Finding Mom's Killer | 4. The Trial of the Century

Summary

Podcast Title: The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer
Episode: 4. The Trial of the Century
Release Date: March 24, 2025
Host/Author: Sony Music Entertainment
Duration: Approximately 40:50 minutes

---

1. Introduction and Background

"The Binge Crimes: Finding Mom's Killer" delves into the harrowing case of Noreen Boyle, who mysteriously disappeared, leaving behind her 11-year-old son, Collier, determined to uncover the truth. Teaming up with Lieutenant Dave Messmore, a seasoned homicide cop, Collier embarks on a quest to investigate his mother's murder. This episode, titled "The Trial of the Century," chronicles the intense courtroom drama that unfolds as Dr. Jack Boyle, a respected physician in Mansfield, stands accused of murdering his wife.

---

2. The Trial Begins: Setting the Stage

The trial of Dr. Jack Boyle captivates the entire town of Mansfield, Ohio. On June 4, 1990, the stately old courthouse is packed to capacity, with folding chairs set up in front of large TV screens for those unable to find seats inside. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as Jack Boyle sits quietly at the defense table, surrounded by his attorneys.

Notable Quote:

"A standing room only crowd filled the hallway and the courtroom was packed two." — Lieutenant Dave Messmore [01:10]

---

3. Opening Arguments and Prosecution's Case

Chief Prosecutor James Mayer, affectionately dubbed "Mad Dog Mayor" for his aggressive courtroom demeanor, spearheads the prosecution's case. Mayer's strategy revolves around presenting indisputable evidence tying Jack Boyle to his wife's disappearance and subsequent murder.

Key Evidence Presented:

• Exhumation Footage: A videotape showing Noreen Boyle's body being exhumed from Jack's basement.

  "It just like exploded up out of the ground. And the jury just was aghast." — Reporter [09:37]

• Jackhammer Rental: Audio-visual demonstrations of the jackhammer used to dig the grave, linking Jack to the crime scene.

  "Anyone can do sounds like the building collapsing." — Steve Fishman [10:28]

• Green Tarp: The very tarp used to bury Noreen, which elicits a strong reaction from the jury.

  "The tarp still stunk of death." — Narrator [10:37]

Throughout the trial, Mayer presents a barrage of 67 witnesses, including Detective Dave Messmore and various experts, to build a compelling case against Jack Boyle.

---

4. Collier's Testimony: A Devastating Revelation

The most emotionally charged moment of the trial arrives when 12-year-old Collier Boyle takes the stand. His testimony is a cornerstone of the prosecution's case, painting a grim picture of his father's abusive behavior and the events leading up to his mother's disappearance.

Key Points from Collier's Testimony:

• Abuse: Collier describes his father's aggressive outbursts and physical abuse.

  "He just started ripping off all the computer games and throwing them at my head and at my shoulders and at my back and." — Collier Boyle [23:30]

• Night of Disappearance: Collier recounts hearing screams and a thud from his mother's bedroom, indicating something terrible was happening.

  "It was about this loud. And then about a minute and a half later, I heard a thud like this. Even louder." — Collier Boyle [22:26]

• Fear of Father: Collier admits he was too afraid to investigate the commotion.

  "Because I was extremely afraid of my father. I always have." — Collier Boyle [23:05]

Notable Quote:

"Mothers, lock up your daughters, that kind of thing." — Steve Fishman [14:30]

---

5. Defense's Cross-Examination Strategy

The defense aims to undermine Collier's credibility by introducing his parents' divorce papers, suggesting that Noreen instilled a negative view of Jack in her son. However, Collier's steadfast testimony counters these attempts, reinforcing the prosecution's narrative.

Attempted Defense Tactics:

• Divorce Papers: The defense probes into the details of Collier's parents' divorce.

  "What did Collier glean from the divorce papers? His mother shared she was upset that my father told her that he was going to send my sister back to China." — Steve Fishman [26:00]

• Questioning Abuse: Further attempts to suggest minimal abuse.

  "Has your father ever struck you with his fist?" — Defense Attorney [27:00]
  "Yes, he has." — Collier Boyle [27:35]

Despite the defense's efforts, Collier's honest and emotional responses leave a lasting impact on the jury.

---

6. Dr. Jack Boyle Takes the Stand

In a pivotal moment, Dr. Jack Boyle decides to testify in his own defense, a move that allows jurors to assess his credibility firsthand.

Defense's Argument:

• Lack of Motive: Jack asserts he had no reason to kill Noreen, highlighting their impending divorce and his relationship with Sherry, his mistress.

  "I did not kill Noreen. I never harmed her at all." — Jack Boyle [34:22]

• Alternative Explanation: Jack recounts the last time he saw Noreen, suggesting she left the house of her own accord.

  "I saw Noreen get into a car at the edge of the driveway." — Jack Boyle [33:52]

However, Mayer seizes upon Jack's testimony to reiterate the evidence against him, suggesting that if the body wasn't found, it would still likely be in the basement, implying Jack's involvement.

