Small Town Murder - Episode #551: The Hammer Hands Killer - Yankton, South Dakota

Introduction In episode #551 of Small Town Murder, hosts James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman delve into the chilling case of Tamara Fram Boise, a 45-year-old woman from Yankton, South Dakota, whose tragic disappearance and subsequent murder shook the quiet community. Combining meticulous research with their signature comedic flair, the hosts explore the complexities of small-town life, the harrowing journey of the investigation, and the enigmatic figure at the center of the crime.

Case Background Tamara Fram Boise, born on December 7, 1972, had a tumultuous life marked by frequent relocations during her childhood. Moving from Albuquerque to the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, and later to Aberdeen, S.D., and Washburn, Wisconsin, Tamara exhibited a pattern of adaptability and charm, effortlessly making friends wherever she went. Despite her outgoing nature, Tamara struggled with methamphetamine addiction, leading to multiple arrests and probation violations. Her mother, Mary, remained deeply concerned about her daughter's well-being, especially as Tamara's behavior became increasingly erratic.

Disappearance and Investigation On March 1, 2019, Tamara failed to show up for her scheduled shift at the Humane Society in Yankton, prompting her mother to report her missing on March 5. Surveillance footage from Walmart showed Tamara exiting the store and entering a pickup truck driven by her boyfriend, Steven Falkenberg. Falkenberg, a physically imposing man with a history of brain injury from a car accident in 1993, presented a conflicting narrative about the events leading to Tamara's disappearance.

Notable Quotes:

• James Pietragallo [07:00]: "Yankton is commonly referred to as the River City due to its proximity to the Missouri River and the importance of the river in the whole area."
• Jimmie Whisman [11:30]: "The whole river right up your ass and in your back door."
• James Pietragallo [28:15]: "This story begins with a mother that can't find her daughter... she's been missing for four days."

Steven Falkenberg's Role Steven's involvement became the focal point of the investigation. Initially described as non-confrontational and hardworking, Steven's broken hand raised suspicions. Upon deeper scrutiny, it became evident that his explanations about injuring his hand were inconsistent, aligning more with physical altercations rather than accidental falls or punching icicles. Witness testimonies revealed that Steven could dismember a body with his bare hands, a claim supported by forensic evidence indicating tool markings consistent with power tools.

Trial and Verdict The trial was marked by graphic details of Tamara's dismemberment, which occurred post-mortem, complicating the determination of the exact cause of death. The prosecution argued that Steven acted with a depraved mind, disregarding human life, to conceal the murder. Despite his defense team's attempts to attribute his actions to methamphetamine-induced impairments and his traumatic brain injury, the jury found Steven guilty of second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter on January 13, 2020.

Notable Quotes:

• Jimmie Whisman [60:20]: "She tried to kick the glass out of the squad car as well."
• James Pietragallo [125:45]: "You gotta be kidding me. But it's, that's 60 hours, man."
• Prosecutor Douglas Barnett [128:11]: "The night's actions indicate a pattern of deceit and concealment, revealing a depraved mind."

Community Reactions and Aftermath The verdict elicited mixed emotions within Yankton. While some expressed relief that justice was served, others grappled with the gruesome nature of the crime and Steven's previously unblemished reputation among acquaintances. Tamara's mother and children remain devastated, seeking closure and the return of Tamara's missing body parts to achieve peace according to their cultural and personal beliefs.

Notable Quotes:

• Mary Fram Boise [140:00]: "They not only have to deal with the loss of their loved one, but the progress of the criminal case."
• Prayer Vigil Organizer Francis Zephier [142:39]: "What I saw today was a man that has no remorse. What I saw said, 'I always think when you walk into a courtroom, you'll see what a monster looks like.'"

Conclusion Small Town Murder episode #551 presents a harrowing account of Tamara Fram Boise's life and untimely death, highlighting the intricate interplay between personal struggles, small-town dynamics, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Through detailed narration and insightful commentary, James and Jimmie shed light on the darker undercurrents that can surface in seemingly tranquil communities.

Notable Quotes:

• James Pietragallo [162:15]: "Thank you so much, everybody. You guys are the fucking best and you're always there for us."
• Jimmie Whisman [163:35]: "We have to do this."

Key Takeaways:

• The case underscores the impact of substance abuse on personal relationships and community safety.
• Steven Falkenberg's physical prowess and complicated personal history played a pivotal role in both the crime and subsequent investigation.
• The graphic nature of the dismemberment presented challenges in legally establishing the cause of death, yet ultimately led to a conviction based on the pattern of Steven's actions.

Final Thoughts This episode serves as a stark reminder of the hidden turmoil that can exist beneath the surface of small-town life. It also emphasizes the importance of thorough investigations and the complexities involved in prosecuting crimes that cross jurisdictional boundaries. James and Jimmie’s blend of detailed storytelling and humor offers listeners a comprehensive yet engaging exploration of one of Yankton’s most disturbing cases.

Listener Advisory: This episode contains graphic descriptions of violence and may not be suitable for all audiences.