Small Town Murder Episode #596: Messy Methy Murder Conspiracy - Belle Fourche, South Dakota

Release Date: May 16, 2025
Hosts: James Pietragallo & Jimmy Wissman

I. Introduction

In Episode #596 of Small Town Murder, hosts James Pietragallo and Jimmy Wissman delve into the dark and twisted tale of the Messy Methy Murder Conspiracy in Belle Fourche, South Dakota. Combining meticulous research with their signature comedic flair, James and Jimmy unravel the complexities of a heinous crime that shook this small community to its core.

II. Setting the Scene: Belle Fourche, South Dakota

Belle Fourche is a quaint town nestled in southwestern South Dakota with a population of approximately 5,561 (07:29). Known for its picturesque landscapes and rodeo culture, the town faces economic challenges, evident in its median household income of $46,151, significantly lower than the national average (07:38). Despite its charm, Belle Fourche's tranquility was shattered by a series of events leading to a gruesome murder intertwined with methamphetamine addiction.

III. Key Players and Background

Troy Jason Klug (Born May 27, 1978)

A former Boy Scout and sports enthusiast, Troy led an all-American lifestyle until post-high school years saw him spiraling into severe meth addiction by 2004 (15:25). Despite his struggles, Troy maintained relationships with his family and girlfriend, Duana "Dwayna" Beebe (16:31).

Duana "Dwayna" Beebe

Troy's supportive girlfriend who becomes increasingly concerned as Troy's addiction deepens. Her relationship with Troy is tested when he decides to seek more meth, leading to catastrophic consequences (16:36).

Robert Highley

Dwayna's brother and a fellow meth addict, Robert becomes entangled in the conspiracy by accompanying Troy to procure more drugs, exacerbating the situation (17:32).

Torrey Teigen ("The Mad Hatter")

A volatile meth addict known for his erratic behavior, Torrey plays a pivotal role in the kidnapping and presumed murder of Troy Klug (22:03).

Jamie 'Korean' Corian and Jason 'Sick' Kuzik

Jamie, originally from a sheltered background, sinks into the meth-dealing world alongside her boyfriend Jason. Their involvement adds layers to the conspiracy, highlighting the widespread impact of meth addiction in Belle Fourche (27:40).

Abby De Jong

Jamie's best friend who becomes the moral compass in the story, pushing for police involvement despite resistance from others entrenched in the meth culture (36:26).

Eric Haar and Brett Gromer

Law enforcement officials tasked with investigating the disappearance of Troy Klug, navigating the murky waters of small-town loyalty and drug-induced chaos (34:18).

IV. The Crime: Kidnapping and Murder of Troy Klug

On July 12, 2004, Troy Klug, deeply indebted for meth, plans to procure more drugs with his brother Robert and friend Torrey Teigen. However, this decision leads to a series of manipulative and violent actions:

1. The Setup (18:18):
   Troy and Robert visit Cynthia Kendall's house to acquire meth. Tensions escalate as Robert insists on leaving, leaving Troy to call Dwayna multiple times without success, heightening her anxiety and fear.

2. Abduction (23:06):
   Cynthia Kendall and Torrey Teigen ambush Troy, binding him with duct tape and placing him in the trunk of a black Nissan car, intending to intimidate or possibly eliminate him over his debts (23:47).

3. Further Complications (29:32):
   The plot thickens as they involve Jamie Corian and Jason Kuzik, leading to Troy being transported to Jamie's garage where he remains trapped and beaten, showcasing the brutality of the conspirators (30:16).

4. Missing Person Report and Surveillance (46:07):
   When Troy fails to return, Dwayna files a missing person report. Despite this, the conspirators continue their activities, leaving Troy concealed without urgency, reflecting their disregard for life (46:11).

5. Discovery of Remains (73:18):
   Five years later, in May 2009, skeletal remains believed to be Troy's are found in a remote area of Montana, providing closure to the protracted investigation (73:18).

V. Investigation and Legal Proceedings

Initial Investigation

Special Agent Brett Gromer leads the investigation into Troy's disappearance. Interviews with key individuals like Tell "Chopper" Cook reveal discrepancies and lead to mounting evidence against the conspirators (35:08).

Arrests and Trials

• Tell "Chopper" Cook:
  Initially charged with failing to report a felony, Cook cooperates with authorities, providing incriminating details about Tegan and Kendall's involvement. He ultimately receives a minimal sentence in exchange for his testimony (56:47).

• Tegan and Kendall:
  Facing charges of kidnapping, both are implicated in Troy's disappearance. The trial is fraught with conflicting testimonies and disputes over timelines, eventually leading to their conviction. Kendall pleads guilty to kidnapping, citing mental illness, and receives a 20-year sentence with provisions for parole (66:42).

• Jamie 'Korean' Corian:
  Convicted of accessory to murder and perjury, Jamie faces severe sentencing. Appeals are made but ultimately upheld, with her involvement deeply entwined with the meth distribution network in Belle Fourche (77:14).

VI. Courtroom Dynamics and Sentencing

Throughout the trial, the courtroom becomes a battleground of emotions and legal maneuvering:

• Prosecutor vs. Defense:
  The prosecution presents a damning case of conspiracy and murder, emphasizing the cruelty of leaving Troy bound in a trunk. The defense attempts to mitigate sentences by highlighting mental health issues and the defendants' troubled backgrounds.

• Troy's Mother's Testimony:
  Joyce Klug delivers a heart-wrenching testimony, condemning Tegan's actions and expressing unwavering grief. Her powerful statements underscore the personal toll of the crime (71:02).

• Sentencing Outcomes:

  • Tegan: Sentenced to life without parole, reflecting the gravity of the crime despite plea agreements.
  • Kendall: Receives a 20-year sentence with the possibility of parole, influenced by her mental health pleas.
  • Jamie Corian: Faces life without parole, holding her accountable as an accessory to murder.

Quotes:

• Joyce Klug (Troy's Mother) [71:21]:
  "I will never excuse your so-called mental illness as part of this. I want my son's remains to lay beside his father in a proper burial."

• Prosecutor [65:48]:
  "Drugs, childlike self-absorbance, and evil mixed together."

• Tegan [71:38]:
  "I don't know what happened. It wasn't my fault."

VII. Closure and Aftermath

Five years later, the discovery of Troy's remains brings a semblance of closure to the case, though the scars remain deeply etched in the community and the victims' families. The episode concludes with reflections on the destructive power of meth addiction and the irreversible consequences of unchecked conspiracies in small-town dynamics.

VIII. Final Thoughts

Small Town Murder Episode #596 masterfully intertwines the grim realities of crime, addiction, and legal battles with the hosts' unique comedic perspective, offering listeners an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of the Belle Fourche murder conspiracy. Through detailed storytelling and candid discussions, James and Jimmy shed light on the human failures that culminate in tragedy, making this episode one of the most compelling installments in the series.

Notable Quotes:

• James Pietragallo [06:05]:
  “Now if I gave you 10 tries on the spelling of Belle Fourche, South Dakota, you would need 20 because it's ridiculous.”

• Jimmy Wissman [78:40]:
  “It's fucking horrifying, man. It's."

• Dwayna Beebe [78:33]:
  “You killed a man by not giving him nourishment. That's all.”

Note: Time stamps correspond to moments within the transcript to aid listeners in referencing specific segments.