Summary of "Burger Chef Murders // 461" Episode of Going West: True Crime

Release Date: December 14, 2024
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman
Podcast: Going West: True Crime by Dark West Productions

1. Introduction to the Case

In Episode 461 titled "Burger Chef Murders," hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve into a chilling unsolved crime from Speedway, Indiana. Recommended by listeners Colleen, Charlie, Peter, Mara, and Gail, the episode explores the mysterious disappearance and brutal murder of four young Burger Chef employees in November 1978, a case that has haunted the community for decades.

Daphne [00:21]: "This case was recommended by Colleen, Charlie, Peter, Mara, and Gail... the details are maddening and their families are still trying to push this case after all this time."

2. Background on Speedway, Indiana

Speedway, a suburb of Indianapolis, flourished in the early to mid-20th century as a hub for automotive engineering and the famous Indy 500 race. By the 1970s, the town's population had tripled, fostering a vibrant community with numerous fast-food establishments, including the thriving Burger Chef chain.

Daphne [05:10]: "Speedway, Indiana is a suburb in West Indianapolis famous for hosting the Indy 500..."

3. The Burger Chef Murders

On the night of November 17, 1978, four employees were working the closing shift at a Burger Chef located at 5725 Crawfordsville Road. The team consisted of:

• Jane Fried (20): Assistant Manager
• Ruth Ellen Shelton (17)
• Mark Flemons (16)
• Daniel Davis (16)

After closing procedures at approximately 11 PM, the restaurant was found empty by Brian Kring, a 17-year-old off-duty employee who stopped by around midnight.

Heath [04:14]: "So that's not a knife that somebody carried in there, that's a knife that is carried or most likely..."

Upon entering, Brian discovered the cash register emptied, the manager's safe tampered with, and the four employees missing. He immediately called 911, prompting a swift but flawed police response.

4. Discovery and Initial Investigation

Authorities arrived to find Jane's Chevrolet Vega missing and later discovered the victims' bodies in a wooded area in Johnson County, about 20 miles from the restaurant. The victims had suffered brutal murders:

• Jane Fried was stabbed twice with a knife.
• Ruth Ellen Shelton and Daniel Davis were shot execution-style.
• Mark Flemons was beaten, leading to his death by choking on his own blood.

Police theorized a botched robbery turned homicide, initially suspecting employee theft due to the missing cash. However, the lack of forced entry and the severe violence indicated a more sinister motive.

Daphne [04:21]: "...the four employees were kidnapped from their job and found brutally murdered."

5. Investigation and Police Shortcomings

The Speedway police faced significant challenges, compounded by their mishandling of the crime scene. They failed to photograph the initial scene, allowing them to restage it inaccurately later. This oversight severely hindered evidence collection and subsequent investigations.

Daphne [20:22]: "Police allowed for the restaurant to be cleaned up and reopened the following morning."

Upon discovering the bodies, the police struggled to identify the perpetrators. They released images of the murder weapon and created composite sketches based on eyewitness accounts, receiving numerous tips but lacking substantial leads.

6. Potential Suspects and Leads

Donald Forrester's Confession

In 1984, six years after the murders, Donald Forrester, serving a separate sentence for kidnapping and rape, confessed to the Burger Chef killings. Forrester provided detailed accounts, including knowledge of the victims' bodies' locations and actions taken post-murders, such as disposing of shell casings.

Daphne [37:47]: "They found similar wiring and materials that were consistent with those of the homemade explosives blowing up around Speedway during the first week of September."

Despite Forrester's confession, discrepancies like incompatible shell casing calibers (.22 vs. .38) and his retraction of the statement left authorities without concrete evidence, resulting in the case remaining unsolved.

Additional Leads

Other leads included:

• Carnage Motivation: Possible retaliation linked to Jane Fried's brother, James, who had cocaine charges.
• Witness Accounts: Two men seen near the Burger Chef parking lot leading suspicious lives, possibly related to the crimes.

Heath [42:13]: "Once the composite sketches and the Clay bust were made public, almost 600 tips were called into the Speedway police within a week of the murders."

7. Connection with Other Crimes in Speedway (1978)

The Burger Chef murders were part of a tumultuous year in Speedway, marked by:

• Julia Cyphers' Murder: In July 1978, Julia Cyphers, a 65-year-old woman, was shot and killed in her home by an unknown assailant.
• Series of Bombings: Between September 1 and September 6, 1978, eight bombings occurred in Speedway, including homemade bombs in trash bins and a bomb in a gym bag at Speedway High School, injuring Carl Delong, a Vietnam veteran.

Heath [34:01]: "And of course, they're all connected, but still, somebody was trying to bo Speedway eight different times."

These incidents raised suspicions about a possible orchestrated campaign of violence within the small community, though concrete links between these crimes and the Burger Chef murders remain unestablished.

8. Current Status and Memorials

Despite extensive investigations and numerous tips, the Burger Chef murders remain unsolved. The original Burger Chef location remained vacant for decades before being demolished in March 2024, a move appreciated by the victims' families as it removed a painful reminder.

In 2018, on the 40th anniversary, a memorial was established at Leonard Park in Speedway, featuring four red oak trees and plaques honoring each victim. Additionally, a fifth tree commemorates the families and friends enduring the community's grief.

Daphne [53:54]: "Alex Wisemiller decided to set up a permanent memorial for the innocent young victims... plant four red oak trees at a local park."

9. Conclusion and Reflections

Hosts Daphne and Heath reflect on the tragic nature of the Burger Chef murders, emphasizing the deep and lasting impact on Speedway's community. They express hope that future investigations may eventually bring closure to the families affected.

Daphne [55:41]: "I really think that it was Donald Forrest and a crew of other guys who are just trying to get drug debts paid to them."

Heath [55:50]: "I think so too."

While the case remains a haunting mystery, it stands as a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities within small communities and the enduring quest for justice.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Daphne [00:21]: "This case was recommended by Colleen, Charlie, Peter, Mara, and Gail... the details are maddening..."
• Heath [04:14]: "So that's not a knife that somebody carried in there..."
• Daphne [20:22]: "Police allowed for the restaurant to be cleaned up and reopened the following morning."
• Daphne [37:47]: "They found similar wiring and materials that were consistent with those of the homemade explosives..."
• Heath [34:01]: "And of course, they're all connected, but still, somebody was trying to bo Speedway eight different times."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key elements, discussions, and emotions conveyed by Daphne and Heath as they explored the unresolved Burger Chef Murders, providing listeners with a thorough understanding of the case and its broader implications within Speedway, Indiana.