Murder on Songbird Road: Episode 7 – "Close Calls"

Release Date: February 6, 2025

Overview

In the seventh episode of Murder on Songbird Road, hosts Lauren Bright Pacheco and Bob Motta delve deeper into the perplexing case of Jade Beasley's tragic murder and the subsequent conviction of Julia Beverly. Titled "Close Calls," this episode explores inconsistencies in police reports, the emergence of potential alternate suspects, and the broader implications of community and racial dynamics surrounding the case.

Investigating Additional 911 Calls

The episode opens with Bob Motta revisiting Julia Beverly's initial 911 call, where she reported an armed intruder clad in black. [00:54] Motta states, “In her 911 call, Beverly is quite specific about what the intruder was wearing” ([02:22]). However, discrepancies begin to surface when Motta and Pacheco uncover additional calls made on the day of Jade's murder.

At [03:30], they reference a suspicious person call made at 10:30 AM:

Unnamed Caller: "Yes, this is at 10:30. He was out there belligerent, talking about harming somebody, cussing and carrying on..."

Further investigation reveals that Marion Police were simultaneously responding to another call about a male in all black near Quarry League Road—a detail that Julia Beverly did not report witnessing. Motta highlights the inconsistency:

“Julie described what the man was wearing, said that he took off on foot... but Marion advised they saw a male wearing a black hoodie walking on Buckley...” ([02:52]-[03:30])

This revelation suggests the possibility of a second intruder, casting doubt on Beverly’s account ([04:44]-[05:05]).

Potential Suspects: Kenny Marks and Aaron Lutton

The narrative shifts to introduce two key figures: Kenny Marks, known as Butch, and Aaron Lutton. Both names appear in the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) reports from the murder day, yet neither was called to testify by the prosecution.

Billie Jo, an associate of Renee Hightower, provides pivotal information about Kenny Marks:

“He said there was a camper in the woods... that his son goes out there and stays, that he has to go there at night...” ([23:45]-[24:44])

Marks' proximity to the crime scene and his family's criminal background raise red flags. Additionally, Aaron Lutton's erratic behavior on the day of the murder—documented through multiple 911 calls—places him under scrutiny. Motta questions Lutton’s alibi, pointing out the timeline discrepancies:

“Lewton was in an ambulance at 11:08 AM... being discharged at 9:38 PM which rules him out as a suspect.” ([30:58]-[32:00])

Police Handling and Possible Misconduct

Motta and Pacheco scrutinize the police investigation, pointing out potential tunnel vision and a lack of thoroughness. They question why the heavily wooded areas and ponds near Butch's property, which could harbor evidence or suspects, were not adequately searched:

“Why they wouldn't have searched those little ponds for a murder weapon is beyond my understanding.” ([12:44]-[13:16])

The hosts also discuss the delayed and conflicting accounts from law enforcement regarding Lutton's whereabouts, suggesting possible obstructions in the investigation process.

Community Reaction and Racial Tensions

The episode delves into the racially charged atmosphere surrounding the trial. Pacheco notes the homogeneity of Marion’s community:

“Marion is still more diverse than the all-white jury that found Beverly guilty amidst much racially charged chatter...” ([39:45]-[40:53])

Social media posts from local residents reflect deep-seated prejudices and hostility towards Beverly, exacerbating the tension and potentially influencing the trial's outcome.

Interviews and Testimonies

Key interviews include discussions with Renee Hightower, private investigator Terry Newman, and Billie Jo, who provide insider perspectives on the investigation's flaws and the community's mindset. Notably, Billie Jo recounts overhearing law enforcement conversations that hinted at a second suspicious individual:

“There was plenty of stuff that wasn't right... somebody was talking and just wanted to be that guy that knew more than the other guy.” ([07:26]-[07:37])

These testimonies underscore the complexity of the case and the potential miscarriage of justice.

Conclusions and Ongoing Questions

As the episode concludes, Pacheco and Motta emphasize the unresolved issues:

• Why were additional potential suspects never thoroughly investigated?
• What role did racial bias play in the conviction of Julia Beverly?
• Could there have been a cover-up or misconduct within the police department?

The hosts set the stage for future episodes to explore these questions further, reinforcing the possibility that an innocent woman may have been wrongfully convicted.

Notable Quotes:

• Bob Motta at [01:03]: “My personal opinion is that sometimes people snap. We believe the jealousy came in, and we believe she snapped.”
• Billie Jo at [10:11]: “It was a pretty big deal, pretty gruesome deal. So there was a lot of talk...”
• Lauren Bright Pacheco at [36:06]: “It's amazing how in America, the land of the free, right, it's the most incarcerated nation in the history of the world.”

Final Thoughts

"Close Calls" meticulously dissects the intricacies of Jade Beasley's murder case, highlighting significant procedural lapses and societal biases. By presenting compelling evidence and eyewitness accounts, Lauren Bright Pacheco and Bob Motta invite listeners to question the certainty of the conviction and consider the broader implications of justice and prejudice in rural communities.

For more in-depth analysis and updates on this case, subscribe to Murder on Songbird Road on your preferred podcast platform.