True Crime Garage Episode Summary: "Park Bench Murders /// Part 2 /// 821"
Release Date: February 12, 2025
Hosts: Nic (Narrator) and the Captain
Introduction to the Case
In this gripping second part of the "Park Bench Murders" series, hosts Nic and the Captain delve deeper into the unresolved double homicide of Kate Brown, age 33, and Carnell Sledge, age 40, which occurred on June 4, 2019, at Rocky River Fairview Park Reservation in Cleveland, Ohio. Despite four years passing since the tragic event, the case remains unsolved, leaving the families and community desperate for answers.
Investigation Stagnation and Public Appeal
Nic begins by referencing a Cleveland Scene article published shortly after an episode of "Unsolved Mysteries" covered the case. The article, titled "Four Years Later, Officials Report No Progress in Metro Park's Double Homicide Case. But Fresh Hope Comes with National Coverage," highlights the frustration with the lack of progress despite numerous tips and interviews.
Nic [04:29]: "Investigators have gotten many scores of tips and conducted some 270 interviews, but who killed Carnell Sledge and Catherine 'Kate' Brown remains a mystery."
The FBI, alongside the Cleveland Division, has offered significant rewards—up to $20,000 from the FBI and $2,500 from Crime Stoppers—to incentivize new information.
Families' Frustration with Police Handling
The Captain and Nic express the families' confusion and dissatisfaction with the Metro Parks Police Department's handling of the investigation. A key point of contention is the refusal to involve the VDOC Society, a nonprofit group of retired criminal investigators known for assisting in complex cases.
Captain [06:13]: "There is some confusion from the families because it seems like Carnell's family thinks someone in Kate's life wanted her dead, while Kate's family sees no such threat to her."
Nic criticizes the interim Ranger Chief, Kelly Tillman, for rejecting the involvement of the VDOC Society, which could have provided valuable investigative insights.
Nic [07:07]: "When you get pissed, let's get pissed."
The families believe that crucial investigative steps, such as thoroughly vetting the witness referred to as the "roofer" and searching his vehicle for firearms, were neglected.
Suspicious Witness Handling: The "Roofer" Charles Adams
A significant focus of the episode is the mysterious witness known only as Charles Adams, a roofer who was present at the scene. Despite his proximity to the crime and a history of violence, he remains largely unnamed and uninvestigated.
Nic [17:48]: "I think their intuition is spot on here. The information we've uncovered is that he is a gun nut... they likely would have found at least one firearm on his person."
Adams was present before, during, and after the murders, yet received minimal questioning and was allowed to leave the scene without a thorough search of his vehicle.
Captain [10:17]: "I don't understand actions by anybody in a case that when you hear about the actions, it's counterintuitive to solving a murder case."
Nic draws parallels to previous cases, emphasizing the inadequate time frame investigators had to eliminate Adams as a suspect based on his alibis and presence.
Potential Connection via Tinder
The hosts explore a possible connection between Adams and Kate Brown through the dating app Tinder. Both individuals were active on the platform around the time of the murders, raising questions about whether they had interacted or matched, potentially linking Adams to the crime.
Nic [24:52]: "It's conceivable that if Kate was actively using Tinder, there's a chance that they could have matched just from proximity and age."
This theory is bolstered by the fact that Adams lived near Kate's apartment complex, making a Tinder match plausible.
Investigative Shortcomings and Speculations
Nic and the Captain critique the investigative methods employed, including the lack of a thorough search for suppressors despite the low-caliber .22 caliber weapon used in the murders. They highlight how the investigation's shortcomings—such as not utilizing geofencing technology or fully examining Adams' vehicle—may have hindered progress.
Nic [33:28]: "There's still plenty of time to get justice for these two lovely people that were killed on a park bench on a Tuesday."
The discussion also touches upon the delayed and insufficient communication between the Metro Parks Police and the families, further eroding trust and complicating the search for answers.
Call for Public Assistance and Increased Rewards
The episode culminates with a heartfelt plea to listeners to assist in solving the case. Kate Brown's sister, Alex Zubin, and father, Tom Brown, have increased the reward for information to $100,000, underscoring their desperation for justice.
Eric Smith [29:10]: "Law enforcement will not rest until Kate and Carnell's killer is brought to justice."
The hosts encourage anyone with pertinent information to contact Crime Stoppers or the FBI Cleveland Field Office, emphasizing the critical role public assistance plays in solving such heinous crimes.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Nic and the Captain express their skepticism regarding the Metro Parks Police Department's ability to solve the case without external assistance. They advocate for a more collaborative effort between local authorities and federal agencies to bring closure to the victims' families.
Captain [43:35]: "Thanks for sharing these cases on social media and putting pressure on law enforcement to do their job to serve, protect and solve these crimes."
The episode ends with a reminder of the ongoing quest for justice and the importance of community involvement in uncovering the truth behind the Park Bench Murders.
Notable Quotes:
- Eric Smith [01:47]: "Law enforcement will not rest until Kate and Carnell's killer is brought to justice."
- Captain [10:17]: "I don't understand actions by anybody in a case that when you hear about the actions, it's counterintuitive to solving a murder case."
- Nic [33:28]: "There's still plenty of time to get justice for these two lovely people that were killed on a park bench on a Tuesday."
Final Call to Action:
Listeners are urged to contribute to the beer fund supporting "Keeping Our Girls Safe" and to provide any information that could aid in solving the Park Bench Murders. Donations and tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers or directly to the FBI Cleveland Field Office.
Nic [43:55]: "Be good, be kind and don't litter."
This episode serves as a compelling examination of the complexities and frustrations surrounding unsolved crimes, highlighting the pivotal role that public engagement and thorough investigations play in delivering justice.