Notable Quote:

"So is Dr. John F. Boyle, Jr. Human and Normal? Or is he a cold-blooded killer?" — Steve Fishman [40:12]

---

7. Closing Arguments and Verdict

After weeks of intense courtroom battles, the jury delivers its verdict. The overwhelming evidence and emotional testimonies culminate in Dr. Jack Boyle being found guilty of aggravated murder.

Verdict and Sentencing:

"We, the jury in this case, find the defendant, John F. Boyle Jr. Guilty of the offense as charged in the indictment." — Narrator [40:50]

Jack Boyle is sentenced on the spot to life in prison with no chance of parole for 20 years.

---

8. Aftermath and Emotional Impact

The trial's conclusion leaves deep emotional scars, particularly for Collier. While Jack's conviction brings a semblance of justice, Collier is left grappling with the loss of his mother and the realization that his father is now imprisoned.

Final Reflections:

"Don't want to wait for that next episode. You don't have to unlock all episodes of Finding Mom's Killer ad free right now by subscribing to the Binge Podcast Channel." — Narrator [40:50]

The episode closes by highlighting the complex emotions tied to the trial's outcome and the lasting impact on those involved.

---

Closing Notes

This episode masterfully intertwines legal strategies, emotional testimonies, and compelling evidence to portray the intricate dynamics of a high-profile murder trial. Through the eyes of a young boy seeking justice and the relentless pursuit of a determined prosecutor, listeners are immersed in a true crime story that underscores the profound effects of domestic turmoil and the quest for truth.

Notable Production Credits:

• Host: Steve Fishman
• Senior Producer: Drew Nellis
• Producer and Production Coordinator: Austin Smith
• Story Editor: Emil Klein
• Fact Check: Ryan Alderman
• Sound Design: Scott Somerville
• Lawyers: Davis Wright Tremaine from Sony Music Entertainment
• Executive Producer: Jonathan Hirsch

---

Subscribe to The Binge Crimes:
To listen to all episodes of "Finding Mom's Killer" ad-free, subscribe to The Binge on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com. Feed your true crime obsession with gripping stories that captivate and never let go.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Your data is like gold to hackers. They'll sell it to the highest bidder.

[Advertiser]

Are you protected?

[Narrator]

McAfee helps shield you blocking suspicious texts, malicious emails and fraudulent websites. McAfee Secure VPN lets you browse safely and its AI powered tech scam detector spots threats instantly.

[Steve Fishman]

You'll also get up to $2 million.

[Narrator]

Of award winning antivirus and identity theft protection all for just $39.99 for your first year. Visit McAfee.com, cancel anytime terms apply.

[Steve Fishman]

Listen to all episodes of Finding Mom's Killer ad free right now by subscribing to the binge. Visit the Binge channel on Apple Podcasts and hit subscribe at the top of the page or visit getthebinge.com to get access. Wherever you listen the binge feed your true crime obsession.

[Narrator]

The binge it has attracted national attention. A wealthy Mansfield doctor is on trial now for the brutal murder of his wife.

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

A standing room only crowd filled the hallway and the courtroom was packed two.

[Narrator]

Hours before the trial started. You'll find a television monitor outside the jam packed courtroom that many people want to see it. There's just not enough space.

[Steve Fishman]

The trial of Dr. Jack Boyle has everything. Murder, money, sex. And at the center of it all, an epic father's son's struggle that could send Jack to prison for life.

[Narrator]

A son takes the stand against his father in the John Boyle murder case.

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

Because I was extremely afraid of my father and I always have.

[Steve Fishman]

Collier Boyle has suspected his father since the night his mother disappeared. Now it's all going to be settled in court and Collier is determined to put his father away for murder. The question everyone is asking will his father fight back?

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

Boyle told me he definitely wants to take the stand and tell his side of the story.

[Steve Fishman]

From Sony Music Entertainment and Orbit Media, this is Finding Mom's Killer. I'm Steve Fishman. Episode 4 the Trial of the Century.

[Advertiser]

Who doesn't love the good things in life? Even though I enjoy a little luxury, it doesn't mean I can always afford it. Until I discovered Quince. Quince is my go to for luxury essentials at affordable prices. Quince offers a range of high quality items at prices within reach like 100% Mongolian cashmere sweaters starting at $50, washable silk tops and dresses, organic cotton sweaters and 14 karat gold jewelry. The best part? All Quince Items are priced 50 to 80% less than similar brands. Now you might be wondering, how is this possible? Well, Quince partners directly with top factories which allows them to cut out the middleman and pass the savings on to their customers. And Quinn's only works with factories that use safe, ethical and responsible manufacturing practices and and premium fabrics and finishes. I love that. I personally am obsessed with their Mongolian cashmere fisherman sweater. You can wear it with anything. Also the leather blazer. Dress up, dress down. Iconic. Give yourself the luxury you deserve with quince Go to quince.com Crimes for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns. That's quince.com Crimes to get free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.com Crimes hi everyone, this is Jonathan Van Ness.

