Crime Junkie Podcast Episode Summary: MURDERED: The Feeney Family

Episode Information

• Title: MURDERED: The Feeney Family
• Host: Ashley Flowers
• Co-Host: Brit Prawat
• Release Date: April 14, 2025

Introduction to the Feeney Family Case

In this gripping episode of Crime Junkie, hosts Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat delve into the mysterious and tragic case of the Feeney family murders. The story begins on Monday, February 27, 1995, at the Tantara Resort in the Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, where John Feeney, a high school science teacher, returns to his room to find troubling signs indicating that something is terribly wrong.

Discovery of the Crime Scene

At approximately [00:00], Ashley Flowers sets the stage by introducing John Feeney's unsettling discovery:

[00:00] Ashley Flowers: “...learning the truth sometimes has grave consequences...”

John notices that he has missed a call from his high school and becomes alarmed when no one has picked up his phone despite numerous attempts. His wife, Cheryl, an RN and team lead for the gynecological surgical division, hasn’t shown up for work. Concerned, John contacts the Greene County Sheriff's Office to perform a welfare check.

Shortly after, Teresa, a coworker of Cheryl’s, arrives at the Feeney residence and notices unusual signs: the front door pane is painted over from the inside, the door is unlocked, and the house appears ransacked in a peculiar manner. Ethiopian [06:08] Brit adds a pop culture reference:

[04:09] Brit: “Wait, can we, as millennials, just real quick acknowledge that this is a teacher named Mr. Feeny?”

Teresa waits for the police to arrive and observes further anomalies, such as Cheryl’s car in the garage with random items like a TV piled on it. The atmosphere is described as both chaotic and unnervingly staged.

Initial Investigation and Suspicions

Once police arrive, Teresa provides a brief overview of the scene, noting disarray and disturbing signs like shoe prints made from dried beige paint on the carpet:

[12:29] Brit: “But maybe they ran out of paint because they used it all on their freaking shoes.”

Ashley explains the baffling details:

[15:35] Ashley Flowers: “...the message says in all caps, bit die. Now everyone seems to agree that two letters are missing from the end of that first word...”

Investigators find a cryptic message in Cheryl and John’s bedroom: “BIT DIE.” This, combined with the meticulously staged scene, suggests an attempt to confuse or mislead authorities. Additionally, the method of entry appears forced yet carefully executed without typical signs like wood pulp near the screws, raising suspicions of inside involvement.

John Feeney’s Timeline and Alibi

John Feeney's detailed timeline places him away from the crime scene, attending a teacher’s conference and engaging in typical activities such as playing golf and leading conference sessions. However, discrepancies emerge when a McDonald's receipt timestamped at [36:33] 6:59 am on Sunday contradicts his story of not leaving the hotel until later that morning.

[36:54] Brit: “If this was like months, even weeks ago, I'd be like, okay, little mix up. But we're not asking about a month ago, John. We're literally talking like 24 hours ago.”

Furthermore, John's car lacks any physical evidence tying him to the murders, such as blood or the matching beige paint. Despite his seemingly solid alibi supported by mileage logs, the receipt introduces reasonable doubt.

Mounting Evidence and Police Theory

Investigators focus on John due to several circumstantial pieces of evidence:

1. Affairs and Personal Life: It is revealed that John had multiple affairs, contradicting his claims of a strong, faithful marriage. This infidelity provides a potential motive if Cheryl was aware or threatened to expose these relationships.

   [54:31] Brit: “Okay. I thought it was weird that he was driving around, going dinner with another woman solo while his wife and kids are back at home.”

2. Life Insurance Policy: John had taken out an additional life insurance policy on Cheryl for $250,000 months before the murders. Handwriting analysis suggests that he likely forged Cheryl's signature, further implicating him as a suspect.

3. Semen Evidence: Semen matching John's was found on the comforter, though Cheryl's and John's alibis surrounding the timing of the murders introduce complexities regarding the origin of this evidence.

4. Beige Paint Shoe Prints: Men's size 11 shoe prints consistent with those found at the crime scene do not match John’s usual shoe size of 12, adding another layer of doubt.

Legal Proceedings and Trial

By [61:49] Brit, investigators secure indictments for first-degree murder against John Feeney based on their theory of his guilt. Despite mounting pressures, John hires a formidable defense attorney. During the trial:

• Prosecution: Attempts to link John’s personal life and newfound evidence, such as his involvement in role-playing games like "Vampires of the Masquerade," to suggest a disturbed mindset. They argue that his actions within these games influenced his decision to murder his family.

• Defense: Presents reasonable doubt by highlighting the lack of concrete physical evidence, questioning the reliability of eyewitness testimony, and undermining prosecutorial claims about John’s motives.

As the trial progresses, additional testimonies from Cheryl’s friends suggest she may have been contemplating divorce, introducing potential motives related to social and familial pressures, especially given John's background as a preacher's son in a conservative community.

Verdict and Aftermath

The defense successfully dismantles the prosecution's case, emphasizing the absence of definitive evidence and exposing flaws in witness testimonies. On October 5, 1996, the jury delivers a Not Guilty verdict.

[68:58] Ashley Flowers: “...most of the town, jurors included, very much think he is guilty. But no one is more disappointed in the verdict than Rita...”

The defeat leads to widespread skepticism and frustration within the community and among those closely following the case, including investigator Rita. Cheryl's family attempts legal action to prevent John from collecting on insurance policies but ultimately fails, allowing John to move forward, eventually relocating to Ecuador and starting a new life.

Unanswered Questions and New Leads

Years later, the case remains officially closed, but lingering doubts persist. A pivotal moment arises when a young neighbor, long overlooked, comes forward with critical information suggesting John was present at the crime scene during the murders. Unfortunately, due to procedural oversights and the constraints of double jeopardy laws, this new evidence does not reopen the case.

[71:56] Ashley Flowers: “...this officially at least, is a closed case. But in my opinion, it's a closed case with way too many unanswered questions...”

Conclusion

The Feeney family murders case exemplifies the complexities and challenges within the criminal justice system, highlighting how circumstantial evidence and procedural hurdles can impede the pursuit of truth. Despite the acquittal, unanswered questions and the community’s lingering mistrust underscore the profound impact of unresolved mysteries.

Notable Quotes:

• Ashley Flowers: “Learning the truth sometimes has grave consequences...” [00:00]

• Brit: “Wait, can we, as millennials, just real quick acknowledge that this is a teacher named Mr. Feeny?” [04:09]

• Ashley Flowers: “The message says in all caps, bit die...” [15:35]

• Brit: “If this was like months, even weeks ago, I'd be like, okay, little mix up...” [36:54]

• Ashley Flowers: “...the best way to stay out of prison is to never talk to the police.” [45:46]

• Brit: “If you have any tips or know anything, please call...” [72:49]

Final Thoughts: The Crime Junkie episode on the Feeney family murders meticulously unpacks a case fraught with inconsistencies and elusive evidence. Listeners are left pondering the nuances of justice and the nature of truth within the confines of the legal system. For those intrigued by unresolved true crime cases, "MURDERED: The Feeney Family" serves as a compelling narrative that challenges perceptions and invites further contemplation.

Follow-Up Resources:

• Ozark's True Crime Podcast: An in-depth look into the Feeney case, featuring interviews and additional evidence.
• Crime Junkie Podcast Website: crimejunkiepodcast.com for access to source materials and further episodes.