Podcast Summary: Murder With My Husband – Episode 250: The Stoplight Killer - The Murder of Yancy Noll

Release Date: January 6, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 250 of Murder With My Husband, hosted by Peyton and Garrett Moreland of OH NO MEDIA, the duo delves into the chilling case of Yancy Noll, a respected wine buyer in Seattle, who became the victim of a senseless murder. This episode, titled "The Stoplight Killer - The Murder of Yancy Noll," meticulously unpacks the events leading up to the crime, the subsequent investigation, and the eventual unraveling of the suspect, Thomas Din Bowman.

Background of the Victim

Yancy Noll, a 42-year-old man from Anchorage, Alaska, relocated to Seattle around 2002 to embrace the vibrant city life. Known for his intelligence, sharp wit, and refined palate for wine, Yancy worked as a wine buyer for local supermarkets. Beyond his professional life, Yancy was an adventurous soul, enjoying activities like hiking with his dog Lola, skydiving, and kayaking with friends. His friends and family described him as kind, warm, and considerate—a man with a bright future and plans to marry his fiancée, Jody.

The Crime

On the evening of August 31, 2012, at approximately 7:30 PM, Yancy Noll was tragically murdered in Seattle’s Roosevelt neighborhood. Five gunshots were fired at a traffic light intersection at 15th Avenue and 75th Street. Witnesses Kevin Watts and Angelo Rama observed a silver BMW Z4 speeding through a red light immediately after the gunshots and attempted to pursue the vehicle. Moments later, they returned to the scene to find Yancy dead in his red Subaru, with four bullets lodged in his head.

Another eyewitness, Patricia Schulmeister, witnessed a fifth bullet ricocheting through her fence into her home, striking a picture of her cat. This bullet provided crucial evidence as it was identified as fired from a 9mm Glock pistol, the same caliber used in the crime.

Investigation

The police initially struggled to determine whether Yancy's murder was a targeted hit or a random act of road rage. Investigations into Yancy's background revealed no criminal history or known enemies, making a personal vendetta unlikely. The presence of shattered glass from the perpetrator's vehicle indicated that the shooter fired from the driver's side passenger window, aligning with the description of the BMW Z4 observed by the witnesses.

The Suspect: Thomas Din Bowman

On September 14, 2012, an anonymous tip led the police to Thomas Din Bowman, a 32-year-old electrical engineer and founder of Vague Industries, a robotics company. Din, a former child prodigy featured in the Seattle Times for his early achievements in computer science and fencing, had a seemingly stable life with his wife, Jennifer Palm.

Upon investigating Din's residence, police noticed discrepancies such as a recently replaced passenger side window and painted-over silver rims on his BMW Z4, originally identified by witnesses. During interrogation, Din exhibited unusual behavior; he remained calm, even frustrated, and did not express fear or remorse. His wife, Jennifer, also appeared evasive, providing contradictory statements and exhibiting nervousness when questioned.

Further scrutiny of Din’s personal life uncovered disturbing evidence:

• Computer History: Din had extensively researched methods of murder and evading law enforcement, including downloading books like Murder Incorporated and The Death Dealer's Manual.
• Physical Evidence: The murder weapon's slide matched the Glock pistol used in Yancy’s killing and was found in Din’s storage container.
• Behavior Post-Crime: Din disposed of incriminating evidence, such as the wine and water bottles involved in the alleged road rage incident, and attempted to obscure his digital footprint by changing his name and contacting services under aliases.

Trial and Verdict

The trial commenced on November 19, 2014, with Din facing first-degree murder charges. His defense attempted to portray the incident as an act of self-defense resulting from road rage, a narrative aimed at garnering empathy from the jury. However, the prosecution effectively countered this by presenting the overwhelming evidence of premeditation and intent, highlighting Din’s extensive preparation and lack of genuine remorse.

During the proceedings:

• Defense Argument: Din claimed that Yancy initiated the confrontation, leading him to act in self-defense. He described the situation as a “crazy, bad dream” where he reacted instinctively to protect himself.
• Prosecution Counter: The prosecution dismantled Din’s story by emphasizing his premeditated actions, lack of motive, and the extensive evidence of planning, including his detailed research on committing and covering up a murder.

Ultimately, the jury found Thomas Din Bowman guilty of first-degree murder on December 12, 2014. He was sentenced to 29 years in prison. Jennifer Bowman, Din’s wife, faced no charges but subsequently divorced Din and changed her name to distance herself from the heinous crime.

Aftermath

The wrongful death of Yancy Noll left a profound impact on his family and the community. Yancy was remembered as a beloved individual with a promising future abruptly ended by Din’s unprovoked and calculated act of violence. The case underscored the unpredictability of true crime and the depths of human malice.

Conclusion

In this episode of Murder With My Husband, Peyton and Garrett Moreland provide a comprehensive and gripping narrative of Yancy Noll’s tragic murder. Through detailed analysis and exploration of the investigation, the podcast illuminates the chilling transformation of Thomas Din Bowman from a child prodigy to a cold-blooded murderer. The hosts poignantly reflect on the senselessness of the crime, leaving listeners to ponder the fragility of life and the darkness that can reside within individuals.

Notable Quotes

• Garrett Moreland [07:13]: "But it turns out this encounter wasn't as random as din made it seem. He had a dark secret, and those feelings of regret and remorse only came when he realized he was going to have to pay for that decision with his life."

• Peyton Moreland [26:16]: "Fill in every piece. It definitely is a company. When the piece comes, it feels nice, it feels luxurious, and you're not going."

• Garrett Moreland [27:17]: "Make them believe in road rage. Hey, we've all been there. You've been mad at your husband before. You've been mad at your wife before."

• Garrett Moreland [48:26]: "Psychologically, there is no piece of any of us who can relate or comprehend that. We can't comprehend it."

• Garrett Moreland [48:57]: "You need to call a hotline and then go the correct steps."

Final Thoughts

Murder With My Husband Episode 250 serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of violence and the intricate web of deceit that often surrounds true crime cases. Through meticulous storytelling and insightful commentary, Peyton and Garrett Moreland offer listeners a compelling exploration of one of Seattle’s most baffling murders, leaving a lasting impression of the tragic loss of Yancy Noll.