Podcast Summary: Murder Sheet - "The Evansdale Murders: A Conversation with the Documentarians Behind 'Taken Together': Part Two"

Release Date: March 4, 2025
Hosts: Áine Cain (Journalist) and Kevin Greenlee (Attorney)
Episode Title: The Evansdale Murders: A Conversation with the Documentarians Behind "Taken Together": Part Two

Introduction to the Evansdale Murders

In this episode, hosts Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee delve deep into the tragic and unresolved case of the Evansdale Murders. On July 13, 2012, in Evansdale, Iowa, two young cousins, eight-year-old Elizabeth Collins and ten-year-old Lyric Cook Morrissey, vanished while riding their bicycles. Despite an intensive search and the discovery of their bikes, their bodies were not found until December 5, 2012, when hunters unearthed them in a remote location 25 miles from their last known whereabouts.

The Documentary: "Taken Together"

The core of the episode centers around an in-depth conversation with Dylan, Christian, and Ned—the documentarians behind the acclaimed docuseries "Taken Together." This documentary meticulously explores the complexities of the Evansdale case, offering new insights and unearthing previously overlooked details.

Dual Abductions in Iowa

Christian elaborates on the rarity of dual abductions, emphasizing their statistical improbability. "Dual abductions are an absolute rarity," he states (05:04). He highlights that Iowa, with a population of three million, has experienced three to seventeen such cases, making it significantly overrepresented compared to national statistics. The documentary underscores the increased risk and complexity an offender faces when abducting two children simultaneously, thereby questioning the likelihood of random dual abductions.

Michael Klunder's Connection

A pivotal figure discussed is Michael Klunder, who had a history of abducting children. Ned recounts Klunder's prior offenses: "Klunder abducted two kids from a daycare... he was sentenced to 40 years and got out in 20 because of that prison program" (09:33). Klunder's subsequent suicide complicates the case, leaving investigators without the opportunity to interrogate him regarding the Evansdale murders.

Comparing with the Delphi Case

The conversation transitions to comparisons with the Delphi murders, another high-profile double homicide of children. Dylan reflects on the difficulty of categorizing and connecting such cases: "In Delphi, they were walked a distance away, but they're still in the park... it's not necessarily the same as transporting via a vehicle miles away" (16:24). While similarities exist, especially in the pattern of dual abductions, there is no concrete evidence linking the two cases.

Analyzing Evidence: Cell Phone Alibi

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the role of cell phone data in investigations. Christian expresses skepticism about its conclusiveness: "I was told the only definitive alibi a cop will take is, is if someone is in jail" (16:48). The reliability of cell phone evidence remains contentious, as manipulable factors like leaving a phone at home can create false alibis.

The Drug Angle and Media Bias

The episode addresses speculative connections between the victims' families and drug use. Christian and Jessica Sebastian critique the media's tendency to unfairly associate drug problems with the potential for committing heinous crimes. Christian remarks, "When you have someone with drug problems, it does not make someone a murderer" (24:24). Jessica adds, "The media... it's extremely unfair" (22:49). They emphasize the importance of not stigmatizing individuals based on substance use, highlighting the lack of evidence linking Misty and Dan (presumably family members) to the murders.

Concluding Thoughts and Hopes for the Case

As the conversation wraps up, the documentarians express hope that their documentary will renew public interest and pressure authorities to uncover the truth. Christian states, "They just need one little more piece and then they can catch whoever did this" (27:46). Ned highlights the documentary's role in keeping the case alive: "We want this to push forward and hope that piece of luck will float into this case" (28:29). Both emphasize the documentary's commitment to integrity and accurately portraying the community's sentiments and the families' struggles.

Final Remarks

The episode concludes with acknowledgments and encouragement for listeners to watch the documentary on Max, fostering greater awareness and involvement in solving the Evansdale Murders. The hosts also reiterate their support for sponsors and express gratitude to the interviewees for their invaluable contributions.

Notable Quotes:

• Christian on Dual Abductions:
  "Dual abductions are an absolute rarity... Iowa has three to seventeen double abductions, significantly overrepresented compared to national statistics." (05:04)

• Ned on Michael Klunder:
  "Klunder abducted two kids from a daycare... he was sentenced to 40 years and got out in 20 because of that prison program." (09:33)

• Christian on Cell Phone Alibis:
  "The only definitive alibi a cop will take is if someone is in jail." (16:48)

• Jessica Sebastian on Media Bias:
  "The media... it's extremely unfair to the families because of their backgrounds and struggles." (22:49)

• Christian on Hope for the Case:
  "They just need one little more piece and then they can catch whoever did this." (27:46)

Conclusion

This episode of Murder Sheet provides a profound exploration of the Evansdale Murders through the lens of "Taken Together." By dissecting the intricacies of dual abductions, scrutinizing investigative evidence, and challenging media prejudices, the podcast offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of one of Iowa's most haunting unsolved cases. The conversation underscores the importance of persistent investigative efforts and the role of documentary storytelling in seeking justice and closure for affected families.