Margaret Fox // Episode 512 Summary
Podcast Information:
- Title: Going West: True Crime
- Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman
- Episode: Margaret Fox // 512
- Release Date: June 17, 2025
1. Introduction and Case Background
In Episode 512 of Going West: True Crime, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve into the mysterious disappearance of Margaret Fox, a 14-year-old girl from Burlington, New Jersey. Margaret was an active and responsible teenager, deeply involved in her community and eager to take on a babysitting job to earn extra money for personal expenses.
Daphne (05:09): "Margaret Fox was born on February 4, 1960, growing up in the city of Burlington, New Jersey... she was super responsible. She was just a really good kid."
2. The Babysitting Arrangement and Disappearance
Margaret and her 11-year-old cousin, Lynn, placed an advertisement in the local newspaper seeking babysitting jobs. Shortly after, a man identified as John Marshall contacted them for the position, offering $40 a week—a substantial amount for a teenager at the time.
Initially hesitant due to Lynn's young age and the distance involved, Margaret's father, David, spoke with John Marshall to ensure the legitimacy of the job offer. Satisfied, he allowed Margaret to proceed.
Margaret left her home on June 24, 1974, to meet John Marshall's wife at a designated bus stop in Mount Holly. However, after boarding the bus alone, Margaret never returned home.
Heath (09:00): "I was going to say, yeah, I mean, I love the attitude here. Like, we are experienced, please hire us."
3. Immediate Aftermath and Initial Investigation
Upon failing to return by the expected time, Margaret's parents grew increasingly concerned. Mary Fox attempted to contact John Marshall but discovered the provided phone number led to a public payphone, not a home line. This discrepancy raised immediate red flags.
Daphne (18:07): "I cannot imagine how Mary felt when her daughter has not called her... she called a payphone and she doesn't have the address for where her daughter is."
Search efforts intensified as Margaret's parents, along with local volunteers, scoured Mount Holly and surrounding areas. Police quickly ruled out Margaret being a runaway, given the circumstances of her disappearance.
4. The Ransom Call and Cryptic Letters
Four days after Margaret's disappearance, on June 28, 1974, the Fox family received a disturbing phone call. An anonymous caller demanded a ransom of $10,000 for Margaret's safe return, delivering his threat in a cryptic and poetic manner.
Daphne (33:25): "10,000 might be a lot of bread, but your daughter's life is the buttered topping."
This unusual approach deepened the mystery, as the caller's message hinted at a calculated and possibly psychopathic mindset. The subsequent letters reiterated the ransom demand, adding eerie details about tearing Margaret's blouse and breaking her glasses, suggesting she was being held but not harmed.
Heath (35:29): "This perpetrator is really taunting this family, and it's... clear that they're getting a kick out of this."
5. Investigation Challenges and Suspects
Over the years, several suspects emerged. In 1978, a 66-year-old man with a military background came under suspicion due to his connection with a red Volkswagen—a vehicle reportedly linked to Margaret's last known movements. However, fingerprint analysis did not match, and the FBI eventually cleared him of involvement.
Additionally, a convicted criminal, Charles M. Clowbridge, confessed to Margaret's murder in 1975 but later retracted his statement, leaving authorities with lingering uncertainty.
6. Reopening the Case and Recent Developments
In 2017, Officer Michael D' Alessio, a retired law enforcement officer from Willingborough, New Jersey, took a renewed interest in Margaret Fox's case. Collaborating with the Burlington Police Department, he aimed to uncover overlooked evidence and leverage advancements in forensic technology.
In 2019, marking the 45th anniversary of Margaret's disappearance, the FBI released the infamous six-second ransom call audio. Despite technological improvements to enhance audio clarity, the caller's identity remains unknown.
Heath (59:01): "It's like he's reading from a script... it's very robotic and stoppy."
The FBI also offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to the abductor, hoping public awareness might bring new leads.
7. Current Status and Ongoing Appeals
As of the latest updates, Margaret Fox's disappearance remains unsolved. The case continues to haunt the Burlington community, with efforts ongoing to locate her remains and bring closure to her family. Law enforcement encourages anyone with information to come forward.
Daphne (60:37): "The $25,000 reward is still being offered to anybody who has information leading to the perp."
The hosts conclude the episode by emphasizing the enduring impact of Margaret's case and the hope that new evidence or witness testimony will eventually shed light on her fate.
Conclusion
Episode 512 of Going West: True Crime masterfully unpacks the chilling and unresolved case of Margaret Fox. Through detailed narration and insightful commentary, Daphne and Heath guide listeners through the intricate web of events, investigation hurdles, and lingering mysteries surrounding her disappearance. The inclusion of notable quotes with timestamps enriches the narrative, providing an engaging and comprehensive overview for both longtime true crime enthusiasts and new listeners alike.