Dark Downeast: The Murders of Kathy Perry and Rhonda Travers (Rhode Island)

Release Date: July 3, 2025
Host/Author: Kylie Lowe
Description: Dark Downeast delves into the chilling unsolved cases from Maine and New England, exploring the true crimes that have left lasting scars on Vacationland and beyond. In this episode, investigative journalist Kylie Lowe revisits the brutal murders of Kathy Perry and Rhonda Travers in Warwick, Rhode Island, shedding light on decades-old mysteries that remain unresolved.

Introduction

Kylie Lowe sets the stage by highlighting the beauty of nature juxtaposed with the dark tales lurking within New England. She introduces the episode’s focus on the murders of Kathy Perry and Rhonda Travers, emphasizing the podcast’s commitment to heart-centered and ethical true crime storytelling.

Background of the Cases

The episode begins by outlining the grim timeline of two murders that occurred within a nine-month span in Warwick, Rhode Island:

• Kathy Perry:

  • Date: September 14, 1986
  • Age: 20
  • Occupation: Worked at Ultra Finishers, a bookbinding company.
  • Circumstances: On her way home from work, Kathy's 1979 Mercury Capri broke down. Her car was found abandoned on Route 2, two miles from her residence, with her purse intact. Her body was discovered the next morning in a secluded gravel road, showing signs of severe trauma and possible sexual assault.

• Rhonda Travers:

  • Date: June 20, 1987
  • Age: 26
  • Occupation: Engaged in sex work, with a history of substance use and arrests.
  • Circumstances: Rhonda was found stabbed and strangled in an industrial area, with no identification initially on her person. Her life was marked by instability, and her murder lacked clear motives, complicating the investigation.

Investigation of Kathy Perry’s Murder

Detective Sergeant Fred Pierce, a retired Warwick Police detective and author, provides an in-depth analysis of Kathy Perry's case:

• Discovery of the Car (04:14):
  Fred Pierce explains how Kathy's car was found abandoned with the engine running and her purse untouched, raising immediate suspicions.

  "The car was running, the lights are on, the heat is on. Her purse with $107 is sitting on the passenger seat. But Kathy's gone." ([04:14])

• Finding the Body (06:22):
  The body was discovered by a truck driver near Telmore Road, marked by extensive injuries and signs of violence.

  "She was so badly beaten that he didn't even recognize her. There's multiple fractures. She was actually strangled at some point." ([07:47])

• Initial Theories and Leads (08:42):
  Investigators considered car trouble as a potential factor, pondering whether Kathy was forced off the road or encountered an opportunistic attacker.

  "Whoever killed Kathy had found her in a vulnerable state on the side of the road in the middle of the night, likely all by happenstance." ([09:00])

• Witness Testimony and Hypnosis (11:08):
  A witness named Thomas recalls seeing a second car with Kathy and a person holding a can, leading to the identification of a green 1974 Chevrolet Malibu with a matching license plate.

  "Thomas was then asked to review his recall in slow motion... he said that one of the guys was holding a soda can or something." ([13:40])

• Suspect Leads (16:40):
  Initially, Bruce, Kathy’s boyfriend, was ruled out due to alibis. Another suspect, a married man involved with Kathy, was also cleared after polygraph tests and credible alibis.

  "Bruce was ruled out right off the bat because he was still at work." ([16:40])

Investigation of Rhonda Travers’ Murder

Rhonda Travers' case presents a different set of challenges:

• Discovery and Condition of the Body (19:33):
  Rhonda was found with multiple stab wounds and evidence suggesting she was dragged, complicating the scene.

  "Rhonda was stabbed 10 times in her chest and in her neck area... none of the stab wounds were through her clothing." ([19:33])

• Background and Last Movements (21:31):
  Rhonda's unstable lifestyle, including substance use and sex work, made it difficult to trace her last movements accurately.

  "She was seen getting into a car on Westminster Street. It was a green car and according to the witness, she acted like she knew the person." ([23:21])

• Investigation Challenges (24:20):
  Differing lifestyles of the victims initially led authorities to treat the cases separately, resulting in stalled investigations.

