The Deck: Jay Durnil (2 of Hearts, Nebraska) – Detailed Summary

In the poignant episode titled "Jay Durnil (2 of Hearts, Nebraska)" from The Deck podcast, host audiochuck delves deep into the heart-wrenching case of Jay Durnil, an 11-year-old boy whose mysterious disappearance in 1976 has remained unsolved for nearly five decades. Released on October 2, 2024, this episode meticulously unpacks the events surrounding Jay's disappearance, the initial investigation, subsequent developments, and the ongoing quest for justice by his family and investigators.

Introduction to the Case

The episode opens with a vivid recounting of Jay Durnil's last known moments. Ashley Flowers, the host, sets the scene:

Ashley Flowers [Narrator]: "It was the evening of Thursday, April 29, 1976, and Wanda Durnell was home planning a scavenger hunt that was set to take place in her neighborhood that weekend as part of her housewarming party..." [00:58]

Jay, an enthusiastic 11-year-old, was enjoying an idyllic afternoon with his dog, Tex, near the Elkhorn River in the Riverside Lakes community, just west of Omaha, Nebraska. However, what should have been a perfect day turned tragic when Jay failed to return home.

The Disappearance

On the evening of April 29, 1976, Jay informed his mother, Wanda, that he was heading out to shoot cans at the river with a new friend who had a pellet gun. He assured her he would be back before dark. However, as twilight approached, Jay did not return, sparking Wanda's immediate concern.

Wanda Durnell [Memoir Excerpt]: "Before he disappeared, I said, 'Hey Jay, wait a minute, where are you going? It's almost dark.' Jay said his new friend had a pellet gun. They were going to shoot cans down at the river..." [04:50]

Despite extensive searches, including patrols by neighbors and a swift response from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Jay, along with his dog and bike, remained missing. The initial reports suggested no foul play, with officials believing Jay might have simply lost track of time.

Initial Investigation and Community Response

Captain Eric Sellers of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office provided insight into the early investigative efforts:

Captain Eric Sellers: "I believe that they did a visual search of the riverbank, and then a more thorough search was done looking for the bike... tossing in lines with a hook on it to see if they can find the bike." [08:01]

The community rallied in support of Wanda, offering assistance and conducting widespread searches. Wanda even increased the reward for information leading to Jay's safe return from $5,000 to $25,000, reflecting the desperation and hope that fueled her quest.

A Break in the Case: The John Raven Confession

Five years after Jay's disappearance, a significant breakthrough emerged when a young man named John Raven came forward with a startling confession. At 17 years old, Raven admitted to killing Jay, providing intricate details that only someone directly involved would know.

John Raven [Confession]: "He grabbed a hammer and swung it at Jay, hitting him in the back left side of the head... I used wire to tie Jay's hands because I was afraid he might wake up and fight back." [28:48]

However, Raven recanted his confession the very next day, citing confusion and a desire to return to jail. Despite passing a polygraph test, skepticism lingered due to inconsistencies, such as the location where Jay's bike was found versus where Raven claimed to have disposed of Jay's body.

Captain Eric Sellers: "Nobody can explain how John Raven knew the exact spot on Jay's head where he'd been hit... It's unclear how much truth there is to his confession." [30:23]

Ultimately, Raven was never charged, and the case was closed by exception in 1980, leaving many questions unanswered.

Reopening the Investigation: The Deck's Involvement

In the spring of 2024, The Deck's investigative team revisited Jay's case, gaining access to old case files that had been long forgotten. Their thorough examination uncovered the John Raven confession, prompting a reevaluation of the evidence and methods used in the original investigation.

Captain Eric Sellers: "I've been here 26 years, I've never read this one." [28:00]

The team found compelling reasons to question the validity of Raven's confession, especially considering his detailed knowledge of the crime scene and methods that were not publicly disclosed during the initial investigation.

Family Perspectives and New Insights

The episode features an emotional interview with Susie Durnill, Jay's cousin, who shares her family's enduring pain and the lingering impact of Jay's disappearance.

Susie Durnill: "Jay would have been an amazing veterinarian... I miss him. I shall always regret losing my son, my very best friend, my partner." [38:28]

Additionally, Wanda Durnill's memoir offers a heartfelt glimpse into her relentless pursuit of justice for her son, underscoring the profound loss and unyielding hope that has defined her life.

Wanda Durnill [Memoir Excerpt]: "My God, I loved that kid. I would have given up everything I owned, my very life to see him mature, contribute, and prosper." [38:49]

Unanswered Questions and Ongoing Pursuits

Despite the passage of time, several critical questions remain unanswered in Jay's case:

1. Motive and Perpetrator: Why did someone abduct and kill Jay? Was it a random act, or was Jay targeted specifically?

2. John Raven's Involvement: Was Raven's confession genuine, or was there another individual responsible for Jay's death?

3. Evidence Discrepancies: How does the hammer found in Jay's bike relate to Raven's account, and why were certain details omitted from initial reports?

The Deck's investigation team is determined to uncover the truth, urging anyone with information to come forward.

Ashley Flowers [Narrator]: "If you have any information about the 1976 murder of 11-year-old Jay Durnil near Waterloo, Nebraska, call the Douglas County Sheriff's Office and ask for Captain Eric Sellers." [39:36]

Conclusion: A Call for Justice

The episode concludes with a heartfelt appeal for listeners to aid in solving Jay's cold case. By shedding light on forgotten details and reinvigorating community interest, The Deck aims to bring closure to the Durnill family and ensure that Jay's story is no longer lost to time.

Wanda Durnill [Memoir Excerpt]: "No matter the age of your children, my wish for you is that you have such a constructive and rewarding relationship with your children as I had with Jay." [38:49]

Notable Quotes

• Captain Eric Sellers [08:01]: "I believe that they did a visual search of the riverbank, and then a more thorough search was done looking for the bike."

• John Raven [Confession] [28:48]: "He grabbed a hammer and swung it at Jay, hitting him in the back left side of the head."

• Wanda Durnill [Memoir Excerpt] [38:49]: "I shall always regret losing my son, my very best friend, my partner."

Final Thoughts

"The Deck" episode on Jay Durnil's tragic case exemplifies the podcast's mission to revisit cold cases, collaborate with investigators, and amplify the voices of grieving families. Through meticulous research and compassionate storytelling, audiochuck offers a platform for justice to be sought and, hopefully, achieved for Jay and countless others whose stories remain untold.

For more information or to share any details related to Jay Durnil's case, listeners are encouraged to contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office at 402-44-4600.

The Deck continues to champion cold cases nationwide, providing hope that even decades-old mysteries can one day find resolution.