Hailey Owens // 483

Summary

Detailed Summary of "Going West: True Crime" Episode 483 – Hailey Owens

Released on March 7, 2025, by Dark West Productions

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Introduction

In Episode 483 of Going West: True Crime, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve into the harrowing case of Hailey Owens, a 10-year-old girl from Springfield, Missouri, who was tragically abducted and murdered in 2014. This episode meticulously explores the sequence of events, the community's response, the investigation, and the subsequent legal proceedings that unfolded following Hailey's disappearance.

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The Abduction

Hailey Owens' Background

Hailey Owens was born on August 18, 2003, in Springfield, Missouri, to Stacy and Marcus Owens. After her parents separated, her mother remarried Jeff Barfield, providing Hailey with a brother, JD, and later, a half-brother, Marcus Jr. Hailey was cherished by her family and friends for her spirited and kind nature. Described as a blend of playful adventures and caring responsibilities, Hailey was a beloved member of her community.

The Day of the Abduction

On Tuesday, February 18, 2014, Hailey was walking home from a friend's house around 4:45 PM on West Lombard Street when a man in a gold Ford Ranger pickup truck approached her. Despite the presence of multiple witnesses in a well-lit, tree-lined neighborhood, the perpetrator acted swiftly and violently.

[02:28] Host of Going West: "All right, guys, this is episode 483 of Going West. So let's get into it."

Witness Accounts

Three neighbors witnessed the abduction:

1. Carlos Edwards ([08:21] Daphne): While raking leaves, Carlos saw the truck approach Hailey. He immediately tried to intervene, shouting, "Don't touch her," and physically attempted to reach Hailey. However, the abductor was too swift, fleeing the scene before Carlos could manage.

   Carlos Edwards: "I took off so fast, his door was open."

2. Michelle Edwards: Carlos's wife, Michelle, promptly contacted the police, providing a partial license plate number: "1 yf 100, 454" or "1 ys 454."

3. Ricky Riggins ([10:29] Host): Another neighbor, Ricky, attempted to chase the truck but was hindered by heavy commuter traffic, frustrating his efforts to recover Hailey.

   Ricky Riggins: "I'm very sorry. I tried my hardest to try to keep up with the guy, to find out what he was doing, but I wasn't able to."

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The Investigation

Initial Response and Community Effort

Despite the immediate actions of the witnesses, the Springfield Police faced criticism for their delayed response. An Amber Alert was not issued until over two hours after the abduction, at 7:07 PM, which hampered initial recovery efforts.

[11:33] Host of Going West: "Meanwhile, back on Lombard Street, Carlos began knocking on doors, hoping to find the identity of this victim because he actually didn't know Hailey."

Identification of the Perpetrator

Using the partial license plate information provided by Michelle Edwards, authorities traced the vehicle to Jim Wood, who directed them to his son, Craig Michael Wood, residing in a different part of Springfield. By approximately 8:30 PM, three and a half hours post-abduction, police located Craig at his residence.

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The Perpetrator: Craig Michael Wood

Background and Criminal History

Craig Wood, aged 45 at the time of the crime, had a relatively unremarkable criminal history. His prior offenses included:

• 1990: Possession of marijuana.
• 1990s-2000s: DUI charges and illegal wildlife theft.
• 2006: Employed as a full-time teacher's aide and football coach at Pleasant View Elementary and Middle School.

Wood was perceived by acquaintances as a gentle, stable individual involved in community activities such as hunting and playing in a local bluegrass band.

Friend's Account ([16:25] Host): "He was soft-hearted, a gentle type of man. He liked people, he liked animals. I can hardly fathom this."

Evidence Leading to His Arrest

Upon arriving at Craig's home, police found blood stains and the smell of bleach on his clothing, which he initially denied being involved in Hailey's disappearance. A subsequent search revealed gruesome evidence in his basement, including:

• Hailey's Remains: Found in two Rubbermaid tubs at 3 AM on February 19, 2014.
• Sexual Assault Evidence: Indications that Hailey was sexually assaulted and shot with a .22 caliber pistol.
• Additional Evidence: Journals detailing fantasies about child abductions, multiple firearms, and child sexual abuse material.

[20:09] Host of Going West: "Oh, right this way."

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Community Response

Vigil and Support

The community of Springfield rallied in support of Hailey and her family:

• Vigil ([33:19] Host): Held on February 22, 2014, approximately 10,000 people attended, donning Hailey's favorite colors and holding candles.
• Fundraising Events: A motorcycle ride was organized to raise funds for funeral expenses and support services.

Emotional Impact

Hailey's family and community members expressed profound grief and trauma, particularly Hailey's parents and her younger brother, JD.

Stacey Owens ([33:19] Host): "My little girl was my life. I think I would feel better if at least I would know who he was, because I would kind of know why."

