Dark Downeast: The Murder of Kathy Perry and Rhonda Travers (Rhode Island) Part 2

Release Date: July 10, 2025
Host: Investigative Journalist Kylie Lowe
Featuring: Warwick Police Detective Sergeant Fred Pierce

Introduction

In the second installment of the two-part series on the tragic murders of Kathy Perry and Rhonda Travers, host Kylie Lowe delves deeper into the intricate investigation led by Warwick Police Detective Sergeant Fred Pierce. This episode uncovers new leads, potential suspects, and the myriad challenges faced in bringing justice to these cold cases in Rhode Island.

Renewed Investigation and the Emergence of Stanley (00:02:33)

Detective Sergeant Fred Pierce had been meticulously revisiting the 1986 homicide of 20-year-old Kathy Perry when a pivotal moment occurred. Chief Inspector Robert "Bob" Catlow from the Rhode Island Department of Corrections reached out to Pierce after noticing the Facebook page dedicated to Kathy's case.

Fred Pierce (02:33): "There's always names that come up in every case... In these two cases, once his name surfaced, everything fit. Everything."

An informant within the prison system provided critical information implicating a suspect named Stanley—a name chosen to protect his identity. Stanley had a notorious criminal history in Rhode Island, with convictions ranging from assault and burglary to sexual assault and robbery. Notably, in 2001, Stanley was indicted for the first-degree murder of Cheryl Johnson but later pleaded no contest to manslaughter, receiving a 14-year sentence.

Stanley's Criminal Background and Connection to the Cases (00:04:52 - 00:07:06)

Stanley's extensive criminal record made him a prime suspect. His link to the 1990 Cheryl Johnson case, where he admitted to being present during the theft and strangulation of Johnson, established a pattern of violent behavior. Despite his subsequent release in 2015, Stanley continued his criminal activities, culminating in a 20-year sentence for assault with intent to commit felonies.

Detective Pierce's investigation revealed that Stanley had a history of discussing his crimes with fellow inmates, further solidifying his involvement in multiple homicides.

The Informant's Testimony and Detailed Confessions (00:07:53 - 00:22:18)

The informant, whose identity remains confidential to protect his safety, claimed that Stanley confessed to the murders of both Kathy Perry and Rhonda Travers. According to the informant:

• Kathy Perry: Stanley met Kathy on the side of the road, offered her a ride, and after she refused, he forcibly abducted her. He detailed the location where she was found and adamantly denied any sexual assault, contradicting earlier assumptions based on limited autopsy findings.

• Rhonda Travers: Similar to Kathy's case, Rhonda was last seen near the "Fat Path," an obscure and secluded area in Warwick. Stanley allegedly described abducting Rhonda from Elmwood Avenue and taking her to this location, where she was murdered.

Detective Pierce uncovered that both victims were connected to the Fat Path from opposite ends, hinting at a serial offender utilizing the same clandestine route.

Fred Pierce (18:15): "That's what they would call it. Rhonda's body was found on one end of the Fat Path. Kathy worked near the other end. Two women found murdered within nine months... I don't think that's a coincidence."

Lack of Physical Evidence and Investigative Hurdles (00:22:03 - 00:30:01)

Despite compelling circumstantial evidence, the investigation hit significant roadblocks:

• Missing Beer Can: A crucial piece of evidence—a beer can found near Kathy's abandoned car—was lost over time. Attempts to retrieve fingerprints or DNA from it were unsuccessful, primarily because the can was never properly processed or was destroyed during case file purges.

Fred Pierce (21:16): "But what frustrates me more than anything about that is that it was... the beer can was specifically tagged as evidence to be processed for fingerprints."

• DNA Limitations: Both cases lacked substantial biological evidence. While minute DNA traces were found on Kathy's shirt, they were too limited to be useful in prosecution.

• License Plate Mystery: Kathy had written down a license plate number found in her possession, leading investigators to a Navy enlisted man with a solid alibi—he was stationed in Chicago at the time. Further digging revealed connections between the car's last known owner and Stanley through the Page Drive neighborhood.

Connecting the Dots: The Fat Path and Stanley's Patterns (00:28:01 - 00:33:27)

Detective Pierce identified that both Kathy and Rhonda had connections to the Fat Path, a secluded area rarely marked on maps and known only to locals. Rhonda's body was discovered about 1,500 feet from where Kathy left her workplace, Ultra Finishers, and near where the suspect was believed to operate.

Additionally, Stanley was linked to Elmwood Avenue, where Rhonda worked and met clients, suggesting he frequented areas both victims were associated with.

Fred Pierce (33:27): "There's always something known that just doesn't fit... In these two cases, once his name surfaced, everything fit."

Grand Jury Proceedings and Indictment Challenges (00:33:47 - 00:35:09)

In 2015, the Rhode Island Attorney General's office acknowledged probable cause to indict Stanley for Kathy's murder but excluded Rhonda's case from the proceedings. After five months, the grand jury did not return an indictment, citing the circumstantial nature of the evidence and Stanley's status as a minor at the time of Kathy's murder.

Fred Pierce (34:40): "They think we won't be able to convict beyond a reasonable doubt because it's a circumstantial case."

This procedural oversight, failing to petition to try Stanley as an adult, left both cases unresolved.

Current Status and Ongoing Concerns (00:35:09 - End)

As of the episode's recording, Kathy Perry's murder remains unsolved, and no arrests have been made in Rhonda Travers' case. Detective Pierce, now retired, continues to advocate for justice through his maintained Facebook page and a forthcoming book titled The Fat Path Murders. He expresses deep concern over Stanley's impending release in September 2027, fearing potential reoffense.

Fred Pierce (37:22): "He's going to reoffend. There's no doubt about it in anybody's mind that he's going to reoffend."

The victims' families, particularly Kathy's mother Marilyn, who passed away in 2023 without answers, continue to seek closure. Lorraine Travers, Rhonda's mother, also remains haunted by her daughter's untimely death, emphasizing the unresolved pain endured by the families.

Call to Action

Detective Pierce urges anyone with information related to the murders of Kathy Perry or Rhonda Travers to contact the Warwick Police Department Detective Division or to reach out directly through the Kerry Perry Facebook page maintained by Pierce.

Contact Information:

• Warwick Police Department Detective Division: 401-468-4233
• Kathy Perry Facebook Page: darkdowneast.com

Conclusion

This episode of Dark Downeast sheds light on the complex and challenging investigation into the murders of Kathy Perry and Rhonda Travers. Through diligent detective work and emerging testimony, Detective Sergeant Fred Pierce brings to the forefront the potential links between these cases and a serial offender. However, legal and procedural hurdles have so far impeded the path to justice, leaving these heartbreaking cases unresolved.

For more information and updates on this case, visit darkdowneast.com and follow the podcast on Instagram @darkdowneast.

This summary is based on the transcript of "The Murder of Kathy Perry and Rhonda Travers (Rhode Island) Part 2" from the Dark Downeast podcast.