Podcast Summary: Small Town Murder – "Angriest Serial Killer Around - Chester, Pennsylvania"
Release Date: June 5, 2025
Hosts: James Pietragallo & Jimmie Whisman
Introduction
In this gripping episode of Small Town Murder, hosts James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman delve deep into the chilling case of Amy Willard's murder in Chester, Pennsylvania. Combining thorough research with their signature comedic flair, James and Jimmie navigate the complexities of the investigation, the community's response, and the dark history of the primary suspect, Arthur Bomar.
Background of Chester, Pennsylvania
Chester, a southeastern suburb of Philadelphia, presents a complex character. Despite its proximity to major cities like New York, Chester grapples with significant economic challenges, high unemployment rates, and a violent crime rate that is alarmingly higher than the national average.
- Population (2008): Approximately 32,000
- Demographics: 16% White, 68.7% Black, 11.9% Hispanic
- Median Household Income: $35,751
- Violent Crime Rate: 3.5 times the national average
James aptly remarks at [06:28]:
“What Chester makes, makes Chester what it makes.”
Amy Willard: A Portrait of a Community's Hope
Amy Ellen Willard, born on June 8, 1974, epitomized the quintessential young woman with a promising future. A Division I athlete, Amy excelled in both lacrosse and soccer at George Mason University, setting school records and earning accolades. Raised in a supportive family with a police officer father and a nurse mother, Amy was known for her kindness, athletic prowess, and leadership.
Quotes from Amy’s college friends highlight her admirable qualities:
[24:30] “She was genuine and loyal and the best listener you could want when you had a problem.”
The Disappearance and Initial Investigation
On June 19, 1996, Amy returned home to Chester from college for the summer. That evening, she and her friends decided to visit Smokey Joe's, a local bar with mixed reviews—one star from customers lamenting its seedy reputation and high crime rates [32:36].
At approximately 1:40 AM, Amy left Smokey Joe's, driving her father’s 1995 Honda Civic. Shortly after, emergency responders discovered her abandoned car on the Interstate 476 exit ramp to Route 1, with the engine running, headlights on, and interior lights active, but Amy was nowhere in sight. Disturbingly, blood was found pooling around the car, and a tire iron with blood was discovered nearby.
James observes at [37:42]:
“If I was writing a scene where I wanted that to be the impression, this is exactly how I'd put it.”
Suspect Emerges: Andrew Kobach and Arthur Bomar
Andrew Kobach
Initially, Andrew Kobach, a 23-year-old tow truck operator from a wealthy background, emerged as a suspect. His modus operandi included impersonating police officers to pull over women, a behavior that raised significant red flags. Despite suspicions and circumstantial evidence linking him to Amy's disappearance, DNA tests ultimately exonerated Kobach.
At [68:20], James states:
“He's not a match. The cops were like, get the fuck out of…”
Despite his initial strong suspicion, Kobach's profile did not align with the DNA findings, leading investigators to reopen the search for the true culprit.
Arthur Bomar
The investigation took a pivotal turn with the introduction of Arthur Jerome Bomar, a convicted felon with a tumultuous history:
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Criminal Record:
- 1978: Convicted of second-degree murder in Las Vegas for the shooting of Larry Carrier over a parking dispute.
- 1990: Assaulted his girlfriend in a prison visiting room, leading to additional charges and extended incarceration.
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Parole and Escalation:
Released on parole in 1991, Bomar moved to Pennsylvania, where he continued his criminal activities, including stalking women, identity theft, and violent assaults.
At [151:30], James summarizes Bomar’s nature:
“This is a guy you walk in and go, oh, well, take him down, throw him in a hole in the fucking thing and move on. Who cares?”
Bomar's pattern of violence, coupled with his abusive relationships and criminal tendencies, positioned him as the primary suspect in Amy Willard's murder.
The Horrific Crime
In June 1996, Bomar executed a brutal attack on Amy:
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Abduction:
Using the pretext of a car malfunction, Bomar forced Amy out of her vehicle by intentionally ramming her Honda Civic, creating the brake damage observed at the crime scene ([37:42]). -
Violent Assault:
Amy was struck multiple times with a tire iron, leading to severe head injuries, including fractures to her skull and hyoid bone, indicative of strangulation. Burns and drag marks suggested further torture and movement post-attack ([57:38]). -
Sexual Assault:
Evidence indicated that Amy was sexually assaulted, as semen was found in her remains, and a tree branch was forcibly inserted, showcasing Bomar's extreme aggression and misogyny.
James poignantly reflects at [60:08]:
“This poor woman must maybe got stuck on her. Maybe Ford fucking Escort.”
Trial and Conviction
Bomar's trial was a whirlwind of emotions and revelations:
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Evidence:
- DNA: Multiple DNA matches linking Bomar to the crime scene, including blood, semen, and hair fibers.
- Tire Impressions: Consistent with Bomar’s vehicle.
- Pattern Injuries: Matching the oil pan from Bomar’s Ford Escort.
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Defense Attempts:
Bomar’s legal team attempted to challenge the DNA evidence and portray him as mentally unstable, but these claims were quickly dismissed by the court due to overwhelming forensic evidence. -
Closing Arguments and Verdict:
Despite the severe evidence, Bomar’s erratic behavior, including obscene gestures and blatant denials, captured the courtroom's attention. The jury deliberated for a short period before returning a guilty verdict on multiple charges, including murder, rape, assault, kidnapping, and abuse of a corpse ([175:27]).
James underscores the gravity at [119:06]:
“This is fucking real.”
Aftermath and Implications
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Sentencing:
Bomar was sentenced to death, although his execution remains stayed due to legal appeals. -
Community Impact:
Amy's death left an indelible mark on Chester. In her honor, a national award by US Lacrosse was established, and roadside memorials were placed at key locations related to her disappearance and murder. -
Legislative Response:
Amy's Law was enacted in October 2000, aiming to deter the early release of violent criminals by incentivizing stricter state sentencing laws and holding states financially accountable for interstate violent offenses.
At [175:27], Jimmie emphasizes:
“Clearly you have DNA of five different stripes. There's blood, there's hair, there's fucking semen. It's all over the place.”
Conclusion
The Chester, Pennsylvania case of Amy Willard is a harrowing testament to the darkest facets of human behavior. Through meticulous investigation and staunch determination, law enforcement unraveled the layers of deception surrounding Arthur Bomar, ensuring justice for Amy. Hosts James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman provide a comprehensive exploration of this tragic event, highlighting the importance of community vigilance, robust legal frameworks, and the relentless pursuit of truth in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Notable Quotes:
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James Pietragallo at [06:28]:
“What Chester makes, makes Chester what it makes.” -
James Pietragallo at [37:42]:
“If I was writing a scene where I wanted that to be the impression, this is exactly how I'd put it.” -
James Pietragallo at [60:08]:
“This poor woman must maybe got stuck on her. Maybe Ford fucking Escort.” -
Jimmie Wissman at [175:27]:
“Clearly you have DNA of five different stripes. There's blood, there's hair, there's fucking semen. It's all over the place.”
Additional Resources
For those interested in exploring more about this case or other episodes, visit shutupandgivemerder.com for live show tickets, merchandise, and additional content. Follow Small Town Murder on Instagram @smalltownmurder and Facebook @smalltownpod for updates and behind-the-scenes insights.
Disclaimer: While this episode incorporates comedic elements, the discussed murder case is based on real events and remains untarnished by satire or embellishment.