The Unforgotten: Episode 16 – Linking the Chains
Release Date: June 30, 2025
Host/Authors: Wes Ferguson and Lemoyne Lohan
Production: Free Range Productions
Introduction
In Episode 16 of The Unforgotten, titled "Linking the Chains", hosts Wes Ferguson and Lemoyne Lohan delve deeper into the mysterious and unresolved murder of Shelley Salter Watkins. This episode uncovers new testimonies and connections that shed fresh light on the circumstances surrounding Shelley's disappearance and subsequent death in the Trinity River, Texas.
Unveiling New Testimonies
Wes Ferguson initiates the discussion by highlighting a surge in witnesses coming forward with long-held stories. He notes, “people have been sitting on these stories for a very, very long time” (01:02). This newfound courage among individuals has allowed previously concealed information to surface, potentially pivotal to solving the case.
Lemoyne Lohan references recent revelations about the disposal of Shelley's body, introducing two interconnected narratives that suggest a deeper conspiracy. She poses a critical question to Wes: “You have two different stories that are connected here. Which one do you want to begin with?” (02:05).
The Missing Chains: A Critical Clue
Wes recounts a significant piece of information received last summer from his hometown of Corsicana. A deathbed confession from a man named Richard, an employee at Watkins Construction, provides a potential link to Shelley's murder. Richard discovered that his truck’s chains were missing the morning after Shelley's disappearance. Initially suspecting a coworker, Richard remained silent until Shelley's body was found a week later, realizing the chains' significance. Wes emphasizes the legal importance of deathbed confessions: “deathbed confessions are not considered hearsay in court” (07:50).
Connection Through Watkins Construction
Lemoyne Lohan introduces another layer to the mystery by discussing an interview with former police officer Lemoyne Lohan. He reveals that eyewitness John McCullum saw a suspicious white luxury car near the bridge where Shelley was found, identifying Jerry Mack Watkins as the individual seen (11:06).
Lemoyne further explains how Lewis Palos, a close associate of the Watkins family and a former police sergeant, was implicated in delaying the report of Shelley's disappearance. Lewis Palos failed to notify his superior for seven days, a delay that severely hindered the investigation. Wes details the business connections between the Watkins family and Palos Enterprises, a courier service that became a pivotal element in the unfolding narrative (13:00).
Disposal of the Chains: Linking the Two Stories
The crux of this episode revolves around the mysterious removal and disposal of chains from Watkins Construction. Wesley connects Richard's missing chains to a secondary chain that Luther Palos, Lewis’s brother, was instructed to dispose of the night Shelley disappeared. Wesley theorizes that the missing chains from Richard’s truck were likely used to weight down Shelley’s body in the river, with the leftover chains then disposed of as per Carmack Watkins’ instructions (25:19).
Lemoyne Lohan prompts the importance of this connection: “...as if... the leftover chain from what was taken from Richard's truck and used to weight Shelly down.” (25:39)
Wes cautiously states, “It is purely conjecture that the chain Luther Palos was asked to dispose of was the same used to weight Shelly,” emphasizing the need for further evidence (27:10).
Impact on the Investigation and Law Enforcement Involvement
Both hosts stress the significance of these revelations in advancing the investigation. Wes confirms that all new testimonies have been shared with law enforcement, reinforcing their commitment to uncovering the truth: “Law enforcement has all of these stories” (28:37).
They appeal to listeners for any additional information or corroborating stories, urging those with knowledge to come forward and assist in piecing together the puzzle surrounding Shelley Watkins’ tragic fate (29:15).
Concluding Insights and Future Directions
In closing, Wes and Lemoyne reflect on the metaphorical significance of "linking the chains" both literally and figuratively in the context of the investigation. They acknowledge the emotional toll on Shelley’s family and reaffirm their dedication to bringing closure to the case.
Wes Ferguson concludes, “You know, it is so eye-opening and just another link in the chain of this story that we’ve been putting together for so long” (30:06).
Looking ahead, Lemoyne announces the upcoming third season of The Unforgotten, promising to cover a different case and continuing their mission to seek truth and justice for unresolved mysteries.
Notable Quotes
- Wes Ferguson: “people have been sitting on these stories for a very, very long time.” (01:02)
- Wes Ferguson: “deathbed confessions are not considered hearsay in court.” (07:50)
- Lemoyne Lohan: “You have two different stories that are connected here. Which one do you want to begin with?” (02:05)
- Wes Ferguson: “It is purely conjecture that the chain Luther Palos was asked to dispose of was the same used to weight Shelly.” (27:10)
- Wes Ferguson: “You know, it is so eye-opening and just another link in the chain of this story that we’ve been putting together for so long.” (30:06)
Conclusion
Episode 16 of The Unforgotten meticulously connects disparate pieces of evidence and testimonies, weaving a compelling narrative that brings new dimensions to the unresolved case of Shelley Salter Watkins. By linking the missing chains to key individuals within Watkins Construction, Wes Ferguson and Lemoyne Lohan offer fresh insights that may push the investigation closer to the truth. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the case by sharing any pertinent information, continuing the communal effort to honor Shelley’s memory and seek justice.
For more information and to listen to the episode, visit unforgottenpod.com.