[Narrator]

Clean water, fresh air, our health, electricity, honey we tend to take for granted the things that matter most, like the separation of church and state. Americans United for Separation of Church and State has been on the front lines defending your freedom to live and believe as you choose, so long as you don't harm others. Most folks don't see how church state separation affects our daily lives until that freedom is gone. The separation between church and state covers many core freedoms like civil rights for LGBTQIA plus people, women and racial slash religious minorities, or reproductive justice and freedom. But those rights are not a given. Every day, Americans United works at the state and federal level to make sure these freedoms and more are protected for every American to enjoy and benefit from. They can't do this alone though. Join Americans United for Separation of Church and State and growing the movement because church state separation protects everyone, freedom without favor and equality without exception. Learn more and get [e-mail] curious.

[Steve Fishman]

So let's go into the stately old courthouse in mansfield, Ohio. It's June 4, 1990. In the hallway there are folding chairs set up in front of a big TV screen for anyone who can't find a seat inside the courtroom, which is full to bursting, Jack Boyle sits quietly at the defense table in a tie and shirt sleeves, an attorney on each side. Throughout the trial, the attorneys will be calm, even tempered, rarely interrupting, kind of like well behaved guests. Seated at the prosecution table is what I'll call Team Collier. Lieutenant Dave Messmore, who's been with Collier since the beginning, is seated at one end. Collier would like to be there too, except he's got other obligations. He's in sixth grade, so he's at school, but if the prosecution needs him, he's ready, and they will. Also at the prosecution table is the recently elected chief prosecutor of the county, James Mayer. A chief prosecutor doesn't usually take on individual cases, but Mayer couldn't resist this one. This is the biggest Thing to hit Mansfield since Johnny Appleseed passed through in the 1800s. If Mayer wins, he'll be a hero. His re election all but assured. Of course, if he loses, he'll never live it down.

[Narrator]

I've never had a case had this notoriety. I've had other important cases, but they just didn't get, you know, attention.

[Steve Fishman]

Now, Jim Mayer is a dramatic presence. He looks ordinary, 40 years old, thick dark hair that matches his dark suits. But he struts around the courtroom like he owns the place. Patrols it with a pointer in hand, which he occasionally pokes at a witness. He's got a booming voice. He's sarcastic.

[Narrator]

You got a different version? Look here, your version. This ought to be good.

[Steve Fishman]

He's scathing, always on the attack, zealous, maybe overzealous at times. He barks at witnesses like I've only seen on tv.

[Narrator]

Yes or no? Yes or no?

[Steve Fishman]

He's like a mad dog. Yeah, Mad Dog Mayor. I like that. I'm gonna use it. So why is Mad Dog Mayor so exercised? I mean, if the cops dig up a body in your basement, you're going to prison, right? Not in this case. Consider the defendant, Dr. Jack Boyle, may be the city's most popular physician. Thousands of patients adore him. They write emotional letters to the newspaper raving about his dedication and kindness. They start a fundraiser to help with his legal fees.

[Narrator]

Some people still love him. Some people think he's not guilty.

[Steve Fishman]

And they stand right behind him and say he got framed. Which seems to be Jack's argument as well. He claims he has no idea how Noreen's body got buried in his basement. And then another challenge. Mad Dog has charged Jack with aggravated murder, meaning premeditated murder. And so Mad Dog has to prove that Jack planned this in advance. That's not going to be easy. There's just not a lot of direct evidence.

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

There are so many questions. Like, if he killed Noreen, why are there no fingerprints, no blood stains, and.

[Steve Fishman]

No murder weapon and no eyewitnesses? So Mayer needs a strategy, and he has one. Turns out there's a method to his madness. He doesn't just yell at witnesses. He has an attack plan. And it's relentless. It starts with one incontrovertible piece of evidence. Noreen's body. And so Mad Dog makes the body the star of the show.

[Narrator]

The courtroom is packed. I mean, there's not an empty seat.

[Steve Fishman]

Bernard Davis is a local attorney who attended the trial on the first day of testimony. He watches as prosecutors dim the lights, wheel in a television and press play on a videotape.

[Narrator]

This will be the actual footage of Noreen Boyle's body being exhumed from the basement of Dr. Boyle's home. It showed the basement of the house in Erie. And it was kind of dark with a few lights down. There had to be three or four cops down there. And you could see them bent over, pulling on something. I mean, they were yanking really hard. And all of a sudden, the body literally pops up out of the ground. I mean, it just like exploded up out of the ground. And the jury just was aghast. They went like that. I mean, it was totally shocking.

[Steve Fishman]

Now Mad Dog rolls out more audio visual aids. Here comes the jackhammer he claims was used to dig the grave.

[Narrator]

Watch yourself, blood.

[Steve Fishman]

And there in the courtroom, he just fires it up. The point, I guess, is to show how easy it is to operate. Anyone can do sounds like the building collapsing. Jurors cover their ears. But what connection does that jackhammer have to the good Dr. Boyle?

[Narrator]

And could you tell us why he was there?

