True Crime Garage Episode 793: The “KN” Murder – Detailed Summary
Episode Information:
- Title: The “KN” Murder
- Podcast: True Crime Garage
- Hosts: Nick and The Captain
- Release Date: October 15, 2024
Introduction
In Episode 793 of True Crime Garage, hosts Nick and The Captain delve into the mysterious and unsolved murder of Vicki Lynn Harrell, a 25-year-old woman whose case has baffled investigators for decades. This episode meticulously explores the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, the grim discovery of her body, and the lingering questions that continue to haunt both the Harrell family and the community of Bloomington, Indiana.
Case Overview
Vicki Lynn Harrell was last seen on August 12, 1972, in Bloomington, Indiana. On that evening, she left her apartment to return a comforter to her workplace, Kmart, and to make a payment at a nearby Airway store. Vicki informed her roommate, Joanne Heagle, that she would be back shortly. However, Vicki never returned, sparking concern and leading to her being reported missing.
Notable Quote:
Nick [24:11]: “...decades later. On that sad day, we lost a good one. A real good one. A dearly loved daughter, sister, and a really good mother.”
The Investigation and Discovery
Two days after Vicki's disappearance, on August 14, 1972, an Owen County Highway Department worker discovered Vicki's nude, strangled body in a ditch near McCormick's Creek State Park. The body was face down in water from recent rainstorms, and the area showed minimal signs of struggle, suggesting she may have been killed elsewhere and her body transported to the dumping site.
Notable Quote:
The Captain [31:53]: “...if you show up and I'm the one taking the report and I see the little three year old kid, her daughter there at the apartment and this other young woman who's responsible and raising her child as well. Does Vicky have a job? Yes. How long has she worked there? So I'm learning very quickly that she's responsible because of the kid. I'm going to take that to another level.”
The Mysterious "KN" Carvings
Upon turning Vicki's body for autopsy, authorities discovered the letters "K" and "N" crudely carved into her upper abdomen or lower chest area. This haunting detail has since fueled speculation about the perpetrator's motives and potential links to other crimes.
Notable Quote:
Nick [33:36]: “...the letters K and the N have never led to an arrest or a conviction in this case. So I think it's fair to speculate.”
Both hosts express skepticism about labeling the carvings strictly as initials, considering the difficulty of accurately carving letters into skin. They discuss the possibility that "KN" could symbolize various things, including potential connections to a serial killer or messages intended to communicate with investigators.
Possible Serial Killer Connections
Nick and The Captain explore the theory that the "KN" letters may indicate the presence of a serial killer. They compare the case to other notorious murders where perpetrators left cryptic messages, such as the "Black Dahlia Avenger" and the BTK killer.
Notable Quote:
Nick [49:16]: “...the word fat, which is a completely different case, a more recent case. Think about that for a second. The killer is not necessarily identifying themselves, even though the killer may identify as the Black Dahlia Avenger, but they're not saying like, so K and N could stand for anything.”
Investigation Shortcomings
The hosts critique the initial handling of the missing person report, suggesting that societal biases—such as judgment against single mothers—may have led to a lackluster response from law enforcement. They emphasize the importance of thorough investigations, especially when multiple agencies are involved.
Notable Quote:
The Captain [27:12]: “Yeah, but on top of that, I mean, look, if you have a quote, unquote unwed mother that is having difficulty finding a place to rent when she has a stable job and she's a stable individual, do you really think law enforcement is going to take this case as serious as other cases?”
Additionally, they highlight the limited forensic technology of the time, such as the absence of a professional medical examiner system in Owen County, which likely hampered the investigation.
Potential Suspects and Leads
Lieutenant Ralph Shoemaker, a detective who worked extensively on the case, expressed frustration over the lack of evidence and the inability to follow through on a prime suspect. This individual, a mid-40s prescription drug salesman, was believed to be involved in multiple similar murders across Illinois and Missouri but remained untouchable due to being housed in a mental institution in Kentucky.
Notable Quote:
Nick [68:39]: “...if you're a detective and you're arriving to a homicide victim or at a murder scene, you would much rather find the victim in the trunk of a car rather than lying face down in a puddle outside in the elements.”
Comparative Cases
The hosts draw parallels between Vicki’s case and that of Pamela Milam, a 19-year-old Indiana State University student who was found strangled in her car trunk in Terre Haute, Indiana, a month after Vicki’s murder. While Pamela’s case was eventually solved in 2019 through DNA evidence linking the crime to Jeffrey Lynn Hand, Vicki’s case remains unresolved, partly due to the lack of preserved evidence and technological limitations of the time.
Notable Quote:
Nick [53:36]: “...website on cold cases, I believe that they have it correctly. They. They're saying simply letters. The letters K and N are. Were carved into the victim here.”
Speculations and Theories
Nick speculates that the "KN" could symbolize different elements, such as an abbreviation for "Kmart," Vicki’s place of employment, or serve as a taunt or signature from a serial killer. They also discuss the possibility that the perpetrator may have used the smashed rear window of Vicki's Plymouth Valiant to ambush her, indicating premeditation.
Notable Quote:
The Captain [57:22]: “Maybe they're trying to write Kmart. That's exactly what I was going to say as well. Look, some of these perpetrators we know will even give nicknames to their victims.”
Current Status and Ongoing Efforts
Despite extensive investigations spanning multiple decades, Vicki Lynn Harrell’s murder remains unsolved. Her daughter, Samantha, was raised by relatives and leads a successful life, though the shadow of her mother's unresolved murder persists.
The hosts call for renewed attention to the case, urging anyone with information to reach out to the Indiana State Police. They hope that advancements in forensic technology and public awareness might one day bring closure to the Harrell family.
Notable Quote:
Nick [69:15]: “...someone with a vehicle. The killer, I think, had their own vehicle, and I think that was the method that they used to transport Vickie. To how many locations, we don't know.”
Conclusion
Episode 793 of True Crime Garage offers a comprehensive exploration of the Vicki Lynn Harrell case, highlighting the complexities and challenges faced by investigators in the early 1970s. Through detailed discussion and insightful speculation, Nick and The Captain shed light on the enduring mysteries that surround this tragic unsolved murder, emphasizing the need for continued attention and investigation.
Final Call to Action: The hosts encourage listeners with any pertinent information to contact the Indiana State Police at 1-800-423-1286, hoping that newfound evidence or witness testimonies might help finally resolve the haunting “KN” murder case.
Additional Information
- Recommended Listening: Empire on Blood – A deep dive into another gripping true crime story, available on Apple Podcasts and other major platforms.
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Important Note: This episode emphasizes the importance of not taking information at face value and encourages critical thinking when assessing investigative processes and conclusions. The hosts remind listeners to approach true crime stories with empathy and respect for the victims and their families.