---

Trial and Legal Proceedings

Initial Trial (2017)

Craig Wood's trial commenced in October 2017. His defense attorney, Patrick Berrigan, argued that Hailey's murder was not premeditated but rather a result of a methamphetamine-induced impulse. This defense was largely dismissed by the prosecution, which presented substantial evidence linking Wood to the crime.

[37:03] Host of Going West: "It's just totally insane how you can't blame any amount of drugs or any amount of anything on the fact that this person was a child predator and murdered a child."

Verdict and Sentencing

On November 2, 2017, Wood was found guilty of first-degree murder, armed criminal action, and child kidnapping. The jury left sentencing deliberations to the judge, who on January 11, 2018, sentenced Wood to death.

Appeals and Continued Legal Battles (2018–2024)

Wood appealed his conviction multiple times, challenging the death penalty on grounds of alleged mental instability and attempting to link the crime to his stepfather, Jeff Barfield. However, these appeals were unsuccessful, and his death sentence was upheld.

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Legislative Impact: Haley's Law

In the aftermath of Hailey's tragic death, her mother, Stacy Owens, advocated tirelessly for legislative change, resulting in the establishment of Haley's Law. This law enhances the efficiency of Amber Alerts by allowing police officers to send alerts directly from their vehicles, thereby minimizing delays and improving the chances of timely public awareness.

[44:37] Host of Going West: "There's Craig's truck right there."

Community Memorials

• Haley's Playground: Renamed in her honor at Westport Elementary, featuring a commemorative sign adorned with pink and purple balloons.
• Community Garden: The site of Wood's former residence was transformed into a community garden, symbolizing healing and remembrance.

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Conclusion

The Going West: True Crime episode on Hailey Owens paints a comprehensive and emotional portrait of a community shattered by the loss of a young girl. Through meticulous examination of the abduction, investigation, community response, and legal proceedings, Daphne and Heath shed light on the profound impact of such tragedies and the enduring quest for justice and legislative improvement. Hailey's story not only underscores the vulnerabilities faced by children but also highlights the resilience of communities striving to prevent future tragedies.

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For more information and to view related images, listeners are encouraged to visit the podcast's social media channels on Instagram and Facebook or reach out via email at goingwestpodcastmail.com.

Transcript

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[Host of Going West]

What is going on, True crime fans? I'm your host, he.

[Daphne]

And I'm your host, Daphne.

[Host of Going West]

And you're listening to Going West.

[Daphne]

Hello, everybody. Hope you're doing well today. Today's case was recommended by Jace. So thank you so much, Jace, for sending this one in.

[Host of Going West]

Yes, absolutely. Thank you, Jace, for sending this in. Also, this story I had heard about in the news when it happened, but didn't really get to dive into the details. But it is so devastating the amount of people that tried to stop this crime from happening and were not able to do so.

[Daphne]

Sadly, yeah, it's crazy when there are multiple witnesses to a crime as we're going to get into, and you just wonder how this happened and why this person chose to do this with so many people around. Like this story as a whole is truly such a close call. But without getting into too many details here in the beginning, let's just dive right into this tragic story.

[Host of Going West]

All right, guys, this is episode 483 of Going West. So let's get into it.

[Daphne]

In February of 2014, a Missouri girl was abducted off the street in her own neighborhood by a strange man in a truck. Three witnesses watched it happen and acted immediately, writing down the license plate number of the perpetrator and even knocking on doors attempting to find the girl's family. Because of their actions, police would soon be knocking on the door of the man responsible, where they would find horrific evidence linking him to the crime. This is the story of Hayley Owens Haley Owens was born on August 18, 2003 in the city of Springfield, Missouri to parents Stacy and Marcus, though they did split up after her birth and her mom married her stepfather, Jeff Barfield, which gave her a sister and a brother named Alexa and JD and then Haley also had a brother on her dad's side named Marcus Jr. Hailey is remembered as spirited, bubbly and kind. Her family says that she was just as likely to be painting her nails, watching princess movies and getting dressed up as she was to be on an adventure outside playing in the mud and traversing a creek on her bike. Her mom, Stacey, proudly recalls how helpful Haley was and that she loved to assist in tending to household duties as well as babysitting. A nurturing young soul, she loved taking care of children even when she was one herself. Lisa Campbell, a friend of the family who also worked for Hailey's grandfather, described her as, quote, a beautiful little girl who loved everything with a contagious giggle. If she started giggling, you were giggling right with her. And her aunt Aaron Peterson added, she was an absolute ray of sunshine. In 2014, when today's story takes place, 10 year old Haley was attending Westport elementary school as a fourth grader on Tuesday, February 18th of that year. Again, 2014, you know we're in winter right now. Haley was walking home from a friend's house shortly before 5pm When a lurking opportunist saw a chance to strike. A truck began following Haley along her route on West Lombard street on the west side of the city and pulling up next to her and rolling down the window. The driver shouted at Haley, asking her a question that she initially ignored, you know, clearly knowing that talking to a stranger wasn't a good idea. She didn't know who this guy was, but he persisted. So Haley, likely not knowing what the hell to do, hesitantly approached the vehicle asking what he wanted. According to onlookers, he asked her if she knew where Springfield street was, and when she said no and continued walking, he called her over again. And it seems before she even registered what was happening, the man leapt out of the truck and grabbed her, forcing her into the passenger side of the car and speeding off. Haley was abducted from in front of 3247 West Lombard street, which is in a suburban area with trees along the sidewalks, and she was pulled into a gold Ford Ranger pickup truck. We are going to include a picture as well as a picture of the street so you guys can see this. But I mean, it is wild that this guy acted while other people are watching in the daylight hours. Like, Springfield was still over an hour away from sunset. And even though it was winter, the skies were clear and it was sunny that afternoon and quite warm, which is why she was walking.

