Small Town Murder Episode #546: "Stairway To Heaven - Newfane, Vermont"

Release Date: November 23, 2024
Hosts: James Pietragallo & Jimmie Whisman

1. Introduction to Newfane, Vermont

[05:06] James Pietragallo: "This is Newfane, Vermont. I think that's how you pronounce it. N, E, W, F, A, N, E."

Newfane, a small town nestled in southern central Vermont, serves as the backdrop for this chilling episode. With a population of just 1,807, Newfane exudes a quintessential small-town charm characterized by tight-knit communities, picturesque landscapes, and an old-timey feel.

Key Facts:

• Chartered: 1753 by Governor Benning Wentworth, initially named Fain after John Fain, the seventh Earl of Westmoreland. In 1761, it was renamed Newfane to comply with charter requirements.
• Population: 1,807
• Median Household Income: $59,792
• Median Home Cost: $319,400
• Industries (1859): Leather, linseed oil, flour mills, lumber mills, and a carriage factory.
• Community Reviews: Highly rated for its quiet, retirement-friendly environment, artistic flair, and strong community bonds, though some note limited opportunities and activities.

2. The Night of the Murder: May 30, 1992

[13:09] James Pietragallo: "This is one wild ass fucking night going on."

The tranquility of Newfane was shattered on May 30, 1992, during a Memorial Day party hosted by Glenn Michelson and his roommate, Steven Zargo, at Michelson's residence on Baker Brook Road in Williamsville, a smaller town within Newfane.

Key Individuals:

• Glenn A. Michaelson (34-36): Divorced father of two, known for his musical talents and sociable nature. Recently laid off from Northeast Cooperatives.
• Robert Plant (22): An alcoholic with a troubled past, on probation in New Hampshire for a Florida grand theft conviction. Known for causing disturbances and making unwanted advances.
• Steven Zargo: Glenn's roommate and co-host of the party.
• Danielle Parent: Glenn's ex-wife, mother of his two children.
• Salzman Family: Neighbors who become unwitting witnesses to the ensuing chaos.

3. Escalation at the Party

Robert Plant's behavior at the party was erratic and aggressive. Despite attempts by Glenn to mediate, Plant's intoxicated state led him to:

• [16:16] James Pietragallo: "He just... tried to steal Glenn's car."
• [25:44] James Pietragallo: "He's a total dick."

Plant repeatedly violated his probation by attempting to steal Glenn's Oldsmobile Tornado, engaging in physical confrontations, and making unwanted advances toward women at the party. His aggressive actions included:

• Confrontations: Challenging guests to fights, including a stroke victim.
• Theft Attempts: Trying to steal the Tornado and a keg of beer.

Despite Plant's disruptive behavior, Glenn and Zargo tried to maintain order, with Glenn intervening each time Plant's actions threatened to derail the evening.

4. The Murder Unfolds

As the night progressed, tensions reached a boiling point. At approximately midnight, tensions culminated in violence.

Key Events:

• Plant Attempts to Steal the Car: Despite Glenn's calm intervention, Plant forcefully tried to take the Tornado multiple times.
• Interaction with the Salzman Family: After crashing the Tornado into a ditch near their farmhouse, Plant approached the Salzmans' home, leading to a physical altercation.

[36:40] James Pietragallo: "He said, 'I don't fucking care.' You shouldn't have crashed your tornado into a ditch, you fucking idiot."

When Plant continued to harass the Salzmans, Robert Salzman intervened, brutally assaulting Plant by repeatedly punching him and using his house as a weapon. Plant sustained severe injuries but managed to escape into the woods.

[37:17] James Pietragallo: "He used his house as a weapon. This man beat a guy half to death."

5. Discovery of the Crime Scene

At 12:15 AM, the Salzmans called 911 upon discovering Plant severely injured outside their home. Simultaneously, another 911 call was made when friends Zargo, Lapin, and Dorton returned from the bar to find Glenn Michelson dead inside the house, impaled with a ski pole and covered in blood.

