Dark Downeast Podcast Summary

Episode: The Murders of Carol Caswell, Lisa Snyder & Sheila Holmes (New Hampshire)
Release Date: January 30, 2025
Host: Kylie Low
Produced by: Audiochuck

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Dark Downeast, investigative journalist and storyteller Kylie Low delves into the haunting cases of Carol Caswell, Lisa Snyder, and Sheila Holmes—three women whose lives were brutally taken in New Hampshire, leaving behind unanswered questions and grieving families. The episode meticulously traces the timeline of their disappearances, the subsequent investigations, and the eventual unraveling of the truth behind these tragic events.

Lisa Snyder's Disappearance and Murder

The Night of July 4, 1985

On the 4th of July, 1985, 20-year-old Lisa Snyder was visiting her sister, Lori, in Dover, New Hampshire. Intended as a festive visit, Lisa planned a night out at the Norseman Lounge, a local taproom and billiard hall. However, when Lori's son couldn't be picked up by his father that evening—a crucial plan fell through—Lori had to stay home, prompting Lisa to venture out alone.

"Lisa didn't have a car, so she set off down the street on foot. Laurie laid awake that night waiting for her sister to get back home."
— Kylie Lowe [02:15]

Investigation Begins

Lisa's disappearance was immediately alarming. Within three days, Lori reported her sister missing. Initial investigations revealed that the Norseman Lounge was closed on the 4th of July, deepening the mystery of Lisa's whereabouts. Efforts to locate her included distributing missing person posters and entering her information into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) index.

Discovery of Remains

Nearly two years later, in April 1987, a fisherman discovered human bones near Rawlinsford, New Hampshire. Dental records confirmed these were Lisa's remains, and an autopsy determined her death was a homicide by strangulation. Despite this revelation, investigators struggled to connect the dots, leaving Lisa's murder officially unsolved for decades.

Sheila Holmes' Disappearance and Murder

The Night of April 12, 1990

Fast forward to April 12, 1990, 31-year-old Sheila Holmes enjoyed a night out at the St. Jean Social Club in Dover. After a successful night of pool and drinks, Sheila was last seen conversing with a man before entering a dark-colored Chevrolet Chevette. Her boyfriend, waiting for her arrival, found Sheila never showed up and reported her missing around 4 AM the following day.

"Sheila was partially clothed and lying in weeds and tall grass next to a blue Toyota pickup truck on a dirt road near the old B and M railroad yard."
— Kylie Lowe [45:30]

Investigation and Immediate Findings

Sheila's body was found hours after her disappearance. The State Medical Examiner concluded she died from strangulation and blunt force trauma, though ambiguity remained regarding a possible sexual assault. The only significant lead was her association with a blue pickup truck belonging to her boyfriend, but this connection did not immediately yield actionable evidence.

Carol Caswell's Disappearance and Murder

The Night of August 23, 1996

On the evening of August 23, 1996, 35-year-old Carol Caswell was enjoying a night out at the Old Bridge Cafe in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Plans to meet her friend Lisa after her shift ended never materialized, and Carol failed to show up for her new job or to pick up her daughter the following day. Her mother formally reported her missing on September 3, 1996.

Suspicious Clues and Missing Persons Report

Shortly after Carol's disappearance, the Summersworth Hotel manager reported finding a purse and identification belonging to Carol in the trash. However, Carol's name was absent from the hotel’s guest registry, raising immediate suspicions about her whereabouts and state of being during that period.

The Investigation Unfolds

The Confession of Edward Pahawek

In November 1997, during an unrelated assault case, Edward Pahawek claimed responsibility for Carol Caswell's murder to his ex-girlfriend. This confession linked Carol's case to the earlier unsolved murders of Lisa Snyder and Sheila Holmes. Despite initial reluctance, persistent police efforts led Ed to provide a detailed confession in April 1998, implicating himself in Carol's death and suggesting Mickey Tompkins' involvement.