[Steve Fishman]

He, meaning Dr. Boyle.

[Narrator]

He was in to rent a jackhammer. Sir.

[Steve Fishman]

That'S the owner of Easy rental in Mansfield. How does he know it was Jack? Jack paid with a personal check. And get this, the rental date. December 29th. Just two days before Noreen disappeared. Next, Mad Dog brings into the courtroom a box with the rolled up green tarp inside. It's the tarp Noreen was buried in. Jurors start coughing. Mad Dog apparently didn't realize the tarp still stunk of death. So Mad Dog stops with the objects and now starts serving up witnesses. It's an all you can eat buffet. Detective Dave Messmore, plus detectives from Erie and Mill Creek. The realtor who remembered Jack's odd questions, the previous owner of the house, who testifies to Jack's insistence on an early move in date, a concrete expert, a medical examiner, one of the Boyle's neighbors. And on it goes. All told, Mad dog will call 67 witnesses. I mentioned to Dave that sure seemed like overkill. Dave said to me, as long as you kill him. Don't you love cop talk? And yet, looking across the room, the defense seems unfazed. Here's Jack's lawyer.

[Narrator]

I don't know that it's damaging. Nobody ever argued that Mrs. Boyle wasn't dead or they didn't find her body in Erie, Pennsylvania, in the basement of the house.

[Steve Fishman]

Yeah, you know, ho hum. There's a body in my client's basement. It happens. But the really cunning part of mayor's strategy isn't to present evidence of Jack's guilt, it's to go at him personally. This is Lieutenant Dave Messmore.

[Narrator]

His status as a doctor was somewhat elevated, so they wanted to beat that down and make sure that he's so discredited nobody would ever believe him.

[Steve Fishman]

Mayor's out to show that this guy who you trusted to take care of your sick kids isn't trustworthy. He's a creep. First step in the beatdown. Jack's tall tales.

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

He told me he was a Navy fighter pilot. That he'd been involved in the Iran hostage rescue attempt, that he'd gotten shot in that attempt.

[Steve Fishman]

Next philandering.

[Narrator]

During the time you worked for Dr. Boyle, did you ascertain the fact that he had a number of girlfriends?

[Steve Fishman]

Mayor, addressing Jack's secretary.

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

I gathered that, yes. One girl's name was Jeannie. I remembered another being named Jana, I believe. One had called by the name of Jan. Sherry had called.

[Steve Fishman]

Apparently the secretary took a census.

[Narrator]

And that's a total of how many?

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

Six, I guess.

[Steve Fishman]

And sitting in the courtroom that day, listening to all this? None other than Jack's girlfriend, Sherry Campbell, frozen on a bench towards the back of the court. Courtroom expressionless. Who does Mad Dog call to the witness stand next?

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

The 29 year old woman who prosecutors say Dr. John Boyle murdered his wife for. Finally testified during his murder.

[Steve Fishman]

And for fans who can't get enough of the Jack Boyle melodrama, this is a delicious moment. Here she is, the other woman, the seductress, the vixen Jack needed to be with at all costs.

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

It's actually better than a soap opera.

[Narrator]

Because it happened right in our own town.

[Steve Fishman]

Just like a movie for TV watchers, Sherry might be entertainment for Mad Dog. Sherry is key to his case. She's motive. Now, the prosecution doesn't need to supply a motive. The law's view is who cares why Jack killed Noreen as long as you can show he did kill her. But jurors like a motive. It helps them put the pieces together. So in the trial's second week, the motive walks to the witness stand. She's wearing a power suit with broad padded shoulders, the style of the times. Sherry is 20 years younger than Jack, attractive, with curly, dirty blonde hair.

[Narrator]

Were you in love with the defendant?

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

Yes.

[Narrator]

Are you still in love with the defender?

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

Yes, I am.

[Narrator]

Sherry, have you recently had a baby?

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

Yes, I have.

[Narrator]

And who is the father of that baby?

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

Jack Boyle.

[Steve Fishman]

Sherry gave birth to a daughter on January 12, 1990, less than two weeks after Noreen's disappearance. The baby's name, Christine for Jack's mother. So now Mayer wants his team to impress on the jury that no one can trust Jack, not even the mother of his newborn. After all, Jack didn't tell Sherry he was married until she was halfway through her pregnancy.

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

I still wanted to marry him.

[Narrator]

Never had any doubts.

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

No, I trust him completely.

[Steve Fishman]

That is definitely not what Mad Dog wanted to hear. That this loyal new mom finds Jack completely trustworthy. So at this point, how does the courtroom scorecard look? The video of the body, the jackhammer, the tarp, they all connect Jack to Noreen's burial and through that to the murder. Hard to believe he doesn't have something to do with this crime. What about character attacks? Well, in a churchgoing Midwestern town, infidelity isn't going to make you a welcome dinner guest. Mothers, lock up your daughters, that kind of thing. But Sherry, in my view, I think she backfired on Mad Dog. She was like a character reference for Jack. Plus, Sherry is kind of evidence that his womanizing days are over. So end the trial here and I'd say Jack has a chance of walking. But wait, there's a development.

