Paper Ghosts: The Texas Teen Murders

Episode 8: “The Boogeymen”

Date: April 10, 2024
Host: M. William Phelps
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts

Overview

This climactic episode of Paper Ghosts: The Texas Teen Murders winds together four decades of heartbreak, obsession, and investigative grit. Host and investigative journalist M. William Phelps confronts primary suspect Jack Linney with an unflinching, deep-dive interview, and then details law enforcement’s concurrent efforts to finally solve Shawna Garber’s murder—revealing a different “boogeyman” than previously believed. Layered through these interviews is the harrowing psychological web created by unclosed cases, false leads, and the lasting trauma on both victims’ families and investigators. The episode tackles the elusive nature of evil, the toll of suspicion, and the complicated, sometimes surprising truths that emerge from tenacious police work.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

I. Revisiting the Serial Killer Angle: Larry Dwayne Hall

• Larry Dwayne Hall, a notorious (but never-murder-convicted) serial killer, is reconsidered as a suspect.
  • Hall’s MO and the infamous “white van” seen at the scenes seemed to fit both Dana Stidham's and Shawna Garber's abductions. ([01:42], [02:58], [04:13])
  • Detective Laurie Howard interviewed Hall personally.
    • Hall denied involvement in both cases.
    • Denials seem credible given his history and provided alibis.
    • Hall did, however, falsely claim credit for another high-profile case (the “Springfield 3”), suggesting a complex relationship with the truth. ([04:47]–[09:41])

"He immediately looked at [Shawna’s photo] and he said, ‘She’s not mine.’ Said, ‘Did you kill her?’ and he said, ‘No, she’s not mine.’"
— Detective Laurie Howard ([04:57])

• Phelps concludes Hall is not the perpetrator, but remains struck by the resonance of his and his partner’s profile with early evidence.
  • Hall’s effective concealment of bodies is highlighted as a reason he’s never faced murder charges.
  • Hall’s exclusion refocuses the investigation onto Jack Linney. ([11:12])

II. The Linney Interviews: Confrontation and Psychological Pressure

Phelps conducts a persistent, often uncomfortable interview with Jack Linney, pressing him on previously inconsistent statements, possible connections, and forensic findings.

A. Linney’s Denials and Shifting Statements

• Linney initially answers direct questions with adamant, “Hell no,” but becomes more ambiguous and evasive as the discussion continues. ([14:45]–[16:30])
• He alternates between claiming no knowledge of the victims, then suggesting fleeting acquaintanceship or total amnesia.
• On being pressed about his presence at critical locations, Linney repeatedly denies knowledge, and becomes physically ill when asked about the crime scene. ([22:58]–[24:05])

B. Behavioral Red Flags and Emotional Cracks

• Linney does not directly deny sexual harassment allegations.
• Exhibits odd silences, heavy breathing, and emotional dysregulation—at one point, appears to have a panic attack or vomiting episode while still on the phone. ([28:47]–[32:48])
  • Parallels are drawn between his reactions during the interview and an episode reported by his ex-wife where Linney vomited when Dana's case was mentioned on the news.
• When challenged with evidence about his whereabouts and forensic findings, Linney gives inconsistent responses or attempts to deflect:
  • Admits to being in the area after initial denials; supplies a potentially false explanation of why his DNA could be at the crime scene (urination in the woods). ([42:15]–[44:18])

"I was just Anthony too."
— Jack Linney, after being pressed repeatedly ([26:36])

"Talking about this was making Jack Linney sick to his stomach."
— Narration ([32:48])

C. Disturbing Bravado and Lack of Remorse

• Linney makes a thinly-veiled threat to Detective Howard: “I only kill people that are by themselves.” ([42:15])
• When asked about remorse: “Why should I?”
  • Detective Howard responds, “That’s exactly what Dennis Rader said to me.” ([46:30])

D. Law Enforcement Follow-Up

• The day after Phelps’ phone call, Detectives Laurie Howard and Rhonda Wise confront Linney at his home.
  • Linney is at turns smug, evasive, and oddly forthcoming, revealing knowledge of the crime scene he’d just denied.
  • He later calls Howard multiple times, alternately making threats and vague admissions.
  • He never offers a straightforward confession, but his statements and mannerisms reinforce suspicions. ([40:37]–[46:40])

III. SHAWNA GARBER’S MURDER: A BREAK IN THE CASE

After following years of misleading or partial evidence, Detective Laurie Howard and Detective Rhonda Wise officially close Shawna Garber’s murder case by identifying a new perpetrator: Telfy Reeves ("TR").