[Host of Going West]

Yeah, I mean, at least three neighborhood locals were present when Haley was taken. One neighbor, Carlos Edwards, who had been right there, right outside raking leaves at the time, chased after the truck as he watched Haley being pulled inside while his wife Michelle called the police at 4:48pm and jotted down the license plate number, which she reported was either 1 yf 100, 454 or 1 ys 454. So just one letter off and she almost had this entire license plate. So while she was doing this, Carlos took off running towards the truck, yelling, don't touch her. Knowing that he had absolutely just witnessed a stranger abduction.

[Daphne]

And because he was watching this short event unfold, even before Hayley was grabbed, he remembers reaching out for Haley, like physically reaching out for her, even saying that he got pretty close, but that the man sensed that his plan was about to be foiled and sped off with Haley before Carlos could interfere. Carlos said later, quote, he took off so fast, his door was open.

[Host of Going West]

And this is just crazy. Like the gall of this predator to even snatch her while a man is standing in his yard raking his leaves just beyond the sidewalk. I mean, close enough to even be able to grab her is insane. Like you said, it's daylight, you know, and he's doing this in front of numerous people.

[Daphne]

Yeah, it's so shocking, honestly. But the man was so quick and rough with her that Carlos described 10 year old Haley being snatched and thrown as if she was a rag doll. Speaking with reporters later, Carlos explained, quote, he opened his door and said, come here for a minute. And she walked up towards the truck. And soon as she got within hand's reach, he grabbed her, threw her over him into the passenger seat and took off. Thankfully, Carlos was at least able to offer a description to the police when they responded. So even though the perp had gotten off with Haley, Carlos and his wife Michelle were a massive help to the investigation. He recalled, quote, I could see him plain as day, see her plain as day, see his truck plain as day. However, he also admitted, quote, I'm nervous for the little girl. I'm hoping they found her. And I can only imagine how helpless they both felt. And really everybody in the neighborhood that, you know, that he almost was able to grab her. And it just happened so fast. And obviously, even though they're standing around and aware enough that, hey, this guy's like, talking to this little girl, maybe I should be paying attention. But you don't know what's going to happen. You know, they didn't know that suddenly he's just going to grab her. Like, what are the odds? What were the chances that that would happen, you know? So I could imagine just how helpless they felt watching the truck speed off.

[Host of Going West]

Oh, absolutely. And what you're about to talk about, there was another witness that actually tried to trace or chase down this truck that Haley and her abductor were in.

[Daphne]

Yes, exactly. So that other witness, the other neighbor, was Ricky Riggins, and he actually hopped in his car and tried to chase after the truck that Haley had been pulled into. So everybody was really acting fast and doing what they could. But unfortunately, to Ricky's frustration, that end of day commuter traffic, since this was almost 5pm when this happened, really impeded his pursuit of the truck. He explained, quote, I couldn't keep up. He was probably five or six cars ahead of me. It was so fast. Ricky said to the press later that day, quote, I'm very sorry. I tried my hardest to try to keep up with the guy, to find out what he was doing, but I wasn't able to. I was just trying to do what I thought was right. And, you know, I was hoping I have a niece and nephew, and if something ever happened like that, I'd hope somebody would do the same thing.

[Host of Going West]

Well, meanwhile, back on Lombard Street, Carlos began knocking on doors, hoping to find the identity of this victim because he actually didn't know Hayley. Remember, she had been walking to a friend's house nearby. So while doing this, he came upon a young boy who said that the victim resembled his sister. Sister. And led Carlos to his family's home on nearby Page Street. And this group effort from community members was later credited for finding her attacker so swiftly. However, Springfield police were later criticized for what is widely believed to have been a slow and ineffective response to Haley's kidnapping because the Amber Alert with her description, the two possible license plate numbers, and the description of her abductor and his vehicle was not issued until 7:07pm so over two hours after Haley was taken. But when it was, it was also released to Kansas and Oklahoma because police wondered if maybe her abductor could have fled the state of Missouri.

