Dark Downeast: The Murder of Kara Laczynski (Connecticut) – Detailed Summary

In the gripping episode titled "The Murder of Kara Laczynski (Connecticut)" from the true crime podcast Dark Downeast, investigative journalist Kylie Lowe delves deep into the enduring mystery surrounding the 1987 homicide of Kara Laczynski. This comprehensive episode, released on July 31, 2025, meticulously examines the case’s complexities, the controversial evidence, and the subsequent trials that failed to deliver justice. Below is a detailed summary capturing all key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the episode.

Introduction to the Case

The episode opens with Kylie Lowe setting the stage for the tragic disappearance and murder of 24-year-old Kara Laczynski, a dedicated reporter at the Journal Enquirer in Manchester, Connecticut. On the morning of October 5, 1987, Kara failed to show up for work, prompting concern from her colleagues. An associate editor dispatched a fellow reporter to investigate her absence, leading to the discovery of Kara’s body in her apartment.

Notable Quote:

“The telephone had been ripped from the wall, so the maintenance worker plugged it in and called police.” – Kylie Lowe, 00:00:24

Discovery of Kara’s Body and Initial Investigation

Upon entering Kara’s apartment at 31 Evergreen Avenue, the maintenance worker and the fellow reporter found her nude body on the floor. The scene suggested a burglary turned deadly, with signs of forced entry through a window screen and disarray indicative of a struggle.

Key Evidence:

• Physical Condition: Kara was bound with leather straps, a vinyl belt, and a terry cloth bathrobe sash. She had scrapes and bruises, and her wrists were bound.
• Cause of Death: The medical examiner concluded she was manually strangled, likely between 1 and 2 a.m. on the day she was found.
• Potential Sexual Assault: Initially suspected due to Kara’s nude state, but later ruled out by the medical examiner.

Notable Quote:

“Kara’s killer or killers may have encountered her while she was in the bathtub, hence her state of undress.” – Kylie Lowe, 00:03:15

Suspects and Fingerprint Controversy

Two primary suspects emerged: Joseph Lomax and Willie Askew. Joseph, a 22-year-old with a history of burglary, was arrested based on fingerprint evidence found on a pair of scissors at the crime scene. However, forensic expert James McDonald contested this evidence, claiming the fingerprint was his own, not Lomax’s.

Controversial Evidence:

• Fingerprints: A partial fingerprint on the scissors was matched by the FBI to Joseph Lomax, but McDonald later revealed it was his fingerprint.
• Hair Evidence: 47 hairs were found on Kara’s body, including 28 head hairs and 2 pubic hairs. Some were identified as belonging to a white individual, raising questions about Lomax’s involvement.

Notable Quote:

“If anybody can read a print, that guy can.” – Forensic Expert James McDonald, 00:15:49

First Trial and Mistrial

Joseph Lomax’s first trial hinged on the disputed fingerprint evidence. Despite strong forensic testimony from the FBI, McDonald’s revelation cast significant doubt. The jury failed to reach a unanimous decision, resulting in a mistrial.

Notable Quote:

“They made a very serious mistake. That guy shouldn't be locked up.” – James McDonald, 00:14:15

Second Trial and Continued Doubts

The second trial introduced Willie Askew as an accomplice, but similar issues plagued the proceedings. The defense presented new alibi evidence questioning the time of death, but once again, the jury was deadlocked, leading to another mistrial.

Defense Strategy:

• Time of Death: Argued that Kara likely died between 7 and 9 a.m., placing Lomax at work.
• Alibi Challenges: Highlighted inconsistencies in Lomax’s girlfriend’s statements.

Notable Quote:

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Third Trial and Final Mistrial

A third attempt to secure a conviction faced additional hurdles, including racial dynamics in jury selection and further disputed evidence. New evidence suggested Kara might have been involved in sensitive reporting, potentially revealing motives beyond burglary. However, the trial concluded once more without a unanimous verdict.

Notable Developments:

• New Witnesses: Introduced testimony suggesting Kara was working on a corruption story related to the trash hauling industry.
• Jury Composition: Racial biases influenced the jury's deliberations, contributing to the inconclusive verdict.

Notable Quote:

“Joseph Lomax did not burden the fingerprint on the scissors.” – James McDonald, 00:31:54

Aftermath and Ongoing Unsolved Status

Following the third mistrial, the State's attorney chose not to pursue further trials. Charges against both Lomax and Askew were eventually dropped, leaving Kara Laczynski’s murder unresolved. Her family continues to seek justice, maintaining hope that advancements in forensic science today, such as DNA analysis, might someday provide the closure they desperately need.

Current Status:

• Unresolved Case: Despite multiple trials and extensive investigations, the true perpetrator remains unidentified.
• Future Prospects: Potential for modern forensic techniques to re-examine existing evidence.

Notable Quote:

“I have very little hope. Very little hope.” – Kara’s Father, Edward Laczynski, 00:44:53

Conclusion and Call to Action

Kylie Lowe emphasizes the enduring pain of Kara Laczynski’s family and the importance of keeping her memory alive. She urges listeners who may hold information to come forward, highlighting the ongoing relevance of the case decades later.

Final Remarks:

“I'm not about to let those names or their stories get lost with time. I'm Kylie Lowe and this is Dark Downe East.” – Kylie Lowe, Conclusion

Key Takeaways

• Complex Investigation: The case of Kara Laczynski is marked by controversial forensic evidence and procedural missteps.
• Forensic Limitations: The reliance on fingerprint analysis, later proven faulty, underscores the vulnerabilities in forensic science during the late 20th century.
• Justice System Challenges: Multiple mistrials highlight the difficulties in securing convictions amid conflicting evidence and potential biases.
• Ongoing Impact: The family's unwavering pursuit of justice and the possibility of modern techniques offer a glimmer of hope for resolution.

Kylie Lowe’s meticulous storytelling in this episode not only recounts the tragic loss of Kara Laczynski but also critiques the investigative and judicial processes that ultimately failed to provide answers. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the imperatives for continuous improvement in forensic methodologies and judicial fairness.

For More Information: Listeners are encouraged to visit darkdowneast.com for additional resources and to share any information that might aid in resolving the case of Kara Laczynski.