Devil in the Ditch

Episode: The Murder That Shook a Family—and the Son Who Solved It

Release Date: March 12, 2025
Host/Author: Campside Media / Sony Music Entertainment

Episode Overview

In this gripping episode of Devil in the Ditch, journalist Larrison Campbell dives deep into the haunting unsolved murder of her grandmother, Presh, in their Mississippi hometown. The episode, titled "The Murder That Shook a Family—and the Son Who Solved It," chronicles how a young boy's relentless pursuit for the truth uncovers dark family secrets and challenges community bonds. Through compelling storytelling and firsthand accounts, Campbell sheds light on the complexities of grief, suspicion, and the quest for justice.

The Disappearance of Noreen Boyle

The story begins in January 1990, a seemingly ordinary time in Mansfield, Ohio. Noreen Boyle, a 44-year-old woman, was reported missing. At first glance, her disappearance didn’t raise immediate alarms amidst the usual holiday disturbances such as bar brawls and disorderly conduct that cluttered the Mansfield Police Department’s docket.

Steve Fishman narrates:
"Six months before that 12-year-old boy took the witness stand, the Mansfield, Ohio Police department was swamped with the usual holiday stuff... when a 44-year-old woman named Noreen Boyle was reported missing, it was not a top priority."
[00:33]

Noreen was listed as missing by friends rather than family, a detail that initially minimized the perceived urgency of her disappearance.

Collier Boyle's Determination

Collier Landry Boyle, Noreen’s 12-year-old son, was no ordinary child. Described as "smart, very denoted, determined," Collier took it upon himself to find his missing mother when others seemed indifferent. His profound sense of responsibility and emotional turmoil drove him to seek answers, leading him to confront both the police and his community.

Collier Boyle recounts his tumultuous night:
"Where's my mother? She would never ever leave her children."
[00:05]

His sleepless nights and relentless questioning underscored his desperation and unwavering belief that his mother was still alive.

The Initial Police Investigation

Lieutenant Dave Messmore, a seasoned detective with a reputation for being methodical and somewhat unorthodox, was assigned to Noreen Boyle's case. Initially, Messmore viewed the disappearance as that of an unhappy wife seeking solitude, a common scenario that didn't warrant extensive investigation.

Noreen Boyle's Friend comments:
"She was listed as a missing person by some of the friends of hers. Not family, but that's not unusual."
[03:07]

Messmore’s initial dismissal reflected the broader systemic indifference often faced in missing person cases, especially when not immediately connected to obvious foul play.

Collier's Interaction with Lieutenant Dave Messmore

Collier's persistent belief in his mother's return led to a pivotal moment when he approached Lieutenant Messmore. Unlike typical interactions with adults, Collier's mature demeanor and incisive questions caught Messmore off guard.

During their first encounter, Messmore describes Collier:
"He was just very calm. He's a very calm guy. Very collected... looking at things, taking everything in."
[06:16]

Collier's earnest plea resonated deeply with Messmore, prompting the detective to reassess the case's seriousness.

Collier Boyle states:
"My mother would never leave me, something has happened to her."
[07:28]

This declaration was a turning point, signaling to Messmore that Collier's involvement was not just child's play but a genuine quest for truth.

Building the Partnership

Recognizing Collier's determination and perceiving potential gaps in the investigation, Messmore decided to partner with the young boy. Their collaboration was unconventional, bridging the gap between a seasoned detective and a brave child driven by the desire for his mother's safety.

Steve Fishman highlights:
"This is the story of how a precocious kid joined forces with a most unlikely partner."

Together, they embarked on a journey that would unravel layers of family secrets and community dynamics, challenging the status quo of the investigation.

Unraveling Family Secrets

As Collier and Messmore delved deeper, they uncovered unsettling truths about the Boyle family and their standing in the community. Each revelation brought them closer to understanding the motives and circumstances that might have led to Noreen Boyle's demise.

Noreen Boyle's Friend observes:
"He was just very astute, very well spoken... make you wonder if there was something wrong."
[07:14]

This astuteness in a young boy suggested that Collier was privy to family dynamics and secrets that others were not aware of, indicating that the truth was far more complex than it appeared on the surface.

The Quest for Truth and Justice

Driven by Collier's unwavering faith and Messmore's investigative acumen, the duo navigated through misleading leads, confrontational interviews, and hidden agendas within the Boyle family. Their persistence paid off as they pieced together the puzzle, leading to the eventual identification and apprehension of the perpetrator.

Lieutenant Dave Messmore reflects:
"I could just tell when I said to Dave, my mother would never leave me, something has happened to her. He just looked at me like he could tell that I was serious."
[08:02]

This moment epitomizes the profound impact of their partnership, demonstrating how determination and empathy can drive even the most challenging investigations to fruition.

Conclusion

"The Murder That Shook a Family—and the Son Who Solved It" serves as a testament to the resilience of a child and the integrity of a dedicated detective. Larrison Campbell's exploration into this cold case not only brings closure to a family long haunted by loss and suspicion but also underscores the importance of perseverance in the face of indifference. Through meticulous research and heartfelt narration, Campbell invites listeners to ponder the complexities of truth, justice, and the human spirit.

Notable Quotes:

• Collier Landry Boyle (00:05):
  "Where's my mother? She would never ever leave her children."

• Lieutenant Dave Messmore (04:34):
  "I'm standing there over my grandmother's shoulder... I'm gonna get to the bottom of this type of thing."

• Noreen Boyle's Friend (07:28):
  "He said, something happened. And I said, okay, I'll work on that."

• Collier Landry Boyle (07:28):
  "My mother would never leave me, something has happened to her."

This episode of Devil in the Ditch masterfully intertwines personal narrative with investigative journalism, providing a poignant look into a family's struggle for truth and the lengths one child will go to find his mother. Subscribe to The Binge to immerse yourself in more such compelling true crime stories.