True Crime Garage - Episode 856: "Park Bench Murders" Summary

Release Date: July 15, 2025

Hosts Nic and the Captain delve deep into the harrowing unsolved case of the Park Bench Murders, exploring new developments, related incidents, and ongoing investigative efforts. This episode offers a comprehensive examination of the double homicide of Catherine Brown and Carnell Sledge, the subsequent investigation, and potential connections to other violent crimes in the Cleveland Metro Parks area.

1. Introduction to the Park Bench Murders

The episode begins with Nic setting the stage for the discussion of a significant cold case: the double homicide of Catherine Brown (33) and Carnell Sledge (40), who were fatally shot while sitting on a park bench at the Rocky River Reservation in Cleveland Metro Parks on June 4, 2019. Six years later, their families continue to seek justice and closure.

Key Details:

• Date & Location: June 4, 2019, Rocky River Reservation, Cleveland Metro Parks.
• Victims: Catherine Brown and Carnell Sledge, longtime friends and beloved community members.
• Circumstances: The victims were meeting at a park bench when they were ambushed and shot. Carnell was killed instantly, while Catherine had time to stand or attempt to flee before she was killed as well.
• Scene Observations: No murder weapon was found, leading initial speculations of a possible murder-suicide, a theory quickly dismissed as police realized the improbability given the lack of a weapon and absence of stolen items.

2. Investigation Progress and Challenges

The hosts discuss the complexities and challenges faced by the Cleveland Metro Parks Police Department in solving the case. Despite extensive efforts, including collaboration with the FBI, US Marshals Service, and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), the case remains unsolved.

Notable Points:

• Police Response: Initial confusion upon arriving at the scene, struggling to classify the crime correctly.
• Lack of Evidence: No weapon recovered, no theft evident, and absence of eyewitnesses or earwitnesses despite the public location and daylight setting.
• Public and Family Efforts: Families have been proactive in seeking tips and maintaining media attention, including participation in shows like Netflix’s "Unsolved Mysteries."

Quote:

Nic [16:11]: "They can’t seem to locate the gun and… the case drags on with no justice for these two folks who just seem like some really good people."

3. New Developments: Leroy Johnston Case

Nic introduces a related case that has emerged as a potential link to the Park Bench Murders: the homicide of Leroy Johnston.

Case Overview:

• Date & Location: September 30, 2023, Millstream Run Reservation, Cleveland Metro Parks.
• Victim: Leroy Johnston, 77, found dead in a wooded area.
• Perpetrator: Victor Vendler, arrested in May 2024, pled guilty, and sentenced to life in prison on June 30, 2025.
• Circumstances: Victor, 22 at the time, lured Leroy to the park, killed him, and subsequently took his own life. The motive appears personal, stemming from a relationship between the two.

Potential Connection: The proximity of the two crimes within the same Metro Parks system raises questions about possible links. However, no direct connection between Victor Vendler and the Park Bench Murders has been established.

Quote:

Nic [40:22]: "He’s been sent away for life in prison... But do we know what kind of gun was used? Because we know what kind of gun was used in the park bench murder."

4. Another Related Incident: Thomas Barton Murder

The discussion shifts to another violent incident in Cleveland:

Case Details:

• Date & Location: May 14, 2025, Cam's Corners, Cleveland.
• Victim: Thomas Barton, 68, shot while mowing his lawn.
• Perpetrator: Brian Hurt, 66, who was found dead in his SUV, likely from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
• Circumstances: Witnesses saw a dark SUV fleeing the scene. The suspect, Brian Hurt, had a history of violent behavior, including 25 criminal arrests.

Possible Connection: Brian Hurt’s proximity to both the Rocky River Reservation and his violent history raise suspicions about his potential involvement or connection to the Park Bench Murders. However, no definitive link has been made.

Quote:

The Captain [51:08]: "Brian Hurt, the rap sheet on him shows us 25 criminal arrests…"

5. Speculations and Theories

Nic and the Captain explore various theories regarding the unsolved nature of the Park Bench Murders and potential connections to other cases:

• Possibility of a Silencer: Given the lack of a murder weapon and the nature of the shootings, there is speculation about whether a suppressor was used. However, Nic emphasizes, "We've covered other cases where we do know and have 100% proof and know that it's fact that a suppressor or silencer was used," highlighting that in this case, no such evidence has been found.

• Potential Witness Misidentification: The duo considers whether witnesses might have misidentified sounds (e.g., fireworks or car backfires) as gunshots, thereby complicating the investigation.

• Suspect Profiling: The hosts discuss the characteristics of a potential suspect, emphasizing a personal connection to the victims, given the nature of the murders in a public, non-random setting.

Quote:

Nic [27:03]: "You can find a seeking information poster available on FBI.gov… anyone with any information regarding these murders is asked to call the FBI's Cleveland Field Office…"

6. Critique of Law Enforcement Efforts

The hosts critically assess the efforts of the Cleveland Metro Parks Police Department, despite acknowledging their collaboration with expert groups like the Vidoc Society. Nic expresses frustration with the perceived lack of progress and transparency:

• Involvement of Experts: While commendable for involving the Vidoc Society, the hosts feel the investigation still lacks breakthroughs.

• Questioning Police Response: Nic challenges Chief Kelly Stillman’s responses regarding potential additional firearms owned by suspects, indicating dissatisfaction with the investigative thoroughness.

Quote:

Nic [73:32]: "I really think that there was a direct connection between the, the gunman for the park bench case with one of those victims. I don't see any line that you can draw between either of these perpetrators."

7. Appeal for Public Assistance

The episode concludes with a strong call to action, urging listeners to come forward with any information that might aid in resolving the Park Bench Murders. The hosts provide contact information and emphasize the availability of rewards for tips leading to an arrest and conviction.

Contact Information:

• FBI Cleveland Field Office: 216-622-6842
• Crime Stoppers Cuyahoga County: 216-252-7463
• Online Tips: tips.FBI.gov

Quote:

Nic [70:54]: "Something here really helps the show out and we want to thank all of our listeners…"

8. Recommended Reading

To further explore related crimes, the hosts recommend "Amy: My Search for Her Killer" by James Renner, detailing the abduction and tragic death of 10-year-old Amy Mihaljevic, another unresolved case in the Cleveland area.

Conclusion: Episode 856 of True Crime Garage provides an in-depth exploration of the Park Bench Murders, highlighting the enduring pain of the victims' families, the complexities of the investigation, and the potential links to other violent crimes in Cleveland's Metro Parks. The hosts effectively combine factual reporting with analytical discussions, encouraging public involvement to bring closure to this long-standing case.

For more detailed analysis and updates on the Park Bench Murders, listen to the full episode on your preferred podcast platform or visit TrueCrimeGarage.com.