Episode 5: Lost Boy – Finding Mom's Killer

Release Date: March 31, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 5, "Lost Boy," of Finding Mom's Killer, hosted by Sony Music Entertainment, listeners delve deeper into the tumultuous journey of Collier Landry Boyle. At just twelve years old, Collier faces the unimaginable loss of his mother, Noreen Boyle, and the imprisonment of his father, Jack Boyle, convicted for her murder. This episode explores Collier's struggle with abandonment, his search for a stable family, and the complex relationships he forms along the way. Through heartfelt interviews and poignant storytelling, the episode captures Collier's resilience and the intricate dynamics between the key figures in his life.

1. Collier’s Early Struggles and Abandonment

Following the tragic death of his mother and his father's incarceration, Collier finds himself grappling with profound isolation. The family court's reluctance to place him with relatives due to his father's conviction leaves Collier feeling abandoned. His uncle and aunt, despite being available, refuse to take him in, citing the negative associations with his father.

Collier Landry Boyle [00:24]: "I lost everything in my family. I'm alone. I just want some sense of normalcy. Right?"

Moreover, Collier's foster parents, while providing for his little sister, choose not to adopt him, further deepening his sense of rejection.

2. Bonding with Lieutenant Dave Messmore

Amidst his struggles, Collier finds solace in his relationship with Lieutenant Dave Messmore, a homicide cop who becomes a pivotal figure in his life. Over the past six months, Collier spends most weekends with the Messmore family, finding the fatherly support he desperately needs.

Collier Landry Boyle [01:56]: "Dave Messmore was with me at the absolute lowest point of my life. We had a bond that no one will take away. He was sort of like the father that I wished I had had."

Dave, though typically reserved, grows fond of Collier, witnessing positive changes in the boy's behavior as he engages in family activities.

Dave Messmore [02:26]: "He did things that he hadn't done before. You know, he liked being around my kids and they taught him how to play basketball and he bought jeans."

Sue Messmore, Dave's wife, also forms a strong bond with Collier, sharing memorable moments that highlight his maturity and resilience.

Sue Messmore [03:30]: "He chimes in, 'Well, Mrs. Messmore, you should buy that jacket. You deserve it.' Well, he actually talked me into buying the jacket."

3. The Messmores' Proposal to Adopt Collier

As Collier's relationship with the Messmores deepens, he makes a heartfelt request for them to adopt him, seeking the stability and love they offer.

Collier Landry Boyle [05:02]: "I need to talk to you. Would you and Sue consider adopting me?"

Initially hesitant, the Messmores contemplate the emotional challenges but ultimately decide to pursue adoption, committing to Collier's well-being through counseling and support.

Sue Messmore [05:37]: "I felt like Collier had no one. So I looked at him like this little boy who really was like an orphan. It just broke my heart."

4. Judicial Rejection and Collier’s Heartbreak

Despite their intentions, the court denies the Messmores' adoption request, primarily due to Collier's association with his father. The decision devastates both Collier and the Messmores, leaving Collier once again without a permanent family.

Collier Landry Boyle [06:58]: "It just. It was such a gut punch. I just felt broken in that moment."

5. Introduction of the Ziegler Family

Enter George and Susan Ziegler, a long-married couple from Mansfield, who had observed Collier's plight. Unlike previous guardians, the Zieglers represent a different kind of family support, aiming to provide Collier with the stability he needs without the complications introduced by the Messmores.

George Ziegler [07:46]: "I never was a huggy, huggy person. Ever."

Despite their gruff exterior, the Zieglers are motivated by genuine concern for Collier's well-being, given their connection to the Boyle family through the local school board.

6. Adoption by the Zieglers and Collier’s Adjustment

The Zieglers successfully adopt Collier, but the transition is fraught with challenges. Collier grapples with integrating into a new family environment while dealing with lingering trauma from his past.

Collier Landry Boyle [11:12]: "It's sort of like you're more than a house guest. And I felt like their son. But there's also this part of you that feels like you're not quite 100% there."

Despite the Zieglers' efforts, including providing for Collier's therapy, the emotional gap remains, leading to feelings of isolation and misunderstanding.

George Ziegler [11:36]: "They made me even pay for his counseling that he got. Court ordered, court ordered counseling we had to pay for."

7. Conflict Between the Messmores and the Zieglers

The Messmores, still hoping to reconnect with Collier, reach out to the Zieglers to be part of Collier's life. However, the Zieglers decline, prioritizing Collier's integration into their family without external interference.

