Podcast Summary: The Unforgotten
Season 1, Episode 15: "The Boy Who Found Shelley"
Release Date: May 12, 2025
Host/Authors: Carol Dawson & Wes Ferguson
Produced by: Free Range Productions

Introduction

In this poignant bonus episode of The Unforgotten Season 1, titled "The Boy Who Found Shelley," hosts Carol Dawson and Wes Ferguson delve deeper into the unresolved murder of Shelley Salter Watkins in Corsicana, Texas. The episode focuses on the three young fishermen who discovered Shelley's body in the Trinity River over three decades ago—a detail that had remained obscured in previous investigations and media reports.

The Quest to Identify the Fishermen

Carol Dawson emphasizes the emotional weight of uncovering the identities of the fishermen who found Shelley's body:

"The title of this is extremely poignant to me because... the three fishermen who actually found Shelly Watkins body in the Trinity river were very, very young." (00:58)

Wes Ferguson recounts the extensive research undertaken to identify these individuals:

"We recently learned that they were all teenagers or in their early 20s... their names had never been mentioned in any of the newspaper articles." (01:26)

Despite reaching out to numerous potential witnesses from the case files, their identities remained elusive until persistent efforts bore fruit when one fisherman, referred to as Mark, agreed to share his firsthand account.

Mark's Discovery of Shelley's Body

Mark, an 18-year-old at the time, recounts the day he and his friends found Shelley:

"We just put Heller fishing, catfishing. Sometimes you catch a big old oar just to bite it in." (11:44)

Navigating the Trinity River around midday, Mark describes the moment of discovery:

"So we're just going down the river, but you see this, like, chain." (12:43)

Upon inspecting the black trash bag snagged in the river, Mark realized the grim reality:

"So we're just going down the river, but you see this, like, chain." (12:43)
"It was just floating away." (13:12)

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Mark and his friends promptly reported the finding, leading to the involvement of local law enforcement.

Key Details from Mark's Account

Mark provides crucial insights that clarify discrepancies in earlier reports:

1. Condition of Shelley's Body:

   "It was like a trash bag... tied around the waist in a sense." (17:13)
   Contrary to previous accounts, Mark specifies that Shelley's body was wrapped in a black trash bag, not plastic construction sheets.

2. Timing of the Discovery:

   "I'm gonna say it was about midday, noon near the three o' clock suburbs there." (18:10)
   This contrasts with dispatcher Christy Warrick and game warden Rick Thomas, who recalled the discovery occurring in the early evening.

3. Jurisdictional Clarifications:

   "One guy went down with a pig member from Henderson County. They went down to verify it was a party." (19:14)
   Mark explains that law enforcement meticulously measured the location to determine jurisdiction, dispelling notions of reluctance or blame-shifting between Henderson and Navarro counties.

Analysis and Unanswered Questions

Carol Dawson reflects on the implications of Mark's discovery:

"If Mark and his friends hadn't decided to go fishing that day... she probably would have been swept away." (16:23)

Key Takeaways:

• Impact of Young Discoverers: The episode underscores the profound psychological impact on Mark and his friends, who were on the brink of adulthood yet faced the traumatic discovery of Shelley's body.

• Discrepancies in Reports: Mark's account reveals inconsistencies in official records, particularly regarding the condition of Shelley's body and the timing of the discovery.

• Jurisdictional Importance: The precise location of the discovery had significant legal ramifications, influencing the direction of the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.

Unanswered Questions:

1. Measurement Accuracy: Carol questions the exact methodology behind the six-inch differential that determined jurisdiction:

   "I cannot help but consider half a foot to be a crucial twist of fate... how did they determine where those six inches lay." (20:48)

2. Autopsy Findings: The presence of a furrow around Shelley's throat raises questions about potential additional ligatures:

   "I have wondered if perhaps there was yet another ligature on top of the ones that were binding her ankles and torso." (25:15)

These questions remain central to understanding the full scope of Shelley's murder and the investigative flaws that may have hindered justice.

Conclusion and Next Steps

As Carol and Wes reflect on Mark's testimony, they emphasize the ongoing nature of their investigation and the importance of listener contributions:

"Your name and the name of the person that you might mention will never be disclosed." (29:04)

They appeal to listeners for any additional information that could shed light on unresolved aspects of the case, particularly regarding the ownership and movement of Shelley's white BMW post-murder.

Carol Dawson concludes with a call for further assistance:

"Can any of you confirm the name of the new owner or driver of Shelley's white BMW after her death?" (29:38)
"How soon after the murder was it that this person was seen driving the car around Corsicana or elsewhere?" (29:44)

The episode serves as both a tribute to the young men who found Shelley and a clarion call for continued community engagement to finally uncover the truth behind her tragic death.

Notable Quotes

• Carol Dawson on the Emotional Weight:

  "The three fishermen... were very, very young." (00:58)

• Mark on the Discovery:

  "So we're just going down the river, but you see this, like, chain." (12:43)

• Wes Ferguson on the Importance of Accuracy:

  "Mark and I have committed from day one to tell the most accurate, complete and unbiased story possible." (07:15)

• Carol Dawson on Listener Contributions:

  "We thank all of you who are so willing to throw off the shadow of your fears and finally come forward and share." (27:01)

Final Thoughts

"The Boy Who Found Shelley" is a compelling episode that not only uncovers new testimonies but also highlights the persistent gaps in the investigation of Shelley Salter Watkins' murder. By bringing Mark's firsthand account to light, Carol Dawson and Wes Ferguson provide invaluable insights that challenge previous narratives and open avenues for renewed scrutiny. Listeners are encouraged to engage and contribute further information to aid in resolving this long-standing mystery.

For more information and updates on this case, visit unforgottenpod.com.