Murder With My Husband - Episode 245: The Piggyback Killer

Release Date: December 2, 2024
Host/Author: OH NO MEDIA
Podcast Description: A true crime podcast that ventures into the darkest crimes with a wife who loves it and a husband who hates it.

Overview

In Episode 245, titled "The Piggyback Killer," hosts Peyton and Garrett Moreland delve into the haunting case of Maria Riddolph, a seven-year-old girl who vanished in Sycamore, Illinois, in December 1957. The episode meticulously unravels the intricate details of the investigation, the suspect's troubled background, and the eventual conviction and exoneration that left the community and Maria's family in turmoil.

The Disappearance of Maria Riddolph

The narrative begins on December 3, 1957, when Maria Riddolph, a seven-year-old girl from the small town of Sycamore, Illinois, goes missing after playing a game called "duck the cars" with her friend, Kathy. As Maria assists an adult man named Johnny with piggyback rides, Kathy remains behind, eventually leaving to warm up due to the falling snow. Upon Maria's return with her favorite doll, both girls disappear without a trace.

Peyton Moreland [05:56]: "Maria Ridolf went out to play one night and never came home again."

Frantic searches ensue, involving Maria's parents and the local community. Despite extensive efforts, no immediate clues surface, except for Maria's doll found in an alley, serving as Maria's only remains discovered five months later.

Garrett Moreland [05:59]: "I hate people."

Investigation and Suspect: John Tessier

The investigation initially points towards John Tessier, an 18-year-old outcast with a military aspiration shattered by a tuberculosis diagnosis. John, known for his reclusive and peculiar behavior, becomes a person of interest due to his physical resemblance to Kathy's description of Johnny and his absence during the critical hours of Maria's disappearance.

Despite multiple interviews and a polygraph test in 1957, where John admits to past sexual activities with minors but denies involvement with Maria, authorities clear him as a suspect. The FBI's involvement adds complexity, yet leaves significant gaps in the timeline of John's whereabouts on the night Maria vanished.

Peyton Moreland [07:16]: "So, John being somewhere and then being somewhere else doesn't really matter because that time frame could still be there."

Conviction and Subsequent Exoneration

For decades, the case remains cold until Janet Tessier, John's half-sister, uncovers troubling family secrets, including Eileen Tessier’s (their mother) admission of John's involvement in Maria's disappearance. Persisting despite systemic dismissals, Janet's relentless pursuit leads to the reopening of the case in 2008.

New detectives re-examine witness testimonies and uncover contradictions in John's alibi. A pivotal moment occurs in 2010 when Kathy positively identifies John Tessier as the man who abducted Maria from a photograph.

Peyton Moreland [42:24]: "So by now, John was going by Jack...he was still alive and still."

Eventually, in 2011, John Tessier is arrested and convicted of kidnapping and murdering Maria, bringing closure to a community haunted for over half a century. However, the triumph is short-lived as doubts about the legitimacy of the conviction emerge, leading to John's exoneration in 2016 based on previously dismissed evidence and witness inconsistencies.

Peyton Moreland [45:33]: "Only four years after this community thought the case was closed, it was open again."

Perspectives and Ongoing Questions

The episode highlights the profound impact of John Tessier's actions beyond Maria's case, including his history of sexual misconduct and abusive behavior. Despite his exoneration regarding Maria's murder, his criminal activities remain undeniable, painting a complex portrait of a man who evaded justice for years.

Garrett Moreland [32:05]: "Don't go get help. Put him in prison. Let other people take care of the issue."

Janet Tessier's discovery of her mother's confession raises unsettling questions about family loyalty and the justice system's failures. The episode leaves listeners grappling with the ambiguity of truth and the lingering trauma experienced by Maria's family and the community.

Conclusion

"The Piggyback Killer" serves as a compelling exploration of a cold case marred by missteps, familial deceit, and the elusive quest for justice. Peyton and Garrett Moreland skillfully navigate the complexities of Maria Riddolph's disappearance, presenting a narrative that underscores the enduring scars left by unresolved crimes.

Peyton Moreland [46:28]: "Maria Riddolph's case remains unsolved. Officially unsolved."

The episode concludes on a somber note, reflecting on the imperfections of the legal system and the haunting reality that some cases may never find true resolution.

Notable Quotes:

• Peyton Moreland [07:16]: “So John being somewhere and then being somewhere else doesn’t really matter because that time frame could still be there.”

• Garrett Moreland [32:05]: "Don't go get help. Put him in prison. Let other people take care of the issue."

• Peyton Moreland [46:28]: "Maria Riddolph's case remains unsolved. Officially unsolved."

Timestamps for Key Moments:

• [05:56]: Introduction to Maria Riddolph's disappearance.
• [07:16]: Description of the suspect, John Tessier.
• [42:24]: Identification and initial interrogation of John Tessier.
• [45:33]: Exoneration of John Tessier.
• [46:28]: Final remarks on the case's unresolved status.

Final Thoughts

"The Piggyback Killer" is a poignant reminder of the lasting effects of unsolved crimes on individuals and communities. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Peyton and Garrett Moreland shed light on a case that continues to evoke emotions and questions, embodying the essence of true crime exploration.