[Narrator]

12 year old Collier Bole is expected to testify tomorrow.

[Steve Fishman]

This is Collier's fight. He wants justice for his mom. I mean, this is the moment, right, that it all comes out. Ryan Reynolds here from IT Mobile.

[Narrator]

I don't know if you knew this, but anyone can get the same Premium.

[Steve Fishman]

Wireless for $15 a month that I've been enjoying.

[Narrator]

It's not just for celebrities.

[Steve Fishman]

So do like I did and have one of your assistant's assistants switch you.

[Narrator]

To Mint Mobile today. I'm told it's super easy to [e-mail].

[Steve Fishman]

Switch upfront payment of $45 for three.

[Advertiser]

Month plan equivalent to $15 per month required intro rate first three months only, then full price plan options available, taxes and fees, extra fee, full [e-mail] does.

[Steve Fishman]

It ever feel like you're a marketing professional just speaking into the void? Well, with LinkedIn ads, you can know you're reaching the right decision makers. You can even target buyers by job title, industry, company seniority skills. Wait, did I say job title yet? Get started today and see how you can avoid the void and reach the right buyers with LinkedIn ads.

[Narrator]

We'll even give you a $100 credit.

[Steve Fishman]

On your next campaign. Get started at LinkedIn.com results, terms and conditions apply. Collier Landry Boyle, being his mother's son, carefully chose his outfit for court. I had like a turtleneck with a.

[Narrator]

Little Mickey Mouse on it.

[Steve Fishman]

My mom loved Mickey Mouse, and I wore that specifically to represent my mother in the courtroom. So in the trial's third week, sporting that white Mickey Mouse turtleneck under a blue. Blue sweater, Collier walks into a courtroom filled to capacity. He walks past the judge and past his father. Bucket up. You know, the witness box.

[Narrator]

They asked me to raise my right hand type of thing. You raise your right hand, please. Do you swear or affirm? Test went about the court. Nothing but the truth.

[Steve Fishman]

Right away, a very different version of Mad Dog Mayor is on display. The lapdog version.

[Narrator]

Will you tell us who you are?

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

I'll. Collier Landry Boyle.

[Narrator]

And then just to make you a little familiar with the courtroom, we have the microphones there. You can just speak up right at the microphones. Okay, so you told us who you are. Could you tell us how old you are now?

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

I am 12 years old. I could lean in there.

[Steve Fishman]

For Collier. This is the first time in six months that he's been in the same room as his father. I see him sitting right there at his table. He's got like a cream colored shirt on. Got his glasses on. He doesn't look at me. I'm staring at him. That's what made me even more angry.

[Narrator]

He wouldn't look at me, and he's.

[Steve Fishman]

Just looking at me.

[Narrator]

Taking notes.

[Steve Fishman]

Taking notes.

[Narrator]

What are you taking notes about?

[Steve Fishman]

Why are we here?

[Narrator]

Why are we even here?

[Steve Fishman]

I was pissed off. Inside, Collier might be angry, but on the outside, he's not showing it. He's engaging, polite. He calls mayor sir. He's a little nervous, but at times it seems he's almost having fun. Like when he's asked, did he see a jackhammer around the house?

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

I mean, I really don't look around for a jackhammer laying around the house. It's not what you call a home utensil.

[Steve Fishman]

Then Mad Dog notices something. Collier has his asthma inhaler with him. It's in his hand.

[Narrator]

You give him a demonstration how that works.

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

Okay.

[Narrator]

Do you feel a little better now?

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

Mm.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

Okay.

[Steve Fishman]

Collier might speak like an adult, but Mad dog has just made the point. He's a vulnerable kid, and emphasizing that makes everything he's about to say about his father much more powerful. Mayor now directs Collier to the night his mother disappeared. December 31, 1989. He was an ear witness. First, there was a scream. That was his little sister. She slept in Noreen's room.

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

Well, a little while later, maybe about three minutes, maybe, I heard a thud.

[Narrator]

Okay, could you describe this sound for us?

[Steve Fishman]

Okay.

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

It was about this loud. And then about a minute and a half later, I heard. Or I mean, half a minute later, I heard a thud like this. Even louder.

[Steve Fishman]

Collier believed the commotion was coming from his mother's bedroom, across the hall from his own. He couldn't say what the thuds were, but it sounded like something bad was going on.

[Narrator]

All right. Now, did you get up at that time to investigate what had happened?

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

No, I did not.

[Narrator]

And could you tell the jury why you didn't?

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

Because I was extremely afraid of my father. I always have.

[Steve Fishman]

Jurors might have thought they Knew all about Dr. Jack Boyle's peccadilloes, his infidelities, his tall tales. But Collier says, he's much worse than you think. The little boy who sometimes has trouble breathing is about to deliver his father a devastating blow.