A. New Evidence and Timeline

• Garber, after aging out of foster care, was working a job in Missouri—transported by van.
• Van did not bring her home on the night of her murder; she was walking along the highway when picked up by TR and another person. ([57:05]–[67:45])
• Forensic clues (napkin, towel, coax cable) are linked to the Ginger Blue Inn, which was on TR’s regular path but not his workplace.
• Multiple witnesses corroborate:
  • Garber was abducted, bound, raped, and silenced with a “hot shot” (forced overdose) after screaming.
  • Her body was left in proximity to TR’s house.

B. TR’s Profile and Community Fear

• Reeves is described as a violent, drug-fueled individual with a legacy of suffering among those close to him.
  • "He was evil. He was pure evil." — Detective Howard ([63:34])
• Witnesses only came forward after TR’s death in a car accident, underscoring the fear surrounding him.

C. Key Takeaways and Misconceptions

• Prior rumors of post-mortem mutilation were proven false—no breasts cut, as confirmed by autopsy and multiple witnesses.
• There is now "likely no connection" between Garber’s and Stidham's murders.

"I know you’ve worked hard…These girls are deserving."
— Detective Laurie Howard ([44:40])

IV. Reflections on Cold Cases, Guilt, and Justice

• Phelps and former prosecutor Nathan Smith conclude with the imperative of never giving up on cold cases. ([71:53])
• The psychological weight of investigating such tragedies on law enforcement and involved parties is underscored.
• A sense of resolution for Shawna, with lingering determination for Dana’s case.

"We have to value human life, and we can't simply forget about it because it's old and hasn't been solved yet."
— Nathan Smith ([71:53])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• Detective Laurie Howard on Larry Hall’s denial:

  "He immediately looked at [Shawna’s photo] and he said, ‘She’s not mine.’…I knew immediately that Shawna was not his." ([04:57])

• Phelps on Linney’s reactions:

  "He was nauseous and whimpering, and if you listen closely, you can hear movement. He's doing something. Any mention of the crime scenes produced the biggest reaction." ([35:44])

• Linney’s chilling bravado to Laurie Howard:

  "I only kill people that are by themselves." ([42:15])

• Detective Howard’s assessment of Telfy Reeves:

  "He was evil. He was pure evil." ([63:34])

• Howard's reflection on Shawna:

  "She’s completely invisible. And I say that because there's no one cared enough to even take a picture of her. And I don't know why that bothers me, so. But it does." ([64:48])

• Nathan Smith on cold cases:

  "It can be a small key that unlocks a door to an avenue that no one knew was there." ([71:53])

Important Segment Timestamps

• Hall as Suspect; Interview Details: [01:42]–[11:12]
• Phelps’ Confrontational Interview with Linney: [14:45]–[37:42]
• Law Enforcement Confronts Linney: [40:37]–[46:40]
• Shawna Garber Case Closure / Reeves Identified: [54:22]–[71:05]
• Analysis of Reeves' Evil, Community Fear, and Final Witness Accounts: [63:29]–[70:58]
• Reflections & Closing Thoughts: [71:53]–[72:58]

Final Thoughts

This episode masterfully compiles decades of investigation, psychological drama, and new revelations. The closure of Shawna Garber’s case is a bittersweet victory borne of persistence and courage, offering truth—and a sliver of peace—to her memory and those who sought justice for her. The episode leaves listeners with both a sense of resolution and of ongoing pursuit, as Dana Stidham’s murder remains unsolved and haunted by the specter of its own “boogeyman.”