Crime Junkie Episode Summary: "INFAMOUS: Highway 20"

Release Date: January 13, 2025

Introduction

In the captivating episode titled "INFAMOUS: Highway 20," hosts Ashley Flowers and Britt delve deep into the chilling series of disappearances and murders linked to Highway 20 in Oregon. This episode meticulously unravels the unsettling pattern of tragedies that unfolded over several decades, centering around the enigmatic figure of John Aykroyd.

Kaye Turner's Disappearance

The narrative begins on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1978, in the remote area of Camp Sherman, Oregon, adjacent to Highway 20. At approximately 10 AM, Noel Turner becomes alarmed when his wife, 35-year-old Kay Turner, fails to return from her morning run. Kay, an avid runner accustomed to the area's unfamiliar terrain, had planned a short jog but never made it back.

Ashley Flowers [02:04]: "But what should have been Kay's time to recharge and clear her head is quickly becoming now her family and friends' nightmare."

Despite extensive search efforts by sheriff deputies and local volunteers, Kay remains missing by Christmas Day, with no signs of her surviving the ordeal.

Early Investigation and Suspicious Evidence

The investigation takes a pivotal turn on December 26, 1978, when trackers discover two sets of frozen footprints near the woods. One set matches Kay's Nike running shoes, while the larger set suggests the presence of another individual. The trackers infer a potential struggle, indicating that Kay might have been forcibly taken.

Britt [04:56]: "And there's something else that they didn't dig deeper into either. This one, to me, is far more baffling."

Despite these alarming clues, the deputy in charge either dismisses or overlooks the significance, leaving the case unresolved for years.

Emergence of John Aykroyd as a Suspect

The plot thickens when John Aykroyd, one of the initial highway worker witnesses, becomes a person of interest. In August 1979, a local general store owner encounters John claiming to have found clothes he believes belong to Kay. His story raises red flags, especially when he admits to being the last person to see Kay alive.

Ashley Flowers [9:08]: "There is some clarity as to who the killer is, but it leaves us with more questions than answers."

Further incriminating evidence surfaces when John later confesses to discovering Kay's remains, albeit with inconsistent details that deepen suspicions about his involvement.

Rachanda Pickle's Disappearance

Fast forward to July 11, 1990, another tragic event unfolds. Linda, a concerned mother, reports her 13-year-old daughter, Rachanda Pickle, missing. Shockingly, Rachanda's stepfather is none other than John Aykroyd, linking him once again to a disappearance along Highway 20.

Ashley Flowers [23:19]: "So where was he? He was supposed to be at work."

John's suspicious behavior includes having blood-stained hands and a rope with Rachanda's hair found in his truck—evidence he dismissively attributes to innocent explanations, further casting doubt on his innocence.

Melissa Sanders and Sheila Swanson's Murders

The saga intensifies in 1992 with the disappearance of two best friends, 17-year-old Melissa Sanders and 19-year-old Sheila Swanson. Both had been seen last at Sherry's Diner, a known haunt of John Aykroyd, who earned the ominous nickname "the Pervert" from regular patrons.

Britt [35:06]: "He even mentioned to the girls that he might be in the same area."

Their bodies were discovered months later, bearing signs of foul play that eerily mirrored the injuries Kay Turner sustained, including stab wounds and possible strangulation.

Arrest and Conviction of John Aykroyd

In October 1992, mounting evidence and testimonies, including those from John's acquaintances and victims' families, lead to his arrest. Despite lacking direct physical evidence linking him to the murders, the circumstantial evidence and his disturbing history make a compelling case.

Ashley Flowers [37:00]: "And it lines up with what Pam said."

In September 1993, John stands trial for Kay Turner's murder. Testimonies reveal his violent tendencies, including previous sexual assault allegations by Marlene Gabrielson, which were initially dismissed by law enforcement.

On October 6, 1993, John Aykroyd is convicted of Kay Turner's murder and sentenced to Life with a 20-year minimum. Shortly after, Roger Beck, his accomplice, receives a similar life sentence.

Aftermath and Unresolved Cases

Despite John's conviction, numerous other disappearances and murders remain officially unsolved but are strongly suspected to be connected to him. The discovery of additional victims' remains near Highway 20, dating back to the mid-1970s, raises unsettling questions about the full extent of John's crimes.

Ashley Flowers [48:09]: "While some of his victims' families can take some solace in the fact that this man will never harm anyone again, it's heartbreaking to think that there could still be other families who don't have or may not get the same answers."

John's death in prison in 1992 leaves several cases lingering without closure, including the tragic disappearance of Rachanda Pickle, whose body has yet to be found.

Continuing the Search for Truth

The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners who may have information about these cases. Despite John's incarceration, the mystery surrounding Rachanda Pickle remains unsolved, and the possibility of other victims continues to haunt investigators and the community.

Ashley Flowers [51:30]: "If anyone out there knows anything about these cases or about John Aykroyd and his life and his movements, please call the Linn County Sheriff's Office tip line at 866-557-9988."

Conclusion

"INFAMOUS: Highway 20" is a harrowing exploration of a serial offender whose actions have left an indelible mark on Oregon's history. Ashley and Britt's thorough examination highlights the systemic failures in law enforcement and the enduring quest for justice faced by the victims' families. This episode not only sheds light on the dark corridors of Highway 20 but also serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and advocacy in unresolved cases.

Notable Quotes:

• Ashley Flowers [02:04]: "But what should have been Kay's time to recharge and clear her head is quickly becoming now her family and friends' nightmare."

• Britt [04:56]: "And there's something else that they didn't dig deeper into either. This one, to me, is far more baffling."

• Ashley Flowers [23:19]: "So where was he? He was supposed to be at work."

• Britt [35:06]: "He even mentioned to the girls that he might be in the same area."

• Ashley Flowers [37:00]: "And it lines up with what Pam said."

• Ashley Flowers [51:30]: "If anyone out there knows anything about these cases or about John Aykroyd and his life and his movements, please call the Linn County Sheriff's Office tip line at 866-557-9988."

Source Material: All details and timestamps are based on the provided transcript of the "INFAMOUS: Highway 20" episode from the Crime Junkie podcast.