Morbid Episode 646: The Unsolved Murder of Jeannette DePalma

Host: Morbid Network | Wondery
Release Date: February 17, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 646 of Morbid, hosts Ash and Elena delve into the haunting and enigmatic case of Jeannette DePalma, a 16-year-old girl whose unsolved murder in 1972 continues to perplex investigators and intrigue true crime enthusiasts. This episode meticulously unpacks the events surrounding Jeannette's disappearance, the discovery of her body, and the subsequent investigation overshadowed by rumors of occult involvement.

Jeannette DePalma's Background

Jeannette DePalma was born on August 3, 1956, in Jersey City, New Jersey, the sixth of seven children to Florence and Salvatore DePalma. In the early 1960s, the family relocated to Spring Township, a quiet suburb approximately 30 miles from New York City, seeking a safe environment to raise their children.

Notable Quote:
Ash (09:00): "Jeannette was the sixth of seven children, growing up in what seemed like the perfect quiet suburb."

The DePalma family was perceived by neighbors as close-knit yet somewhat secretive. Frequent police calls to their home hinted at domestic turmoil, with Sal and Florence often involved in disputes, painting a picture of a family under constant strain.

The Night of Her Disappearance

In the summer of 1972, tensions within the DePalma household escalated when Jeannette's cousin, Lisa, ran away from home. After a month with no sign of Lisa, Jeannette’s parents informed her, leading to a confrontation that left Jeannette angry and punished with additional chores. Attempting to salvage her plans for the day, Jeannette arranged to meet friends at Echo Lake Park but ultimately never showed up.

Notable Quote:
Elena (19:52): "Jeanette was pissed when her parents delayed telling her about Lisa running away. She stormed off and never returned."

Jeannette planned to take the train to Berkeley Heights but instead decided to hitchhike—a decision that proved fatal.

Discovery of Her Body

On September 19, 1972, Jeannette's body was discovered in the nearby Hu Dai quarry, a location known for its popularity among teenagers and as a spot for police target practice. Her remains were found face down, clothed in a blue T-shirt and tan pants, with a pair of flip-flops nearby. The scene was unsettlingly arranged with sticks and stones around her body, leading some to speculate about ritualistic motives.

Notable Quote:
Ash (40:33): "Jeanette's body was found with a semicircle of stones around her head, which some interpreted as witchcraft."

The Police Investigation

Initial police response was hindered by procedural delays and unclear reporting. Sal and Florence DePalma reported Jeannette missing but were allegedly told to wait 24 hours before action could be taken—a protocol that significantly delayed the search efforts.

Notable Quote:
Ash (28:10): "The De Palmas reported Jeanette missing, but the police told them to wait a full 24 hours before acting."

Investigators struggled with conflicting accounts from witnesses and neighbors, many of whom perpetuated rumors about Jeannette's behavior and possible involvement in Satanic activities, overshadowing factual evidence.

Influence of Satanic Panic and Rumors

As the investigation progressed, the media and local authorities began to intertwine Jeannette's case with the broader Satanic Panic sweeping North America in the 1980s and 90s. Reverend James Tate and other religious figures propagated the belief that occult practices were behind the murder, diverting attention from more plausible explanations.

Notable Quote:
Elena (47:48): "Reverend Tate believed Jeanette's devout faith made her a target for occultists, despite her friends' testimonies to the contrary."

This sensationalist narrative was further fueled by unrelated cases, such as the List family murders, which investigators mistakenly connected to the DePalma case, despite a lack of evidence.

Later Investigations and Theories

Decades later, journalists Mark Morin and Jesse Pollack of Weird New Jersey began re-examining the case, uncovering patterns that suggested the possibility of a serial killer operating in the region during the 1970s. Their research highlighted similarities in victim profiles and disposal methods, challenging the previously dominant occult theory.

Notable Quote:
Ash (76:16): "Multiple victims with similar profiles and disposal methods point towards a possible serial killer, not occult rituals."

Despite these revelations, the case remains unsolved, primarily due to lost evidence and the initial misdirection caused by unfounded rumors.

Conclusion and Reflections

Ash and Elena express frustration over how external narratives, such as the Satanic Panic, derailed the true investigation of Jeannette DePalma's murder. They advocate for a return to empirical evidence and logical investigative methods, emphasizing the need for modern forensic techniques like DNA analysis to potentially solve the case.

Notable Quote:
Elena (82:01): "It's devastating that Jeanette's murder was overshadowed by baseless occult theories instead of focusing on concrete evidence and actual suspects."

The episode underscores the enduring impact of societal fears and misinformation on criminal investigations, highlighting the tragic loss of Jeannette DePalma and the ongoing quest for truth in unresolved cases.

Final Thoughts:
Episode 646 serves as a poignant reminder of how external narratives can obscure the truth in criminal investigations. Through thorough research and critical analysis, Ash and Elena shed light on the complexities of Jeannette DePalma's unsolved murder, advocating for justice and the preservation of the victim's true legacy.