CounterClock Podcast Summary
Episode 14 of 14: The Next Move
Release Date: June 14, 2024
Host: Delia D'Ambra

Introduction

CounterClock, hosted by investigative journalist Delia D'Ambra, delves into unsolved mysteries to reignite interest in cold cases. In the season finale, "The Next Move," Delia brings closure to a gripping saga involving the untimely deaths of multiple individuals connected to a decades-old bank robbery in Williamston. This episode intertwines personal family struggles, potential corruption, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Recap of the Bank Robbery Saga

The episode begins with a comprehensive recap of a complex series of events stemming from a bank robbery orchestrated by Larry Jones. Despite planning an elaborate heist, Jones left with nothing, taking the cleaning crew hostage and inexplicably moving a hostage’s car. This botched robbery set off a chain reaction leading to several deaths and community outrage.

Key Points:

• Jerry Beach's Death: Former Sheriff Jerry Beach, initially hailed as a hero, died under suspicious circumstances just before a crucial meeting with the Howell family about their son's case (Timestamp [01:42]).

• Jean Wiggins' Tragic End: Jean Wiggins, an innocent bystander, was mistakenly killed by NCSBI agents who confused her with Larry Jones due to racial profiling, sparking outrage in the black community and involvement from the NAACP ([01:42]).

• Spanky's Untimely Death: Spanky, a key figure expected to provide answers, died suddenly three years after his friends Lynette Brown and Brandi Becote shared their theories, further muddying the investigation ([01:42]).

• Richard Smith's Revelation: A former drug dealer from Williamston, Richard Smith, implied a larger conspiracy involving corrupt law enforcement, hinting that the initial suspicions around the case might be correct ([01:42]).

The Wagg Family's Quest for Justice

Central to this episode is Doug Wagg Jr.'s case. The Wagg family, led by sister Melissa, seeks to exhume Doug's remains to uncover potential DNA evidence that could shed light on his mysterious death.

Notable Quotes:

• Jessica Wagg: "I mean, I feel like there may possibly be DNA. So I still think it's a possibility... there's no way that I can stop. How do you just let this go?" ([05:55])

• Delia D'Ambra: "The only way to find out for sure would be to dig Doug up." ([06:11])

Key Developments:

• Exhumation Plan: The Wagg family unanimously supports the exhumation of Doug's body from Bahalia Cemetery, Mississippi, to search for hidden DNA evidence, specifically the gloves Doug was buried with ([05:27]-[06:35]).

• Law Enforcement Stance: Deputy Drew Robinson of the Martin County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) acknowledges the lack of physical evidence but expresses willingness to collaborate on the exhumation ([07:07]-[07:23]).

• Foundation Establishment: Melissa Wagg founded the Douglas Wagg Jr. Foundation to fund the exhumation and support other families with missing or murdered loved ones. The foundation aims to provide resources like flyers, T-shirts, and funeral expenses ([10:13]-[11:06]).

Notable Quotes:

• Jessica Wagg: "My brother was a human being... any death... should have been treated as a homicide until they knew different." ([11:53])

• Delia D'Ambra: "If you're out there listening and you know about the something Melissa is talking about, I want you to know this justice is not some far off distant thing." ([31:12])

Installation of the Commemorative Bench

In a poignant segment, Delia describes the installation of a commemorative bench at the Roanoke River boat landing in memory of Tremaine Howell, Nikki Wilson, and Joyce Jean Wilson.

Key Elements:

• Purpose: The bench serves as a physical reminder of the teenagers' mysterious deaths, encouraging reflection and remembrance ([13:22]-[15:27]).

• Family Interaction: Denise Howell and Tremaine Howell express their gratitude and hope that the bench will keep their loved ones' memories alive and prompt further inquiry into the unresolved questions surrounding their deaths ([15:22]-[16:27]).

Notable Quotes:

• Denise Howell: "My brother was a human being... you have taken so much from us. You've taken our son." ([28:39])

• Tremaine Howell: "They will remember the three of them." ([16:30])

Suspicious Removal of Doug's Flyer

A significant part of the episode focuses on the mysterious removal of Doug Wagg Jr.'s flyer from a local laundromat, suggesting possible interference from individuals connected to the case.

Key Points:

• Flyer Removal: Jessica Wagg notices Doug's flyer missing from Rogers Laundromat, while other flyers remain intact, indicating targeted suppression ([17:23]-[21:42]).

• Implications of Suppression: The removal hints at ongoing efforts by certain individuals in Williamston and Martin County to silence the investigation and prevent public awareness ([22:21]-[23:36]).

• Discussion with Andy Holloman: Delia recounts a conversation with Andy Holloman, who believes that those involved in the initial crimes are still present in town and possibly motivated to disrupt the investigation ([23:55]-[24:51]).

Notable Quotes:

• Denise Howell: "It's odd that all the other stuff has been undisturbed, but yet his flyer is the only one missing." ([21:36]-[22:21])

• Andy Holloman: "The only way to keep a secret is never tell anybody... maybe this will spark some conversation." ([23:09]-[24:21])

Personal Reflections and Family Impact

Delia shares emotional moments with the Wagg family, highlighting the profound personal toll the investigation has taken on them.

Key Elements:

• Doug's Legacy: The birth of Doug’s son, Isaac Arthur, brings joy mixed with sorrow, as the family mourns Doug's absence and contemplates the future without him ([26:00]-[26:27]).

• Emotional Testimonies: Family members express their longing for closure and the deep sense of loss they feel, emphasizing the human aspect behind the investigation ([27:04]-[28:39]).

Notable Quotes:

• Douglas Wagg III: "I can't imagine him knowing that he was going to be a dad... It hurts me to know that he will never be able to do that." ([26:27]-[27:04])

• Jessica Wagg: "There's not a day that's gone by... I love you, and just give him the biggest hug." ([27:34]-[27:53])

Closing Reflections and Call for Justice

Delia concludes the episode by reinforcing the importance of uncovering the truth and urges listeners to remain vigilant in the pursuit of justice for Doug and the other victims.

Key Points:

• Unfinished Business: Despite the passage of 33 years, key questions about Doug’s death and related cases remain unanswered, urging continued investigation ([07:07]-[32:02]).

• Hope for the Future: Through the establishment of the foundation and ongoing efforts, the Wagg family and Delia aim to inspire others to seek truth and justice in similar cases ([28:59]-[31:41]).

Notable Quotes:

• Delia D'Ambra: "Somebody's gonna talk. Somebody knows something. Someone is gonna say something." ([31:26]-[31:36])

• Jessica Wagg: "If you're out there listening and you know about the something Melissa is talking about, I want you to know this justice is not some far off distant thing." ([31:12])

Conclusion

Episode 14 of CounterClock masterfully intertwines a personal quest for justice with broader themes of corruption and community impact. Through meticulous investigation and heartfelt storytelling, Delia D'Ambra not only honors the memory of those lost but also ignites a call to action for listeners to engage in uncovering the truth. The episode serves as a powerful testament to the enduring fight for justice and the importance of never forgetting the voices that have been silenced.

Additional Information:

• Douglas Wagg III Foundation: Donations can be made to support the exhumation of Doug's remains and assist other families with similar tragedies. Details are available in the show notes and the episode’s blog post.

• Bonus Q&A Episode: A supplementary Q&A session will be released in a few weeks. Listeners are encouraged to submit their questions about Season 6 to counterclockaudiochuck.com.

CounterClock is an AudioChuck production, with Executive Producer Ashley Flowers and all research, writing, and reporting by host Delia D'Ambra.