Crime Junkie Podcast: "MURDERED: Peggy Hettrick Part 2" - Detailed Summary

Release Date: May 27, 2025
Hosts: Ashley Flowers and Britt Prawat
Presented by: audiochuck Media Company

Introduction

In the gripping second installment of Peggy Hettrick’s case, Ashley Flowers and her co-host Britt delve deeper into the unresolved mysteries surrounding Peggy's tragic death. Following the exoneration of Tim, who wrongfully spent nearly a decade in prison, the hosts explore alternative suspects and overlooked evidence that may hold the key to uncovering the truth.

Recap of Part 1

Previously, listeners were introduced to Tim’s wrongful conviction and eventual exoneration. Tim was accused and convicted of Peggy Hettrick's murder but was later found innocent, leading to a substantial $10 million judgment in his favor. Despite Tim’s release, Peggy’s murder remains unsolved, prompting questions about the real perpetrator behind her death.

Exploring Other Potential Suspects

1. Matt Zollner

Overview:
Peggy's on-again, off-again boyfriend, Matt Zollner, emerges as a primary suspect. At 29 years old during the time of the murder in 1987, Matt's behavior and alibi initially cast doubt on his involvement.

Key Points:

• Alibi Reevaluation:
  Initially, Matt claimed he was with a woman named Sean until Peggy was found dead between 1 and 3 AM ([03:50]). However, investigative files later expanded the potential time window to between 1 AM and 5 AM, leaving a two-hour period where Matt's whereabouts remain unaccounted for ([04:10]).

• Notable Evidence:
  A note found in Peggy's purse, addressed to Matt, reads:
  "Matt, I need your help. Sharon has got my keys and isn't home. No answer. If I have to knock on Your door at 2, please don't be a grump. I don't wanna spend the night sleeping in the hall. Peg." ([04:49])
  This note suggests a planned meeting at Matt's residence, raising questions about Peggy's intentions and Matt's potential motives.

• Behavioral Indicators:
  Despite no prior history of violence, Matt's sudden interest in retrieving seized items from his apartment and car after the initial investigation points to suspicious behavior ([12:53]).

2. Donnie Long

Overview:
Donnie Long was convicted for two other murders around the same time Peggy was killed. However, his confession did not extend to Peggy's case.

Key Points:

• Confession Details:
  Donnie admitted to murdering Linda Holt and Mana Hughes but denied involvement in Peggy's death ([19:31]).

• Lack of Investigation:
  Despite Donnie's confessions, authorities did not explore any connections between him and Peggy's case, leaving room for doubt about the thoroughness of the investigation ([20:14]).

3. Dr. Richard Hammond

Overview:
Dr. Richard Hammond, a local ophthalmologist, becomes a controversial figure linked to multiple crimes beyond Peggy's case.

Key Points:

• Secret Recording Operation:
  In 1995, Hammond was discovered to have a clandestine operation in his basement, equipped with hidden cameras and extensive videotapes cataloged meticulously ([24:33]). These tapes included explicit footage, some involving minors, indicating a deeper level of criminal activity.

• Destruction of Evidence:
  Upon his arrest, all evidence related to Hammond's recordings was inexplicably destroyed, raising significant concerns about the manipulation and concealment of potential evidence ([36:31]).

• Suspected Link to Peggy's Case:
  Hammond lived in close proximity to the crime scene of Peggy's murder, with his residence offering a direct line of sight to the location from his bedroom window. Additionally, his videotaping activities and the discovery of Tom McCann's shoes in his possession deepen suspicions about his involvement ([17:47]; [30:13]).

4. Randy Anglin

Overview:
Randy Anglin appears as a potential suspect due to a cryptic note referencing nipple mutilation, aligning with the surgical precision observed in Peggy's murder.

Key Points:

• Historical Crimes:
  Anglin was active from 1977 to 1987 in Northern Colorado, with a pattern of escalating burglaries and sexual assaults ([53:31]).

• Connection to Peggy's Case:
  A tip regarding a vehicle with Wyoming license plates near the time of Peggy’s death points towards Anglin, who owned such a vehicle ([54:02]).

DNA Evidence and Investigative Flaws

Overview:
The case against Matt Zollner partially hinged on touch DNA found on Peggy’s underwear, which partially matched Matt's profile. However, the absence of comprehensive DNA analysis and potential mishandling of evidence casts doubt on the validity of Tim’s exoneration and the investigation’s integrity.

Key Points:

• Touch DNA Findings:
  Only a single full DNA profile was obtained from Peggy’s sleeve, which turned out to belong to the police due to improper handling without gloves ([41:25]-[41:58]).

• Partial Match Controversy:
  The partial DNA match to Matt Zollner raises questions about its significance and why it wasn't sufficient to charge him if it indeed linked him to the scene ([41:25]-[42:07]).

• Potential Mishandling:
  References to issues with the DNA technician Missy Woods, who has been criticized for mishandling evidence in other cases, suggest possible contamination or errors in Peggy’s case as well ([45:46]-[46:11]).

Impact on the Exonerated and Peggy's Family

Overview:
Tim’s exoneration highlighted significant miscarriages of justice, while Peggy’s family continues to seek answers and accountability.

Key Points:

• Tim’s Life After Exoneration:
  Freed after nearly ten years, Tim has rebuilt his life but remains deeply affected by the injustice he faced. His attorney acknowledges ongoing doubts about Matt Zollner’s involvement ([31:05]-[42:07]).

• Tom Hetrick’s Plea for Justice:
  Peggy’s brother, Tom, diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, passionately urges the Attorney General’s office to reopen the case and pursue new investigations, emphasizing the urgency due to his limited time ([55:23]-[56:45]).

• Family’s Struggle:
  Tom expresses frustration over the lack of progress and the perceived indifference of law enforcement, highlighting the emotional toll and the relentless pursuit of truth by Peggy’s closest family members ([56:45]-[59:15]).

Call to Action

In a heartfelt conclusion, Ashley and Britt rally their listeners to support Peggy’s quest for justice. They encourage fans to contact the Colorado Attorney General’s office to advocate for reopening the case, assigning new investigators, and utilizing advanced DNA testing technologies.

Notable Quote:

"Justice for Peggy Hetrick. So we're asking you to join us in asking the Colorado Attorney General's office to reopen Peggy's case, assign a new investigator, and explore new DNA testing." ([59:15])

Conclusion

“MURDERED: Peggy Hettrick Part 2” offers a compelling exploration of a cold case riddled with investigative oversights and potential undisclosed evidence. Through meticulous analysis and passionate advocacy, Ashley Flowers and Britt Prawat shed light on possible suspects and systemic failures, urging the true crime community to take action and seek justice for Peggy Hettrick.

Listeners are left with a sense of urgency and a call to engage in the pursuit of truth, emphasizing the profound impact unresolved cases have on victims' families and the broader quest for justice.

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