Detailed Summary of "Going West: True Crime" Episode 483 – Hailey Owens
Released on March 7, 2025, by Dark West Productions
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.
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:
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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."
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Michelle Edwards: Carlos's wife, Michelle, promptly contacted the police, providing a partial license plate number: "1 yf 100, 454" or "1 ys 454."
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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."
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.