Morbid Episode 627: The Murder of Carol Thompson

Release Date: December 16, 2024
Hosts: Morbid Network | Wondery

Introduction

In Episode 627 of Morbid, hosts Ash and Elena delve into the harrowing true crime case of Carol Thompson—a beloved housewife whose brutal murder in 1963 shocked the St. Paul, Minnesota community. This episode unpacks the chilling details of the crime, the ensuing investigation, and the eventual unraveling of a dark family conspiracy driven by greed and betrayal.

Discovery of the Crime Scene

The story begins on the morning of March 6, 1963, when Ruth Nelson opens her door to find her neighbor, Carol Thompson, in a dire state.

Ash [09:01]: "Ruth has just started her morning... opens her door up to her beloved neighbor too."

Carol was found drenched in blood, wearing only a light robe and no shoes, pleading for help. Despite severe injuries, Carol had attempted to reach out for assistance, indicating a desperate struggle had taken place.

Elena [09:55]: "That's so haunting."

Initial Investigation

Police were quick to respond, but the scene offered little clarity. Investigators Sergeants John Ricardo and Roy Shepard faced a puzzling situation with minimal evidence.

Ash [12:02]: "Investigators held a televised press conference...asked for the public's help identifying the weapon."

The initial theory suggested a violent home invasion, but with no items stolen and the house in disarray, it became clear that the motive was personal rather than opportunistic.

Life Insurance Policies: Unveiling the Motive

A significant breakthrough occurred when investigators discovered multiple life insurance policies held by Carol in favor of her husband, Cotton Thompson.

Elena [34:10]: "Eight insurance policies. That's bonkers."

The revelation of over a million dollars in coverage raised immediate suspicions about Cotton's possible motives, especially given that he was a successful lawyer with no apparent financial distress.

Suspects and Investigation Leads

The investigation took a complex turn as detectives connected Cotton Thompson to Norman Mastrian, a former prime suspect in another murder case.

Ash [44:35]: "Norman Mastrian was a 40-year-old, former prizefighter with mob ties."

Further complications arose when Dick Anderson, a petty thief with no apparent ties to organized crime, was implicated through a tangled web of criminal associations and coerced testimonies.

Elena [46:17]: "Dick Anderson is a brutal monster."

The discovery of the murder weapon in the woods and the testimonies linking Norman and Dick to the crime painted a picture of a meticulously planned yet disastrously executed murder scheme.

The Arrest and Trial

Cotton Thompson's arrest on June 21, 1963, marked the climax of the investigation. Despite his initial denials, mounting evidence and testimonies from criminal associates sealed his fate.

Ash [61:19]: "Cotton pleaded innocent... but the jury found him guilty."

During the trial, prosecutor William Randall presented a compelling case, highlighting Cotton's excessive life insurance policies and his history of infidelity as clear motives for orchestrating his wife's murder.

Elena [67:00]: "Cotton is a literal monster."

Despite Cotton's defense arguing his eccentricity regarding insurance, the overwhelming circumstantial evidence and consistent testimonies from Dick Anderson and Norman Mastrian led to his conviction for first-degree murder.

Conclusion and Aftermath

Cotton Thompson was sentenced to life in prison, leaving his family and community in shock. Norman Mastrian and Dick Anderson were also convicted, further unraveling the layers of this tragic case. Cotton's eventual parole in 1983 and subsequent death in 2015 closed a dark chapter, but the psychological scars endured by Carol's children, especially Jeff Thompson, remained profound.

Ash [75:36]: "It's such a sad case... Carol was a fighter."

The episode concludes by reflecting on the devastating impact of greed and betrayal within a seemingly perfect family, underscoring the complexities of human emotions and relationships.

Notable Quotes

• Elena [09:55]: "That's so haunting."
• Ash [12:02]: "Investigators held a televised press conference...asked for the public's help identifying the weapon."
• Elena [34:10]: "Eight insurance policies. That's bonkers."
• Elena [46:17]: "Dick Anderson is a brutal monster."
• Elena [67:00]: "Cotton is a literal monster."
• Ash [75:36]: "It's such a sad case... Carol was a fighter."

Key Takeaways

• Complex Motives: The case of Carol Thompson highlights how personal motives, such as greed and marital discord, can lead to heinous crimes.
• Investigation Challenges: Limited initial evidence and the involvement of multiple criminals made the investigation intricate and prolonged.
• Impact on Loved Ones: The murder had a lasting psychological impact on Carol's children, emphasizing the broader consequences of such tragedies.

Morbid Episode 627 serves as a sobering reminder that beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives, dark secrets and motives can lurk, leading to unspeakable acts that leave communities shattered and families forever changed.

For those interested in exploring more about this case and similar true crime stories, consider subscribing to Wondery Plus for exclusive early access and ad-free content.