Podcast Summary: Going West: True Crime – The Freeway Phantom (Episode 496)

Introduction

In Episode 496 of Going West: True Crime, hosted by Heath Merryman and Daphne Woolsoncroft from Dark West Productions, the hosts delve into the chilling and unresolved case of the Freeway Phantom—a serial killer who terrorized Washington, D.C., between April 1971 and September 1972. Released on April 22, 2025, this episode meticulously examines the haunting details surrounding the disappearance and murder of six young girls and women, highlighting the investigative missteps and societal factors that contributed to the case's enduring mystery.

Background: The Surge of Serial Killers in the 1970s

Daphne opens the discussion by contextualizing the 1970s as a "golden era for serial killers," mentioning infamous names like John Wayne Gacy, Ted Bundy, and the Son of Sam. She suggests that factors such as generational trauma and financial instability post-World War II might have contributed to the rise of serial killings during this period. Heath echoes this sentiment, noting, "it really does stick out as this kind of like, era of unknown serial killers that were running amok" (04:52).

The Victims and Their Stories

1. Carol Denise Spinks (13 years old)

   • Disappearance: April 1971
   • Details: Carol, a seventh grader from Congress Heights, Washington, D.C., trusted her older sister Valerie to run an errand. Valerie convinced Carol to leave the house against their mother's strict instructions.
   • Abduction and Death: Carol was abducted in broad daylight on Wheeler Road, a main thoroughfare. Her body was discovered on May 1, 1971, near Interstate 295. She had been strangled and sexually assaulted, with undigested citrus fruit indicating she was held captive for days (03:22-13:04).

2. Darlenia Denise Johnson (16 years old)

   • Disappearance: July 8, 1971
   • Details: Darlenia was a camp counselor heading to work when she vanished. Her mother, Helen, received eerie phone calls with heavy breathing and threats, blaming the killer for the abduction (14:06-16:57).
   • Abduction and Death: Her body was found 11 days later, mere feet from where Carol was discovered. Due to delayed police response, Darlenia was in an advanced state of decomposition, complicating the determination of cause of death (16:45-17:28).

3. Brenda Fay Crockett (10 years old)

   • Disappearance: July 27, 1971
   • Details: Brenda was sent to Safeway for groceries but never returned. She made distressed phone calls claiming to be with a man in Virginia before being found dead the next morning (20:31-22:19).
   • Abduction and Death: Brenda was strangled, raped, and left barefoot with her body washed, suggesting the killer's attempt to eliminate evidence and deter identification (21:48-22:55).

4. Nina "Nene" Moshea Yates (12 years old)

   • Disappearance: October 1, 1971
   • Details: Nene was sent to Safeway to help her family and was last seen exiting the bus. Her body was found three hours later, indicating a swift execution by the killer (24:04-25:44).

5. Brenda Denise Woodard (18 years old)

   • Disappearance: November 15, 1971
   • Details: Brenda attended an evening typing class and was last seen boarding a bus with a classmate. Her body was found the following day, bearing multiple stab wounds, unlike previous victims (29:45-35:12).

6. Diane Denise Williams (17 years old)

   • Disappearance: September 5, 1972
   • Details: Diane was last seen at her boyfriend’s place before being abducted near her home. Her body was discovered shortly after, with evidence suggesting potential links to the Freeway Phantom due to similar patterns in the murders (25:44-44:51).

Modus Operandi and Investigation Challenges

The Freeway Phantom’s method involved abducting girls from busy streets during the day, leaving minimal evidence. Despite the public nature of the abductions, witnesses rarely saw the crimes, raising questions about the killer’s stealth and potential familiarity with the victims. Heath remarks, “it’s like a ghost” (69:06), emphasizing the elusive nature of the perpetrator.

