Summary of "The Murder of Lyda Jameson (Vermont)"

Introduction

Dark Downeast, hosted by investigative journalist Kylie Low, delves into the obscure and haunting true crime stories of Maine and New England. In the episode titled "The Murder of Lyda Jameson (Vermont)," released on October 31, 2024, Low meticulously unpacks the decades-old unsolved homicide of Lita Jamison in the small town of Alberg, Vermont. This summary captures the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the episode.

Background

Lita Jamison, aged 73, was a respected retired school teacher with a 40-year career in Alberg. She was known for her strict yet caring demeanor, teaching generations of local students and continuing her involvement in religious education after retirement. On the morning of March 2, 1976, Lita was found dead in her home, initially believed to have died of natural causes. However, emerging evidence suggested foul play.

Discovery of the Body

Wayne Jamison, Lita's son, discovered her lifeless body in her bedroom. Initially assuming a natural death, Wayne's discovery raised suspicions when he found signs indicative of a possible homicide. According to the transcript, at [00:01], Ashley Flowers notes the lack of initial press coverage:

"There are some cases so infamous that we have all heard about them. But some of the coldest cases, the most mysterious, are the ones that you've never heard of before." ([00:01])

Upon closer examination, authorities noticed partial tearing of Lita's nightclothes and bruising around her neck, indicating manual strangulation. Additionally, several strands of reddish-brown hair were found clutched in her hands and around her body, which became crucial evidence in the investigation.

Initial Investigation

The Vermont State Police launched an investigation, uncovering that Lita was last seen alive by a neighbor delivering newspapers around 5 pm on March 1. The estimated time of death was narrowed to between 5 am and 8 am on March 2. Interviews revealed that the American Legion hall in Alberg hosted a party on the night of the murder, where discrepancies in alibis began to surface.

One key suspect emerged: Michael Fenning, a local resident who claimed to have been at the party until 3 am but was later contradicted by his roommate, stating he returned home around 5:30 am. This placed Michael in the vicinity of Lita’s home during the estimated time of death.

Cold Case Status and Emerging Evidence

For years, Lita's case remained unresolved. In 1991, Detective Sergeant Ralph Chilton reopened the investigation, re-examining old evidence and interviewing witnesses anew. By 1994, advancements in DNA technology allowed for the analysis of the hair samples collected from Lita’s body. The forensic lab, Cellmark Diagnostics, successfully developed a DNA profile from the hair follicles, which matched Michael Fenning with high specificity ([DNA match probability]: 1 in 3.5 million).

Despite the compelling DNA evidence, Michael wasn’t immediately arrested. However, in April 1996, after persistent investigation, Michael was charged with second-degree murder. His ties to Lita included proximity during the time of death and the DNA match, yet Michael maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty and rejecting plea deals that offered minimal prison time in exchange for a confession.

The Trial

Beginning on May 11, 2000, in North Hero, Vermont, Michael Fenning’s trial centered heavily on the DNA evidence linking him to the crime. Prosecutors highlighted:

• DNA Evidence: Experts testified that the hair found on Lita's body matched Michael’s DNA profile.
• Timeline Inconsistencies: Witnesses disputed Michael's account of his whereabouts, placing him near the crime scene during the estimated time of death.
• Suspicious Behavior: Michael’s late-night crash in another person's car added to suspicions.

The defense, however, presented an alternative theory implicating Wayne Jamison, Lita’s son. They argued:

• Motive: Financial stress from a failed land development project and unpaid taxes.
• Opportunity: Wayne had access to his mother's home, his fingerprints were found at the scene, and he was estranged from his wife, with unaccounted whereabouts during the critical time frame.

Notable defenses included claims that the evidence might have been contaminated and that Michael’s presence near Lita’s home did not definitively prove his involvement.

After nearly three weeks, the jury deliberated for over 14 hours across two days and ultimately acquitted Michael Fenning on May 31, 2000. The verdict was influenced by reasonable doubt surrounding the DNA evidence and the alternative suspect presented by the defense.

Aftermath and Lingering Questions

Michael Fenning’s acquittal left the community and listeners with unresolved questions. Key points of contention include:

• DNA Evidence Reliability: While the match was statistically significant, questions remained about potential contamination and the exact presence of Michael at the scene.
• Alternative Suspect: The defense's suggestion of Wayne Jamison introduced plausible doubts, though no further evidence emerged to implicate him.
• Community Impact: The trial and subsequent acquittal deeply affected both Michael and the Alberg community, leaving a lasting legacy of uncertainty.

Michael continued to live in Alberg, grappling with the social repercussions of the trial, while Wayne Jamison relocated to Texas, never facing charges but remaining a person of interest in the case.

Conclusion

"The Murder of Lyda Jameson (Vermont)" episode from Dark Downeast masterfully narrates the complexities and enduring mysteries surrounding Lita Jamison’s homicide. Despite technological advancements and intensive investigation efforts, the case remains officially unsolved, embodying the essence of true crime's lingering challenges. The episode underscores the nuanced nature of evidence and the profound impact unresolved cases have on individuals and communities alike.

Listeners are left contemplating the elusive truth behind Lita Jamison's death, highlighting the importance of ethical true crime storytelling that honors the victims and seeks justice in the shadows of forgotten histories.

Notable Quotes

• Wayne Jamison ([00:35]): "The house was quiet as he entered. Finding no sign of his mother on the first floor, Wayne made his way upstairs to her bedroom and stepped inside."

• Vermont State Police Corporal Bruce Lehue ([22:10]): "Strangulation is a silent homicide, and everybody carries a pair of hands. Put the facts together and there isn't much to go on."

• Michael Fenning ([48:20]): "That is when I found out I was about to go through hell."

• Narration on DNA Evidence ([38:50]): "The DNA match between the hair and the suspect is highly specific and unlikely to occur by chance, making it very strong evidence that Michael could be the source of the hair."

• Conclusion on Verdict ([70:30]): "A not guilty verdict in Michael Fenning's murder trial leaves open the possibility that he could have been involved."

Final Thoughts

Kylie Low’s Dark Downeast episode on Lita Jamison's murder serves as a compelling exploration of a cold case that still resonates decades later. Through detailed narrative and a balanced examination of evidence and theories, the podcast invites listeners to engage deeply with the nuances of true crime investigations.