The Unforgotten – Season 1, Bonus Episode: "Your Questions, Answered"
Podcast: The Unforgotten
Episode: 12 – Bonus Q&A on The Labor Day Ghost
Release Date: January 20, 2025
Hosts: Carol Dawson (A), Wes Ferguson (B)
Special Context: This bonus episode is dedicated to answering listeners' questions following the conclusion of Season 1, which investigates the unsolved murder of Shelley Salter Watkins in Corsicana, Texas.
Episode Overview
This candid, listener-driven bonus episode serves as an open forum for Carol Dawson and Wes Ferguson to answer lingering questions about the complex investigation into Shelley Watkins' 1993 murder. Touching on rumors, previously unaddressed relationships, legal mysteries, and the obstacles of seeking justice in small-town Texas, the hosts shed light on new insights, clarify misconceptions, and preview upcoming developments in the case—and beyond.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
Jerry Mack Watkins' Illegitimate Son and Family Dynamics
- Background & Significance: Listeners asked about Jerry Mack Watkins’ son from a previous relationship, his relationship (or lack thereof) with the Watkins family, and why this detail provokes interest.
- “He was an illegitimate child... Jerry had fathered this child, but then denied paternity until his feet were held to the fire legally.” – Carol (00:56)
- After legal action and a paternity test, Jerry provided support, but withheld this information from Shelley, causing strife after their marriage.
- Attempts to contact the son and his mother were unsuccessful; while he remains private, he is sometimes invited to family events, but "doesn't seem that connected" (03:17).
Rumors about Watkins Residence Sale
- Rumor: The Watkins home was allegedly for sale.
- Firmly denied by both hosts and not corroborated by family or real estate records. (03:41–05:06)
Dennis Bryant’s Role and Police Interviews
- Questioned Relationship: Listeners queried if Dennis Bryant, Kay Bryant (now Kay Watkins)’s ex-husband, was ever officially interviewed by police.
- No confirmation found, but as a former close neighbor and friend, it’s assumed likely.
- “Dennis and Jerry had been longstanding friends... former college roommates.” – Wes (07:08)
- Dennis passed away in 2019; limited contact with his family, none willing to comment.
Family Secrets and Hushed Evidence
- Rumor: Shelley may have hidden incriminating information about the Watkins family.
- “The prospect of her having hidden info somewhere is very, very piquant.” – Carol (10:01)
- No direct evidence of hidden documents or items has surfaced.
- Off-the-record sources suggest “real shady behavior” by Carmack Watkins and sons, but allegations are unconfirmed and not public record (11:09).
Legal Maneuvering and Stonewalling
- Discovery Requests & Civil Suit:
- Jerry Mack acquired legal counsel immediately; denied police entry to the residence until forced by a warrant months later.
- Never deposed for criminal or civil matters related to Shelley’s death (13:19–14:34).
- Shelley's family settled a civil suit out of court—terms never reflected in public records, which left her sister Sandy with regret and “troubled” about the process (15:20–17:14).
Why Hasn’t the Case Been Resolved/Reopened?
- Case Status: Technically never closed, but unresolved.
- The original DA (E. Ray Andrews) solicited a bribe; Jerry Mack cooperated with the FBI to bring Andrews down, which led to dropped charges against Jerry and barred FBI involvement in Shelley's murder (18:24–21:58).
- “The District Attorney goes to federal prison. Jerry Mack Watkins goes free.” – Wes (18:58)
Current Law Enforcement and Texas Rangers’ Roles
- FBI and Texas Rangers: FBI declined to assist more recently due to lack of jurisdiction; several Texas Rangers have investigated over the years, with varying involvement and little result.
- “The possibility of [Rangers helping further]... I’ll be having a conversation with him." – Carol (23:38)
Status with the District Attorney and Donations
- Current DA: Jenny Palmer isn’t retrying the case likely due to lack of physical evidence; hints that new evidence could prompt action (25:44–26:50).
- Monetary Donations: Not pertinent, but information donations are highly welcome.
Future Media: Book, TV, and Documentaries
- Upcoming Projects: Book in progress by Carol Dawson, a soon-to-air episode of Sundance TV’s “It Couldn’t Happen Here,” and a two-hour ABC 20/20 special are all in the works.