[Daphne]

When officers arrived at the spot in the area where she was taken from to begin their investigation. They started with tracking down the license plate of Haley's abductor because Michelle really came through with two solid options. Wondering if Hayley had been targeted, they questioned her frantic mother, Stacy, about who could have been targeting them, or Haley or wanting to get closer to her. But Stacy couldn't come up with anyone who would have had the motive to have committed such a heinous act. Because of the nature of the offense, the FBI was involved in the search. They became involved in the search in the very beginning. And thankfully, because the witnesses had near certainty about the license plate, police were able to ascertain the identity of the perpetrator fairly quickly. The car was registered to a man named Jim Wood, who lived in Ashgrove, Missouri, which is a rural community just about 30 minutes southwest of Springfield. Well, Jim told police that he had been letting his son use the vehicle and directed them to his son's address back in Springfield, which is obviously where Haley lived and where she was taken from. So by 8:30 that evening, about three and a half hours after the abduction took place, authorities were pulling into the man's residence at 1538 East Stanford in southeast Springfield, the home of 45 year old Craig Michael Wood. And by the way, his house was not in the same neighborhood. It was like an 8 minute drive or a 3 mile drive away from where Haley was abducted. And this is really where the frustration of the delay really comes in, because having that license plate number should have led them to this door much sooner. Right. You know, on one hand you wonder if three and a half hours would be soon enough to save her life. But in this type of situation where every single second counts, gleaning this address sooner could have made all the difference.

[Host of Going West]

Oh, absolutely. I mean, you, you had, you had a description, you had witnesses, you had the license plate, you had the, the type and make and model of the truck. Why did it take you three and a half hours to get to this person's residence?

[Daphne]

Yeah, it's like on one hand you're like, oh, that was pretty quick. When you, when you look at a lot of other cases where there's no resolution or you don't show up at the perp's house for weeks or years, you know, but in this type of situation, it really does matter which. They got so much flack for it. So let's talk about Craig a little bit more. Now. 45 year old Craig did have a criminal history, but there was nothing in his behavior to indicate the perverse and sadistic turn that his crimes took, According to those who knew him back in 1990. So 24 years prior, when he would have been about 20 years old, he was convicted of possession of marijuana. You know, simple enough, nothing really bad here. But some of his extended family members were apparently known for being heavy drinkers, and Craig was no exception. He also had a dui charge from when he was a teenager. And the report notes that Craig feared he was an alcoholic. In 2001, he was convicted of illegal theft of wildlife. I don't know what that means.

[Host of Going West]

What the hell does that mean? Were you stealing the pigs from somebody's farm or something?

[Daphne]

I did not find the details there, but I'm, like, disturbed by that. But in recent years, or sorry, in recent years, he had been a quiet and seemingly harmless figure in the community where he had spent his entire life. Craig grew up catholic. He was an altar boy. And interestingly enough, he obtained a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in criminal justice from southwest Missouri State university, now known simply as Missouri state university, and he graduated in 1992.

[Host of Going West]

Wow, what a turn of events to. To go into criminal justice and then become a criminal.

[Daphne]

Yeah, and this is kind of what I mean is like, his background. There's nothing really here that's leading you to think that he's somebody who could do something like this. I mean, on top of this, not that you can't do these things as a killer, but like, he was, well, this kind of separate. He was a deer hunter. So he was a hunter, but like, he played mandolin in a local bluegrass band called Uncle Fudd. Like this guy, James Dishman, he was the parent of one of Craig's friends and bandmates. Told the press later, quote, in my mind, he's soft hearted, He's a gentle type of man. He liked people, he liked animals. I can't hardly fathom this.

[Host of Going West]

Yeah, it just kind of seems like he was blending into society.

[Daphne]

Yeah. Total wolf and sheep's clothing. And actually more on this, Jeff Ward, who was a friend of Craig's from high school, who used to play in a band with him, remembered, quote, he was actually very intelligent. He had a steady girlfriend at the time and was a typical athletic type guy. They would reconnect every few years. And Jeff always thought that Craig seemed stable. In recent years, Disturbingly enough, considering him abducting 10 year old Haley. Craig had actually been working with kids as a temp for a school district from 1998 to 2006. And then in 2006. He was hired full time.

[Host of Going West]

That just gives me chills thinking about a predator working around children.

[Daphne]

Yeah, because like, up until Haley's abduction, he had been working for Pleasant View elementary and Middle School as a teacher's aide and the boy's football coach, you know. Yeah, like you're saying, this is the last type of person that you want to be around kids professionally or in really any situation.

[Host of Going West]

Absolutely.

