True Crime Obsessed Episode 406: The Girl on the Milk Carton

Release Date: December 10, 2024

Introduction to the Case

In Episode 406 of True Crime Obsessed, titled "The Girl on the Milk Carton," hosts Kristin and Patrick delve deep into the harrowing true story of Janelle Matthews, a young girl whose disappearance in 1984 shook the quiet town of Greeley, Colorado. Combining true crime analysis with their signature humor and heartfelt commentary, the hosts guide listeners through the intricate details and emotional turmoil surrounding the case.

The Disappearance of Janelle Matthews

December 20, 1984 marked a turning point for Greeley, a town previously known for its tranquility. On this day, Janelle Matthews vanished from her home under perplexing circumstances.

• Kristin (02:04): "It’s a wild ride."

Janelle, a spirited and active 13-year-old, reportedly disappeared without a trace five days before Christmas. There were no signs of forced entry or struggle, leading authorities to suspect a kidnapping.

Family and Community Impact

Janelle's disappearance had a profound effect on her family and the wider community. Her sister, Jennifer, shared poignant memories that highlighted the close-knit nature of their family.

• Jennifer Matthews (03:13): "Nobody does that anymore."

The family dynamics were further strained by Janelle's mother, Gloria, who traveled to Los Angeles to surprise her parents for Christmas, leaving the children under the care of Jim, Janelle's father. This situation created an environment ripe for distress and uncertainty.

Investigation and Suspects

The initial investigation by the Greeley Police Department focused on eliminating potential suspects. Early theories considered whether Janelle might have run away, but these were quickly dismissed.

• Detective Mike Prill (18:53): "There were shoe prints in the snow in the backyard that appeared to have been raked out. As far as Jim could tell, they were not his."

Key evidence included shoe prints that appeared to have been tampered with, suggesting an attempt to conceal the perpetrator's identity. Suspicion began to fall on individuals connected to the family, particularly Jim, the father, due to his unique position and knowledge of the family's routine.

The Role of Steve Panky

A central figure in the case is Steve Panky, an enigmatic and former candidate for governor of Idaho. His involvement added layers of complexity and intrigue to the investigation.

• Patrick (27:36): "The minute you turn, it should be something else."

Steve's behavior, including a puzzling phone call claiming someone confessed to Janelle's murder, raised suspicions. However, his credibility was initially undermined when he retracted his statement, leaving law enforcement uncertain of his true intentions.

• Steve Panky (27:02): "I'm just gonna let you know that I know, but I can't give you any more information."

As the years passed, Steve's actions grew increasingly erratic, culminating in abusive behavior towards his wife, Angela. His mounting legal troubles and eventual gubernatorial run in Idaho further complicated the case, intertwining personal vendettas with the ongoing investigation.

Family Secrets and Revelations

Angela, Steve's wife, played a critical role in unraveling the mystery of Janelle's disappearance. Her experiences of domestic abuse and eventual discovery of incriminating evidence shed light on Steve's potential motives and actions.

• Angela Hicks (76:38): "So I put that piece of paper back together, and on that document, it said the snow outside the Matthews home was raped."

Angela's courage in confronting her past and cooperating with law enforcement was instrumental in bringing the truth to light, despite years of fear and suppression of vital information.

Resolution of the Case

After decades of investigation marked by missed opportunities and evolving theories, Detective Robert Cash re-opened the case in 2019. His relentless pursuit of justice, combined with new evidence and testimonies, led to the final unraveling of the mystery.

• Detective Robert Cash (51:35): "This investigation has been a mess from day one."

Steve Panky's eventual arrest and conviction in 2020 for the kidnapping and murder of Janelle Matthews provided closure to a case that had haunted the community for over three decades.

Conclusion and Impact

The case of Janelle Matthews serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring quest for justice and the profound impact of unwavering determination. The Matthews family's resilience, combined with the dedication of investigators like Detective Cash, ultimately ensured that Janelle's story was heard and justice was served.

• Patrick (76:42): "And Angela, again, like, all these women. Oh, my God. Angela says, like, for the first time, she finally feels safe because what Angela did, Angela took her life in her hands."

True Crime Obsessed not only recounts a chilling true crime story but also celebrates the strength and perseverance of those who refuse to let tragedy go unresolved.

Notable Quotes

• Kristin (04:06): "Whenever something like this happens around the holidays or a. It's just the way, like, can we have one nice thing to look forward to every year? Absolutely not."

• Patrick (12:08): "Dad of the year."

• Angela Hicks (21:28): "We were just talking about Christmas break, exchanging gifts, maybe. Talking about boys."

• Steve Panky (27:11): "Yeah."

• Detective Mike Prill (19:22): "The footprint had been raked out. Someone tried to destroy the prints."

Reflection and Final Thoughts

"The Girl on the Milk Carton" episode of True Crime Obsessed masterfully blends factual recounting with insightful commentary, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of Janelle Matthews' tragic story. Through detailed exploration and emotional narratives, Kristin and Patrick honor the memory of Janelle while highlighting the relentless pursuit of truth and justice.

Note: Timecodes correspond to the provided transcript and are indicative of when significant statements were made during the episode.