Summary of "UNSOLVED: Burger Chef Murders 1" – Murder: True Crime Stories
Released on November 5, 2024, "UNSOLVED: Burger Chef Murders 1" is the first installment of a two-part series exploring one of Speedway, Indiana's most perplexing unsolved quadruple homicides. Hosted by Carter Roy, this episode delves deep into the tragic events of November 17, 1978, the lives of the victims, the chaotic investigation that followed, and the myriad theories that continue to baffle investigators even decades later.
Setting the Scene: A Typical Night at Burger Chef (00:11 – 05:09)
The episode opens by painting a vivid picture of the Burger Chef fast-food restaurant in Speedway, Indiana. On the evening of November 17, 1978, four young employees—Jane Frate, Ruth Ellen Shelton, Daniel Davis, and Mark Flemmins—were working the closing shift. These individuals were not just coworkers but were portrayed as ambitious and well-loved members of their community.
Carter Roy reflects on the unpredictability of life's narratives:
"Sometimes the final chapter arrives far too soon, and we don't always get to know the real ending." [01:13]
Profiles of the Victims: Ambition and Dedication (05:09 – 13:02)
Jane Frate (20 years old) was the assistant manager, known for her dedication and sunny disposition, earning her the nickname "Sweet Jane." She saw her role at Burger Chef as more than a job, aspiring for a corporate position.
Ruth Ellen Shelton (17 years old) was a high-achieving student with aspirations in computer science. Unlike Jane, Ruth viewed her employment as a temporary stepping stone, actively balancing her work with academic and extracurricular commitments.
Daniel Davis (16 years old) was an honor roll student with dreams of joining the US Air Force. His commitment extended beyond Burger Chef, engaging in the Civil Air Patrol and honing his photography skills.
Mark Flemmins (16 years old), the youngest, was a dedicated Jehovah's Witness who had recently started working at Burger Chef to prove himself to his family and community. Despite his family's strict beliefs, Mark was determined to excel, even offering to cover shifts at the last minute.
The Night of the Crime: Disappearance and Discovery (13:02 – 24:29)
On that fateful Friday night, November 17, 1978, the restaurant was bustling due to the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and the airing of the "Star Wars Holiday Special." The four employees were scheduled to stay late to clean the kitchen after a hectic evening. However, the night took a dark turn when, by midnight, they mysteriously vanished without a trace.
At approximately 10:00 PM, Carter Roy narrates the initial disappearance:
"None of them would ever be seen alive again, and their killers would never be brought to justice." [00:11]
The following morning, shockwaves hit the Speedway community as the bodies of Ruth, Daniel, Jane, and Mark were discovered. The investigation revealed that Ruth and Daniel had been shot with a .38 caliber handgun, Jane had been brutally stabbed, and Mark died from asphyxiation after a violent altercation.
The Investigation: Flaws and Challenges (24:29 – 32:59)
The Speedway police response was marred by critical errors. Upon arriving at the crime scene, officers failed to secure it properly, neglecting to dust for fingerprints or call in crime scene technicians. This negligence allowed contamination of crucial evidence, severely hampering the investigation.
Lieutenant William Crafton, a key investigator, lamented the compromised scene:
"We screwed it up from the beginning." [11:46]
When the FBI took over the case 11 hours after the initial discovery, they found little to build upon. Missteps continued as the exact timing of evidence collection was muddled, leaving detectives with minimal forensic leads.
Theories and Suspects: Brett Kimberlin and Beyond (32:59 – End)
As detectives grappled with the lack of evidence, multiple theories emerged:
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Brett Kimberlin: A local businessman with a suspected criminal background, Kimberlin was linked to previous murders and bombings in Speedway. His possible motive remained unclear, especially regarding the four young employees.
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Escaped Prisoners: Three inmates had escaped from an Ohio prison on the day of the murders. Their potential involvement as violent criminals fit some aspects of the case but lacked substantial evidence.
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Professional Robbers: Inspired by a string of fast-food robberies in Indianapolis, some detectives speculated that the murders resulted from a botched robbery, escalating when the employees resisted or recognized one of the robbers.
Despite these theories, no concrete evidence or confessions emerged, leaving the case unsolved and shrouded in mystery. The episode concludes by highlighting the enduring questions surrounding the murders and sets the stage for the forthcoming second part, promising to explore the subsequent investigation and delve deeper into the elusive truth behind the Burger Chef murders.
Notable Quotes
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"Sometimes the final chapter arrives far too soon, and we don't always get to know the real ending."
— Carter Roy [01:13] -
"We screwed it up from the beginning."
— Officer Buddy Ellwanger [11:46] -
"Why would a small time crook murder four people?"
— Detective's Reflection [Looking at the time stamp in summary terms]
Conclusion
"UNSOLVED: Burger Chef Murders 1" masterfully weaves together the personal stories of four young lives cut short, the immediate chaos following their disappearance, and the flawed investigation that left their families without answers. By highlighting both the human and procedural elements of the case, Carter Roy ensures listeners are deeply engaged and invested in uncovering the truth. The episode serves not only as a recount of a tragic event but also as a critique of investigative practices of the time, emphasizing the complexities and challenges of solving such heinous crimes.
Listeners are left eagerly anticipating Part Two, where the investigation's obstacles and potential breakthroughs will be further examined, inching closer to understanding why the Burger Chef murders remain an enduring mystery.