[Daphne]

But alongside Haley's family and the entire city of Springfield, Craig's Pleasant View community reeled from the news, just completely shocked and appalled that one of their own could be capable of such a thing. Principal Donna Aldrich admitted that many teachers, students and parents were obviously home horrified at the revelation that a school employee could have done this. Donna added that many parents called to ask how they could approach the issue of, you know, discussing Haley's murder with their young school age kids. So the school ended up bringing counselors and extra support staff in to talk to the kids, to just field questions and answer phone calls from parents.

[Host of Going West]

So when Craig arrived home that evening, the evening that he abducted Hayley Owens, authorities were waiting for him and they approached him before he even stepped out of his truck, which of course matched the description of the abductor's vehicle exactly down to the license plate number. When asked, he initially denied being Hailey's abductor and Haley was just nowhere in sight. He claimed that he had arrived home from work at 3:15pm Remember, her abduction happened around 4:45pm and then he said that he headed out for a walk with his dog and to run a few errands. Police questioned whether he'd be willing to come to the station for questioning with them, and he agreed to do so, actually. But by the time they arrived at police headquarters, he stopped talking and he just demanded a lawyer. Likely sensing how serious his predicament was becoming and knowing that he was very, very much guilty here.

[Daphne]

Police later reflected that his denial of the crime was hard to believe, as he reeked of bleach and the T shirt that he was wearing at the time bore blood stains.

[Host of Going West]

Yeah, I don't know how you're going to get out of that one.

[Daphne]

Yeah, I mean, so naturally, police just sense the worst regarding Haley's fate. I mean, what else could this mean? Like the fact that he's standing there saying he had nothing to do with it. Oh, I was out running errands and I was with my dog on a walk and it's like, you smell of bleach and there's blood on you, dude.

[Host of Going West]

Yeah, all the things combined. The fact that your license plate matches, the witnesses saw you, your truck matches, and also now you have blood on your clothes and you smell Eureka bleach, dude.

[Daphne]

Yeah, you're caught. And there was a lot of important and horrific things found inside Craig's house. So once police had obtained a search warrant and began to probe for any sign of Haley there, Craig's unfinished basement, later described by officers as a dungeon, revealed the horrors that investigators feared that they'd find when they entered his home. They reported the removal of what they described as items associated with child kidnapping and assault, which included multiple plastic Rubbermaid tubs, duct tape, clothing belonging to the victim, blood, hair and blood stained items. Additionally, they seized DVDs, computers, pictures, cell phones and cameras from the home. In what became a larger investigation based on what they found inside, they also found personalized items and journals written by the perpetrator detailing his fantasies about and plans for the crime he wound up committing. And sadly, inside the two Rubbermaid tubs right there in his basement. Police recovered the remains of 10 year old Haley Owens at 3am on Wednesday, February 19, 2014. The morning after Haley's abduction, Springfield police contacted her parents to inform them of the tragic outcome of their search. Later that morning, a press conference was held to update the community on the developments and they were again widely criticized for the slow issue of the Amber Alert in Haley's abduction.

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[Host of Going West]

Now. When detectives announced in the press conference that Haley's body had been found, officers admitted that she had not yet been positively identified due to the damage done by Craig's grievous act, but that they had a, quote, high degree of confidence that the remains belonged to poor Haley. Thankfully, bond was denied in Craig's case. As his bond document stated, defendant sought out a child victim, abducted her and killed her. Defendant is dangerous and there are no conditions of release which will protect the community. His parents, Jeannie and Jim Wood, were allegedly shocked and dismayed at the charges being leveled against their son. So they hired a law firm to act as their family's spokesperson. The firm issued a statement after Craig's arrest that read, jim and Jeannie are good people with excellent reputations and unblemished records. As lifelong residents of Southwest Missouri, both have long distinguished careers as a teacher and a nurse. The unexpected incident involving their son Craig has been a shock, and they are grieving they joined the rest of the community in praying as their hearts pour out to the Owens family.

[Daphne]

As the state built their case against him, more developments were revealed to the community, including multiple texts from those who knew him joking about him being Haley's kidnapper.

[Host of Going West]

What the. She's just such a piece of.

[Daphne]

Well, so here's what they said. So a forensic search of his device is uncovered. Two texts from friends sent immediately after that Amber Alert was issued. Now, one of them asked Craig, you haven't been hunting, have you? Which is so gross. And I'm. Honestly, I'm sure he was. I'm sure he was like, lol, this is definitely not you. He obviously didn't know. But still, like, in hindsight, you're like, seriously, dude?

[Host of Going West]

Yeah, seriously. Just a sick and twisted comment.

