Sword and Scale: Episode 307 Summary

Introduction to the Case

In Episode 307 of Sword and Scale, titled "Sword and Scale," listeners are plunged into the harrowing true crime story of Kaitlin Markham, a 21-year-old aspiring artist whose promising future was cut tragically short. The episode meticulously unpacks the events leading up to her disappearance, the discovery of her remains, and the convoluted investigation that spanned over a decade.

The Disappearance of Kaitlin Markham

Kaitlin Markham was on the cusp of graduating from the Art Institute of Cincinnati with a degree in graphic design. Engaged to John Carter, a pizza delivery driver without a steady career or clear future plans, Kaitlin and John were preparing to move to Colorado together. Their relationship, once strong and centered around shared interests in art and alternative lifestyles, began to show cracks as Kaitlin grew increasingly dissatisfied with John's lack of ambition and personal hygiene. Friends and family noted Kaitlin's growing discomfort and her intentions to distance herself from John, signaling impending relationship trouble.

On August 12, 2011, Kaitlin attended the Sacred Heart Festival with John. The following day, August 13, she failed to respond to multiple messages and was reported missing by John, who was immediately worried due to the absence of response despite her carefully planned routine. Notably, David Hicks, Kaitlin's father, remarked at [48:15], “Her car keys, her laptop, even her dog was still there. It was like she just vanished.”

Discovery of Kaitlin’s Remains

Nearly two years after her disappearance, in October 2013, Andy Hicks and his wife Margaret were hunting for scrap metal in Cedar Creek, Indiana. They stumbled upon a human jawbone amidst the trash at a concealed dump site. Initially dismissed by local authorities as animal remains, further investigation revealed more human skeletal parts, including a skull wrapped in a grocery bag. Andy recounted at [12:34], “I found her jawbone first, picked it up, realized what it was. I hung it in a little tree to mark the location.”

The remains were identified as Kaitlin's, turning her missing person case into a homicide investigation. The Indiana State Police (ISP) took over, collaborating with the Fairfield Police Department but struggled to make significant progress initially.

Kaitlin Markham’s Background

Kaitlin’s background revealed a tumultuous family life. Adopted by David and Sherry Markham after her biological mother, Sherry's cousin, could not raise her, Kaitlin experienced parental discord early on. David criticized Sherry for her lack of involvement and self-care, leading to Kaitlin moving out with her father at 16. Despite these challenges, Kaitlin excelled academically and socially, balancing two part-time jobs while pursuing her art degree. Her charisma and artistic talent made her a beloved figure among peers and employers alike.

Her father, David, shared insights at [35:20], “Kaitlin made friends wherever she went. She was focused on her art career, juggling school and work effortlessly.”

The Investigation: Initial Leads and Suspects

The investigation initially focused on several suspects:

1. Christopher Ball: A registered sex offender who had previously shown inappropriate interest in Kaitlin. Despite passing a Computer Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA) test, his proximity made him a person of interest.

2. David Clemens: Kaitlin’s boss at the campus bookstore, who faced allegations of sexual harassment from another employee. A handwritten letter from Kaitlin addressed to someone named "Dave" suggested potential ties, but evidence was inconclusive.

3. Bradley Von Bargain: A friend of John Carter who was among the last to see Kaitlin alive. Despite taking a CVSA test that showed some signs of deception, Bradley's alibi was mostly verified, though minor inconsistencies raised suspicions.

4. John Carter: Kaitlin’s fiancé became the primary suspect due to his behavior and circumstantial evidence linking him to the disposal site. Multiple CVSA tests and a polygraph indicated deception, but no definitive proof emerged at the time.

At [55:10], a detective questioned John, stating, “A lot of circumstantial evidence. A lot of circumstantial evidence,” highlighting the challenges in tying him directly to Kaitlin’s disappearance.

Focus on John Carter: Behavior and Evidence

John Carter's behavior post-disappearance raised significant red flags:

• Inconsistent Alibis: His stories about his whereabouts and activities varied over time, leading investigators to question his honesty.

• Failed Lie Detector Tests: Repeatedly failing CVSA and polygraph tests suggested possible deceit, although John vehemently denied any wrongdoing.

• Suspicious Phone Activity: Discrepancies in his text messages, such as the missing "good morning" text and selective deletion of messages, further implicated him.

• Connection to the Disposal Site: The dump site where Kaitlin's remains were found was notably close to John’s father’s property in Indiana. John claimed unfamiliarity with the exact location, which investigators found dubious.

At [1:10:45], John expressed frustration with the polygraph tests, saying, “They didn’t believe me because I didn't clear me,” demonstrating his ongoing conflict with law enforcement.

The Breakdown of Investigative Efforts

Over the years, multiple agencies, including the Indiana State Police and the Butler County Sheriff's Office, took turns investigating the case with limited success. The introduction of new leads, such as the suspicious cars seen by teenage witnesses near John Carter’s residence on the night Kaitlin disappeared, failed to produce concrete evidence.

In [1:30:22], investigators uncovered a poem found at John's house, which depicted a troubled psyche:

“Deep down, I love her.
You want to kill her.
But I love her.
She must die...”

This poem, coupled with discovered landscaping plastic used to wrap Kaitlin's remains, intensified suspicions.

Final Arrest and Plea Deal

After twelve years of investigation, culminating in the arrest of Jonathan Palmerton for perjury in relation to shielding John Carter, the case seemed poised for a breakthrough. However, instead of proceeding to trial, John Carter accepted a plea deal in June 2024. He pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, a charge that resulted in a maximum sentence of three years—a verdict that left Kaitlin's family seeking justice and accountability.

David Markham, Kaitlin’s father, expressed deep frustration at [2:40:30], “If he doesn't get time, then I'm not gonna feel like there's justice.”

Reflections and Conclusions

The episode concludes with poignant reflections on the nature of justice and closure. Kaitlin’s family and community grapple with the inadequate resolution of her case, emphasizing the emotional toll and the enduring desire for complete truth and accountability. The host underscores the lasting impact of Kaitlin’s loss and the seemingly insufficient punishment meted out to John Carter, highlighting systemic issues within the criminal justice system.

In a moving finale, David Markham and Kaitlin’s loved ones gather for a final farewell, symbolized by the appearance of a butterfly—a nod to Kaitlin’s love for these delicate creatures—providing a fleeting moment of peace amidst ongoing grief.

Notable Quotes

• Andy Hicks ([12:34]): “I found her jawbone first, picked it up, realized what it was. I hung it in a little tree to mark the location.”

• David Markham ([35:20]): “Kaitlin made friends wherever she went. She was focused on her art career, juggling school and work effortlessly.”

• Detective ([55:10]): “A lot of circumstantial evidence. A lot of circumstantial evidence.”

• John Carter ([1:10:45]): “They didn’t believe me because I didn't clear me.”

• David Markham ([2:40:30]): “If he doesn't get time, then I'm not gonna feel like there's justice.”

Conclusion

Sword and Scale Episode 307 delves deep into the tragic story of Kaitlin Markham, weaving together personal histories, investigative lapses, and the quest for justice. Through compelling narration and insightful interviews, the episode paints a vivid picture of a young woman’s promising life abruptly ended and the relentless pursuit to uncover the truth behind her untimely death.