DNA: ID Podcast

Episode: Sandra Lyson, Part 2 of 2 (March 23, 2026)

Host: Jessica Bettencourt, AbJack Entertainment

Episode Overview

This episode continues the detailed examination of the 1987 murder of Sandra Lyson, exploring the complexities of the case, the wrongful conviction of the Binz brothers, and the eventual exoneration achieved through advances in DNA testing and investigative genetic genealogy (IGG). Host Jessica Bettencourt meticulously narrates the criminal investigation, legal proceedings, and ultimate identification of the true perpetrator, William Hendricks. The episode also reflects on the profound consequences for Lyson’s family, the wrongfully convicted, and the justice system.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Cold Case Breakthrough (01:00–05:00)

• Wisconsin's Cold Case Unit: In 1998, a new cold case unit triggers renewed investigation into Sandra Lyson’s murder.
• Jailhouse Confessions: Inmate Gary Swenby tells police that fellow inmate David Binz had screaming nightmares about the killing and confessed to details only the perpetrator would know.
• Compounding Testimonies: Multiple cellmates (including Todd Tantillo and Charles McMillan) corroborate claims that David had repeated guilt-ridden outbursts about a woman being killed.

Notable Quote:
“While awake, he continued to scream, ‘Bob, Bob, kill her. Make sure she’s dead. Make sure she’s dead, so she can’t tell.’” – Swenby about David Binz’s nightmares (01:35)

2. The Interrogation & Weak Evidence (05:00–22:00)

• David Binz Questioned: Under lengthy interrogation, David admits to nightmares but denies involvement, vacillating between denials and reluctant affirmation of the informants’ statements.
• Physical Evidence Gaps: Despite confessions, physical evidence—DNA and blood types—do not tie either Binz brother to the scene.
• Inconsistent Stories: Both David and Robert Binz change their stories several times, adding confusion to timelines and their alleged involvement.
• Arrest & Denials: The Binz brothers are arrested for first-degree murder primarily based on jailhouse informant statements and their criminal history.

Notable Quote:
“Quote, Detective Haglund asked David if the investigators would bring in a jury of 12 inmates and read them Gary’s statement, would they find David guilty? He responded by saying, ‘yes.’” (13:15)

3. Charges Despite Exculpatory DNA Evidence (22:34–33:00)

• The Case Against the Binz Brothers: Prosecutors focus on David’s “sleep confessions,” ignoring that DNA from semen and blood on Sandra’s dress did not match either brother.
• Circumstantial Motive: Prosecutors push a revenge motive over a bar argument, highlighting both brothers as regular, sometimes volatile, patrons.
• Trial Proceedings: Both brothers are tried separately after procedural wrangling; the state’s case rests heavily on hearsay from jailhouse informants.

Notable Quote:
“There is no physical evidence to link either suspect to the case.” – Detective Haglund in a 1999 letter (33:30)

4. Trials, Convictions, and the Fight for Exoneration (33:07–52:00)

• Prosecution’s Theory: The state insists the murder was a robbery gone wrong, not a sexual assault, despite initial police belief and forensic evidence of sexual activity.
• Defensive Doubts: The defense counters that neither DNA nor bloodstain evidence matches the accused. David’s intellectual disabilities and vulnerability to suggestive interrogation are raised.
• Conviction: Both brothers are convicted—David by jury, Robert by judge—despite lack of direct physical evidence and only weak circumstantial connections.
• Appeals Denied: Appeals based on hearsay, coerced confession, and new DNA evidence are denied, as courts reiterate reliance on the original circumstantial and testimonial evidence.

Notable Quote:
“The only evidence the state had were the statements of jailmates and police. She told the jury that the seminal fluid not matching David could not be ignored...” (40:10)

5. The Breakthrough: DNA & Investigative Genetic Genealogy (52:35–61:00)

• New Testing and Innocence Projects: Beginning in 2006, the Wisconsin and Great North Innocence Projects secure orders for advanced DNA testing. All samples tested exclude the Binz brothers.
• IGG & Genealogy Boot Camp: In 2023, Ramapo College’s IGG Center uses genealogy and family tree analysis to zero in on the previously unidentified suspect—William Hendricks.
• Gravesite DNA Match: With prior suspects excluded, exhumation of William Hendricks’s remains provides a definitive DNA match to both semen and blood recovered from Lyson’s body and clothing.