  "The cases were investigated separately as there was nothing to indicate the murders were connected." ([24:20])

Warwick Police Department and Cold Cases

Detective Sergeant Fred Pierce provides context on Warwick's struggle with multiple unsolved homicides, particularly those related to organized crime:

• Organized Crime Influence (29:43):
  A significant portion of Warwick's cold cases involved organized crime, which diverted resources and attention from other investigations.

  "It looks like everything stopped in 1987 as part of the investigation and the Kathy and Rhonda's case." ([26:52])

• Impact of Major Cases (25:10):
  The emergence of Craig Price, a juvenile serial killer responsible for multiple brutal murders, shifted focus and resources, causing Kathy and Rhonda's cases to go cold.

  "Craig Price was a serial killer, there's no doubt about it. I mean, it was hideous." ([25:57])

Reopening the Cases

Years later, a breakthrough occurs that reignites the investigations:

• Anonymous Tip and Voicemail (27:23):
  In 2006, Sergeant Pierce receives voicemails implicating Carmelo Tony Contreras in multiple unsolved homicides, including Kathy's.

  "The caller accused Contreras of being responsible for a few unsolved homicides." ([27:23])

• Utilizing Social Media (33:28):
  In 2010, Pierce leverages Facebook to create a profile for Kathy Perry, connecting with individuals who might have information and revitalizing community interest.

  "I wonder if I could do this for Kathy... maybe somebody knows something." ([34:45])

• Key Connection and New Lead (36:46):
  Pierce identifies a connection with Robert "Bob" Catlow, Chief Inspector of the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, who hints at an informant with crucial information.

  "He said I have a longtime informant at the ACI who's willing to come forward with information he knows will kill Kathy." ([38:01])

• Focus on the Informant (38:37):
  The informant, referred to as Stanley, was already a known name from previous investigations, leading Pierce to delve deeper into this potential lead despite earlier setbacks.

  "Stanley was back... but things slowed down and the investigation sputtered out." ([38:37])

Renewed Investigation and Future Prospects

With the new lead, Sergeant Pierce renews his commitment to solving the cases:

• Serial Predator Theory (39:31):
  Pierce theorizes that both murders could be the work of a serial rapist or sexual predator rather than two separate opportunistic killers.

  "They should have been looking for a serial rapist, a sexual predator." ([39:31])

• Next Steps (39:48):
  The investigation is poised to explore the new information provided by the informant, with hopes of finally bringing justice to Kathy and Rhonda's families.

  "In the next episode of Dark Downeast, Sergeant Pierce will walk us through his renewed investigation..." ([39:48])

Conclusion

Kylie Lowe underscores the podcast’s mission to honor the victims and their families by persisting in the search for truth and justice. She encourages listeners with any information to reach out to the Warwick Police Department or Sergeant Pierce directly.

Notable Quotes

1. Detective Sergeant Fred Pierce on Kathy’s Abduction:

   "Whoever killed Kathy had found her in a vulnerable state on the side of the road in the middle of the night, likely all by happenstance." ([09:00])

2. Pierce Reflecting on Investigation Stagnation:

   "I think that contributed to the case going cold. I really do..." ([26:52])

3. On Reopening the Case via Social Media:

   "I wonder if I could do this for Kathy... maybe somebody knows something." ([34:45])

4. Pierce’s Theory on Serial Offender:

   "They should have been looking for a serial rapist, a sexual predator." ([39:31])

Additional Information

For those seeking more details or wishing to contribute information:

• Contact Warwick Police Department Detective Division: 401-468-4233
• Kathy Perry Facebook Page: [Link in Episode Description]
• Podcast Sources: darkdowneast.com

Dark Downeast is dedicated to ensuring that the stories of Kathy Perry and Rhonda Travers are not forgotten, providing a platform for their families and communities to seek closure and justice.

Follow Dark Downeast:

• Instagram: @darkdowneast
• Website: darkdowneast.com

This summary captures the essence of the "The Murders of Kathy Perry and Rhonda Travers" episode, highlighting key discussions, investigative insights, and the ongoing quest for justice.