Small Town Murder Podcast Episode Summary: "The Orange Sock Murders - Breckenridge, Colorado"

Release Date: July 25, 2025
Hosts: James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman
Podcast Title: Small Town Murder
Episode: The Orange Sock Murders - Breckenridge, Colorado

1. Introduction

In this gripping episode of Small Town Murder, hosts James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman delve into the mysterious and tragic events surrounding the "Orange Sock Murders" in Breckenridge, Colorado. Blending in-depth research with their signature comedic flair, James and Jimmie take listeners on a journey through small-town dynamics, historical context, and a chilling murder case that remained unsolved for decades.

2. Breckenridge, Colorado: A Brief Overview

[03:13] James: "We're going to visit Breckenridge, Colorado—a picturesque ski town nestled in the Rockies with a population of just over 5,000."

Breckenridge, founded in 1859 following the discovery of gold, has grown into a renowned mountain town famed for its outdoor activities and high median household income. The town's history is marked by its transformation from a mining hub to a thriving tourist destination, often referred to as "the perfect mountain town."

3. The Missing Persons: Bobby Jo Oberholtzer and Annette K. Schnee

3.1. Bobby Jo Oberholtzer

[10:02] James: "Barbara Burns Oberholtzer, known as Bobby Jo, was a 29-year-old woman who had recently celebrated a promotion at her job."

On the evening of January 6, 1982, Bobby Jo went out to celebrate her promotion at the Village Pub in Breckenridge. After the celebration, she decided to hitchhike home—approximately 16 miles away—in a severe snowstorm with below-zero temperatures.

[14:14] James: "Jeff, Bobby Jo's husband, had given her a heavy brass clip for self-defense, warning her to use it if needed."

Despite her husband's efforts to stay safe, Bobby Jo never returned home. By midnight, Jeff noticed her absence and attempted to contact her friends and the police, but Breckenridge authorities initially unresponsive due to the storm.

3.2. Annette K. Schnee

[14:42] James: "Annette Schnee, a 21-year-old from Sioux City, Iowa, was working as a maid at the Holiday Inn in Breckenridge."

On the same night Bobby Jo disappeared, Annette Schnee also went missing. Originally last seen at 4:45 PM, she failed to attend her shifts over the following days, raising alarms about her disappearance.

4. Initial Investigation and Suspects

4.1. Alan Lee Phillips: The Early Suspect

[22:43] James: "Alan Lee Phillips, a mechanic and miner, was initially rescued by firefighter Dave Montoya during the snowstorm."

Alan had a history of violence, including a 1973 incident where he assaulted a hitchhiker. Despite this, his criminal record was expunged in 2002, complicating initial investigations.

[44:42] James: "During the search for Bobby Jo, an orange sock was found near her body, sparking theories that connected both missing women to Alan."

The discovery of the orange sock linked the two cases, suggesting a common perpetrator. However, Alan initially denied any involvement, and his DNA did not match the evidence at the time.

5. Breakthrough in 2021: DNA and Genealogy

5.1. Modern Forensic Techniques

[54:05] James: "In 2020, advancements in DNA and genealogical research provided new hope to solve the cold case."

Detective Sergeant Wendy Kipple utilized the United Data Connect service to analyze DNA evidence from the crime scene. This innovative approach allowed investigators to connect DNA samples to potential suspects through familial relationships.

5.2. Identifying Alan Lee Phillips

[56:37] James: "Private investigator Charlie McCormick discovered Alan Lee Phillips' 1973 assault record despite its expungement, linking him to the 1982 murders."

Through meticulous research, it was uncovered that Alan had previously assaulted a hitchhiker, matching the modus operandi of the Orange Sock Murders. Despite initially lacking direct evidence, the combination of historical data and DNA matching sealed his fate.

[61:45] Jimmie: "They pulled Alan's DNA from a pizza box he discarded at a local Sonic drive-in, finally obtaining a definitive match."

6. Arrest, Trial, and Conviction

6.1. Arrest and Charges

[62:24] James: "On February 24, 2021, Alan Lee Phillips was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree homicide, kidnapping, and assault."

Alan maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, despite overwhelming DNA evidence linking him to both murders.

6.2. The Trial

[68:02] James: "During the trial, the defense attempted to discredit the DNA evidence and shifted suspicion toward Jeff Oberholtzer, Bobby Jo's husband."

The prosecution presented a compelling case, highlighting the DNA match from the orange sock and the brass clip found at the crime scene—items directly connected to Alan's previous assault.

6.3. Verdict and Sentencing

[69:00] Jimmie: "Alan Lee Phillips was found guilty after a jury deliberated for four hours and 45 minutes."

He received two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, effectively ending his reign of terror over Breckenridge.

7. Reflections and Aftermath

7.1. Community Impact

[64:26] James: "Dave Montoya, the firefighter who saved Alan, expressed regret over not recognizing his potential for violence sooner."

The Breckenridge community grappled with the revelation of Alan's crimes, feeling betrayed and shocked by his facade of normalcy.

7.2. Closure for the Families

[63:54] James: "Bobby Jo's sister Lori and Annette's sister Cindy expressed profound relief and disbelief at the case's resolution."

The families found solace in seeing justice served, although the trauma lingered for years.

7.3. Alan’s Death

[71:56] James: "Alan Lee Phillips was found dead in prison on February 27, 2023, having taken his own life at the age of 72."

His death closed the chapter on a dark episode in Breckenridge’s history, leaving the community to heal and remember the victims.

8. Conclusion

James and Jimmie wrap up the episode by reflecting on the twists and turns of the case, emphasizing the importance of modern forensic techniques in solving cold cases. They also underscore the relentless pursuit of justice by dedicated investigators and the enduring impact such tragedies have on small communities.

[72:08] James: "Learn SOS that'll save your life evidently."

Through poignant storytelling and thorough analysis, Small Town Murder sheds light on how persistence, combined with technological advancements, can finally bring closure to unresolved mysteries.

Notable Quotes:

• James Pietragallo [14:14]: "Jeff had given her something for protection... use this when you're hitchhiking and make sure to have this in your pocket."

• Jimmie Whisman [08:08]: "I got a painting in New York magazine, you bunch of bullshit."

• James Pietragallo [26:22]: "It's long and then shorter than that. It's time intervals."

• Jimmie Whisman [56:12]: "He's been arrested in 1973 for fucking picking up a hitchhiker and beating her over the head."

• James Pietragallo [64:26]: "If he'd have known he's a murderer."

• Jimmie Whisman [68:02]: "They tried to say that the DNA had been tampered with and mishandled throughout the years."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key elements of the episode, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the "Orange Sock Murders" case, its investigation, and ultimate resolution, all while maintaining the engaging and informative tone characteristic of Small Town Murder.