Sue Messmore [12:22]: "We know that you are his adoptive parents, but we want to be a part of his life, an aunt and uncle, not to interfere, nothing like that."

This decision strains the relationships further, leaving Collier navigating familial boundaries amidst his search for belonging.

8. Collier’s Letters to His Father, Jack Boyle

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Collier's attempts to reconcile with his father, Jack Boyle, whose conviction remains a central mystery. Collier initiates correspondence with Jack, leading to a series of emotionally charged letters that reveal the complexities of their strained relationship.

• Early Correspondence:

  Jack's Letters:

  Jack Boyle [16:36]: "Hi, Bumper. Good morning. It's Sunday, August 7th."

  Jack's letters often come across as desperate for connection yet lack genuine understanding of Collier's experiences.

• Collier’s Emotional Struggle:

  Collier Landry Boyle [19:48]: "Dad. Just to get this off my chest, why did you kill my mom? Don't get me wrong. I do love you... I am proud to be an heir to the Boyle name."

  This letter showcases Collier's internal conflict—his desire for answers juxtaposed with his lingering love for his father.

• Jack’s Descent into Anger:

  Jack Boyle [21:46]: "Collier, I'm in receipt of your recent communication. Your poisonous communication is simply the app product of some nearby cesspool..."

  Jack's tone shifts dramatically, revealing bitterness and resentment, casting himself as a victim of circumstances.

• Collier’s Plea for Understanding:

  Collier Landry Boyle [24:11]: "Why are you all of the sudden so angry with me? Is it because I didn't sign the paper that said my testimony was untrue?"

  Collier's letters exhibit his desperate need for closure and truth, underscoring the emotional toll of his father's actions.

9. Legal Developments and Jack's Continued Efforts

Tom Adgate, an attorney, becomes involved in re-examining Jack Boyle's conviction. Upon discovering discrepancies in the original autopsy reports, Tom advocates for exhuming the body to verify Noreen's identity. Collier's approval is crucial for this process, intertwining legal action with his personal quest for truth.

Tom Adgate [26:37]: "I said, well, it could be true."

Despite the exhumation, DNA tests confirm Noreen's identity, solidifying Jack's conviction and leaving Collier with unresolved grief.

10. Jack Boyle’s Imminent Parole

As the episode progresses, Jack Boyle's determination to secure his freedom intensifies. Approaching his 82nd birthday and 35 years in prison, Jack faces a parole hearing. His continued efforts to involve Collier in his fight exasperate the already strained relationship.

Jack Boyle [30:30]: "His endorsement would be very good."

The episode concludes with Jack reaching out once more, signaling possible developments in his pursuit of freedom and the potential impact on Collier's life.

Conclusion

"Lost Boy" offers a heartfelt exploration of Collier Landry Boyle's enduring struggle for family and identity amidst tragedy and loss. Through his interactions with the Messmores, the Zieglers, and his father, listeners witness the profound effects of grief and the quest for belonging. The episode poignantly captures Collier's journey as he grapples with his past while yearning for a semblance of normalcy, embodying the resilience of a young boy determined to find his place in a fractured world.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Collier Landry Boyle

  • [00:24]: "I lost everything in my family. I'm alone. I just want some sense of normalcy. Right?"
  • [01:56]: "Dave Messmore was with me at the absolute lowest point of my life..."
  • [05:02]: "I need to talk to you. Would you and Sue consider adopting me?"
  • [06:58]: "It just. It was such a gut punch. I just felt broken in that moment."
  • [11:12]: "It's sort of like you're more than a house guest..."
  • [19:48]: "Dad. Just to get this off my chest, why did you kill my mom?"
  • [24:11]: "Why are you all of the sudden so angry with me?"

• Dave Messmore

  • [02:26]: "He did things that he hadn't done before..."

• Sue Messmore

  • [03:30]: "He chimes in, 'Well, Mrs. Messmore, you should buy that jacket...'"

• George Ziegler

  • [07:46]: "I never was a huggy, huggy person. Ever."
  • [11:36]: "They made me even pay for his counseling that he got..."

• Tom Adgate

  • [26:37]: "I said, well, it could be true."

• Jack Boyle

  • [16:36]: "Hi, Bumper. Good morning. It's Sunday, August 7th."
  • [19:41]: "Your education is the number one in your life."
  • [21:46]: "Your poisonous communication is simply the app product of some nearby cesspool..."

Produced by Sony Music Entertainment and Orbit Media.