Small Town Murder - Episode #584: "Killer Homecoming King - Powell, Wyoming"

Hosts: James Pietragallo & Jimmie Whisman
Release Date: April 4, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #584 of Small Town Murder, hosts James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman delve into the harrowing case of Barry Alexis Bryant and her tragic encounter with Levi Colin in Powell, Wyoming. This episode combines meticulous research with the hosts' signature comedic flair to explore the dark underbelly of a seemingly tranquil small town.

Background on Powell, Wyoming

Powell is a small college town in northwestern Wyoming with a population of approximately 6,385, including college students. The town is characterized by its vast landscapes, low population density, and a close-knit community. Despite its serene appearance, Powell has a history of rare but severe criminal incidents.

• Population Details:
  James Pietragallo (03:25): "Population in this town, 6385. And it's a college town, so there’s a lot of people leave around springtime, around summer, man."

• Economic Insights:
  The median household income in Powell stands at $60,210, slightly below the national average, while the median home price is relatively high at $356,800, defying typical supply and demand dynamics due to the town's sparse population.

The Victim: Barry Alexis Bryant

Barry Bryant, born on March 21, 1978, was an energetic and well-loved young woman with a vibrant personality. Growing up, Barry was deeply involved in various extracurricular activities, excelling in sports and academics.

• Early Life and Personality:
  James (13:29): "Barry is an explosive personality. And I don't mean that in a bad way. I mean, she's fun. She is all energy, all the time."

• College Life:
  Barry attended Northwest College in Powell, where she continued her active lifestyle, participating in jazz bands, track, cross-country, and various clubs. She was known for her friendly nature and strong social connections.

The Perpetrator: Levi Colin

Levi Colin, a middle linebacker and homecoming king at Northwest College, was seen by many as a model student. However, investigations revealed a darker side to his persona.

• Background and Reputation:
  James (25:44): "Everyone knows him. They could, you know, this is a kid who can do whatever he wants in this town."

• Criminal History:
  Levi had prior allegations of sexual assault but faced no charges, which seemingly emboldened his subsequent criminal behavior.

The Night of the Murder

On October 4, 1996, Barry attended a dorm party with her friend Jesse and Levi Colin. Following the party, Barry excused herself to the bathroom, where Leah clandestinely approached her.

• The Encounter:
  James (34:32): "Barry and Jesse go to this dorm party... Barry excuses herself to go to the bathroom."

• Abduction and Assault:
  Levi convinced Barry to leave the party with him, leading them to Polecat Beach, a remote area north of Powell. There, Barry was brutally assaulted, leading to her death.

• Aftermath:
  Levi returned to his dorm covered in blood, fabricating a story about defending himself in a fight. However, inconsistencies in his account raised suspicions among authorities.

Investigation and Arrest

The Powell police swiftly moved to investigate Levi Colin's statements, uncovering evidence that contradicted his self-defense claims.

• Evidence Contradictions:
  James (47:18): "They said, that doesn't fit with you getting in an anonymous street fight with some dude."

• Community Response:
  The small community was shaken, leading to increased security measures and a collective fear among residents.

• Legal Proceedings:
  Levi was charged with first-degree murder, sexual assault, and kidnapping. The prosecution moved quickly, leading to his conviction and imprisonment without the death penalty.

  James (75:43): "The judge... said, I honestly said, I almost said, fuck that. I want to kill this kid."

Community and Familial Impact

Barry's death had a profound impact on the Powell community and her family. Memorials and scholarships were established in her honor, aiming to preserve her legacy and support future generations.

• Memorials:
  A memorial bench was installed in Powell, providing a place for reflection and remembrance.

  James (77:21): "They got that done in 2022 finally. And then her mom says, Sharon says, I feel like there was some healing that didn't take place many years ago."

• Family Tragedy:
  Tragically, Barry's mother, Sharon, passed away in 2023, leaving the family to cope with their loss and seek closure.

Conclusion

The Small Town Murder episode on Powell, Wyoming, paints a vivid picture of how darkness can permeate even the most peaceful communities. Through detailed storytelling and engaging analysis, hosts James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman shed light on the complexities of the case, community reactions, and the lasting impact on those involved.

Notable Quotes

• James Pietragallo (10:04): "Wyoming's the place for you, if you have extreme sensory overload issues."

• Jimmy Whisman (34:28): "Jesse was offended, but Barry, she said, didn't let it bother her at all."

• James Pietragallo (46:31): "A deterrent, meaning I'll get caught if I keep doing this."

• Sharon Bryant (from implied victim impact statement, 73:48): "I hope you will be haunted by the spirit of my dying."

Final Thoughts

Episode #584 of Small Town Murder not only recounts a tragic event but also explores the broader implications of trust, community safety, and justice in small towns. The hosts expertly balance the gravity of the subject matter with moments of levity, making for a compelling and thought-provoking listen.

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