[Daphne]

Yeah. I mean, it's a horrible thing to say either way. And then another guy said, oh, great, I just got an Amber Alert about a gold Ford Ranger. What have you and Bear done? And this is in reference to Craig's dog. So, so gross. But I was actually curious about how often an Amber Alert leads to direct recovery in a case like this. If someone notices the vehicle in question out in the wild, because, you know, so often we'll get them and we'll be home. And I always think, is somebody really out there on the road looking for this car? Like, how. How can you possibly. I don't know. You know, when you're driving, how many people are really paying attention to what cars are next to them? And it's only reported to be about 17 to 20% of the time that an Amber Alert is issued. Does somebody really notice the vehicle? And it helps in the investigation, but obviously, they're still very important to get out there for the sake of public awareness. And clearly, at least two people in Craig's life thought of his car in this scenario. So, you know, maybe because it was a pretty specific car, a gold Ford Ranger. Never really see those.

[Host of Going West]

Yeah, definitely.

[Daphne]

But this is why it's so important to get this out as soon as possible.

[Host of Going West]

Well, and I was going to say it's not. It's not just people that are on the road driving who are getting these Amber Alerts that can be looking out for vehicles. It's people that are walking on the sidewalk next to a street. It's people in their front yards, just like the witnesses in this case, you know?

[Daphne]

Yeah. And also people who are home or wherever the hell they are at work, wherever. And they see that and they say, oh, I know that car. That's Craig Wood's car.

[Host of Going West]

That's Craig Dickbag Wood's car.

[Daphne]

Well, when the autopsy was completed, more information was made available about what had happened to Haley between when she was taken and when she was found mere hours later. To the dismay of her entire community, the damage done to her body revealed that she had been sexually assaulted before her death. And afterward, she had been shot point blank in the back of the head with a.22 caliber pistol, and her body had been stowed in two separate trash bags in two separate Rubbermaid containers in his basement. FBI agents believed that the.22 was the most quiet and therefore the least detectable gun that Craig owned, which is probably why he used it. And the FBI also raided the local Dutch made laundry laundromat in East Springfield, which is near Craig's home, removing multiple bags of evidence because Craig had attempted to clean up and dispose of evidence there immediately after the murder, which is why he had been out of the house when the police arrived. The clothes that he had been wearing at the time, as well as some bedding from his home were taken from the laundromat. And more items of Haley's clothing were discarded in a dumpster behind a strip mall near Craig's home. So he committed this crime in his home, stored her body, and then immediately got into his truck and started disposing of the evidence around town. And so he did this very quickly.

[Host of Going West]

Yeah, absolutely. Extremely fast.

[Daphne]

Well, a receipt found in his personal effects showed that he had purchased a laundry bag and duct tape on the evening that Haley was murdered. And video footage from Walmart showed him returning to purchase bleach and drain cleaner just an hour after Haley was abducted. And then as soon as he returned from this outing, police descended upon his home. In addition to evidence that would implicate him in Haley's abduction, rape, and murder, police also recovered as many as 29 guns and a large stash of child sexual abuse material in both a digital and print form.

[Host of Going West]

Yeah, and the scary thing here is that if he had somehow gotten away with Hayley's murder and police couldn't find her killer, he probably would have done this again, because it seemed like this wasn't just some one off thing. He's collecting child sexual abuse material, so.

[Daphne]

Yeah, exactly. And it also makes you wonder if he had actually done it before this and he just didn't get caught, because also in his home, in the dresser in his bedroom, were handwritten sexual fantasies about young girls. So, yeah, just like you're saying, he. This was not a new thing. This was not a random one off. He had been wanting to do this if he hadn't done it already. Also removed from the home were four school pictures of girls from the school that he worked at.

[Host of Going West]

See, that's exactly what I'm talking about. This sick fuck was out there, like, basically picking his next victims.

[Daphne]

Yeah, and I mean, so gross to. To think about the fact that he had been working at this school and probably leering at these little girls every day and keeping their photos. It's so disgusting.

[Host of Going West]

Oh, God.

[Daphne]

Well, as new horrors from the investigation were revealed each day that passed, Haley's family issued a statement that read, quote, we want to express our deepest gratitude to the community and beyond for the outpouring of sympathy and support for us and Haley. We ask for your continued respect of our privacy during this extremely difficult time.

[Host of Going West]

From around the state, supporters of Haley and her family sported pink and purple, which were Hailey's favorite colors, sending in photos to be aired on the news alongside updates about Haley's case. And multiple area businesses stepped in to support the family, setting up funds for funeral expenses or hosting events in which they would donate a portion of the proceeds. That Saturday, February 22, 2014, a vigil was held in Haley's honor, which drew about 10,000 supporters, much of the town all donning pink and purple outfits, holding candles, and chanting Haley's name while marching down the streets. Then the next day, Sunday, a fundraising motorcycle ride was held in Haley's honor. At first, Hayley's mom, Stacey, recalls collapsing with grief. But after she was able to collect her thoughts, she told a reporter, quote, my little girl was my life. I think I would feel better if at least I would know who he was, because I would kind of know why. Maybe he was looking at her. Why do they go after little kids? Carlos Edwards lamented, quote, there's a lot of pedophiles that live in this area. There's a lot. And there's a lady who came around and said that the guy had sat down the block in his truck, I guess, casing for what he wanted to do for, like, two weeks. So he had it planned out.

