Someone Knows Something – Season 9, Episode 3: "Stay"

Release Date: November 20, 2024
Host: David Ridgen
Podcast Series: Someone Knows Something by CBC

Introduction

In Season 9 of the acclaimed true crime series Someone Knows Something, host David Ridgen delves deeper into the unresolved case of Christine Heron, a 15-year-old from Hanover, Ontario, who vanished in the spring of 1993. This episode, titled "Stay," focuses on the tumultuous aftermath of Anthony Ringle's confession to her murder and the subsequent collapse of the prosecution case.

Background of Christine Heron’s Disappearance

Christine Heron, a bright and book-loving teenager, disappeared while en route to school in the spring of 1993. Her sudden disappearance left her family and community grappling with unanswered questions. Years later, Anthony Ringle emerged as a suspect, confessing to her murder multiple times. However, his confessions did not lead to a conviction, leaving Christine's family without closure.

Anthony Ringle's Confession and Failed Prosecution

The episode chronicles Anthony Ringle’s inconsistent confessions to Christine's murder and the Crown's unsuccessful attempts to prosecute him. Ringle's legal representation highlighted numerous police errors during the investigation and interrogation phases.

[Attached Transcript Excerpt]
Marianne Restor (Christine's Mother): "So you killed Christine Heron? I need an answer. Yes. Okay. So how do you feel after you've told. Do you feel better that you've got this off your chest? A little. Okay."
[01:10]

Ringle was held in custody for 37 hours but was only properly advised of his rights once. Despite repeatedly stating he had "no comment," Detective Inspector Mark Wright continued to interview him without adhering to constitutional protocols.

David Ridgen: "Ringle’s statements to his family and to Constable Lipski, however, are allowed into evidence, along with only the first police interview with Ringle, where he made no admissions."
[05:09]

The defense argued that procedural mistakes by the police undermined the integrity of Ringle's confessions, leading Judge R.M. Thompson to dismiss key statements and actions from Ringle during the investigation.

Legal Mishandling and Trial Details

Judge Thompson criticized Detective Inspector Wright for failing to follow legal protocols, stating that Wright either lacked understanding of the Charter of Rights or deliberately ignored them.

David Ridgen: "Judge Thompson, however, criticizes Wright, saying either he had no knowledge or understanding of the Charter of Rights or he deliberately chose to trample all over Mr. Ringle's rights as a Canadian citizen in defiance of the law."
[05:03]

As a result of these miscarriages of justice, after 20 months in jail awaiting trial, Ringle was released when Crown Prosecutor Michael Martin stayed the case against him. The legal system’s failure left Christine’s family without answers, exacerbating their trauma.

Interview Attempts with Anthony Ringle

Determined to seek the truth, Christine's mother, Marianne Restor, along with her stepfather Sean, and David Ridgen, attempt to confront Anthony Ringle to obtain clarity.

In their first attempt, Marianne and Sean visit Ringle’s residence but are denied access. Despite Marianne's polite and persistent approach, Ringle's sister remains protective, preventing any meaningful conversation.

Marianne Restor: "I just want to talk to Anthony for a little bit."
[16:01]

Undeterred, Ridgen and Marianne make a second attempt, locating Ringle at a trailer park in Chesley, Ontario. This time, Ringle engages briefly but remains reticent, offering no substantial answers about his confession.

Marianne Restor: "So how do you reckon, why did you confess to your mom and your cousin?"
[30:24]
Anthony Ringle: "No."
[26:52]

Despite Ringle’s evasiveness, Marianne expresses hope for eventual communication, emphasizing the family's need for closure.

David Ridgen’s Involvement and Documentary

David Ridgen takes a proactive role by creating a 20-minute documentary titled "Confession to Murder," which airs on CBC. This documentary compiles available evidence, court documents, and interviews to shed light on the case's complexities and the police's investigative shortcomings.

David Ridgen: "I present everything I can find about the case. It's thickly forested and swampy on private land across the Saugeen river from Hanover's public park, one of Christine's favorite places."
[34:24]

The documentary aims to reignite interest in the case and prompt further investigation, hoping that public attention will pressure authorities to revisit Ringle's confessions.

Conclusion and Future Developments

The episode concludes with a reflection on the enduring impact of Christine’s disappearance on her family. Marianne and Sean express unwavering patience and determination, believing that time will eventually unveil the truth.

Sean Restor: "Sooner or later, the guilt will get to him and eat away at him day by day... where he's compelled to finally tell the truth."
[35:44]
Kathleen Goldthar (Christine's Grandmother): "That's not gonna help... I just want to talk to him to get some peace for myself."
[12:19]

David Ridgen hints at future developments, teasing Ringle's rearrest nine months after the documentary's release, setting the stage for subsequent episodes that will explore the ramifications of this renewed legal action.

David Ridgen: "Nine months after my documentary is released, Anthony Ringle is arrested again for the murder of Christine Heron."
[36:29]

Notable Quotes

• Marianne Restor: "I just want to talk to Anthony for a little bit."
  [16:01]

• Sean Restor: "I worked on this case all these years because we didn't have answers, and zero closure."
  [10:45]

• Kathleen Goldthar: "I think he's afraid he's gonna say the wrong thing and come up in charges again."
  [20:37]

• David Ridgen: "Sometimes the only difference between a so-called cold case and a conviction is time."
  [36:29]

Final Thoughts

"Stay" serves as a poignant exploration of the enduring quest for truth and justice in the face of systemic failures. Through meticulous investigation and heartfelt interviews, David Ridgen and the Heron family illuminate the profound personal toll of unsolved crimes. As the case of Christine Heron continues to unfold, listeners are left anticipating the forthcoming revelations in the next episodes of Someone Knows Something.

Find Episode Transcripts here.