Episode Summary: "It Cleans Ducks" - My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
Release Date: April 3, 2025
In episode 474 of "My Favorite Murder," hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark delve into two gripping narratives: the chilling 1986 murder of Kara Knott in Southern California and the enduring mystery surrounding the disappearance of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart. Through meticulous storytelling and insightful discussions, Karen and Georgia shed light on these true crime stories, blending their signature humor with poignant reflections.
1. The Murder of Kara Knott
Background and Disappearance
Kara Knott, a 20-year-old junior at San Diego State University, was known for her intelligence, athleticism, and dedication to becoming a teacher. On December 26, 1986, Kara visited her boyfriend Wayne in Escondido, California, to care for him as he battled the flu. The following day, December 27, Kara decided to drive home from Wayne's residence in El Cajon. Despite informing her parents of her departure at 8 p.m., Kara failed to arrive by her expected time.
Georgia Hardstark [16:02]: "This is one of those stories that I just kept adding stuff to and wanting to research more until like I literally had to stop to go and get in the shower to get ready for the recording."
Search and Discovery
As midnight approached without any sign of Kara, her parents launched a frantic search. Without the aid of cell phones, they scoured every exit along the freeway for over eight hours. At dawn, Kara's white Volkswagen Beetle was found at the bottom of an off-ramp on the I-15 freeway, approximately 20 miles from both Escondido and El Cajon. Her body was later discovered in a dry creek bed beneath a 70-foot bridge, indicating foul play.
Georgia Hardstark [22:42]: "He said, 'I wish you could have known her. She was an angel.'"
Investigation and Suspect Identification
The investigation revealed alarming evidence:
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Foreign Blood: A single drop of AB positive blood was found on Kara's shoe, a rare blood type incidentally matching that of Craig Pyre, a 36-year-old California Highway Patrol officer with a 13-year tenure.
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Unique Fiber Evidence: A gold fiber recovered from Kara's sweatshirt matched the embroidery thread used in Pyre's uniform badge.
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Pattern of Behavior: Approximately 30 women reported similar encounters with Officer Pyre, noting that he frequently directed them to secluded off-ramps under various pretexts, creating opportunities for inappropriate interactions.
Karen Kilgariff [23:00]: "I wish you could have known her. She was an angel."
Trial and Conviction
Despite initial skepticism from officers aware of Pyre's questionable conduct, the mounting evidence against him became undeniable. His patrol car contained tire marks that matched those found at the crime scene, and discrepancies in his logbook entries further implicated him. In 1988, after a hung jury in his first trial, Pyre was retried, found guilty of first-degree murder, and sentenced to life imprisonment. To this day, Pyre maintains his innocence and has refused DNA testing that could conclusively tie him to the crime.
Georgia Hardstark [30:27]: "She did this to me."
Impact and Memorialization
Kara's father, Sam Knott, transformed the desolate crime scene into the San Diego Crime Victims Memorial Garden, a serene space honoring victims of violent crimes. Tragically, Sam passed away in 2000 from a heart attack while attending a memorial for Kara, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and advocacy for victims' rights.
Georgia Hardstark [40:25]: "That's beautiful."
2. The Story of Amelia Earhart
Early Life and Aviation Aspirations
Amelia Earhart, born in July 1897 in Atchison, Kansas, exhibited an adventurous spirit from a young age. Despite a tumultuous family life, including her father's struggles with alcoholism, Amelia's determination led her to aviation. A near-fatal sledding accident at seven years old foreshadowed her fearless nature.
Karen Kilgariff [53:08]: "That condemned tomboy method saved my life."
Aviation Career and Achievements
Amelia's passion for flying ignited after attending a flying exhibition in Toronto, where she took her first airplane ride. By her early twenties, she had earned her pilot's license and quickly set records, becoming the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic in 1932. Her charismatic presence and relentless pursuit of aviation milestones earned her the nickname "Lady Lindbergh."
Georgia Hardstark [65:37]: "It's a legit mystery."
Marriage and Advocacy
In 1928, Amelia married George P. Putnam, a successful publisher who became her manager and staunch supporter. Their partnership not only advanced her career but also fueled her advocacy for women's rights in aviation. Amelia founded the "99s," the first organization for female pilots, reinforcing her commitment to empowering women in male-dominated fields.
Karen Kilgariff [68:25]: "Amelia's still alive. But he's had opportunities to have his DNA tested against the DNA in the blood drop from Kara Shoe, like by Innocence Project people, which matched his blood type. And he refuses to."
Final Flight and Disappearance
In 1937, Amelia embarked on her most ambitious journey: a solo, nonstop flight around the globe in a Lockheed Model 10 Electra. Despite meticulous planning, Amelia and her navigator Fred Noonan encountered severe weather near Howland Island in the Pacific Ocean. Communication issues plagued the flight, leading to their tragic disappearance on July 2, 1937.
Theories and Legacy
Numerous theories attempt to explain Amelia's fate, ranging from crash-landing at sea to possible capture by Japanese forces. Despite extensive searches, including deep-sea explorations up to 2024, no definitive evidence of her plane has been found. Amelia's legacy endures as a symbol of courage, pioneering spirit, and the relentless quest for exploration.
Karen Kilgariff [78:07]: "Because of the sheer size and depth of the Pacific, it hasn't been found."
Notable Quotes
- Karen Kilgariff [23:00]: “I wish you could have known her. She was an angel.”
- Georgia Hardstark [22:43]: “He was like Flirting with her, maybe trying to ask her out.”
- Georgia Hardstark [65:37]: “It's a legit mystery.”
- Georgia Hardstark [30:27]: “She did this to me.”
- Karen Kilgariff [53:08]: “That condemned tomboy method saved my life.”
- Georgia Hardstark [78:07]: “Because of the sheer size and depth of the Pacific, it hasn't been found.”
Conclusion
Episode 474 of "My Favorite Murder" masterfully intertwines the harrowing tale of Kara Knott's unsolved murder with the legendary narrative of Amelia Earhart's disappearance. Through detailed accounts, forensic evidence, and personal reflections, Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark honor the memories of the affected individuals while exploring the complexities of true crime and historical mysteries. This episode not only recounts tragic events but also emphasizes the enduring impact of these stories on communities and individuals alike.