Morbid Network | Wondery Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Episode 611: Preston Murr and the Boise Murder Mansion
Release Date: October 21, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 611 of Morbid, hosts Ash and Clinton delve into a chilling true crime case intertwined with local legends of a haunted mansion in Boise. Titled "Preston Murr and the Boise Murder Mansion," the episode explores the brutal murder of Preston Murr, the ensuing investigation, the subsequent trial of Daniel Rogers and Darren Cox, and the haunting lore that has enveloped the manor at 805 West Linden Street.

Background of the Case

Preston Murr, a 21-year-old petty criminal from Idaho Falls, found himself entangled in a violent confrontation that would ultimately lead to his gruesome demise. His history included minor offenses, primarily related to disturbing the peace, but nothing that hinted at the violence to come.

On June 29, 1987, Preston attended a friend's funeral in Boise, where alcohol-fueled arguments erupted, involving Daniel and Catherine Rogers. This altercation led to Preston being cited and asked to leave. Later, Preston reported receiving death threats to his sister's apartment, prompting him to seek help from Daniel Rogers and his acquaintance, Darren Cox.

The Night of the Murder

Timestamp [07:10]: The night of June 30, 1987, marked a turning point. Clinton Sparks narrates how Preston and Daniel sought stolen firearms, leading them to a confrontation at the Rogers' residence. The situation escalated quickly:

• Timestamp [31:23]: Investigators determined that Daniel Rogers shot Preston in the head with a .357 Magnum revolver. Preston was further wounded as he attempted to flee, leaving a bloody trail leading back to the Rogers' home.

• Timestamp [16:41]: Preston's remains were later discovered in 13 garbage bags across Boise, confirming the brutality of the crime.

Investigation and Discovery

The initial call to 911 by Clinton Sparks was mishandled, resulting in a delayed police response. It wasn't until the following day that further evidence surfaced, including multiple bloody handprints linking the Rogers' residence to the crime scene.

• Timestamp [13:29]: Blood spatter throughout the Rogers' home indicated a violent struggle.
• Timestamp [14:18]: A bloody handprint was found on Clinton’s front door, and additional evidence like a handgun and bullet fragments connected directly to Daniel Rogers.

The Trial

Daniel Rogers faced multiple charges, including possession of controlled substances, assault, and first-degree murder. His defense attempted to exonerate him by claiming blood phobia, arguing he couldn't have committed the dismemberment of Preston's body.

• Timestamp [39:32]: Rogers testified that he had an extreme phobia of blood, stating, “I couldn’t have done this because blood makes me want to throw up.”
• Timestamp [35:54]: Despite his defense, overwhelming forensic evidence—including fingerprint and ballistics—tied Rogers directly to the murder.
• Timestamp [45:09]: The jury deliberated for over six hours before finding Daniel Rogers guilty of first-degree murder. Preston's mother expressed her relief and satisfaction with the verdict.

Convictions and Aftermath

Following Daniel Rogers' conviction, Darren Cox pleaded guilty to being an accessory and was sentenced to five years in prison along with a $10,000 fine.

• Timestamp [45:41]: Ash emphasizes the severity of the crime: “This man helped his friend kill somebody and dismember their body to the point where it had to fill 13 trash bags.”
• Timestamp [46:14]: Despite his involvement, Cox received a relatively light sentence, highlighting discrepancies in the justice system.

The Haunted Mansion Legend

Post-trial, the Rogers' residence at 805 West Linden Street gained notoriety as the "Boise Murder Mansion." Over the years, numerous reports of paranormal activity have surfaced, intertwining the brutal history of the house with local ghost stories.

• Timestamp [48:03]: Deanne Davis, the new owner in 2012, reported no unusual experiences, though her daughter felt an ominous presence in the basement.
• Timestamp [51:02]: Michelle Hart, a content creator, collected various ghost stories from visitors, including sightings of spectral figures and unexplained noises.
• Timestamp [53:00]: Testimonies included sightings of a “big, black, oily looking thing” and a woman in 1800s attire banging on windows without sound.

Current Status and Tours

In Spring 2024, efforts to open the mansion for paranormal tours commenced, with a partnership between Mark Iverson of IDA History and the current owner. Portions of the tour proceeds are designated for preserving the mansion, allowing the public to engage with its haunted legacy responsibly.

• Timestamp [54:35]: The mansion, once neglected, is being restored to accommodate tours while addressing its storied past.

Notable Quotes

• Timestamp [07:24]: "Clinton, I just didn’t know what to do in that situation. I’d be calling the police." – Elena during initial discussion about the night's events.
• Timestamp [39:53]: "I couldn't stand the sight of blood. I felt like I was gonna throw up." – Daniel Rogers during his defense testimony.
• Timestamp [45:09]: "Preston's mother, May, told reporters, 'I'm so happy with the verdict. I'm delighted.'" – Ash quoting May Murr.

Conclusion

Episode 611 of Morbid masterfully intertwines the horrors of a violent murder with the lingering specters that haunt a once-grand Boise mansion. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Ash and Clinton shed light on the dark interplay between human violence and the mysteries that follow, offering listeners both answers and lingering questions about the nature of haunted places and unresolved crimes.

Notable Moments & Discussion Points:

• Initial Police Response Failure ([07:10] – [11:45]): The mishandling of Clinton Sparks' 911 call and delayed police intervention set the stage for the unfolding tragedy.

• Forensic Evidence Without DNA ([36:02] – [38:50]): The reliance on fingerprinting and ballistics in the absence of advanced DNA testing underscores the challenges of solving crimes in the pre-DNA era.

• Haunted House Lore vs. Reality ([48:03] – [56:38]): The contrasting experiences of residents and visitors highlight the subjective nature of paranormal encounters, influenced by the house's grim history.

Speaker Attribution:

• Ash: Co-host of Morbid, providing narrative and analysis.
• Clinton Sparks: Co-host of Morbid, engaging in dialogue and recounting testimonies.
• Elena: Sponsor segments and occasional commentary.

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