Evidence Collected:

• Murder Weapon: Ski pole with Plant's palm print.
• Additional Weapons: Several knives, including a meat cleaver with Glenn's blood.
• Clothing: Plant was found wearing Michelson's clothes, including white high-top sneakers near the body.
• Blood Evidence: Glenn's blood was found on Plant's clothing, boots, and various murder weapons.

6. Investigation and Arrest

Police swiftly moved to apprehend Robert Plant after matching his fingerprints and blood evidence at the scene. Plant was found wandering in the woods, heavily intoxicated and covered in blood.

[44:44] James Pietragallo: "He had his clothes on him too."

Key Points:

• Physical Evidence: Plant's fingerprints on the ski pole and clothing, blood type matching Glenn's unique markers.
• Behavior: Plant's erratic behavior and possession of Michelson's belongings implicated him further.
• Chemical Complications: The state chemist, Glenn E. Walker, involved in the blood analysis, was later found to be a convicted drug user, casting doubts on the integrity of the evidence.

7. The Trial

Robert Plant faced charges of first-degree murder, assaulting Robert Salzman, and other related offenses. The trial was marred by procedural issues due to the compromised integrity of the state chemist's evidence.

Key Points:

• Defense Strategy: Attempted to shift suspicion to Steven Zargo, alleging inconsistencies in witness testimonies and questioning the validity of the blood evidence due to the chemist's compromised state.
• State's Case: Relied heavily on physical evidence linking Plant to the crime scene and the murdered individual.
• Judge's Decisions: Limited the defense's ability to question the state chemist about his drug use and its impact on the reliability of the blood tests.
• Verdict: Plant was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to 52 years to life in prison.

Notable Quotes:

• Plant Defending Himself:
  [45:10] James Pietragallo: "But I didn't do it," he loudly proclaimed.
  [75:27] Jimmie Whisman: "I will be truly sorry. It's a tragedy."

8. Aftermath and Appeals

Despite the conviction, Robert Plant sought a new trial in 1998, citing ineffective assistance of counsel and the tainted evidence from the state chemist.

Key Points:

• Appeals: Plant argued that his defense was inadequate, particularly regarding the inability to utilize a diminished capacity defense based on his alcoholism.
• Supreme Court Ruling: The Vermont Supreme Court did not grant Plant a new trial, maintaining his original conviction and lengthy sentence.
• Family Impact: Glenn Michelson's ex-wife, Danielle Parent, highlighted the devastating effects on their two young children, who struggled to comprehend their father's death and the subsequent loss of their home possessions.

[74:29] James Pietragallo: "He is guilty of first degree murder. They were like, what are we doing."

Conclusion

This episode of Small Town Murder delves deep into the tragic events that unfolded in Newfane, Vermont, painting a vivid picture of a small community shaken by violent loss and intricate legal battles. Through meticulous research and the hosts' engaging storytelling, listeners gain insight into not only the brutal nature of the crime but also the challenges faced during the investigation and trial processes.

[73:02] Jimmie Whisman: "They could have done 20 is what we're saying. So they say..."

The episode underscores the fragility of small-town dynamics and the profound impact of crime on close-knit communities, leaving listeners with a poignant reminder of the human stories behind headline-grabbing cases.

Notable Quotes:

• James Pietragallo:
  [16:16] "I just tried to steal Glenn's car without his permission. Asshole."
  [37:17] "He used his house as a weapon. This man beat a guy half to death."
  [44:54] "He had his clothes on him too. Like you can't get any more."

• Jimmie Whisman:
  [38:24] "I'm gonna kick your ass for that."
  [38:32] "I'm going to pummel you, child."

These quotes capture the intense emotions and severe actions that defined the night of the murder, providing listeners with a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the unfolding tragedy.

Additional Resources

For listeners interested in further details or updates on similar cases, Small Town Murder offers additional episodes exploring other intriguing small-town mysteries, combining in-depth research with the hosts' unique comedic perspective.

This summary aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Episode #546, ensuring that readers unfamiliar with the podcast can grasp the critical elements of the case and the show's narrative flow.