Notable Quote:
“The report states the probability of randomly selecting the observed profile from a population of unrelated individuals is not more frequent than 1 in 329 trillion.” (61:50)

6. Confirmation and Exoneration (61:00–67:00)

• Additional Evidence: Hendricks’s fingerprints are found on items (cigar boxes) stolen from the bar, and his car matches witness descriptions.
• DA & Defense Cooperation: With overwhelming evidence, all parties agree to a motion to vacate—in September 2024, both Binz brothers are freed after nearly 25 years in prison.
• Judicial Acknowledgement: The same judge who convicted Robert presides over the hearing undoing the verdicts:

  “Today Sandra Lyson will rest in peace because her true murderer is now known. It is therefore my bounded duty to exercise and follow the law. Well satisfied that I will sign judgments vacating the convictions for both of these defendants and set them free.” – Judge Zuidmulder (66:15)

7. Aftermath for the Exonerees (67:00–70:00)

• No Compassionate Release: Despite 25 years of wrongful imprisonment, the Binz brothers are released with minimal resources and no targeted reentry or support services.
• Paltry Compensation: They each receive only $25,000 from the state, with a recommendation (not guarantee) for $1 million each from the legislature.

Notable Quotes:

“The world didn’t wait for me. I’m 70 years old and I have nothing.” – David Binz, testimony before the Wisconsin Claims Board (68:15)
“I really broke down in tears today. It really hurts. I can’t bring back what I lost.” – Robert Binz (68:30)

The Real Killer: William Hendricks (70:16–77:00)

• Background: William J. Hendricks, a repeat offender with a history of sexual assault, burglary, and bizarre behavior, was living in Green Bay at the time of the crime.
• Rap Sheet: Multiple sexual assaults, burglary, prison escape, and later committed to a mental health facility after a bomb threat.
• Circumstantial Links: His criminal timeline places him in Green Bay, overlapping with the Lyson murder.
• Never Considered: Despite all physical evidence pointing his way, William Hendricks’s name never appeared in the initial 3,000-page case file.

Reflection: Sandra Lyson Remembered (77:01–85:45)

• Personal Stories: Jessica reads heartfelt tributes penned by Sandra's daughters, capturing her strengths, independence, sacrifices, and the family’s enduring pain.

  “I love her more than anyone in the world, and I know she loves me...” (81:10)

• Legacy and Injustice: The episode highlights the broader tragedy—Sandra’s lost life, the suffering of her daughters, and the immense personal toll on the wrongfully imprisoned Binz brothers.
• Unanswered Questions: Despite solving the forensic mystery, the show contemplates whether Sandra knew her killer or if she was the victim of a cold, predatory act by a stranger.

Key Timestamps

• 01:00–05:00: Swenby’s jailhouse confession revelations and cold case unit formation
• 09:00–16:00: David Binz’s interrogation; conflicting statements from Robert and others
• 22:35–33:00: Charges brought against the Binz brothers; absence of physical evidence
• 33:07–52:00: Trial, conviction, and appeals process
• 52:35–61:00: DNA breakthroughs and IGG investigation
• 61:50–67:00: Disinterment, DNA match, and Binz exoneration
• 68:15: Exonerees discuss the devastation of wrongful imprisonment
• 70:16–77:00: William Hendricks’s criminal history and posthumous identification
• 77:01–85:45: Sandra Lyson’s legacy and family reflections

Notable, Memorable Moments

• The haunting image of David Binz’s sleep-talking nightmares—“Bob, Bob, kill her. Make sure she’s dead...” (01:35)
• The moment when the real perpetrator is identified by IGG and confirmed via exhumed DNA—"The report states the probability... is not more frequent than 1 in 329 trillion." (61:50)
• Judge Zuidmulder’s statement on overturning the convictions, bookending decades of injustice (66:15)
• Emotional family tributes and desire for closure—“I love her more than anyone in the world, and I know she loves me.” (81:10)

Conclusion & Takeaways

• This case highlights the dangers of conviction by circumstantial and hearsay evidence, the necessity for physical and forensic verification, and the transformative role of investigative genetic genealogy.
• It exposes flaws in both investigation and post-exoneration support, warning of the enduring harm done by wrongful conviction.
• At the episode's heart is Sandra Lyson and those left behind, a reminder of both the original tragedy and the acts of determination and cooperation that finally brought resolution.

Host’s Closing Reflection:
“If you’re one of the bad guys, they are coming for you.” – Jessica Bettencourt (87:15)