Podcast Summary: Small Town Murder #540 - Ghost Hunter - Everson, Washington
Hosts: James Pietragallo & Jimmy Wisman
Release Date: [Specific Release Date Not Provided]
Episode Title: Ghost Hunter
Location Focus: Everson, Washington
Introduction to Everson, Washington
In this episode of Small Town Murder, hosts James Pietragallo and Jimmy Wisman delve into the intriguing and tragic story surrounding Everson, a small town in Whatcom County, Washington. With a population of just 2,859, Everson epitomizes the quintessential small American town, characterized by its tight-knit community and limited amenities. The town's median household income stands slightly below the national average at $63,958, while the median home cost is significantly higher at $431,100, presenting economic challenges for its residents.
Notable Quote:
James Pietragallo [06:43]: "It's a little, big town. Little town is a band, but would fool a lot with saying big at all."
Key Players in the Case
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Linda Ray Holman
- Background: Born in 1963, Linda's tumultuous upbringing included time in foster homes, contributing to her unstable adult life.
- Family: Mother to Daisy Holman (born 1986) and Travis Cargile (born December 13, 1991).
- Legal History: Arrested multiple times for offenses including marijuana possession, drug paraphernalia, and obstruction of a law enforcement officer.
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Travis Cargile
- Background: Linda's son involved in the murder case against his mother.
- Current Status: Serving a 25-year sentence for first-degree murder, with multiple parole violations leading to additional incarcerations.
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Mark McCollum
- Background: Partner of Linda Ray Holman for approximately 13 years.
- Demise: Murdered by Linda on February 16, 2010.
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Robert England ("Floyd")
- Background: A 21-year-old handyman with a history of moonshining and alcoholism.
- Connection to Case: The victim in the initial murder committed by Linda and Travis.
The Initial Murder: Linda Holman & Robert England
The narrative begins with Linda Holman's troubled relationship with Robert England. In 1994, Linda, along with her son Travis, conspired to rob Robert, who lived in a 1976 Ford Econoline van. Their plan was to claim the stolen money to fulfill Linda's promise of a hundred-dollar bill to Travis for his birthday.
Notable Quote:
James Pietragallo [18:28]: "How awful would little Travis feel about that? That hundred dollar bill is probably so special to him. Has fucking blood on it."
However, the plan went awry when Travis, entrusted to shoot a deer with his father's rifle, turned on Robert and killed him instantly. The duo attempted to flee to Canada but were apprehended at the Sumus border crossing due to a lack of funds.
Notable Quote:
Jimmy Wisman [20:07]: "Oh, shit."
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Linda was convicted of robbery and manslaughter, receiving a sentence of approximately three years, which seemed lenient given the gravity of the crime. Travis pled guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced to 25 years in prison with community custody to follow.
Notable Quote:
James Pietragallo [21:53]: "He is sentenced to... 25 years in prison with community custody to follow."
Linda Holman's Continued Turmoil and Second Murder
Post-release from prison around 1998, Linda resumed her tumultuous lifestyle, engaging in methamphetamine use, drinking, and frequent arrests. She entered a relationship with Mark McCollum, whom she abruptly abandoned her children for, leading to further instability in her life.
On February 16, 2010, during a strained relationship with Mark, Linda claims she intended to "kill ghosts"—a reference to a science fiction show Mark was watching. In a tragic turn of events, while handling a shotgun in a distressed state, Linda accidentally discharged the gun, fatally shooting Mark in the bedroom.
Notable Quote:
James Pietragallo [42:39]: "He was watching Supernatural. He's watching Supernatural on. Okay."
Trial and Conviction
During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence of prior conflicts between Linda and Mark to establish intent and motive, arguing against the accidental killing narrative. Contrarily, Linda maintained that the shooting was purely accidental, influenced by her mental state.
The jury deliberated for over a day before convicting Linda of second-degree murder. She was sentenced to 28 years in prison, marking a significant escalation from her previous sentence and underscoring the severity of her actions.
Notable Quote:
James Pietragallo [73:43]: "He was killed. She was sentenced to 28 years. Yeah, that sounds right."
Travis Cargile's Story in Prison
Travis Cargile, serving time for the first murder, found solace and rehabilitation through a quilting program at Monroe Correctional Complex. Contrary to the grim nature of his crimes, Travis developed a passion for quilting, producing approximately 50 quilts during his incarceration. Additionally, he participated in programs like Monroe Corrections Kitten Connections, where inmates care for and facilitate the adoption of kittens, fostering emotional healing and responsibility.
Despite these programs, Travis's struggles continued post-parole. In 2018, he was paroled but re-incarcerated in 2021 due to multiple parole violations, including substance abuse and threats against his estranged wife.
Notable Quote:
James Pietragallo [34:00]: "Not meth. So Cargill mailed one to a niece, another to a cousin. His family was shocked by the packages."
Conclusion and Insights
The Ghost Hunter episode of Small Town Murder offers a harrowing glimpse into the destructive cycles of instability, substance abuse, and abusive relationships in small-town America. Linda Holman's life, marred by her tumultuous past and poor decision-making, ultimately led to two tragic deaths and prolonged suffering for her family. Travis Cargile's journey underscores the challenges of rehabilitation within the prison system, highlighting both the potential for personal transformation and the persistent struggle against ingrained behavioral patterns.
Final Notable Quote:
James Pietragallo [77:34]: "That's Everson Washington and don't try to shoot ghosts is the moral story."
Additional Resources and Show Information
For listeners interested in exploring more about the case or attending live shows, the hosts provide information on their website and social media platforms. They also mention their Patreon for exclusive content and encourage audience engagement through reviews and social media follows.
Notable Promotional Mention:
James Pietragallo [73:58]: "She is a menace to society, and she doesn't deserve to walk the streets."
Disclaimer: This summary is based on a provided transcript and aims to encapsulate the key discussions and narratives presented in the podcast episode. For a comprehensive understanding, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode of Small Town Murder.