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

He just started ripping off all the computer games and throwing them at my head and at my shoulders and at my back and. And everything. Then he started making me call myself a stupid little fat boy, Making me run around all over the house. They would say, what are you? And I'd say, a stupid little fat boy says, what are you? I said, a stupid little fat boy. You say even larger, what are you? I said, a stupid little fat boy.

[Steve Fishman]

Collier recounts other incidents, too, involving Noreen. Collier says he wanted to protect his mother but couldn't.

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

I heard this loud crash, like something like glass, I guess. And my mother, I heard her crying, and I said she was kneeling at the floor. And I said, mommy, what's wrong? And it looked like my father had slammed the door and the glass was all over her.

[Steve Fishman]

Collier says Jack's anger was often directed towards his mom.

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

He was cursing at my mother, calling her a b. T. And just pointing at her and making her bow down and beg for forgiveness.

[Steve Fishman]

Mayer finishes with Collier after about an hour. He has to like what he's heard. Collier offered more circumstantial evidence that something terrible happened the night of Noreen's disappearance. But the real victory for Mayer is this. Collier testified to the side of Jack. His adoring patients never saw a sadist who terrorized his wife and son. Here's Carl hunnell, a reporter who covered the trial.

[Narrator]

To testify with your dad sitting, you know, 15, 20ft away watching you, Collier was the most compelling witness the prosecution had.

[Steve Fishman]

Now it's the defense's turn to cross examine Collier. But this is going to be tricky. If a trial is a fight, then cross examination is the counterattack. The point is to pick a witness apart. But how do you go after a 12 year old one who's just lost his mother without alienating the jury. One of Jack's defense lawyers gives it a try. Apparently, he's decided on a gentle approach. The lawyer asked Kyer about his parents divorce papers and about his mom.

[Narrator]

Did she show them to you?

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

Yes, once.

[Steve Fishman]

Divorce papers can be nasty business. They're often filled with ugly accusations. The defense wants to suggest that Noreen showed them to Collier in order to poison him against Jack. Which might explain away Collier's angry testimony. It doesn't go the way the defense hoped. What did Collier glean from the divorce papers? His mother shared she was upset that.

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

My father told her that he was going to send my sister back to China.

[Steve Fishman]

Look what just happened. Of course Noreen was furious at Jack. Of course she was happy to turn Collier against him. But Collier makes Jack out to be the villain. Jack is the one threatening to shift his little sister to the other side of the world. So the defense tries something else. Okay, Jack has a bit of a temper, but it's not that bad, right?

[Narrator]

Has your father ever struck you with his fist?

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

No, he has not.

[Steve Fishman]

But then the attorney pushes his luck.

[Narrator]

Has he ever slapped you with his hand?

[Steve Fishman]

What? Why would you ask that?

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

Yes, he asked.

[Narrator]

And when did that occur?

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

On the 4th of July. We were at the CIC Club and I was watching the fireworks. They scared me because they were so loud and I plugged my ears. He screamed and cursed at me and told me not to. And then he slapped me right on the leg.

[Narrator]

All right. Now, I guess my question is, other than that incident, were you ever slapped by your father?

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

Oh, yes.

[Steve Fishman]

Dude, whose side is this attorney on? So on my scorecard, Collier's testimony is a huge win for the prosecution. Jack's extramarital affairs, I chalk those up to a bad marriage, inventing an act or two of heroism. Pretty standard dating practice I've heard. But bullying and hitting your kid, Threatening and humiliating. Humiliating your wife? A person who does that is capable of terrible things. Mayer told reporters he was proud of Collier.

[Narrator]

For the boy to get up and testify against his father in an aggravated murder trial involving the death of his mother, that's one of the most difficult things I've ever seen any human being have to do.

[Steve Fishman]

The prosecution rests. Now it's the defense's turn to present Jack's case. But what is the defense's case? Mad dog Mayer professes to be baffled.

[Narrator]

As far as what the defense is really going to be, I'm at a loss.

[Steve Fishman]

In criminal trials, the defendant rarely speaks, but he's usually an object of fascination. Everyone wants to know what he's thinking, what he's feeling as 12 strangers mull his fate. But from the beginning, Jack Boyle has been impossible to read.

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

Boyle has appeared unaffected by any of the testimony and preoccupied scribbling notes.

[Steve Fishman]

But when the cameras went off, Jack came out of his shell, crawling on all fours, pantomiming escape as if cutting up for his fans. This is Carl Hunnel, the reporter in the courtroom.

[Narrator]

And he sat in there one day and he spelled out the word Oreo with his hands. O, R, E O. He wanted Oreos.

[Steve Fishman]

My view. Jack better cut the clown show. His son just gave a blockbuster performance on the stand, painting him as evil. Immediately after Collier's testimony, Jack had made a statement to a local reporter.

[Narrator]

Well, it was difficult for me to see him there saying things which were not correct.

[Steve Fishman]

Things that were not correct. In other words, Jack is saying that his son lied on the stand. In that case, a witness better counter the kids lies. So far, the defense has done little more than point out minor inconsistencies in testimony and fumble cross examinations. If they've been holding back. Well, now's the time for the grand reveal.

