Somebody Knows Something – S2E2: The Yellow Cab Murder (1975)

Podcast: Somebody Knows Something: The Elgin Police Cold Case Podcast
Episode: Season 2, Episode 2 – The Yellow Cab Murder (1975)
Date: August 25, 2025
Hosts: Detective Andrew Houghton, Detective Chris Hall
Guest: Robert (Jim’s Towing and Automotive Owner), Maynard Holley’s nephew (unnamed voices)

Episode Overview

This episode delves into the unsolved 1975 murder of Maynard Chester Holley, a respected family man and dispatcher for the Yellow Cab Company in Elgin, Illinois. The Elgin Police Department's Cold Case Unit, with new technology and a commitment to transparency, hopes to generate public interest and tips about the case by reviewing the timeline, victim background, scene details, and witness accounts. Through family recollections and a firsthand walkthrough of the crime scene, the episode underscores the personal and community impact of unsolved homicides.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Victim Background and Life

• Maynard Chester Holley
  • Born October 17, 1927, in Marshfield, Wisconsin; served in the USAF.
  • Married Jeanette Evelyn Gabe on August 16, 1958; father of two daughters, Laurie and Jada.
  • Devout Jehovah’s Witness and active at the Elgin West Congregation.
  • Described by family as hard-working, kind, and always willing to help others.

    “They described him as very kind, well liked...never heard their parents say anything bad about Maynard.”
    — Detective Andrew Houghton [10:52]

2. Crime Scene and Circumstances

• Murder Details (02:57–05:12)

  • Incident took place at Yellow Cab Co., 215 W. Chicago St., on February 18, 1975.
  • Maynard was found shot multiple times in the back of the head while seated at his desk.
  • No evidence of struggle, robbery, or forced entry—intruder was buzzed in via a security buzzer.

    “Maynard apparently allowed his own killer into the office.”
    — Detective Andrew Houghton [06:21]

• Office Security and Layout (06:25–08:52)

  • Only access to the dispatch office was controlled by an electric buzzer; no signs of forced entry.
  • Description of the building by current owner Robert, nearly unchanged since 1975.
  • Notable: Bullet hole still present in the window when Robert purchased the business.

3. Timeline of Events

• Evening of the Murder (12:34–13:55)

  • At 11:03pm, Maynard timestamped a ticket for a cab fare pickup at Sherman Hospital.

  • Killed before he could dispatch a cab for that fare.

  • Cab driver found Maynard at 11:16pm.

    “He was killed after he stamped the ticket, but before he could dispatch a cab for that particular call.”
    — Detective Andrew Houghton [12:34]

• Tight Timeline

  • Last confirmed sighting of Maynard alive at 10:50pm.
  • Murder occurred between 11:03pm and 11:16pm—almost certainly just after 11:03pm.

4. Witness Accounts and Suspect Description

• Potential Suspect Sighted (15:40–16:48)

  • Witness saw a man leave the cab office just after 11:00pm, enter a '71 or '72 light green Oldsmobile, and drive away at speed.

  • Description: Well-dressed, dark jacket and pants, about 6’ tall, slim build, dark hair, full head of hair, late 30s or early 40s.

    “The subject appeared to be well-dressed, with a dark jacket and dark blue pants, and appeared to be 6ft tall...late 30s or early 40s.”
    — Witness statement read by podcast [16:16]

• No Suspects or Motive Confirmed

  • No robbery or known enemies, family had no debts, and Maynard lived a quiet life.
  • Some tips suggested mistaken identity—a “hit” intended for someone else.
  • “Several witnesses felt that the person who killed Maynard actually meant to kill someone else and made a mistake.”
    — Detective Andrew Houghton [17:06]

5. Impact on Family and Community

• Family Trauma (10:18–11:58)

  • Family deeply affected by Maynard’s murder; children were young at the time and recounted fear from the heavy police presence.

  • Widow Janet lost her husband and, later, her daughter Jada—devastation compounded by years of unanswered questions.

  • Tragedy left “a hole that can never be filled,” with pain compounded by the cold status of the case.

    “Giving family members and friends answers is what we are striving for with these cases in this podcast.”
    — Narrator/Detective [11:58]

6. Police Investigation and Community Call-to-Action

• Investigation Recap

  • Multiple interviews and polygraphs conducted with Yellow Cab employees and others; all leads exhausted without arrest.
  • Elgin PD’s hope is new witness testimony or public tips will shed light.

• Community Involvement

  • Emphasis on the importance of even small tips from the public.

    “Maybe the description of the individual strikes a chord with someone, or maybe even the vehicle does. No tip is too small.”
    — Detective Andrew Houghton [16:48]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Maynard as a Person:

  “He was a likable fella. Who minded his own business and didn't get involved with anything. He had never been in trouble with us, nor was he under investigation for anything.”
  — Sgt. J.W. Smith, Elgin PD [19:00]

• On Being in the Crime Scene:

  “It's always a little crazy to stand in the same place where something like this happened. It's a little bit like walking back in time.”
  — Detective Andrew Houghton [09:07]

• Summing Up the Impact:

  “The murder of a loved one leaves a hole that can never be filled. Even if we identify an offender...that hole still remains. But giving family members and friends answers is what we are striving for with these cases in this podcast.”
  — Narrator/Detective [11:58]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Victim’s Life and Marriage: 03:12–03:59
• Murder Circumstances and Crime Scene: 04:53–06:25
• Building Walkthrough and Crime Scene Details: 07:08–09:24
• Family Memories and Impact: 10:02–11:58
• Timeline of the Crime: 12:34–13:55
• Suspect Description and Witness Account: 15:40–16:48
• Rumors, Theories, and Case Status: 17:06–18:39
• Sergeant Smith’s Reflection on Maynard: 19:00–19:12
• Host Call to Action: 20:36

Closing

The episode closes with a plea for public assistance and remembrance for Maynard Chester Holley—a family man and community member lost to senseless violence. The Cold Case Unit’s investigation is ongoing, and any information, no matter how slight, could provide long-awaited justice and peace for the Holley family.

“If you or anyone you know has information about this case or any other cold case case in Elgin, please contact the Elgin Police Department Cold case email at coldcasetips@elginil.gov or the cold case tip line at 847-289-COLD.”
— Chief Anna Lally [20:36]

Next Episode Preview:
Season 2 continues with a look at the murder of 16-year-old Lori Jean Bulger, another tragic cold case from 1970s Elgin.