Key investigative challenges included:

• Mismanagement by Authorities: Initial reluctance to investigate missing persons reports seriously, likely exacerbated by systemic racism, as highlighted by retired officer Tommy Musgrove: “those black girls didn’t mean anything to anybody” (65:06).
• Destruction of Evidence: In 1987, physical evidence was destroyed without clear explanation, eliminating opportunities for DNA testing that might have solved the case decades later (63:09).
• Lack of Reliable Leads: Despite numerous tips and suspects, including Robert Elwood Askins and Morris Warren, conclusive evidence remained elusive, leaving the case unsolved (49:02-67:02).

Suspects Explored

1. Robert Elwood Askins

   • Profile: A man with a history of violent crimes against women, including poisoning and assault. His deep-seated misogyny and past incarcerations make him a prime suspect.
   • Evidence: Possession of items matching the crime scenes, such as buttons and earrings, but no direct DNA or fiber matches. Despite incriminating evidence, he was never conclusively linked to the Freeway Phantom due to insufficient proof and passed away in 2010 without resolution (49:02-56:25).

2. Morris Warren

   • Profile: Allegedly part of the Green Vega Gang, Warren provided unreliable tips that were later proven false. His credibility is doubtful, casting skepticism on his claims linking the gang to the Freeway Phantom (56:25-60:03).

3. Unnamed Gran Torino Driver

   • Details: A 1968 Gran Torino driver involved in a car accident near Brenda Woodard’s body was suspected due to the discovery of a bloody knife in his vehicle. Despite matching the profile, his identity remains unknown, and no conclusive evidence links him to the murders (60:03-62:00).

Additional Cases and Links

• Tara Ann Bryant (18 years old): Found strangled in the Anacostia River in November 1972. While believed to be a potential victim of the Freeway Phantom, her case remains unsolved.
• Angela Denise Barnes (14 years old): Initially thought to be linked, her murder was later solved independently, revealing involvement by corrupt police officers, not connected to the Freeway Phantom (60:03-62:00).

Police Profiling and Conclusions

The Metropolitan Police developed a profile suggesting the killer was a man in his late 20s to early 30s, employed full-time, likely acquainted with some victims, and motivated by power and sexual dominance over women. This profile underscores the complexity of the case, as the Freeway Phantom targeted vulnerable young girls, raising questions about his psychological motivations and societal influences (63:09-64:25).

Sergeant Romaine Jenkins’ Dedication

Sergeant Romaine Jenkins has been a pivotal figure in keeping the case alive. Despite retiring in 1994, she continues to obsess over the evidence, maintaining ten boxes of case files at home and persistently advocating for justice for the victims. Jenkins emphasizes the ongoing agony faced by families left without answers and the critical need for renewed investigative efforts (66:33-67:02).

Unresolved Mysteries and Final Thoughts

The Freeway Phantom case remains one of Washington, D.C.’s most haunting unsolved mysteries. With critical evidence lost and no definitive suspect, the case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of investigative negligence and systemic biases. Heath poignantly concludes, “With families still waiting and investigators running out of time, one question continues to echo. Will the Phantom ever be unmasked?” (68:08-69:10).

Call to Action

The hosts urge listeners with any information to contact the Metropolitan Police at 202-727-9099, emphasizing the unresolved nature of the case and the enduring need for community assistance in bringing closure to the families affected.

Notable Quotes

• Daphne on police negligence: “It’s ridiculous. How could they not make that initial connection?” (04:52)
• Heath on societal factors: “It really does stick out as this kind of like, era of unknown serial killers that were running amok.” (04:52)
• Daphne on Sergeant Jenkins: “I am truly obsessed with this. No time ever goes by that I don't think about it.” (66:33)
• Heath’s reflection on unresolved cases: “These murders remain unsolved, with very little evidence left to go on.” (05:00)

Conclusion

The Freeway Phantom episode of Going West: True Crime offers an in-depth examination of a tragic series of murders that plagued Washington, D.C., in the early 1970s. Through meticulous storytelling and critical analysis, Heath and Daphne highlight the complexities and unresolved questions that continue to shroud the case, making it a compelling listen for true crime enthusiasts seeking to understand the darker facets of human behavior and investigative history.