.
Conclusion
"REOPENED: The Taunt" underscores the persistent challenges in solving cold cases, especially those involving sexual violence. It highlights the critical role of forensic advancements and the unwavering dedication of investigators like Michael Burns and Lieutenant Richardson. The episode serves as a testament to the resilience of survivors and the pursuit of justice, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
Notable Quotes:
- Kira Ash: "I saw him for a split second and he turned me around and blindfolded me with a bandana... I'm not ready to go yet." (01:38)
- Lisa Meredith: "He immediately put a pillowcase over my head... I knew what was going to happen." (03:33)
- Michael Burns: "At the time, working these types of cases, we were a little skeptical of whether this actually occurred." (04:46)
- Michael Burns: "He left DNA on the seal when he licked the envelope... we had DNA from both a victim and their suspect." (17:00)
- Kira Ash: "When I saw him, I felt pity for him... Why did you do this? What's wrong with you?" (23:27)
- Lisa Meredith: "We have our faith in each other and trust and our faith in God, and that's what's gotten us through." (26:12)
- Kira Ash: "I hope that he finds the Lord and that he will ask for forgiveness..." (25:46)
Additional Information
For more insights into this case and others, visit the A&E Real Crime Blog or tune into the Cold Case Files TV series produced by Curtis Productions. Follow Brooke Giddings on Twitter and Instagram, and join the conversation in the Podcast for Justice Facebook group.
This summary is based on the transcript provided and aims to present an accurate and comprehensive overview of the podcast episode "REOPENED: The Taunt." Notable quotes and timestamps are included to highlight key moments and testimonies.