Podcast Summary: Small Town Murder – "Brutal Murder, Stupid Murderer - Garfield, New Jersey"
Introduction In the episode titled "Brutal Murder, Stupid Murderer - Garfield, New Jersey," hosts James Petregallo and Jimmie Wisman delve into the harrowing case of Sandra Terranova's disappearance and subsequent murder in Garfield, New Jersey. Balancing in-depth research with their signature comedic flair, Pietragallo and Whisman navigate the complexities of the investigation, the dark history of the perpetrator, and the impact on the small community.
Background of Garfield, New Jersey The hosts open by painting a vivid picture of Garfield, a city in northeastern New Jersey. They explore its origins, dating back to 1873 when it was known as East Passaic and later renamed in honor of President James Garfield after his assassination in 1881. Despite its historical significance in Bergen County and its proximity to major cities like New York and Philadelphia, Garfield grapples with mixed reviews—from being a safe, quiet suburb ("[08:22] 'Garfield is a wonderful town to live in... A great place to call home.'") to derogatory nicknames like "Garbage field" highlighting its declining reputation.
Kevin Planker and His Family History A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to unraveling the background of Kevin Planker, the central figure in Sandra's murder. Kevin hails from a family with a notorious past; his father, Wayne Planker, was convicted of severe crimes against children, including sexual assault and physical abuse, leading to a life sentence. This dark family history sets the stage for understanding Kevin's troubled psyche and propensity for violence.
Sandra Terranova’s Life and Relationship with Kevin Sandra Terranova, a 21-year-old woman from Garfield, was described as a dedicated and traditional individual. She worked as a co-manager at the Rampage clothing store in the Garden State Plaza Mall and aspired to buy a house, marry, and have children. Despite her supportive neighbors and coworkers, Sandra found herself in an on-again, off-again relationship with Kevin Planker. Friends and coworkers noted Sandra's fear of Kevin, especially after witnessing his aggressive behavior at her workplace, where he repeatedly harassed her by calling her derogatory names like "whore" and making threats.
The Disappearance and Investigation Sandra was reported missing on August 15, 1997, after failing to show up for work and not collecting her paycheck—the first signs that something was amiss. Detective John Preheard Hart initiated a welfare check, discovering Sandra’s apartment had been disturbed, suggesting foul play. As investigators pieced together her last known movements, it became apparent that Kevin was a primary suspect due to his volatile relationship with Sandra and his violent history.
Discovery of Sandra's Body Through meticulous detective work and testimony from a 16-year-old cellmate named Nicholas Ranieri, Sandra Terranova’s body was eventually found in a shallow grave near a dirt road in Jefferson Township. The investigation revealed that Kevin had murdered Sandra following a heated argument about her potential pregnancy and her ongoing fear of him. Despite initial denials, DNA evidence confirmed Kevin's involvement, leading to his conviction on multiple counts, including first-degree murder.
Trial and Conviction During the trial, Kevin Planker chose to represent himself, leading to numerous procedural complications. His demeanor in court—a mixture of detachment and erratic behavior—did little to sway the jury. Despite his attempts to shift blame and allege that another woman (a prison ministry worker) was responsible, the overwhelming evidence and victim testimony secured his conviction swiftly. Notable moments include Kevin's disruptive behavior in court and the jury's swift decision, taking less than two hours to convict him on six counts.
Sentencing and Appeals Kevin was sentenced to a lengthy prison term, reflecting the severity of his crimes. Over the years, he filed multiple appeals citing ineffective counsel and other legal technicalities, none of which succeeded in overturning his conviction. Attempts to gain parole were consistently denied due to the nature of his crimes and his lack of remorse.
Impact on the Community and Conclusion The tragic case of Sandra Terranova left an indelible mark on Garfield, prompting discussions about domestic violence, community safety, and the challenges of dealing with individuals from abusive backgrounds. The hosts conclude by reflecting on the systemic issues that allow such tragedies to occur and the importance of community vigilance.
Notable Quotes
- James Petregallo [03:20]: “We never make jokes about the victims or the victims' families. We're assholes, but we're not scumbags.”
- Jimmie Wisman [10:04]: “One trash bag moves and they all follow one trash bag.”
- James Petregallo [82:35]: “How is this staying in business?”
- Jimmie Wisman [121:06]: “He wants to represent himself and he just gonna railroad himself to prison.”
Conclusion "Brutal Murder, Stupid Murderer - Garfield, New Jersey" is a compelling episode that meticulously details a tragic murder case, the dark history of its perpetrator, and the ripple effects on a small community. Through thorough research and candid discussions, James Petregallo and Jimmie Wisman provide listeners with a gripping narrative that underscores the complexities of true crime in small-town America.