Podcast Summary: The Deck – Episode: Elisa Gano (Queen of Diamonds, Arizona)

Introduction

In the October 23, 2024 episode of The Deck, host audiochuck delves into the tragic and unresolved case of Elisa Gano, known as the "Queen of Diamonds" from Arizona. This episode meticulously unpacks the circumstances surrounding Elisa's untimely death, the subsequent investigation, and the profound impact her loss had on her family. Through interviews with Detective Dominic Rostenberg and insights from a Crime Expert, the episode sheds light on the complexities of cold case investigations and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Discovery of Elisa Gano

The episode opens with Detective Rostenberg setting the scene of October 3, 2000, when Elisa Gano's body was discovered in the early morning hours by a paving crew in an industrial area along West Lower Buckeye Road in Phoenix, Arizona.

"It was the early morning hours on October 3, 2000, when a paving crew arrived at their job site along West Lower Buckeye Road in Phoenix, Arizona. They were in the process of laying asphalt at a large parking lot. But that morning, all work was halted because the crew made a startling discovery." – Detective Rostenberg [00:32]

Upon discovering Elisa's body, the crew immediately contacted law enforcement, recognizing the probable foul play.

"They were kind of shocked, obviously, to see a nude woman on the side of the roadway. They immediately recognized that she was more than likely deceased, so they immediately called the police department." – Crime Expert [03:18]

Initial Investigation

Detective Rostenberg recounts the initial confusion over jurisdiction, as the first officer on scene was from the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office rather than the Phoenix Police Department.

"No sign of life... more than that, he most likely knew she'd been dead for at least a few hours by the time she was found, because he also noticed discoloration in the left arm from where blood had started to settle." – Detective Rostenberg [04:37]

The victim, Elisa, was found completely nude except for a brown hiking boot on her left foot and two socks. Her shirt and bra were pulled over her head, tangled in her hair, and she showed signs of a struggle with contusions and abrasions.

"The cause of death was determined to be strangulation in the manner of death of homicide. She also had numerous abrasions and contusions throughout her body, so she had recent injuries that would have been consistent with her being physically attacked..." – Crime Expert [10:45]

Challenges in the Investigation

The secluded location and lack of eyewitnesses posed significant challenges. Physical evidence such as a condom, a soda can, and a cigarette butt were collected but initially did not lead to a suspect.

"Timothy clearly had some violent tendencies, and that DNA appears to have put him at the scene. Detective Rostenberg is 99% certain he was there." – Detective Rostenberg [29:40]

Despite entering Elisa's DNA profile into CODIS, no immediate matches were found, leaving detectives without a clear lead.

Impact on Elisa's Family

Elisa's family, especially her five children and her mother, Lydia, were left in turmoil following her death. The episode poignantly captures their grief and the ongoing quest for answers.

"I remember we were getting off the bus... then they're like, are you Freddie? Like, my nana's like crying and we're like, what's going on?" – Freddie [12:08]

Her eldest son, Freddie, describes the heartbreak of losing his mother and the enduring hope that she would overcome her struggles.

"Freddie: Us having kids. I think she would have at least tried to change her life around, and I think she would have been a great grandma. She was an awesome mom." – Freddie [31:06]

Breakthrough with Familial DNA

Years later, Detective Rostenberg revisits the case with new technology—familial DNA analysis—which leads to a breakthrough in identifying a potential suspect.

"A hit on someone who had been previously arrested on drug charges." – Detective Rostenberg [25:14]

The familial DNA pointed to Janessa Edwards, the daughter of Timothy Edwards, establishing a probable link to Elisa's murder.

"So when we ran into Ernesto, we were optimistic at first. He agreed to be interviewed... but he wasn't someone who was acting like a guilty man." – Crime Expert [19:12]

Identification of Timothy Edwards

Further investigation revealed Timothy Edwards, Janessa's father, as the likely perpetrator. Although he had an extensive criminal background, his death in 2008 precluded the possibility of legal prosecution.

"Timothy clearly had some violent tendencies... what exactly happened between Elisa and Timothy or how they even came into each other's orbit?" – Detective Rostenberg [29:40]

His obituary confirmed his residence in Iron River, Michigan, and a history of violent crimes, aligning with the DNA evidence linking him to Elisa's murder.

Unanswered Questions and Continuing Search for Justice

Despite identifying Timothy Edwards as the probable killer, many questions remain unanswered, including his motive and whether he had other victims. The DNA evidence did not connect him to any additional cases, but the possibility remains.

"Freddie: It's bittersweet because now we know, but we don't have answers. We don't know what his motive was, or was it just a random thing, or did he do it to other people?" – Freddie [30:48]

Detective Rostenberg emphasizes the ongoing search for justice and urges anyone with information to come forward.

"If you know anything about the murder of Elisa Gano... please contact Silent Witness at 480-948-6377 or toll-free at 1-800-343-TIPS." – Detective Rostenberg [32:31]

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a reflection on the enduring pain of Elisa's family and the elusive nature of justice when critical evidence remains unanswered. The Deck underscores the importance of continued advocacy and investigation in cold cases, hoping that listeners might hold the key to unlocking these long-standing mysteries.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "It was the early morning hours on October 3, 2000, when a paving crew arrived at their job site..." – Detective Rostenberg [01:28]

• "They were kind of shocked, obviously, to see a nude woman on the side of the roadway..." – Crime Expert [03:18]

• "Freddie: It's bittersweet because now we know, but we don't have answers." – Freddie [30:48]

• "If you know anything about the murder of Elisa Gano... please contact Silent Witness..." – Detective Rostenberg [32:31]

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Deck masterfully combines detailed investigative narration with heartfelt family testimonies, painting a comprehensive picture of Elisa Gano's life, struggles, and tragic death. It serves as a poignant reminder of the human stories behind cold cases and the ongoing pursuit of justice for victims and their loved ones.