Small Town Murder: Episode #569 - "A Stalker To Die For - Geraldine, Montana"

Release Date: February 13, 2025
Hosts: James Pietragallo & Jimmie Whisman

Introduction

In Episode #569 of Small Town Murder, hosts James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman delve into the perplexing and tragic case of Dr. Brian Rain, a beloved veterinarian in the nearly deserted town of Geraldine, Montana. This episode unpacks the intricate web of relationships, stalking behavior, and the subsequent murder that has left the small community in shock.

Geraldine, Montana: An Overview

Geraldine is nestled in Chouteau County, Montana, boasting a sparse population of approximately 200 residents. The town, originally established as a railroad stop in 1865, is surrounded by vast landscapes, including parts of the Lewis and Clark National Forest and the Rocky Boy Indian Reservation. Despite its picturesque setting, Geraldine remains isolated, making it an unlikely hotspot for violent crimes.

Background: Dr. Brian Rain and Thomas Jareski

Dr. Brian Rain

• Born: Valentine's Day, 1965, Rocky Ford, Colorado
• Profession: Veterinarian
• Family: Son of Robert and Shirley Rain; siblings Charlene and Teresa
• Relocation: Moved to Geraldine, Montana, in 1994 with sister Charlene to establish Prairie's Edge Veterinary Services.

Thomas Jareski

• Born: 1973
• Relationship: Long-term boyfriend of Ann Wishman, a local woman from Geraldine
• Behavior: Exhibited possessive and jealous tendencies, especially after moving in with Ann in December 1995.

Events Leading Up to the Murder

The relationship between Ann Wishman and Thomas Jareski began deteriorating by May 1996. Ann confessed to Thomas that she felt the need to seek space, which he misinterpreted as infidelity. Thomas's behavior became increasingly erratic and controlling, marked by daily phone calls and unannounced visits to Ann's home.

Notable Quote:
James Pietragallo [12:24]: "He's a womanizer, he's a 30-year-old vet. You kidding me? He's got a puppy under each fucking arm walking around. Chicks are flocking to him."

The Night of the Murder: July 12, 1996

On the night of July 12, 1996, tensions reached a boiling point. Despite having received a restraining request from Ann to cease contact, Thomas persisted. Late at night, Thomas showed up uninvited at Ann's residence with a bottle of liquor, leading to a heated confrontation. Unable to sway Ann, Thomas fled, only to confront Brian Rain at his veterinary clinic.

Key Events:

• Confrontation: Thomas allegedly entered Brian's trailer, resulting in a physical struggle.
• The Shooting: Brian was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds.
• Crime Scene Issues: The deputies on-site hastily photographed and then began cleaning the scene with household cleaners, destroying potential evidence.

Notable Quote:
Jimmy Whisman [78:52]: "Did you see? They went to the police. They arrested somebody. You fucked up the crime scene."

Investigation and Mishandling of the Crime Scene

The initial investigation was marred by negligence. Deputies at the scene took only about a dozen photos before using 409 cleaner to sanitize the area, obliterating critical evidence such as fingerprints and DNA traces. This hasty cleanup severely hampered the ability to piece together the events leading to Brian's death.

Notable Quote:
James Pietragallo [111:10]: "It's been a year, two years almost. You fucked up the evidence to the point where it was really hard to convict him."

The Trial and Verdict

Years later, in 2015, Thomas Jareski was re-arrested and brought to trial for the murder of Dr. Brian Rain. The absence of concrete physical evidence, combined with the tainted crime scene, played a pivotal role in the trial's outcome.

Prosecution's Argument:

• Stalking Behavior: Highlighted Thomas's obsessive behavior and inability to move on post-breakup.
• Circumstantial Evidence: Relied heavily on Thomas's erratic actions and the flawed investigation to build their case.

Defense's Argument:

• Lack of Direct Evidence: Emphasized the absence of fingerprints and DNA linking Thomas directly to the murder.
• Mishandled Investigation: Argued that the corruption of the crime scene negated the prosecution's claims.

After a lengthy trial, the jury found Thomas Jareski not guilty, primarily due to insufficient admissible evidence.

Notable Quote:
James Pietragallo [173:11]: "Look him up in the afterlife in the old white pages and ask him. Because that's the only way we're ever going to know who killed Brian Rain."

Aftermath and Public Reaction

The acquittal left many in Geraldine baffled and outraged, especially considering the mishandling of the crime scene. Public opinion, as reflected in feedback on platforms like Facebook, largely sided with the hosts' belief in Thomas's guilt, criticizing the law enforcement's incompetence.

Notable Quote:
Jimmy Whisman [171:22]: "Yeah. But I mean, without a doubt, we know two facts. Larry Hagen book was guilty or might be guilty because he."

Despite the verdict, unresolved questions lingered, and the case remains a poignant example of how critical proper investigation procedures are in the pursuit of justice.

Conclusion

Episode #569 of Small Town Murder offers a deep dive into a convoluted case where love, obsession, and negligence intersected tragically. Through comedic yet poignant commentary, James and Jimmy shed light on the complexities of solving crimes in isolated communities and the dire consequences when investigations falter.

Notable Quotes Summary:

• James Pietragallo: "You might as well have insertted his penis into her." ([70:50])
• Jimmy Whisman: "He's that, for Christ's sake." ([135:19])
• James Pietragallo: "Look him up in the afterlife in the old white pages and ask him." ([173:11])

Note: Timestamps correspond to moments within the transcript where the quotes occur.

This meticulously researched episode not only recounts the harrowing events surrounding Dr. Brian Rain's murder but also serves as a cautionary tale about the paramount importance of diligent law enforcement practices. For those intrigued by true crime narratives infused with a splash of humor, Episode #569 delivers an engaging and thought-provoking experience.