Summary of "The Delphi Murders: First Person: Lieutenant Jerry Holman: Part One"

Podcast: Murder Sheet
Hosts: Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee
Episode: The Delphi Murders: First Person: Lieutenant Jerry Holman: Part One
Release Date: December 21, 2024

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Murder Sheet, hosts Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee present an exclusive first-person account from Lieutenant Jerry Holman of the Indiana State Police. Holman played a pivotal role in investigating the tragic Delphi murders, where 14-year-old Liberty German and 13-year-old Abigail Williams were brutally killed in 2017. This detailed summary encapsulates Holman's experiences, the complexities of the investigation, and the relentless pursuit of justice for the young victims.

Lt. Jerry Holman's Background

Lt. Jerry Holman offers an extensive overview of his career, tracing his journey from the Marine Corps to his esteemed position in the Indiana State Police.

"After two years of Marine Corps service, I wanted to pursue law enforcement, inspired by my father's legacy in the field." [05:32]

Holman recounts his military training, deployments during the Gulf War, and subsequent transition to the State Police in 2001. His diverse training in narcotics operations, hostage negotiations, and crisis interventions equipped him with the skills necessary for complex investigations.

The Beginning of the Delphi Investigation

Initial Response

In February 2017, the disappearance and subsequent murders of Liberty German and Abigail Williams shocked the Delphi community and the nation. Holman describes his immediate response upon hearing the news.

"I was on my way to work when I heard about the missing girls. I immediately reached out to Sheriff Lesenby to understand the situation." [18:51]

Holman emphasizes the urgency and emotional weight of the case, highlighting the collaborative efforts of the Unified Command team, which included members from various law enforcement agencies and dedicated volunteers.

Formation of Unified Command

Holman explains the structure and purpose of the Unified Command team, designed to streamline the investigation by pooling resources and expertise.

"Unified Command was a team of investigators and personnel from the Indiana State Police, Carroll County Sheriff's Office, and others, all working towards a single goal: finding the perpetrators." [02:13]

This multi-agency approach was crucial in managing the influx of information and coordinating search efforts across the region.

Challenges Faced During the Investigation

Managing Public and Media Attention

The Delphi case garnered national attention, leading to an overwhelming number of tips and media scrutiny. Holman discusses the difficulties in filtering credible information from the mass of public input.

"We received over 14,000 emails and calls. Our job was to sift through every piece of information, no matter how small, to find leads." [28:35]

Geographic and Evidential Obstacles

Delphi's rural setting posed significant challenges, including limited surveillance footage and scarce physical evidence.

"We only had one video camera catching traffic near the scene. The lack of substantial evidence made the investigation incredibly tough." [26:12]

Interagency Coordination

Coordinating between multiple agencies with different protocols sometimes led to friction and inefficiencies.

"Managing various agencies was frustrating at times. Each had their own strengths and weaknesses, making it difficult to streamline our efforts." [23:15]

Despite these challenges, Holman underscores the importance of maintaining strong interagency relationships to overcome procedural hurdles.

Key Moments in the Investigation

Breakthrough: Kathy Schenck's Contribution

A turning point in the investigation was the discovery of a critical tip sheet by volunteer Kathy Schenck, which implicated Richard Allen Whiteman.

"Kathy's meticulous organization of tips led us directly to Richard Allen. Her dedication was a true blessing." [41:14]

Schenck's role in managing and analyzing the vast amount of tips was instrumental in narrowing down suspects and advancing the case.

Interaction with Richard Allen

Holman provides a candid account of his interactions with Richard Allen during the search and subsequent investigation.

"During the search warrant, Richard sat with me in the van and repeatedly said, 'It's over.' His demeanor was evasive and unsettling." [40:25-40:36]

These interactions revealed Allen's defensive nature and raised suspicions, ultimately contributing to his arrest.

The Role of Suspect Engagement Techniques

Holman discusses the strategic use of interrogation techniques, including controlling the conversation and employing psychological tactics to elicit information.

"I use a combination of calmness and controlled aggression to provoke responses that can lead to new leads or admissions." [53:01]

He emphasizes that these methods are part of a broader toolkit designed to uncover the truth without relying solely on confessions.

Key Insights and Analysis

The Importance of Public Cooperation

Holman highlights the critical role that public tips played in advancing the investigation, despite the challenges of sifting through unreliable information.

"While not all tips were helpful, the public's willingness to assist was invaluable in piecing together the puzzle of what happened that tragic day." [31:26]

Behavioral Analysis

Engaging with behavioral analysts, Holman discusses the profiling of the suspect, aiming to understand the psychological makeup of the individual responsible for the murders.

"Our behavioral analysis suggested a power-assertive individual with controlling tendencies, likely someone who harbored violent fantasies." [35:00]

This profiling helped narrow down suspect profiles and focus investigative efforts more effectively.

Legal and Procedural Considerations

Holman touches on the complexities of legal procedures, such as the use of polygraphs and the admissibility of certain evidence in court.

"Polygraphs, while not admissible in court, can be instrumental in eliciting truthful responses during investigations." [57:52]

He provides insights into how these tools aid in building a case that can stand up in court, even if the evidence is circumstantial.

Notable Quotes

• Holman on Emotional Response:
  "I was more angry about someone treating two innocent girls like that than disturbed by the brutality of the crime itself." [21:31]

• On Investigative Techniques:
  "If you bat .300 in baseball, you're in the Hall of Fame. If you get three out of ten confessions, you're doing very well in investigations." [57:52]

• Regarding Media Influence:
  "Managing media attention was a balancing act. We needed to inform the public without compromising the investigation." [26:12]

Conclusion

Lt. Jerry Holman's first-person narrative provides a profound and detailed perspective on the Delphi murders investigation. From the initial response to the complexities of interagency coordination and the strategic use of investigative techniques, Holman's account underscores the relentless dedication required to solve such a heinous crime. This episode not only sheds light on the intricacies of forensic investigation but also honors the memory of Liberty German and Abigail Williams by showcasing the unwavering pursuit of justice by law enforcement professionals.

For listeners seeking a comprehensive understanding of the Delphi case and the intricacies involved in high-profile criminal investigations, this episode of Murder Sheet offers invaluable insights through the experienced lens of Lt. Jerry Holman.