Murder: True Crime Stories

Episode: UNSOLVED: Cathy Cesnik 2
Host: Carter Roy
Release Date: December 24, 2024

Introduction to the Case

In this gripping second installment of the Cathy Cesnik case, host Carter Roy delves deeper into the mysterious murder of Sister Catherine Saznik, a 27-year-old nun whose death remains unsolved over five decades later. Released on December 24, 2024, this episode uncovers the dark underbelly of Archbishop Keough High School in Baltimore, Maryland, where allegations of abuse by clergy members set the stage for a haunting mystery.

Catherine Saznik’s Disappearance and Murder

On a fateful day in late 1969, Sister Catherine Saznik left for an errand and never returned. Two months later, in January 1970, her body was discovered at a Baltimore landfill. The initial investigation struggled to find credible leads, causing the case to go cold for nearly 25 years. Carter Roy narrates:

“In 1970, 27 year old Kathy Saznik was found dead at a landfill outside of Baltimore, Maryland. After detectives found her body, they desperately searched for her killer. In the first few years after Kathy's murder, police looked into several suspects, but they all had solid alibis. Without any credible leads, Kathy's case grew cold.”
(Timestamp: 16:30)

Archbishop Keough High School Abuse Scandal

Archbishop Keough High School, established in 1965, was renowned within Baltimore’s Catholic community for its academic excellence and state-of-the-art facilities. However, beneath its pristine exterior, students like Jean Wehner endured horrific abuse.

Jean, a 14-year-old student, had a traumatic past marked by sexual abuse from her uncle. Seeking solace, she confided in Father Neil Magnus at the school’s chapel:

“Jeanne told Father Magnus what her uncle had done to her... Instead of giving her forgiveness, he used her trauma against her.”
(Timestamp: 07:45)

Father Magnus, alongside Father Joseph Maskell, exploited their positions to perpetrate further abuse, instilling fear and silence among the students.

Jean Wehner’s Allegations Against Father Maskell and Father Magnus

Years after her ordeal, in 1992, Jean Wehner bravely came forward with allegations against Father Maskell, implicating him in Sister Kathy’s murder. Jean recounted a chilling encounter:

“Jean and Father Magnus got into his car...He drove them to a wooded area...there was Kathy's dead body.”
(Timestamp: 15:27)

This revelation connected Father Maskell not only to the abuse but also to the mysterious disappearance and murder of Sister Kathy. Jean's testimony suggested that her abusers had a direct hand in silencing Kathy to cover up the abuse scandal.

Civil Litigation and Legal Proceedings

In 1994, Jean Wehner and Teresa Lancaster, another victim, filed a substantial civil lawsuit against Father Maskell, the Archdiocese of Baltimore, and other defendants. Despite presenting compelling narratives, the court dismissed the case due to the statute of limitations:

“The court said it didn’t, which meant the case couldn’t move forward.”
(Timestamp: 22:50)

This setback did not deter the victims, who continued their quest for justice despite legal barriers.

Investigative Developments and New Evidence

The investigation saw intermittent progress with new evidence surfacing over the years. In 1994, William Storey, a former groundskeeper, revealed suspicious activities tied to Father Maskell:

“He saw boxes filled with psychological records... he realized these might have been used to manipulate victims.”
(Timestamp: 26:22)

Though much of the evidence was compromised due to water damage, these revelations kept Father Maskell under scrutiny until his death in 2001. Additionally, the exhumation of both Father Maskell and Joyce Malachi in recent years sought to uncover more truths, although conclusive results remain pending.

Ongoing Theories and Current Status

Several theories attempt to explain Kathy’s murder. Debbie Yown, a relative of a possible suspect, Edgar Davidson, presented circumstantial evidence linking him to the crime:

“On the night Kathy disappeared, Edgar came home with his shirt covered in blood... the necklace gifted afterward seemed too significant to be coincidental.”
(Timestamp: 28:15)

Despite these theories, law enforcement has yet to definitively solve the case. The Child Victims Act of 2023 in Maryland has opened new avenues for survivors to seek justice, but with Father Maskell deceased, certain legal avenues remain inaccessible.

Conclusion and Legacy

Though Sister Catherine Saznik’s murder remains unsolved, the relentless efforts of her survivors and advocates continue to shed light on systemic abuse within the Catholic Church. The Archdiocese of Baltimore’s 2016 settlement and the 2023 Child Victims Act signify incremental progress in addressing past wrongs. Carter Roy emphasizes the enduring quest for truth and justice:

“We may never know for sure why Kathy Saznik was killed or who her murderer was, but her students are devoted to figuring it out.”
(Timestamp: 33:00)

The legacy of Sister Kathy inspires ongoing activism and vigilance, ensuring that such atrocities are never forgotten and that victims continue to be heard.

Key Takeaways

• Abuse at Archbishop Keough: The high school was a façade masking severe sexual abuse by clergy members.
• Jean Wehner’s Courage: Her testimony linked Father Maskell to both abuse and the murder of Sister Kathy.
• Legal Hurdles: Despite substantial allegations, legal proceedings were stymied by time constraints.
• Persistent Advocacy: Continued efforts by survivors and advocates keep the case in the public eye, advocating for justice and systemic change.

Notable Quotes

1. Jean Wehner on Abuse:

   “He used my trauma against me. He told me I could free myself of my sins if I performed sexual acts with him.”
   (Timestamp: 10:15)

2. Father Maskell’s Influence:

   “Do you see what happens when you say bad things about people?”
   (Timestamp: 19:30)

3. Carter Roy on Justice:

   “Inspired by Kathy's kindness and bravery, they're continuing the fight, and one day they just might help solve the mystery of her death.”
   (Timestamp: 34:45)

Final Thoughts

This episode of "Murder: True Crime Stories" masterfully intertwines historical context, personal testimonies, and investigative developments to present a comprehensive overview of the Cathy Cesnik case. Carter Roy's meticulous storytelling ensures that listeners gain a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding this unsolved murder, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in the pursuit of justice.