The Unforgotten – Episode 11: Update on Shelley's Murder Case (January 13, 2025)

Overview

In this bonus follow-up episode, hosts Carol Dawson and Wes Ferguson provide crucial updates on the unresolved murder of Shelly Salter Watkins (1993), as previously detailed in Season 1, "The Labor Day Ghost." The episode delves into developments involving the investigative use of DNA evidence, the inertia and questionable actions of the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, attempts to leverage genetic genealogy, and the broader systemic issues hampering progress. Dawson and Ferguson also discuss community efforts, first-hand witness accounts, and the enduring personal impacts of the prolonged legal limbo.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

DNA Evidence and the Sheriff’s Office

• Initial Hope for Breakthrough (02:13–03:48):
  In 2019, DNA from an unknown male was recovered from materials found with Shelley's body. Sheriff Bodie Hillhouse indicated intent to partner with a well-regarded genetic genealogist to pursue new leads via family tree analysis.

  “We basically gathered up everything we had ... to see if you can find any touch DNA that wasn’t available at that time. Technology's changed dramatically. ... We found out we had a possible profile, male profile.” – Sheriff Bodie Hillhouse (02:26)

• Mysterious Turnaround (03:49–05:17):
  Despite initial statements, the genealogist in question denied any involvement. Carol highlights the misleading communication and lack of follow-through by the sheriff.

  "I had asked him [Hillhouse] for her name ... but I never got another email from Bodie again. That was it." – Carol Dawson (04:36)

• Failure to Act with Othram (05:58–08:09):
  Wes contacts Othram, a renowned forensic genealogy company, whose founder expresses willingness to help. Despite this, the sheriff’s office remains unresponsive, failing to send evidence or even communicate.

  "This company ... would be willing to help the sheriff's office, which has been sitting on this DNA for five years ... Silence for weeks." – Wes Ferguson (07:16)

Community Efforts and Chain of Custody

• Citizen Involvement (11:14–13:16):
  After learning the sheriff lacked probable cause to obtain DNA from a long-considered suspect’s associate, a community member lawfully collects physical evidence, documenting chain of custody. Investigator Victor Paris collects it, but then the trail stops.

  "The person acquiring it makes sure there's a camera going ... and then it is labeled, it's marked, whatever is necessary, and it is then sent or retrieved by law enforcement. ... Any citizen can do this." – Carol Dawson (11:32)

  However, the sheriff’s office refuses to send the evidence to Othram or any lab in a timely manner, citing indecision about the processing facility.

  "He said, well, haven't sent it anywhere off yet. ... The sheriff says he doesn’t want us to send it to Othram..." – Carol Dawson & Investigator Paris (13:51)

Stonewalling and Media Silence

• Consistent Obstruction (15:39–19:41):
  The sheriff’s refusal to act is described as "paralysis." Multiple approaches by media, including a major ABC 20/20 producer, are rebuffed. All lines of communication shut down, including staff being instructed not even to greet visitors.

  "She told me that she has never in her career ... encountered such as, and I quote her words, 'a steel defense wall.' She's never been barricaded like this..." – Carol Dawson (21:33)

• DA’s Reluctant Cooperation (19:41–21:26):
  The District Attorney’s office initially hands out a blanket refusal but, after private urging, offers a cordial but uninformative meeting, citing ongoing investigations.

Theories, Hearings, and the Value of the Evidence

• Hearsay About Suspect’s Involvement (23:22–26:50):
  Community hearsay suggests a possible accomplice, identified as being preoccupied with and talking about the murder, and gaining a suspicious large deposit ($600K) in his bank account—reported near the time of public focus on the DNA.

  "[This person] ... had a very large sum of money in his bank account that he had not known was there." – Carol Dawson (25:31)

• Long-Term Damage to Victims’ Families (36:04–38:12):
  Interviews with numerous off-the-record sources highlight the lasting trauma and harm caused by both the murder and the lack of resolution.

  “It gives people opportunities. ... As long as there is a legal limbo, it gives people opportunities to continue damage.” – Carol Dawson (36:30)

Systemic Failures and Institutional Barriers

• Law Enforcement Priorities and Disinterest (28:56–31:55):
  The hosts discuss how a focus on political corruption rather than justice for Shelley's murder derailed the original case, including details about Jerry Mack Watkins’ actions after being identified as a suspect, and how law enforcement allowed the case to stall.

  "As our FBI informants ... told us, they were warned ... that Jerry Mack Watkins would cooperate with them if they would not discuss anything about the murder case." – Unattributed (29:27)

Family Updates

• Jake Felt’s Divorce (32:36–34:03):
  The divorce between Jake Felt and Ashley (Shelley’s elder daughter) is finalized.

  “As of a week ago, that divorce settlement was reached and Jake and Ashley are no longer officially married." – Carol Dawson (32:56)

• Impact on the Victim’s Daughters (34:03–36:04):
  The daughters of Shelly have grown up under their father Jerry's version of events, with the murder shrouded in misinformation and the case unresolved.

  "They have always been told by their father and stepmother that ... some stranger did this to their mother and that ... their father is completely innocent of any charges." – Carol Dawson (35:10)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Law Enforcement’s Inaction:

  “If you want to know what somebody wants, look at what they’re doing. That’s all you need to do.” – Carol Dawson (30:42)

• On Citizen Action:

  “A citizen, any citizen, can do this.” – Carol Dawson (11:32)

• On the Stonewalling by Authorities:

  “‘A steel defense wall.’ She’s never been barricaded like this on any case ever before.” – Carol Dawson, quoting ABC 20/20 producer (21:33)

• On the Enduring Legacy of the Case:

  “This story has legs. You know, it just doesn’t die. ... and I am glad to say, outraged by it because of the clear lack of justice.” – Carol Dawson (27:10)

• On Institutional Betrayal:

  “It’s really staggering to see where law enforcement places its priorities.” – Wes Ferguson (30:20)

Timeline of Major Segments

• 00:00–01:24: Episode introduction and overview of season one case updates (Wes).
• 01:24–03:48: DNA evidence history and initial claims about genetic genealogist involvement (Carol/Sheriff Hillhouse).
• 05:58–08:09: Othram's offer to assist and continued sheriff’s office inactivity (Wes).
• 11:14–13:16: Citizen acquisition of DNA evidence and subsequent law enforcement delays (Carol).
• 15:39–19:41: Discussion of ongoing stonewalling, including media and community interactions (Wes/Carol).
• 21:33–22:01: Recounting ABC producer’s experience of unprecedented blockade (Carol).
• 23:22–26:50: Hearsay and rumors about the suspected accomplice and suspicious finances (Carol).
• 28:56–31:55: Discussion of law enforcement priorities and lost opportunities (Wes/Carol).
• 32:36–36:04: Update on family situation—divorce, aftermath, and manipulation of victims’ narrative (Carol).
• 36:04–38:12: Long-term effect of unsolved cases on broader community (Carol).
• 38:38–39:08: Teaser for next week’s bonus episode and sign-off.

Conclusion

This episode paints a vivid, frustrating picture of a case mired in bureaucratic inertia, hampered by unresponsive officials, and haunted by institutional failures and personal tragedies. Despite clear avenues for progress and passionate community engagement, the pursuit of justice for Shelly Watkins is continually impeded by internal resistance, with potential evidence left unused and voices demanding answers left unheard. The episode powerfully underscores the immense cost of official inaction—on victims, families, and the community.

Next Episode Preview:
The hosts will address listener questions about other family members, rumors about the Watkins residence, and why the case has not been reopened.