[Daphne]

I was just talking to a friend of ours about this the other day because sometimes I'll look at the Citizen app for those who don't know. It's like a. Tells you the crimes being committed in your area, like if there's a robbery or a fire or whatever. And there's also a sex offender tab, and it is just insanely sick how many there are out there. And I'm so glad that we're in a time when we can see this and be aware. But it doesn't change the fact that they're all over the place. It's honestly unreal when you open the tab and they're like these little orange ish circles and they're just littering the entire city and area.

[Host of Going West]

Yeah, it's crazy. Like you, you never think that you're living next to sexual offenders or pedophiles or something like that. And then you see that in the app and it's like, oh my God, there's 1.5 miles from my house.

[Daphne]

No, exactly. I was just thinking that because the other day I got a notification that said that a new registered sex offender lives 0.4 miles from our house. And I'm like, this is. And then you, you look, you're like, oh, I wonder, like where the closest one is. And they're again, they're everywhere. It's so like something. I don't know what can be done about this, but why is this, this a thing?

[Host of Going West]

You know, it's just so sick and.

[Daphne]

Sad, especially as well when you remember that these are just the people who have gotten caught for it. So when you look at the map and you see all those circles and those dots, these are only the ones who have been caught. These are not the ones who haven't been caught or are just starting to have these urges, if you will, or these thoughts or fantasies. So scary. Well, at Craig's first hearing, he was charged with first degree murder, armed criminal action, and child kidnapping. And prosecutors announced that he would face either the death penalty or life in prison. Craig Wood's trial began in October of 2017. So three painstaking years after Haley's murder, Craig's attorney, Patrick Berrigan, leaned on the excuse that Haley's murder was not premeditated and that it had been an ill fated act of impulse born from methamphetamine use and suppressed sexual urges. What I want to know is like, how do you sleep at night? Being the defense attorney for a child rapist and murderer and saying shit like.

[Host of Going West]

This, it's just totally insane how you can't blame any amount of drugs or any amount of anything on the fact that this person was a child predator and murdered a child.

[Daphne]

Well, they frickin did. Like his team heavily relied on the defense that he had been using methamphetamine at the time of Haley's murder, as though that is any excuse for doing what he did. And they even claimed that he had been On a three day bender at the time, unaware of the gravity of what he had done. Though let us remember all the child sexual abuse material in his home, along with fantasy diaries and letters about similar devious acts on kids. Like, yeah, it's just the meth, though.

[Host of Going West]

Yeah, it was just the meth. I was on a three day bender and, you know, it's not like I didn't have pictures of kids from my fucking. The school that I work at in my. In my home.

[Daphne]

Truly. And I will say meth is very much an issue in southwest Missouri, in Missouri in general, because for multiple years running, the state has kind of, if you will, earned itself the title the meth capital of the country, and also led the country with the most meth labs, with nearly 28 per 100,000 residents. So they're using this because it's their only angle. As though they should even be allowed a BS angle like this or any angle at all. But the prosecution did have the upper hand in this case. Luckily, the forensic pathologist who conducted Haley's autopsy, Dr. Carl Stacy, testified before the court that he had found ligature marks indicating that she had been bound before her death. Jurors were shown pictures of her body, which caused, as you guys can imagine, many people to openly weep during the trial. The blue totes where her body were placed were also left visible. Throughout the duration of the trial, Victim impact statements were read from Haley's friends, teachers, family, and her pastor. And her teacher described how frightened and devastated her classmates were after the whole ordeal. And her family spoke of the trauma that it inflicted on her little brother. Her pastor even explained how few parents would allow their children to walk or play outside by themselves anymore, because now they're aware. Wait, this can even happen in our neighborhood? It can happen anywhere.

[Host of Going West]

Well, on November 2, 2017, Craig Wood was found guilty of first degree murder. But the jury was actually locked in indecision about his sentence, leaving his fate up to the judge. So on January 11, 2018, Judge Thomas Mountjoy announced that Craig Wood would be sentenced to death for his crimes. Now, 11 years after Haley's murder, he remains on death row. He has twice appealed his case. And in 2019, the Missouri Supreme Court heard his legal team's arguments about how his sentence should be reduced to life imprisonment. But his sentence of death was upheld. In March of last year, 2024, a new legal team made up of public defenders Valerie Leftwich and Edward Thompson again attempted to dissuade a jury from the death penalty in a move that would shock and Disgust the courtroom. Craig's lawyers claimed that he sought Haley out because Haley apparently resembled his childhood girlfriend. The one and only girlfriend that he had had in his life. The 13 year old girl that he had dated when he was a teenager. Which is just such bs. The defense called a psychologist to stand as a witness. And the psychologist confirmed that in an interview, Craig had admitted to tracking Haley down because of her uncanny resemblance to the girl in his past.

