Crime Junkie Podcast Episode Summary: "CAPTURED: Hammer Killer in Denver"
Crime Junkie, hosted by Ashley Flowers and Brittney Brombacher, delves deep into the harrowing true crime case of the Denver Hammer Killer. This detailed summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, providing an engaging narrative for both seasoned true crime enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
1. Introduction to the Denver Hammer Killer
Timestamp: 01:13
Ashley Flowers sets the stage by transporting listeners to Denver, Colorado—a city celebrated for its vibrant art, culture, and outdoor activities. However, beneath this facade lies a chilling tale of a serial killer whose reign of terror shattered the community.
Ashley Flowers: "This is the story of the Denver Hammer Killer... This reminds us all that we're all vulnerable."
2. The Initial Attacks
a. The Aurora Couple: James and Kim
Timestamp: 08:12
Six days before the infamous attack on Patricia Smith, James and Kim in Aurora faced a brutal assault. James was awakened in the early hours by a hammer blow to his head, sparing only minor injuries. His wife, Kim, was the primary victim, suffering severe trauma.
Ashley Flowers: "James drifts off to sleep. The next thing he knows... he saw the hammer and wondered where it came from."
Despite the violent incident, the attack received minimal media attention, leaving the police with limited leads.
b. Patricia Smith’s Murder
Timestamp: 02:07
On January 10, 1984, Patricia Smith was brutally murdered in Lakewood, Colorado. Her granddaughter, Sherry Lutton, discovered the scene—Patricia lying dead with a hammer beside her body, indicating a motive of robbery and sexual assault.
Amber (Sherry's daughter): "It's definitely an image that never leaves your mind." [04:45]
The investigation initially faced hurdles due to scant evidence and outdated forensic techniques.
c. The Bennett Family Slaughter
Timestamp: 16:07
A week after Patricia's murder, the Bennett family became victims. Constance Bennett arrived home to find her son, Bruce, mortally wounded, and her wife Deborah and daughters Melissa and Vanessa brutally attacked. The cleanup at the scene revealed a clear pattern: the use of a hammer, lack of forced entry, and minimal theft, further complicating the motive.
Ashley Flowers: "Bruce suffered 16 blows to the head... consistent with a claw hammer."
3. Investigation Challenges
Timestamp: 14:02
Despite recognizing a disturbing pattern, law enforcement struggled with inter-departmental communication. An All-Points Bulletin (APB) was issued but failed to generate crucial leads, allowing the killer to continue his spree unchecked.
Brittney Brombacher: "This could have been solved five years ago."
Technological limitations of the 1980s hindered the gathering and processing of forensic evidence, leaving investigators grasping at straws.
4. Breakthrough with DNA and Profiling
Timestamp: 26:06
Advancements in DNA technology years later provided a breakthrough. By 2001, DNA samples from the crime scenes were successfully extracted and linked all four cases to a single perpetrator. FBI profiler Ron Walker assisted in creating a behavioral profile, suggesting the killer was likely a petty criminal with a history of violent offenses.
Ron Walker: "He was very juvenile in his approach... he walks down the street and jiggles doors."
Despite these insights, the genetic profile initially yielded no matches in existing databases.
5. Capture of Alex Ewing
Timestamp: 35:48
The relentless pursuit continued until 2018 when DNA profiling technologies finally identified Alex Ewing as the Denver Hammer Killer. Remarkably, Ewing had been incarcerated for another violent crime shortly after the Bennett murders but escaped custody due to a transport mishap. His subsequent attacks, including the gruesome assault on Christopher and Nancy with their newborn, underscored his violent nature.
Ashley Flowers: "This guy was sitting in prison right under their noses the whole time."
Authorities eventually apprehended Ewing, ending his spree and bringing long-awaited closure to the victims' families.
6. Aftermath and Reflection
Timestamp: 42:22
The case highlights significant flaws in law enforcement communication and procedures of the time, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency cooperation and the adoption of advanced forensic methods. Vanessa Bennett's traumatic survival story serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of such crimes on survivors.
Vanessa Bennett: "All you have to do is look at me to see the damage this man did to me."
Ashley reflects on similar unresolved cases, advocating for open-mindedness and thorough investigations to prevent future tragedies.
7. Conclusion and Community Impact
Timestamp: 43:38
The episode concludes by urging listeners to support advancements in forensic science and to remain vigilant in recognizing and addressing patterns that may indicate serial offenses. The successful capture of Alex Ewing underscores the importance of perseverance in cold cases and the critical role of technological progress in solving long-standing mysteries.
Ashley Flowers: "Knowing about monsters like Ewing will make you look at that case with more of an open mind."
Key Takeaways:
- The Denver Hammer Killer's spree in 1984 showcased early challenges in serial crime investigations, including poor inter-agency communication and limited forensic capabilities.
- Advances in DNA technology decades later were pivotal in identifying and capturing Alex Ewing, bringing justice to multiple victims.
- The case underscores the necessity for robust law enforcement protocols and the continual improvement of forensic sciences to solve and prevent violent crimes.
For a deeper dive into this case and related stories, listeners are encouraged to visit the Crime Junkie website or explore the recommended podcast Blame by Nine News.