Someone Knows Something - Season 9, Episode 2: Ringle
Host: David Ridgen
Production: CBC
Episode Focus: The confession of Anthony Ringle to the murder of Christine Heron and the subsequent unraveling of the case.
Introduction: Reopening a Long-Standing Mystery
In Season 9 of the acclaimed true crime podcast Someone Knows Something, host David Ridgen delves into the chilling disappearance of Christine Heron, a teenage book lover from Hanover, Ontario. Christine vanished in the spring of 1993, and despite a suspect confessing to her murder, the case faltered, leaving her family without answers. This episode, titled "Ringle," revisits the case years later as Ridgen, alongside Christine's mother Mary Ann and her stepfather Sean Russworm, confronts Anthony Ringle—the man who allegedly confessed to her murder.
Anthony Ringle's Confession
The episode opens with the discovery of Ringle’s confession, which surfaced 11 years after Christine's disappearance. In August 2004, during a family gathering in Elmwood, Ontario, Ringle unexpectedly declared, "I killed Christine Heron" (04:22). This confession sent shockwaves through the community and reignited the investigation into Christine's disappearance.
Police Investigation: The Interrogation Process
Initial Interview:
Shortly after his confession, Ringle was apprehended and taken to the Walkerton Police Station. In his first police interview at 04:46, Ringle maintained silence, responding only with "No comments" despite multiple attempts by Officer Sean Russworm to elicit more information (05:07). His demeanor was one of reluctance and avoidance, leaving investigators puzzled.
Second Interview with Detective Inspector Mark Wright:
The following morning, Detective Inspector Mark Wright, a seasoned OPP officer with 24 years of experience, conducted a more intensive interrogation. Wright questioned Ringle about his motives, pressing him with questions such as, "Why did you dial 911?" and "Do you feel better that you've got this off your chest?" (12:07). Ringle admitted he wanted to "get away" from his family, indicating a desire to escape his personal struggles (12:55).
Behavioral Analysis with Detective Sergeant Martin Graham:
Detective Sergeant Martin Graham from the OPP's Behavioral Sciences Unit took a different approach, aiming to break through Ringle's defenses. Graham's strategy involved creating a rapport and encouraging Ringle to recount the events leading to his confession. At 17:06, Ringle began to open up slightly, mentioning, "I met her at the park in Hanover" (17:51). This marked the first instance of Ringle acknowledging a direct encounter with Christine on the day of her disappearance.
Ringle’s Background and Motives
Anthony Ringle, born December 10, 1968, was one of six children in Hanover. At the time of Christine's disappearance, he was unemployed and occasionally referred to himself as a "slow learner," with records indicating significant learning difficulties and childhood head injuries (07:14). These factors may have contributed to his mental state and his eventual confession.
Ringle's confession appears rooted in his desire for attention and a way to cope with his personal issues. At one point, he states, "I'm sorry for what I've done," reflecting remorse intertwined with his ambiguous statements about truth and deceit (26:04).
The Search for Christine Heron's Remains
Following Ringle's confession, the OPP conducted searches based on his directions. Equipped with suits and dress shoes, officers navigated the treacherous, marshy terrain near the Saugeen River, marked years earlier with OPP-printed ribbons serving as search markers (01:22). Despite their efforts, no remains were found during these subsequent searches, questioning the validity of Ringle's confession.
Ringle's insistence on showing the location of Christine's remains led police to revisit areas that had never been searched during the initial investigation. However, the decomposed state of any potential evidence made it exceedingly difficult to uncover concrete proof (03:51).
Trial and Legal Proceedings
By April 2006, preparations were underway for Ringle's trial. The Crown attorney expressed high confidence in securing a conviction, mentioning, "At one point he was 90% sure Ringle was going to be convicted" (27:44). However, the trial did not proceed as expected. Mary Ann Heron, Christine's mother, expressed profound frustration and anger towards the OPP and local police, stating, "They screwed up. I've got more anger towards the OPP and the town cops than I do Ringle" (28:01).
Ongoing Doubts and Unresolved Questions
Despite Ringle’s confession and the exhaustive investigation, Christine Heron's body was never found, casting doubt on the case's resolution. Mary Ann Heron's lingering resentment highlights the unresolved nature of the investigation and the community's distrust in the handling of the case. The lack of concrete evidence and the eventual breakdown of the prosecution left Christine’s family yearning for genuine closure.
Conclusion: A Family's Quest for Justice
Someone Knows Something Season 9, Episode 2: "Ringle" paints a haunting picture of a family grappling with the haunting disappearance of their daughter. While Anthony Ringle's confession provided a glimmer of hope, the absence of physical evidence and the subsequent mishandling of the case by authorities left many questions unanswered. Christine Heron's family continues to seek the truth, embodying the podcast's mission to uncover the hidden facets of unsolved cases and deliver justice to those left in the shadows.
Notable Quotes:
- Anthony Ringle (04:22): "I killed Christine Heron."
- Sean Russworm (05:07): "Do you remember talking to a police officer last night? Remember talking to one?"
- Mary Ann Heron (28:01): "They screwed up. I've got more anger towards the OPP and the town cops than I do Ringle."
Production Credits:
- Host: David Ridgen
- Producer: Katie Swires
- Sound Design: Evan Kelly
- Transcription: Natalia Ferguson
- Digital Production: Emily Cannell
- Story Editor: Chris Oak
- Executive Producer: Cecil Fernandez
- Senior Manager: Tanya Springer
- CBC Podcasts Director: Arif Noorani
Someone Knows Something continues to seek truth and justice in unsolved cases, providing listeners with in-depth investigative journalism and compelling narratives. To support the series and help new listeners discover the show, please rate and review it on your preferred podcast platform.
Find More:
- Transcripts: CBC Podcast News Transcripts
- Social Media: Search Someone Knows Something on Facebook and Instagram.
- Additional Series: Explore Uncover from CBC Podcasts for more investigative stories.