Crime Junkie Episode Summary: "Murdered: Peggy Hettrick Part 1"
Release Date: May 26, 2025
Introduction and Backstory
After an exhilarating tour attended by over 75,000 true crime enthusiasts, Ashley Flowers and Britt Prawat, hosts of Crime Junkie, dive deep into the harrowing case of Peggy Hettrick. The episode underscores the urgency of revisiting Peggy's unsolved murder, emphasizing the need for collective attention and action from their dedicated community.
The Crime: Peggy Hettrick's Mysterious Murder
On February 11, 1987, Peggy Hettrick, a 37-year-old woman, was brutally murdered in Fort Collins, Colorado. Her body was discovered by a bicyclist named Woody, who noticed a large splash of blood in a nearby field. Upon investigation, police found Peggy lying face-up with distressing signs of mutilation.
Notable Quote:
Tom Hetrick (Peggy's Brother) [02:33]: "Why did this happen? What brought us here to this place?"
An initial assessment revealed a stab wound to her upper back and the horrifying discovery that one of her nipples had been surgically removed—a clear sign of post-mortem mutilation. Additionally, Peggy's purse and personal belongings remained intact, suggesting the perpetrator was focused solely on her.
Investigation: Unraveling the Evidence
Detective Linda Wheeler led the investigation, uncovering inconsistencies in the crime scene. Critical pieces of evidence included:
- Blood Trail: A 100-foot-long blood trail from the curb to where Peggy was found.
- Footprints: Distinct Tom McCann dress shoe prints near the blood pool.
- Cigarette Butt: A cigarette belonging to Peggy, indicating she was smoking at the time of the attack.
- Unusual Drag Marks: Discrepancies between the blood trail and drag marks suggested the possibility of multiple assailants or alternative explanations.
Notable Quote:
Ashley Flowers [08:44]: "So the question is, how did she get out there in the middle of that field?"
Further complicating the investigation was the discovery of Tim Masters, a 15-year-old who routinely walked through the field to catch his school bus. Tim's behavior on the morning of the murder drew police suspicion, especially when his shoe prints were found near the crime scene.
The Wrongful Conviction of Tim Masters
Despite Tim's adamant innocence, police pursued him relentlessly due to circumstantial evidence and disturbing drawings found in his possession depicting violent and sexually sadistic imagery.
Notable Quote:
Detective Jim Broadrick [41:35]: "This kid is dangerous, and it is his job, nay, his duty, to get him off the streets of Fort Collins."
Tim was arrested in 1998, nearly a decade after the murder, and subsequently convicted based predominantly on the incriminating nature of his drawings and his proximity to the crime scene. The prosecution's case hinged on the argument of displaced matricide, suggesting that Tim projected his unresolved grief over his mother's death onto Peggy.
Notable Quote:
Tim Masters [26:02]: "You scared a lot of people. You scared me."
Despite intense pressure, Tim maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal, never confessing to a crime he did not commit. His conviction underscored significant flaws within the justice system, including:
- Reliance on Circumstantial Evidence: Conviction based largely on artistic expressions without concrete links to the crime.
- Psychological Pressure: Persistent media coverage and police tactics aimed at isolating and discrediting Tim.
- Destruction and Mishandling of Evidence: Key pieces of evidence were destroyed or mishandled, further complicating any pursuit of the truth.
The Path to Exoneration
After enduring nearly a decade in prison, significant developments led to Tim's exoneration:
- DNA Testing: Advances in DNA technology allowed for re-examination of evidence, revealing that none matched Tim.
- Internal Doubts: Detective Linda Wheeler, disillusioned by her role in Tim's wrongful conviction, left the police force to assist in reopening the case.
- Community Advocacy: Followers of Crime Junkie and individuals like Taylor Maris recognized the miscarriage of justice and pushed for reevaluation.
Notable Quote:
Ashley Flowers [35:06]: "To figure out who killed Peggy Hetrick... The thing is Tim's wrongful conviction."
Tim was released in January 2008 after charges were dropped, receiving a settlement of approximately $10 million. However, questions remained unanswered, particularly regarding other potential suspects and the true motives behind Peggy's murder.
Impact and the Call for Justice
Peggy's tragic death not only devastated her family but also exposed glaring deficiencies in the criminal justice system. Detective Linda Wheeler's career change highlighted the personal toll such wrongful convictions take on individuals involved.
Notable Quote:
Ashley Flowers [44:50]: "It takes one person, and you don't have to fix it, like, overnight."
The episode concludes with a promise to delve deeper into other viable suspects and continue advocating for justice in Peggy's case in the upcoming Part 2.
Conclusion
Murdered: Peggy Hettrick Part 1 serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of wrongful convictions and the enduring quest for justice. Through meticulous storytelling and community engagement, Crime Junkie not only recounts a compelling true crime narrative but also empowers listeners to become active participants in the pursuit of truth.
Join the Crime Junkie Community
For those eager to continue the journey and uncover the remaining mysteries of Peggy Hettrick's case, Crime Junkie invites you to join their Fan Club, access exclusive content, and participate in ongoing discussions to drive change and seek resolution.
This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the "Murdered: Peggy Hettrick Part 1" episode of Crime Junkie. For a more comprehensive understanding, listening to the full episode is highly recommended.