Gone South: S4|E30 - Catching Felix Vail | Part 3

Released on May 14, 2025 by Audacy Podcasts

Introduction

In the gripping finale of the "Catching Felix Vail" trilogy, Season 4 of Gone South delves deep into the unraveling of one of the South's most perplexing cold cases. Host Jed Lipinski masterfully guides listeners through the intricate web of investigation, unveiling the relentless pursuit of justice for the victims of Felix Vail.

Reviving the Cold Case

[01:17] Jake Brennan:
In the last episode, investigative reporter Jerry Mitchell launched his own investigation into Felix Vail.

Building upon previous episodes, this installment recounts how Jerry Mitchell's unwavering determination reignited the decades-old case of Felix Vail. Initially met with a lack of official interest, Jerry's investigative prowess becomes the catalyst for renewed attention.

[01:24] Jerry Mitchell:
"There was nothing. There was no paper trail. Nothing." ([01:24])

Uncovering Hidden Truths

Jerry's investigation takes him to Louisiana, where he uncovers unsettling connections between Felix Vail and the mysterious deaths of those closest to him.

[01:35] Jerry Mitchell:
"Felix didn't act like it was anything like. He didn't act upset, he didn't cry." ([01:35])

Simultaneously, Felix's son, Bill, releases a podcast episode revealing his father's dark confessions:

[01:42] Jake Brennan:
...Bill claimed his father killed not only his first wife, but also his girlfriend, Sharon Hensley.

This revelation suggests a disturbing pattern of violence, positioning Felix as a potential serial killer.

Enter the Private Investigator: Gina Frenzel

Determined to bring Felix to justice, Jerry teams up with private investigator Gina Frenzel. Gina's first encounter with Felix sets the stage for a deeper infiltration.

[02:41] Gina Frenzel:
"I'm kind of tenacious that way. I like the hard to get..." ([02:41])

Posing as an insurance adjuster, Gina gains Felix's trust, leading to several intense interactions that slowly peel back his facade.

[03:26] Gina Frenzel:
"I park, get my camera out...I go to the fence, and there's no door to knock on...he just said, okay, great." ([03:26])

Gathering Evidence: The Shed and the Journals

During her undercover operations, Gina discovers crucial evidence hidden within Felix's shed, including a toolbox suspiciously containing a hacksaw and a hammer.

[04:01] Gina Frenzel:
"Which kind of freaked me out..." ([04:01])

Further probing reveals a box full of journals, hinting at Felix's meticulous record-keeping and possibly his attempts to conceal his crimes.

[04:39] Gina Frenzel:
"I wasn't very successful. One time, he had to go out and go to the bathroom..." ([04:39])

Breakthroughs and the Path to Arrest

Gina's persistent efforts lead to startling confessions and the retrieval of long-lost evidence:

[05:24] Jake Brennan:
...73-year-old Felix Vail was arrested and charged with the 1962 drowning.

With the discovery of Felix's journals and corroborative testimonies from old acquaintances, the case against Felix strengthens significantly.

[15:04] Chuck GPT:
"He wheels himself into his back bedroom and... handed the elected DA an envelope..." ([15:04])

This envelope contained authentic sheriff's reports and damning photographs that contradicted the initial accidental drowning narrative.

The Trial: Building the Case

Prosecutor Hugo Holland takes the reins, presenting a compelling case that goes beyond the sole accusation of Felix murdering Mary Horton Vale. He introduces the disappearances of Sharon Hensley and Annette Craver Vail to illustrate a pattern of behavior.

[30:08] Jerry Mitchell:
"So literally every single family, these three families all got to testify...all that went into evidence." ([30:08])

By employing the doctrine of chances, Hugo effectively argues the improbability of Felix's innocence given the circumstances surrounding the three women.

[30:43] Chuck GPT:
"What are the chances that Felix Vail's first wife dies accidentally and then two significant others disappear... Zero." ([30:43])

Verdict and Aftermath

After intense deliberations, the jury finds Felix Vail guilty of second-degree murder, marking a historic resolution to the oldest solved cold case in U.S. history where the perpetrator was still alive.

[31:52] Jake Brennan:
The jury found Felix Vail guilty of second-degree murder.

Felix's sentencing sees him receive life without parole, bringing a semblance of closure to the families affected by his actions.

[33:14] Jerry Mitchell:
"He talked about me..." ([33:14])
Felix deflects blame and draws bizarre parallels to literary works, showcasing his manipulative nature until the end.

Reflections on Justice and Truth

Jerry Mitchell shares his personal reflections on the case, emphasizing the role of faith and the pursuit of truth in his investigative work.

[34:48] Jerry Mitchell:
"My faith has a lot to do with my reporting because God loves justice and so I know if I'm writing about truth, that's what he wants me to do." ([34:48])

This conviction underscores the moral imperative driving journalists to seek out and expose hidden truths, no matter how deeply buried.

Conclusion

In Catching Felix Vail | Part 3, Gone South delivers a powerful narrative of tenacity, uncovering hidden evidence, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Through meticulous investigation and unwavering dedication, Jerry Mitchell and Gina Frenzel bring closure to a case that had lingered for over half a century, exemplifying the profound impact of investigative journalism in solving cold cases.

Notable Quotes

• Jerry Mitchell:
  "What are the odds that you have one guy who's 90 something that has saved these records for 50 years...I had to find anything that I had around that was 50 years old." ([16:16])

• Gina Frenzel:
  "He didn't act like it was anything like. He didn't act upset, he didn't cry." ([01:35])

• Chuck GPT (Prosecutor Hugo Holland):
  "You got Mary Rose not letting it go. God bless Mary Rose for what she did...This is just how many different stars had to align for this to occur." ([32:21])

Further Engagement

For listeners eager to explore more about the Gone South investigations, consider subscribing to Audacy Podcasts and following Gone South on social media platforms. Engage with the community by sharing thoughts, tips, or feedback at gonesouthpodcastmail.com.