- “This entire podcast sprang from a book that I am currently writing about my hometown of Corsicana and murders that have occurred there.” – Carol (27:00)
Generational Divide and Local Sentiment
- Community Response: Younger residents express indignation and desire for justice, countering the older generation’s desire to leave the case in the past.
- “Young people... have come to care deeply about Shelley... and the particular system of corruption... that they feel have pertained especially to this case.” – Carol (32:27)
Debunking the “Random Stranger” Theory
- Why the Stranger Narrative Falls Apart:
- Location, method of body disposal, forensic findings, and familiarity with the area all suggest a local, not a passing stranger.
- “It defies all common sense that she would have been picked up by someone who just happened to have all of these items...” – Wes (38:15)
- Autopsy findings showed no sexual assault and wounds consistent with personal, repeated violence—not a random attack (38:44–39:58).
Unresolved Logistics
- Who Drove Shelley Home? Who Stayed with the Children?
- Multiple rumors: Jerry’s brother Ronnie or possibly Kay. Could be that no adult stayed with the children while the murder/disposal occurred—a precedent exists in recent true crime cases (41:08–43:21).
The "Justice for Shelly" Billboard
- Impact: Erected by Shelly’s nieces, became a major talking point locally—demonstrates enduring community engagement and the family's ongoing grief (43:27–45:12).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On secrecy within the Watkins family:
“She did not know that he had actually been married twice before he married her.” – Carol (01:59) - On rumors and the house for sale:
“If it is, it’s top secret.” – Carol (04:55) - On lack of police progress:
“They’ve never tried to track the case because they couldn’t. It wasn’t in their jurisdiction.” – Carol (22:39) - On evidence and future prosecution:
“Should any physical evidence ... be tied directly ... to what happened to Shelly Watkins, ... there will be a pursuit of the case.” – Carol (26:23) - On community engagement:
“One of the interesting things about this whole case to me is, is that people don’t want to let it go.” – Carol (31:27) - On debunking the random killer theory:
“That body would have just been disposed of out a truck window.” – Carol (37:55) - On family pursuit of justice:
“They have been in a grief process for 31 years now. This was something that they did.” – Carol (44:47) - On continuing coverage:
“Our promise [to young listeners] is that this story is not going away.” – Wes (34:02)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:36 – Listener Q1: Illegitimate son backstory and family impact
- 03:41 – Q2: Is the Watkins house for sale? Rumor dispelled
- 05:06 – Q3: Dennis Bryant – his role, police interviews, and marriage to Kay
- 09:24 – Q4: The Watkins pool party seen in Netflix’s “Cheer” (Season 1, Ep4, 43:30)
- 10:01 – Q5: Did Shelley hide incriminating evidence? Family secrets
- 13:19 – Q6: Discovery requests and legal stonewalling
- 14:40 – Q7: Civil case settlement process and missing documentation
- 18:24 – Q8: Why hasn’t the case been reopened or resolved?
- 22:11 – FBI and Texas Rangers involvement, jurisdiction constraints
- 25:01 – Q9: DA role, case retrying, and information vs. financial donations
- 26:51 – Q10: Book, TV, and documentary plans
- 32:25 – Community response: generational differences and persistent anger
- 34:20 – Debunking the “stranger” theory; details of crime scene and autopsy
- 41:04 – Logistical mysteries: Who drove Shelley home? Who stayed with the kids?
- 43:27 – Justice for Shelly billboard: symbolism and response
Conclusion
This bonus episode of The Unforgotten unpacks the nuances of a cold case that continues to gnaw at a community’s conscience—balancing rumors, hard truths, and enduring ambiguity. While some answers remain frustratingly out of reach, Dawson and Ferguson’s dogged investigation keeps the conversation alive, refusing to let Shelley Salter Watkins’ story—or the broader questions of justice and secrecy in small-town Texas—fade into silence. The narrative, both somber and determined, is laced with dark humor, local color, and a clear commitment: “It ain’t going away.”
For further investigations, community engagement, and news on upcoming projects, tune into The Unforgotten and follow the podcast’s social media channels.