"He told investigators that Edward Pahawek confessed to killing Carol Caswell, thus linking all three cases."
— Kylie Lowe [60:45]

Linking the Cases

Evidence surfaced connecting Ed Pahawek not only to Carol Caswell's murder but also suggesting potential involvement in Sheila Holmes' death. However, attempts to charge Ed for Sheila's murder stalled, leaving that case unresolved. Meanwhile, Lisa Snyder's murder remained unconnected officially, with lingering suspicions of a possible serial killer.

The Trial and Conviction

Court Proceedings

Despite his confession, Edward Pahawek faced challenges in court. His defense aimed to discredit Mickey Tompkins, who had initially testified against him, suggesting that familial pressure led Ed to fabricate his confession.

"Edward's defense team argued that his brothers pressured him into confessing to spare their mother from further stress."
— Kylie Lowe [75:20]

Verdict

After a swift deliberation of approximately three hours, Ed Pahawek was found guilty of first-degree murder for Carol Caswell's death and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

"The jury found Edward Pahawek guilty of first-degree murder in Carol Caswell's death."
— Kylie Lowe [85:10]

Aftermath and Unresolved Cases

While Carol Caswell's case saw closure, Sheila Holmes' murder remained unsolved due to insufficient evidence linking Ed conclusively. Lisa Snyder's murder also stayed unresolved, leaving both families yearning for answers and justice.

"Just because he was already serving a life sentence in prison for one murder doesn't mean his other suspected victims and their families were given their own version of justice and closure."
— Kylie Lowe [95:35]

Impact on Families and Unanswered Questions

Families Seeking Closure

The convictions provided some solace to Carol's family but did little for Sheila Holmes'. Sheila’s sister, Cindy, expressed ongoing frustration and sorrow, highlighting the lingering pain and the absence of justice for Sheila.

"We need the closure Carol's family has now."
— Cindy Holmes [100:50]

Ongoing Search for Truth

Lisa Snyder's father, Eli, battled Alzheimer's without ever learning the full truth about his daughter's fate. Despite Ed Pahawek's conviction, questions surrounding Lisa's case persisted, with theories suggesting possible involvement of an unnamed serial killer—a lead that remains speculative and unconfirmed.

Conclusion

Kylie Low's detailed exploration of these intertwined cases on Dark Downeast brings to light the complexities and emotional toll of unsolved crimes. Through meticulous investigation and storytelling, the episode honors the memories of Carol Caswell, Lisa Snyder, and Sheila Holmes, emphasizing the enduring quest for justice and closure by their families.

"I’m not about to let those names or their stories get lost with time. I'm Kylie Lowe and this is Dark Down East."
— Kylie Lowe [Final Minute]

For listeners seeking to contribute to solving these cold cases, Dark Downeast encourages sharing information with the New Hampshire State Police Cold Case Unit.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "Lisa didn't have a car, so she set off down the street on foot. Laurie laid awake that night waiting for her sister to get back home." — Kylie Lowe [02:15]

• "Sheila was partially clothed and lying in weeds and tall grass next to a blue Toyota pickup truck on a dirt road near the old B and M railroad yard." — Kylie Lowe [45:30]

• "He told investigators that Edward Pahawek confessed to killing Carol Caswell, thus linking all three cases." — Kylie Lowe [60:45]

• "Edward's defense team argued that his brothers pressured him into confessing to spare their mother from further stress." — Kylie Lowe [75:20]

• "The jury found Edward Pahawek guilty of first-degree murder in Carol Caswell's death." — Kylie Lowe [85:10]

• "Just because he was already serving a life sentence in prison for one murder doesn't mean his other suspected victims and their families were given their own version of justice and closure." — Kylie Lowe [95:35]

• "We need the closure Carol's family has now." — Cindy Holmes [100:50]

• "I’m not about to let those names or their stories get lost with time. I'm Kylie Lowe and this is Dark Down East." — Kylie Lowe [Final Minute]

Call to Action

If you possess any information regarding the murders of Carol Caswell, Lisa Snyder, or Sheila Holmes, please reach out to the New Hampshire State Police Cold Case Unit via the tip form linked in the episode's description or available on the Dark Downeast website.

This summary is a production of Kylie Media and Audio Chuck, striving to shed light on the dark and unresolved crimes in New England.