Crime Junkie: WANTED: Justice for Rhys Pocan & MMIW Part 1

Episode Release Date: February 17, 2025

Introduction and Background

In this gripping episode of Crime Junkie, host Ashley Flowers delves into the haunting case of Reese Pocan, a missing indigenous woman whose disappearance and subsequent murder have lingered unresolved for decades. This episode not only explores the intricate details of Reese's case but also sheds light on the broader issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) in the United States.

Reese Pocan's Disappearance

The story begins on August 10, 1989, when Reese Pocan, a member of the Bad River Lapointe band of the Lake Superior tribe of Chippewa Indians, disappears from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Reese had dropped off her eight-year-old daughter, Charlie, with her sister, Flavia, leaving Charlie in the care of their downstairs neighbor, Carla.

Charlie recounts her last memory of Reese:

"She told me I had to go to my aunt's house that day. She was going to watch me… I just couldn't go with her that day."
(Timestamp: 11:16)

Despite Reese's routine of checking in every few hours, she fails to return, prompting her brother Billy to report her missing on August 13, 1989.

Discovery of the Remains

Two months after Reese's disappearance, on September 2, 1989, the Sheboygan County Sheriff's Office receives a call about a decapitated body found in Nichols Creek. The caller, who wishes to remain anonymous, reports finding the severely decomposed female body with missing head and hands. Initially, the manner of death is ruled as undetermined.

Britt, co-host, questions this assessment:

"Ma'am, she was decapitated. How is that undetermined in any way?"
(Timestamp: 05:46)

Ashley explains that Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, the medical examiner at the time, attributed the decapitation to animal predation, a conclusion he later revises when given the benefit of hindsight and increased experience.

Investigation and Suspects

The discovery of Reese's remains coincides with another sinister finding in Waukesha County—a severed hand found by hunter Russell Martin. Attempts to match the hand to the Sheboygan body prove inconclusive. Detective Nathan Hatch, who revisits the case decades later, highlights the challenges faced by investigators, including limited forensic technology in 1989.

As the investigation unfolds, suspicions arise around Reese's boyfriend, Chris, who was reported to be dating another woman simultaneously. Inconsistencies in his alibi and the sale of his SUV shortly after Reese's disappearance further cast doubt on his innocence.

Detective Hatch remarks:

"I'm going to do my due diligence. I'm going to get the alibi for myself."
(Timestamp: 50:07)

Additionally, Reese's ex-boyfriend, Larry, emerges as a potential suspect due to a history of abuse. However, his alibi in Illinois and lack of physical evidence initially hinder the investigation.

Challenges and Reopenings

Over the years, Reese's case remains cold despite occasional tips from the public. A pivotal moment occurs in 2003 when Reese's body is found again by an anonymous caller, raising suspicions about a possible serial killer in Wisconsin. Detective Hatch, reassessing the case with modern investigative techniques, collaborates with the Bureau of Indian Affairs to bring renewed attention to the case.

Michelle, Reese's daughter, poignantly emphasizes the systemic neglect faced by indigenous women:

"This happens to our people all the time… There's so many of our women that are found. And it's a shame that we have to go through this."
(Timestamp: 23:27)

Despite these efforts, breakthroughs remain elusive. Polygraph tests yield limited results, and key suspects continue to evade definitive scrutiny.

Community Impact and MMIW

The episode underscores the broader narrative of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, highlighting the compounded challenges faced by the Poncan family and other indigenous communities. The lack of media attention and police prioritization reflects a systemic issue where indigenous lives are undervalued.

Charlie shares her emotional turmoil:

"I was very confused and not totally understanding, but it was like, I didn't know what to think… I didn't want to bring myself through that pain of not finding answers."
(Timestamp: 24:58)

Detective Hatch acknowledges the role of Crime Junkie and investigative journalism in reigniting interest and bringing fresh perspectives to cold cases like Reese's.

Conclusion and Future Steps

As the episode concludes, Ashley Flowers teases the continuation of Reese Pocan's story, promising to explore connections with other dismemberment cases in Wisconsin. The pursuit of justice for Reese and addressing the MMIW crisis remains a pressing mission for both law enforcement and the community.

Charlie poignantly reflects on the impact of Reese's disappearance on her life:

"I just assumed, well, that's kind of just the way it is. There's not going to be anything that comes of this."
(Timestamp: 47:54)

Ashley encourages listeners with any information to reach out to Detective Nathan Hatch, emphasizing the ongoing quest for truth and closure.

Notable Quotes

• Britt (05:46): "Ma'am, she was decapitated. How is that undetermined in any way?"
• Charlie (11:16): "I just couldn't go with her that day."
• Michelle (23:27): "We've been dealing with this for, God, hundreds of years."
• Detective Nathan Hatch (50:07): "I'm going to do my due diligence. I'm going to get the alibi for myself."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Crime Junkie not only meticulously unravels the tragic case of Reese Pocan but also amplifies the critical conversation surrounding MMIW. By intertwining personal testimonies with investigative rigor, Crime Junkie offers listeners a comprehensive and empathetic exploration of a case emblematic of larger societal issues.

For more information and to follow the ongoing investigation, visit crimejunkiepodcast.com or follow Crime Junkie on Instagram at @crimejunkiepodcast.

Presented by Audiochuck Media Company.