Podcast Summary: Small Town Murder – "Murder Is A Way Of Life - Lancaster, Texas"

Introduction

In the episode titled "Murder Is A Way Of Life - Lancaster, Texas," hosts James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman delve into a chilling story of violence and its aftermath in the seemingly peaceful suburb of Lancaster, Texas. Through meticulous research and a blend of serious discussion with their characteristic comedic flair, the hosts unravel the complex case of David Martin Long—a man whose troubled past culminated in a series of brutal murders.

1. Lancaster, Texas: A Historical and Demographic Overview

James and Jimmy begin by painting a vivid picture of Lancaster, Texas, emphasizing its nickname, the "City of Trees," and its historical roots dating back to the mid-19th century.

• Founding and Development: Lancaster was originally settled between 1841 and 1844, primarily by families from Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, and Tennessee. In 1852, Bledsoe, a key figure, purchased 430 acres of land from Roderick Rawlins' widow and modeled the town after Lancaster, Kentucky.

• Notable Events: The town was the site of a Bonnie and Clyde bank robbery on February 27, 1934, where Bonnie waited in the getaway car as Clyde and Raymond Hamilton stole over $6,000—which equates to approximately $144,000 in today's dollars.

2. Crime in Lancaster: An Alarming Statistic

The hosts discuss the crime rates in Lancaster, highlighting that both property and violent crimes are approximately 25% above the national average. They present a mock array of fictional town reviews to humorously underscore the disparity between Lancaster's peaceful facade and its underlying issues.

• Notable Quotes:
  • James Pietragallo [08:20]: "Banks have a lack of security."
  • Jimmy Whisman [09:15]: "Drunk drivers. They haven't gotten Uber here yet."

3. The Troubled Life of David Martin Long

Delving into the heart of the episode, James narrates the troubled early life of David Martin Long, born on July 15, 1953, in San Angelo, Texas.

• Childhood Struggles: David endured a tumultuous childhood with both parents battling drug addiction and alcoholism. The death of his mother when he was ten exacerbated the instability, leading to neglect and abuse. By age twelve, David exhibited violent tendencies, including the strangulation of a fellow student.

• Adolescence and Early Adulthood: His rebellious behavior landed him in multiple reform schools and foster homes. Throughout his youth, David struggled with various addictions, including methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, and committed numerous petty crimes.

4. The Murders: Lancaster's Dark Chapter

James recounts the specific murders committed by David Martin Long, detailing two primary incidents:

• 1978: The Killing of James Carnell

  • Incident: On November 28, 1978, in San Bernardino, California, David, under the influence of alcohol, got into an altercation with gas station attendant James Carnell over a $16 tire repair charge.
  • Action: Fueled by anger and intoxication, David brutally beat Carnell with a tire iron and a broom handle, ensuring his death by stuffing the broom handle down Carnell's throat.
  • Aftermath: Despite confessing, the Matagorda County grand jury dismissed the case due to insufficient evidence, allowing David to evade justice.

• 1983: The Arson and Murder of Bob Neal Rogers

  • Incident: On December 20, 1983, David visited his boss, Bob Neal Rogers, in Bay City, Texas, after being fired for misusing a company vehicle.
  • Action: Finding Rogers passed out drunk, David set Rogers' mobile home ablaze, resulting in Rogers' death. He attempted to leave without a trace but was arrested, though the grand jury again cited insufficient evidence.

5. The 1986 Murders in Iran, Texas

The narrative intensifies with the gruesome events of June 11, 1986, in Iran, Texas.

• Victims: Four individuals—Gail Allison (25), Elizabeth Belew (24), Bill Willis, and Ernest Ray Willis—were found brutally murdered in Donna Sue Jester's household.

• David's Involvement:

  • Initial Arrest: On the night of September 27, 1986, David was arrested for a DUI in Buffalo, Texas. During custody, he confessed to the murders, claiming they were the result of delusions and his deteriorating mental state.
  • Confession Details: David described a conflated narrative involving his grievances, substance abuse, and delusional beliefs that Donna Sue was conspiring against him.

6. Trial, Conviction, and Appeals

The trial of David Martin Long is depicted as a case riddled with procedural anomalies and questionable judicial decisions.

• Trial Proceedings:

  • Behavior: During the trial, David exhibited erratic behavior, including standing and declaring, "I'm guilty as hell," disrupting the defense's insanity plea.
  • Legal Representation: His defense attorney, with minimal experience in capital murder cases, struggled to present a coherent argument amidst David's disruptive actions.

• Psychological Evaluations:

  • Defense: Dr. William Hester diagnosed David with extreme antisocial personality disorder, suggesting a possible psychotic episode during the murders.
  • Prosecution: Dr. James Grigson, renowned for his role in securing death penalties, testified that David was sane and manipulative, dismissing insanity claims.

• Conviction and Sentencing:

  • Verdict: Found guilty after only two hours of jury deliberation, David was sentenced to death on August 4, 1987.
  • Appeals: Over the years, various appeals highlighted procedural flaws, including the improper admission of autopsy photographs and mishandling of his confession.

7. Exoneration and Aftermath

After 17 years on death row, significant developments led to David Martin Long's exoneration.

• Investigative Breakthroughs:

  • Pro Bono Investigation: In 1991, a New York law firm conducted a thorough investigation, uncovering inconsistencies in the original arson evidence and questioning the validity of David's confession.
  • Witness Corroboration: Testimonies from former associates and new forensic analyses undermined the initial case against him.

• Exoneration:

  • Recognition: By October 2004, David was officially exonerated, marking him as the eighth Texas death row inmate to be freed since 1982.
  • Life Post-Exoneration: Reunited with his wife, whom he had remained loyal to throughout his incarceration, David moved to Mississippi. Despite attempts to rebuild his life, he and his wife separated in 2007. David later died on January 7, 2021, outside of prison and not by state-sanctioned means.

8. Conclusion

The episode underscores the profound miscarriages of justice that can occur within the legal system, especially in cases involving mental health issues and substance abuse. James and Jimmy highlight the importance of thorough investigations and the dangers of relying solely on confessions, particularly from individuals with troubled backgrounds.

• Notable Quotes:
  • David Martin Long [113:15]: "I deserve death and desired death."
  • Jimmy Whisman [143:18]: "He never even fucking cares."

Final Thoughts

"Murder Is A Way Of Life - Lancaster, Texas" serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities surrounding criminal justice, mental health, and the possibility of redemption. Through their engaging narrative, James and Jimmy encourage listeners to question and reflect on the systems that govern punishment and rehabilitation.