Episode 3: The House on Wolf Road - Summary

Podcast Title: The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Host/Author: Sony Music Entertainment
Episode Title: Finding Mom's Killer | 3. The House on Wolf Road
Release Date: March 17, 2025

Introduction

In the gripping third episode of Finding Mom's Killer, the narrative delves deeper into the mysterious disappearance of Noreen Boyle and the relentless quest of her 11-year-old son, Collier, to uncover the truth. Teaming up with Lt. Dave Messmore, a seasoned homicide detective, Collier embarks on an investigation that unravels dark family secrets and leads to a shocking revelation.

The Disappearance and Initial Clues

By mid-January 1990, Noreen Boyle has been missing for approximately two weeks. Collier, desperate to find his mother, reaches out to Lt. Dave Messmore for help.

Jack Boyle's Suspicious Behavior:
Collier recounts an unsettling discovery: while accompanying his father to his office, Jack Boyle leaves Collier in the truck. As Collier watches his father inside a gas station, he rummages through the truck and finds two inexplicable photographs:

• A house Collier has never seen before.
• Sherry Campbell, Jack's girlfriend, with her two children in front of a fireplace concealed by plastic.

Jack Boyle (01:33): "We go to my father's office and on the way back we stop at a gas station... I open up the center console and that's when I find two photographs."

These photos raise immediate suspicions about Jack's involvement in Noreen's disappearance.

Unveiling Jack Boyle's Double Life

Relocation to Erie, Pennsylvania:
Lt. Messmore's investigation reveals that Jack Boyle has been planning to relocate to Erie, Pennsylvania, under the guise of setting up a new clinic with a lucrative contract worth approximately $500,000 annually.

Lt. Dave Messmore (06:12): "What happened was Jack got a contract in Erie... he was setting up this whole clinic."

Introducing Sherry Campbell:
Jack presents Sherry Campbell, significantly younger and visibly pregnant, as his wife. The realtor notes inconsistencies in their portrayal, especially the use of the name "N. Sherry Boyle," hinting at a possible attempt to erase Noreen's presence.

Sherry Campbell (07:41): "I'd say mid-20s... She was... very pregnant. I was Jack Boyle's wife."

Suspicious Financial Moves:
Jack's abrupt purchase of the Wolf Road house, paying the full asking price without negotiation and insisting on an early move-in date, coincides suspiciously with Noreen's disappearance.

Lt. Dave Messmore (09:23): "She Forged a name."

The Investigation Intensifies

Collier's Observations:
Collier continues to provide crucial insights into his father's erratic behavior, including unexplained physical injuries and unusual rental activities, such as obtaining a jackhammer just days before Noreen vanished.

Lt. Dave Messmore (14:44): "He asked me to find out what the foundation of the home was... I thought it was kind of strange."

Search Warrant and Reluctant Support:
Despite skepticism from his superiors, Lt. Messmore persists in his pursuit, driven by a personal vendetta and a sensed moral obligation.

Detective (25:03): "My captain was not behind me... I don't care who he is. It has to be Done."

The Wolf Road House and the Breakthrough

Executing the Search Warrant:
On January 25, after an unsuccessful search of the Boyle residence, Lt. Messmore, accompanied by Detective Mike Dugan, obtains a search warrant for the Wolf Road house. The investigation leads them to uncover a concealed basement floor.

Lt. Dave Messmore (33:12): "Then we found something I was looking for, and that was a green tarp."

Discovery of Noreen's Body:
Beneath the unfinished basement, the team unearths Noreen Boyle's body, wrapped in a tarp and exhibiting signs of foul play. The presence of a jackhammer and quick-drying concrete suggests a premeditated attempt to conceal the crime.

Noreen Boyle (34:05): "She was naked, and that's all she had was just a pair of panties on."

Arrest and Aftermath

Jack Boyle’s Arrest:
Following the discovery, Lt. Messmore swiftly apprehends Jack Boyle. Despite mounting evidence, Jack pleads not guilty, claiming he was framed by a conspiracy.

Lt. Dave Messmore (35:36): "I can't wait to get my hands on Jack. It's time to lock him up."

Emotional Impact on Collier:
Collier grapples with the loss of his mother and the betrayal by his father, now incarcerated. The episode poignantly highlights his emotional turmoil and the void left by Noreen's death.

Jack Boyle (38:10): "I'm all alone and the one person that can make it all better isn't there to burn."

Conclusion and Trial Tease

As the episode concludes, the stage is set for Jack Boyle's trial, where Collier is poised to testify as the key witness against his own father. The tension escalates as listeners are left anticipating the courtroom showdown and the ultimate quest for justice.

Lt. Dave Messmore (40:13): "I told him he might have to testify... but it was important, he said, absolutely."

Notable Quotes:

• Brittany (00:02): "When it comes to weight loss, no two people are the same..."
• Lt. Dave Messmore (09:23): "She Forged a name."
• Jack Boyle (16:05): "We're having this conversation at the dinner table..."
• Lt. Dave Messmore (35:36): "I can't wait to get my hands on Jack. It's time to lock him up."

Final Thoughts

Episode 3 of Finding Mom's Killer masterfully intertwines personal testimonies, investigative breakthroughs, and emotional narratives to build a compelling true crime story. The discovery of Noreen Boyle's body marks a pivotal moment in the series, promising an intense culmination in the forthcoming episodes.

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