[Narrator]

Mr. Winning, who do you call at this time, please? John Boyle, Judge. Good afternoon. A Mansfield doctor is taking the stand.

[Steve Fishman]

In his own defense this afternoon.

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

Dr. John Boyle is accused of killing his wife Noreen and burying her body under the basement.

[Steve Fishman]

Defense attorneys don't generally like their clients to testify. The risk that they'll be forced to reveal damaging information is way too high. But juries, they do like hearing from the accused. They like being able to judge a defendant's credibility for themselves. And keep in mind the defense does not actually have to prove anything. All they have to do is raise just one doubt that sways one juror, and Jack won't be convicted.

[Narrator]

Raise your right hand, please. You swear on Prince? That's why God gave his court to be the truth. The whole truth not, but the truth. Well, have you got it?

[Steve Fishman]

Jack's patients believed him. Women and veterans and doctors bought his tall tales. Why shouldn't one juror believe him?

[Narrator]

For the record, for the benefit of the jurors, would you state your full name, please? John Francis Boyle, Jr. What's your date of birth, John? May 1, 1943.

[Steve Fishman]

When he takes the stand in the trial's fourth and final week, Jack is 47 years old. Right away, Jack's attorney helps him own up to a few things on his terms. Sure. He had a Few girlfriends, but he and Noreen had an understanding. It's not like he was sneaking around behind her back. This is the heart of Jack's defense. And yes, he does have one. Jack had no motive to kill Noreen. Remember, at one point, it was suggested that Jack killed Noreen in order to be with his mistress, Sherry. But that doesn't make sense. Jack and Noreen were already getting divorced. He and Sherry were already settling into a new house with their new baby. Jack's life was great. It's not like Noreen was in the way. Why would he kill her? It's a good question. Next, Jack has to deal with his Collier problem. Jack's already said he's angry at Collier. Saying things that way were not correct. Collier portrayed him as a mean, punishing father. But Jack wants the jury to know he was a devoted, even doting dad. Jack's lawyer tosses him a softball. He asks him to tell the jury about all the time he spent with Collier. But it's a swing and a miss. Jack says he mostly spent time with Collier on weekends. Went to a couple of his Boy Scout meetings one time to a basketball game, maybe two. Probably best to move on, Jack. And in any case, the part of Collier's testimony that Jack really needs to undermine is his account of the night Noreen disappeared. Remember, Collier said the noises he heard that night came from his mother's bedroom. Jack says he was in the living room on the couch where he usually slept when Noreen came downstairs and picked a fight about money.

[Narrator]

She stood there and threw credit cards at me. Did she leave the house then? Mm, yes, she did. Was she dressed at that time? She was dressed. She had her clothing on. She had an overcoat and a hat and was carrying a suitcase or her purse. I saw Noreen get into a car at the edge of the driveway.

[Steve Fishman]

In other words, the last time he saw her, Noreen was alive. And according to Jack, heading off on her own adventure.

[Narrator]

Did you honor about December 31st of 1989 caused the death of Noreen Boyle? No, I did not. I did not kill Noreen. I never harmed her at all. I did not hire anyone or ask or counsel or incite or anything else like that to take the life of Noreen Boyle?

[Steve Fishman]

Lieutenant Dave Messmore once told me that Jack lied. And Dave knew exactly when because he said Jack had a tell. When he lied, he blinked a lot. To me, this just sounded like goofy cop lore. But on the witness stand, swearing under oath that he didn't kill his wife, Jack is blinking like A car's turn signal. So now Jack has made his case. The strongest part for me, it's that he had no motive. Unfortunately for Jack, the prosecution doesn't have to prove motive. And so at this point, I'm thinking that's it. That's all the defense has got. No bombshell, last minute alibi, no new eyewitness. Just Jack. All right. Well, good luck, Jack. Across the room, Mad Dog Mayor is straining at the end of his leash. It's time for cross examination. And Mayor wants to take Jack on a little trip. Hey, Jack. Follow me to Erie, Pennsylvania. Down to that basement on Wolf Road, why don't you? Testimony showed that Jack personally purchased and then personally installed Astroturf in a corner of the Wolf Road basement. Even though he'd never installed carpet before. It was going to be a children's play area. Noreen's body was found underneath it two weeks later.

[Narrator]

Did you even look around to see what you were doing when you put the carpet down? Yes. So you looked? Yes. Yet you didn't see any depression there? No.

[Steve Fishman]

Jack says he didn't notice anything out of the ordinary when he installed the Astroturf. No indentation in the basement floor, no fresh concrete, and certainly no gravesite. By now, Mad Dog is in full attack mode. Pointer waving, scowl on his face, contempt in his voice.

[Narrator]

Sure you're not trying to hide something, Dr. Boyle? I'm certain I'm not turning. Mayor, where is your wife? In that cellar when you put that carpet down.

[Steve Fishman]

No, she wasn't.

[Narrator]

But I know her.

