The Unforgotten: Update on Shelley's Murder Case
Season 1, Episode: Update on Shelley's Murder Case
Release Date: January 13, 2025
Host/Authors: Free Range Productions (Carol Dawson & Wes Ferguson)
Introduction and Continued Investigation
In the latest bonus episode of The Unforgotten, hosts Carol Dawson and Wes Ferguson provide an in-depth update on the unresolved 1993 murder of Shelley Salter Watkins. Four months have passed since the conclusion of Season 1, The Labor Day Ghost, yet the quest for justice remains as intense as ever. The duo reveals that their ongoing efforts have yielded both hopeful breakthroughs and perplexing obstacles.
Discovery of New DNA Evidence
A significant development centers around the DNA recovered from materials found with Shelley's body. Initially collected in 1993, this evidence was revisited in 2019 when the Sheriff's office sent it to California for advanced testing. "In 2019, the Sheriff's office took all the materials that were found with Shelley's body and sent them off for testing," explains Carol Dawson (02:42).
The re-examination revealed a male DNA profile that does not match Jerry Mack Watkins, Shelley's chief suspect, nor any members of the Watkins family. This discovery reignited hopes for identifying the unknown male associated with the case.
Engaging Genetic Genealogy Experts
Sheriff Bodie Hillhouse of Henderson County took proactive steps by involving a renowned genetic genealogist from Denton, Texas. "He [Sheriff Hillhouse] told me that he had turned that DNA profile, which did not match Jerry Mack himself or any members of the Watkins family, over to a genetic genealogist who had done some outstanding work in other cases," Wes Ferguson recounts (04:04).
However, coordination with the genealogist faced setbacks. Despite initial assurances, Carol Dawson noted the genealogist’s spokesman later stated she was "not working on this case" and was "not even familiar with it" (05:16), leaving the investigation in limbo.
Collaboration with Othram
Determined to push forward, Dawson reached out to Othram, a leading forensic investigative company known for solving high-profile cases like the Golden State Killer. Othram expressed eagerness to assist, offering to arrange funding to prevent financial strain on Henderson County taxpayers (09:09).
Despite Othram's readiness, Investigator Victor Paris exhibited reluctance. "The sheriff says he doesn't want us to send it to Othram, that we're going to send it somewhere else," Wes shares (10:44). This hesitance stalled the potential breakthrough, further frustrating the hosts.
Encountering Stonewalling from Law Enforcement
The most significant hurdle has been the apparent stonewalling from Sheriff Hillhouse and his team. Both Carol and Wes describe multiple instances where attempts to advance the investigation were met with silence or refusal. This includes a producer from ABC 2020 facing an unyielding "steel defense wall" from the Sheriff’s office (24:00).
Carol emphasizes the broader implications of such inaction: "This has just really bothered me more and more as we have focused on this case...we have been stonewalled." (19:46).
Media Involvement and Increased Scrutiny
The lack of progress has attracted media attention, with major outlets eager to cover the case. However, interactions with media representatives have been similarly obstructed. For instance, an ABC producer experienced firsthand the resistance from Sheriff Hillhouse’s office, ultimately receiving a curt response about ongoing investigations (23:24).
Impact on the Family and Community
The unresolved case continues to cast a long shadow over Shelley Watkins' family and the community. Carol reflects on the emotional toll: "This is a completely very different kind of gothic story...it just has legs. You know, it just doesn't die." (28:49). Shelley's daughters, Ashley and Lane, have lived their entire lives under the cloud of their mother's unsolved murder, with their father, Jerry Mack Watkins, maintaining his innocence without seeking a day in court.
Law Enforcement Priorities and Personal Reflections
Both hosts express deep frustration with the priorities shown by law enforcement. Sheriff Hillhouse’s apparent paralysis contradicts his earlier commitments to solving the case, despite the involvement of dedicated figures like former Texas Ranger Ray Nutt. "It's really staggering to see where law enforcement places its priorities," Carol states (32:17).
Wes adds, "We have both speculated together privately about the three possible options as to what could account for that behavior," hinting at possible underlying issues without delving into specifics (18:51).
Closing Thoughts and Future Directions
As the episode draws to a close, Carol and Wes emphasize the need for continued public interest and investigative persistence. They allude to upcoming episodes that will address community rumors, such as the sale of the Watkins residence, and answer listener questions regarding the case's stagnation.
“The Unforgotten is a Free Range production. Season one, the Labor Day Ghost is created, written and hosted by Carol Dawson and me, Wes Ferguson,” concludes Wes, underscoring their unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth (40:36).
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Carol Dawson (02:42):
"We're still digging, talking to people, tracking down leads. Some of the things that we've learned have given us more hope that justice can still be served, but we've also run into some things that just don't seem to add up." -
Sheriff Bodie Hillhouse (03:26):
"Pathology's changed dramatically. We took the stuff out to the lab. We found out we had a possible profile, male profile." -
Wes Ferguson (04:04):
"He told me that he had turned that DNA profile, which did not match Jerry Mack himself or any members of the Watkins family, over to a genetic genealogist who had done some outstanding work in other cases." -
Wes Ferguson (10:44):
"He just blocked it. He said, 'we're going to send it somewhere else,' and by then, two or three weeks had gone by." -
Carol Dawson (19:46):
"It's truly baffling to me that he has all these people that are like asking for updates, trying to help, and we're all being stonewalled." -
Wes Ferguson (24:00):
"She's never been barricaded like this on any case ever before." -
Carol Dawson (32:17):
"It's really staggering to see where law enforcement places its priorities."
Time Stamps Reference
- 02:42: Discovery of New DNA Evidence
- 03:26: Sheriff Bodie Hillhouse’s Initial Comments
- 04:04: Engaging Genetic Genealogy Experts
- 10:44: Collaboration Challenges with Othram
- 19:46: Stonewalling from Law Enforcement
- 24:00: ABC Producer’s Experience
- 32:17: Law Enforcement Priorities
Stay tuned for next week's episode, where Carol and Wes will address listener questions about the case's stagnation, rumors surrounding the Watkins residence, and the status of Jerry Mack Watkins' other child.