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A Killer in Plain Sight | Blood is Thicker: The Hargan Family Killings

Trained to Kill: The Dog Trainer, the Heiress and the Bodyguard

Published: Wed May 22 2024

When detectives started investigating the deaths of Helen and Pamela Hargan, they came to a much different conclusion than the first responders on the scene. This was not a murder-suicide; it was a double homicide. But who could have killed the mother and daughter? Police began to zoom in on a single, shocking suspect.Get early, ad-free access to episodes of Blood is Thicker: The Hargan Family Killings by subscribing to 48 Hours Plus on Apple Podcasts or Wondery+ on the Wondery app. The series is widely available everywhere else you get your podcasts.Subscribe to 48 Hours+: https://apple.co/4aEgENoSubscribe to Wondery+: https://wondery.com/plus/

Summary

Trained to Kill: The Dog Trainer, the Heiress, and the Bodyguard Episode: A Killer in Plain Sight | Blood is Thicker: The Hargan Family Killings Release Date: May 22, 2024 Host/Author: CBS News

Introduction to the Hargan Family Killings

In the gripping episode titled "A Killer in Plain Sight | Blood is Thicker: The Hargan Family Killings", CBS News' 48 Hours correspondent Peter Van Sant delves into the mysterious and tragic double homicide of Pamela and Helen Hargan. The episode unravels the complex dynamics within the Hargan family, shedding light on the suspicious activities and interactions that led detectives to question Megan Hargan, the eldest daughter, as a potential suspect.

The Crime Scene and Initial Investigation

The episode opens with homicide detective Brian Byerson recounting the initial findings at the Hargan residence:

Detective Brian Byerson [01:01]: "To take everything, every scenario into play. That's our responsibility."

Detective Byerson noticed irregularities at the crime scene, such as a rifle leaning against Helen's body that wasn't stained with blood and wiped cell phones belonging to both victims. These anomalies prompted deeper scrutiny into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Detective Brian Byerson [02:24]: "Megan Hargan had gunshot residue on her hands. There is no reason that she should have that."

The presence of gunshot residue on Megan’s hands escalated the case from a single homicide to a potential double murder, raising suspicions about her involvement.

Megan Hargan: The Suspect

Megan Hargan, a former close friend of Rebecca Wolf, described herself and her relationship with Megan as deeply rooted in animal rescue work and mutual support.

Jill [06:09]: "Megan was kind of the mom of the crew."

Rebecca paints Megan as the responsible and compassionate sister who often took care of her younger sibling, Helen.

Despite her seemingly strong character, discrepancies in Megan's statements and evidence pointed detectives toward her as a person of interest. Megan's unsettling behavior during interviews—marked by inappropriate emotional responses and evasiveness—further fueled the investigation.

The Investigation Deepens

Detective Byerson and his team meticulously gathered evidence, including gunshot residue tests and autopsy reports, which contradicted the possibility of a self-inflicted injury by Helen.

Detective Brian Byerson [03:10]: "We don't see a way that she could have made that or she could have shot herself."

As the investigation progressed, Megan became a central figure. Her cooperation during the initial stages—providing fingerprints and clothing—placed her under increased scrutiny.

The Critical Interview with Megan

One of the pivotal moments in the episode is Megan's extensive interview with Detectives Byerson and Needles. The conversation, lasting over four and a half hours, revealed significant inconsistencies in her accounts.

Megan Hargan [05:29]: "I gave you my clothing. I gave you my fingerprint. I gave you everything because of that. Why would I give that if I knew I was guilty?"

During the interview, Megan mentioned suspicious activities involving two men in the neighborhood, which she claimed led her mother to hide the rifle.

Megan Hargan [18:26]: "I had to call the police over those guys. And you just know when someone like that's not somebody that's in your neighborhood kind of thing, because we're a very quiet neighborhood."

However, detectives discovered that no one else had reported seeing these men, casting doubt on Megan's narrative.

Uncovering Inconsistencies and Key Evidence

The investigation took a significant turn when detectives obtained recordings from Capital One Bank, revealing the details of a crucial wire transfer. Megan had initially claimed that her mother, Pamela, was handling the financial transactions related to their new house in West Virginia.

Detective Brian Byerson [27:46]: "You know, when you call the bank to do a wire transfer, you know they record the calls, Right?"

The recordings contradicted Megan's statements, showing that Pamela had authorized the wire transfer herself, not Megan. This evidence suggested possible deceit on Megan's part.

Detective Brian Byerson [28:33]: "Good morning. Thank you for calling Capital One Bank. My name is Brooks. Would you tell me your name, please? Pamela Hansen Hargan."

These recordings intensified the suspicion around Megan, as they indicated that her involvement in financial transactions was more direct than she had initially presented.

Megan's Deteriorating Defense

As detectives pressed further, Megan's defenses began to falter. Her inability to maintain a consistent story and her attempt to shift blame raised red flags.

Megan Hargan [25:11]: "To implicate you?"

Megan Hargan [25:32]: "You think your sister killed your mother? There's no way. I would have heard it."

These conflicting statements highlighted Megan's struggle to justify her actions and maintain her innocence amidst mounting evidence.

Conclusion: A Suspicious Figure in Plain Sight

The episode concludes with unresolved questions surrounding Megan Hargan’s true involvement in the Hargan family killings. Despite her outwardly responsible persona and support from close friends like Rebecca Wolf, the accumulating evidence and her inconsistent testimonies painted a troubling picture.

Detective Byerson's meticulous investigation uncovered critical discrepancies that challenge the initial perception of Megan as merely a grieving daughter. The episode leaves listeners pondering the fine line between appearance and reality, and whether Megan Hargan is indeed the killer hiding in plain sight.

Notable Quotes

  • Detective Brian Byerson [03:45]: "It's straight down, left to right."

  • Rebecca Wolf [06:09]: "Megan was kind of the mom of the crew."

  • Megan Hargan [05:29]: "I gave you my clothing. I gave you my fingerprint. I gave you everything because of that. Why would I give that if I knew I was guilty?"

  • Detective Brian Byerson [27:46]: "You know, when you call the bank to do a wire transfer, you know they record the calls, Right?"

  • Megan Hargan [25:32]: "You think your sister killed your mother? There's no way. I would have heard it."

Final Thoughts

"A Killer in Plain Sight | Blood is Thicker: The Hargan Family Killings" masterfully intertwines investigative journalism with a compelling narrative, offering listeners an in-depth look into a complex and emotionally charged case. Through meticulous storytelling and the inclusion of critical quotes, Peter Van Sant ensures that the audience remains engaged and informed, seeking answers alongside the detectives.

For those intrigued by true crime stories that explore the depths of human relationships and the pursuit of truth, this episode is a must-listen.

No transcript available.