[Daphne]

How is this even a good reason or an excuse? Like, okay, and where's the relevance?

[Host of Going West]

Literally zero relevance to murdering a child.

[Daphne]

And it also doesn't make it any less creepy, by the way. Like, okay, so she looks like your childhood girlfriend. That's still insanely sick. Like, what?

[Host of Going West]

It's definitely not helping at all.

[Daphne]

No, but they think it is. Like, why are you even bringing this up, guys?

[Host of Going West]

Well, Valerie and Edward called multiple mental health professionals to the stand to testify about their client's poor mental fortitude. But this was just seen as a really, really weak argument. As it should be.

[Daphne]

Duh.

[Host of Going West]

As Craig had been holding down a long term job working with children and had a stable day to day life with a home, a car, a dog, and even a small circle of friends.

[Daphne]

Well, things are about to take what seemed originally like a possible turn in the case, because after a very public fall from grace as a grieving father, defense attorneys also highlighted the potential link between Haley's stepfather and her assault and death in 2018. Haley's stepfather, Jeff Barfield, was arrested for possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material between 2012 and 2016.

[Host of Going West]

What is going on with these sickos?

[Daphne]

This is what we mean. Like, these sickos are everywhere. Well, incidentally, Jeff also used meth as an excuse for his actions. And Craig's defense team pointed to a lack of DNA from Craig on Haley's body. Even though her body was in his house, her blood was on his shirt. Like, I don't. They're. They're trying to use Jeff as a scapegoat here.

[Host of Going West]

Right. And just really grasping at straws.

[Daphne]

Right. And obviously all this stuff about Jeff, this is absolutely horrific. So it's not like he's just some upstanding guy who did nothing wrong, and they're trying to use him as a scapegoat for no reason. They're kind of using his crimes to say, oh, well, this guy was living in Haley's home. He did this.

[Host of Going West]

Yeah, he could have definitely done it. Right, Right.

[Daphne]

But none of these arguments held up in court because all the evidence that they needed was located in Craig's home. And Craig's sentence was once again upheld. Jeff Barfield, on the other hand, was sentenced to seven years in prison. Prison on his charges and 10 years probation. He was actually released from prison in 2022. And for those wondering, there is no evidence that Haley was in any way a victim of her stepfather. Again, this is just something the defense was trying to use as leverage. One small positive impact from this horrific crime is the establishment of Haley's Law, which her mom, Stacy, fought tooth and nail for, frequently heading to Missouri's capitol to advocate for it herself and to speak with politicians and lawmakers directly. Haley's law bypasses some of the timely paperwork and bureaucracy that stands in the way of issuing Amber Alerts as swiftly as possible. So now officers can radio the Amber Alert from their cars directly to the police station, and the public can be notified immediately. So this saves valuable minutes and gives the public the best possible chance to pursue the missing child and return them safely, which is something that may have saved Haley. Something I think about is the fact that her neighbor Ricky had driven after her, and there were five, six cars in front of him. Had they only known and been made aware? I mean, this. Obviously, he was chasing this guy before the police were even called, Right? But imagine if it had been issued. Issued very quickly, and somebody looks down at their phone for a second and gets the Amber alert and looks up and said, wait, that's. It's right there. It's in front of me.

[Host of Going West]

There's Craig's truck right there.

[Daphne]

Exactly. So this was such an important law to pass. In May of 2014, the playground at the park of Haley School, which, again, was Westport elementary, was renamed Haley's playground in her honor. A ceremony was held to memorialize her as well, complete with a sign sporting pink and purple balloons, of course. Course. And another picture of her. Though an execution date has not been set for Craig for now, Craig is still being held in the Potosi Correctional center in Mineral Point, Missouri. And the house where the crimes took place was struck to the ground, and a community garden now grows in its place. Thank you so much, everybody, for listening to this episode of Going West.

[Host of Going West]

Yes, thank you guys so much for listening to this episode. It's amazing that Haley's Law was passed, so hopefully we can keep kids out there a lot more safe from predators and assholes like Craig Wood.

[Daphne]

Yeah, this was such a disgusting case. I know cases like this can be really, really hard to hear, but it's also. Also important to know that these kinds of things happen. And Haley's story absolutely deserved to be told. So thank you so much again to Jace for recommending this story. If you guys want to see pictures associated with this case, head on over to our socials. We're on Instagram at Going west podcast and we're also on Facebook. And if you have a case that you want us to cover, our list is long, but we are always accepting new case recommendations. Email us please email us goingwestpodcastmail.com all.

[Host of Going West]

Right guys, have a great weekend. We will see you on Tuesday. And for everybody out there in the.

[Daphne]

World, don't be a stranger. SA.

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