The Deck: Episode Summary – Anne Pates (7 of Clubs, Michigan)

Release Date: October 16, 2024

In this compelling episode of The Deck, host audiochuck delves into the haunting cold case of Anne Pates, also known as the 7 of Clubs from Michigan. This detailed summary encapsulates the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn from the investigation surrounding Anne's tragic disappearance and murder.

Introduction to Anne Pates

Anne Pates was a vibrant 23-year-old college student living with her family in Saginaw, Michigan. Known for her high energy and carefree spirit, Anne was a recent college graduate working as a saleswoman at a local car dealership. Her life took a tragic turn on July 2, 1999, when she disappeared under mysterious circumstances, leading to her eventual discovery as a victim of a brutal crime.

The Night of July 2, 1999

Anne's last known movements paint a picture of a typical evening that turned sinister. After work, Anne called her boyfriend, John, intending to discuss car troubles but only managed to make two unsuccessful calls at 1:27 AM and 1:33 AM. Shortly after, she informed her brother, Adam, that she was going out to get cigarettes—a decision that would cost her life.

Notable Quote:

"That's the worst day of my life." – Jason Pates, Anne's brother [10:14]

Anne was last seen leaving her home in her mother's 1995 Ford Contour late at night, a behavior not uncommon for her. However, this night was different, marking the last time anyone saw her alive.

Discovery of the Abandoned Car and Anne’s Body

Early the next morning, Anne's mother, Janet, received a call from a police officer about her abandoned car on the highway in Genesee County—20 miles from their home. Concerned, Janet went to retrieve the car, only to realize that Anne was missing.

Subsequently, the body of a young woman was found less than 10 miles from where Anne's car was discovered. The woman was severely injured, with multiple stab wounds, and was unable to provide any identification. This discovery prompted immediate police involvement, linking the abandoned car to Anne's disappearance.

Notable Quote:

"If something were to come about, it would mean the world to my mom and dad and my brother... It would mean closure." – Jason Pates [40:30]

Initial Investigation and Suspect: Jack Hall

The initial investigation focused on Anne's boyfriend, John, and her friend Max, both of whom provided alibis and passed polygraph tests. As detectives sought other leads, attention turned to Jack Hall, a local man with a history of sexual assault and a penchant for impersonating police officers.

Hall became a prime suspect after:

• Inconsistent DNA Evidence: While Hall's DNA matched previous assaults, it did not match the trace DNA found on Anne's ring. Detectives speculated this might be due to a first responder's involvement or pre-existing DNA at the scene.

• Impeccable Alibi: Despite his alibi initially holding, Hall's suspicious behavior during the investigation, including fleeing and attempting to hide, raised further suspicions.

Notable Quote:

"When you get stabbed in the face, it's typically personal." – Detective [19:17]

Ultimately, Hall was convicted for unrelated sexual assaults but could not be conclusively linked to Anne's murder due to insufficient evidence.

Cold Case Efforts and Ongoing Investigation

Despite the initial dead-end, the Michigan State Police maintained their commitment to solving Anne's case. Over the years, advancements in technology and the formation of a cold case team in 2022 renewed efforts to uncover new leads.

Key initiatives included:

• Reprocessing Evidence: Utilizing modern forensic techniques to re-examine existing evidence, though no new DNA matches emerged.

• Interviewing Jack Hall: Multiple attempts to interrogate Hall in prison yielded no cooperation, further complicating the case.

• Exploring Alternate Theories: Investigators considered the possibility of additional victims, hinted at by the discovery of multiple IDs in Hall's possession during his youth.

Notable Quote:

"We don't stop investigating homicide cases. We don't quit." – Sergeant Mark Reeves [32:49]

Current Status and Call for Closure

Twenty-three years after Anne's murder, the case remains unsolved, leaving her family without the closure they desperately seek. The cold case team continues to explore every possible lead, including potential familial DNA matches once technology permits.

Community Involvement: The episode emphasizes the importance of community participation in solving cold cases. Listeners are encouraged to provide any information that could aid the investigation, as even the smallest clue might be pivotal.

Notable Quote:

"Any little thing could be pieced together to help this go in a direction that we don't know that it needs to get taken." – Jason Pates [40:30]

Conclusion

Anne Pates' case is a sobering reminder of the enduring pain caused by unsolved crimes. The Deck presents a thorough examination of the investigative efforts, challenges faced, and the unwavering dedication of law enforcement to bring justice to Anne and her family. The episode serves as both a tribute to Anne and a call to action for the community to assist in uncovering the truth behind her untimely death.

If you possess any information related to Anne Pates' case or the criminal activities of Jack Duane Hall, you are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Flint and Genesee County at 1-800-422-5245 or visit their website for anonymous reporting.

The Deck continues to shed light on some of the coldest cases across the nation, collaborating with investigators and families to seek justice for the victims.