[Steve Fishman]

Jack is blinking a lot. Remember, Mad Dog is focused on the body in the basement. His bet? Prove that Jack buried Noreen's body and the jury will believe that he murdered Noreen. Now Mad Dog deftly maneuvers Jack into a corner. Given what Jack has just testified to, there's only two possible explanations for the body in his basement. One, Jack buried her himself. Two, is more involved. At some point during the third week of January, 1990, unknown conspirators broke into the Wolf Road house with no signs of forced entry. By the way, they took down shelves built on the Astroturf, ripped up the Astroturf Jack had just glued down. They dug a hole in the concrete using a jackhammer like the one Jack had rented and then buried Noreen. And then these crafty criminals put fresh concrete over her body, glued the Astroturf back down, reconstructed the shelving on top and vanished. Whoever this person or persons might be, they'd gone to some spectacular lengths to frame Jack. The facts as they're known really don't look good for Jack. Mad Dog Mayor goes on the attack.

[Narrator]

Didn't you orchestrate this fabrication? Weren't you the mastermind of this? Yes or no? Mastermind or orchestrator?

[Steve Fishman]

Okay, I have been using Mad Dog a lot. It's not false advertising. Here's another Mad Dog snarl. This time he's questioning Jack about Sherry.

[Narrator]

So she was lying, yes or no? She lied to them, didn't she? Not, I think, lying, yes or no.

[Steve Fishman]

Now Mayer wants Jack or really the jury, to imagine something. Suppose the police had never gotten a search warrant for the Wolf Roadhouse, never dug up the basement, and Jack had moved in with his children.

[Narrator]

Where would her body. Her body had been if it wasn't found? It still would have been in the basement, correct? Obviously. So your own children would be in that home with you, with their mother, buried in the basement. Correct? Of course. Well, I've been trying to get out of you. It's just a simple yes or no answer. We don't need an excuse or an explanation.

[Steve Fishman]

So Mad Dog Mayor leaves the jury with this really disturbing image of Collier and his little sister playing on the Astroturf that covers their mother's dead body. Through everything, Jack stays even level. In fact, he seems almost befuddled, like all this is happening to someone else.

[Narrator]

So is it accurate that you carry your emotions more inside than on your shirt sleeve? No, it's not accurate. But what would be an accurate defense? I'm human and normal, just like you and the rest of the people in this courtroom are.

[Steve Fishman]

Sounds to me almost like a plea. So is Dr. John F. Boyle, Jr. Human and Normal? Or is he a cold blooded killer? It's now up to the jury to decide. Good evening, everyone.

[Lieutenant Dave Messmore]

This was the moment of truth in Mansfield today.

[Narrator]

We, the jury in this case, find the defendant, John F. Boyle Jr. Guilty of the offense as charged in the indictment.

[Steve Fishman]

Jack is looking directly at the judge. He's still calm, still emotionless. The judge sentences him on the spot, Life in prison with no chance of parole for 20 years. And then leaves him with a few final words.

[Narrator]

You have to make your own peace. God will go with you.

[Steve Fishman]

Right there in the courtroom, Mad dog Mayor and Lt. Dave Messmore Light up some celebratory cigars. Dave has been saving a good one for just this occasion. Then he goes to a payphone. He has someone to call. Collier is at the tennis club practicing groundstrokes, keeping his mind off the trial of his dad. He's wearing his white tennis shorts and sneakers when someone fetches him. He's taken to a conference room. Dave is on the phone. Yeah, it's good news. They won. Collier helped put his father in jail. Maybe for the rest of his life. There's a lot to feel good about. But Collier? What is 12 year old Collier feeling? Mommy's dead. Daddy's headed to prison. It dawns on Collier. He's now effectively an orphan. I just remember thinking, just to myself, like, what happens to me now? Don't want to wait for that next episode. You don't have to unlock all episodes of Finding Mom's Killer ad free right now by subscribing to the Binge Podcast Channel. Search for the binge on Apple Podcasts and hit subscribe at the top of the page. Not on apple. Head to getthebinge.com to get access wherever you listen. As a subscriber, you'll get binge access to new stories on the 1st of every month. Check out the Binge Channel page on apple podcasts or getthebinge.com to learn more. Finding Mom's killer is a production of Orbit Media creator and host Steve Fishman. That's me. Our senior producer is Drew Nellis. Our producer and production coordinator Austin Smith our story editor Emil Klein. Fact check by Ryan Alderman Mixing in sound design by Scott Somerville. Our lawyers are at Davis Wright Tremaine from Sony Music Entertainment. Our executive producer is Jonathan Hirsch. Special thanks to Emily Racik, Steve Ackerman, Catherine St. Louis, Sammy Allison, Fisher Stevens, Rhea Julian, Dan Bopkoff at wme. We'd like to thank Evan Krasik, Marisa Hurwitz and Ben Davis. We want to also thank Carl Hunnel at the Richland Source for the generous use of his podcast studio. And a really warm thank you to Collier Landry for sharing his story and for his production assistance.