Episode Title: Ep.8: Traces of Truth
Release Date: October 2, 2024
Host/Author: Sarah Kaelin
Podcast: Who Killed Jennifer Judd?
Introduction to the Investigation
In Episode 8, titled "Traces of Truth," host Sarah Kaelin continues her relentless pursuit to uncover the mystery behind the 1992 murder of Jennifer Judd in Baxter Springs, Kansas. Nine days after marrying her high-school sweetheart, Justin Judd, Jennifer was found dead in her apartment, with a knife from their own set— a newly opened wedding gift— lodged in her back. The case has remained unsolved for over three decades, despite initial suspicions falling on friends and the later confession from Jeremy Jones.
Ruling Out Key Suspects: Chuck Chance and Alan Redden
Timestamp: [04:00] – [07:00]
Sarah Kaelin discusses significant developments in the investigation, particularly the elimination of Chuck Chance and Alan Redden as suspects. Through meticulous review of case files and DNA evidence, Kaelin and her team have successfully ruled out these individuals, who had been long suspected by the community.
Sarah Kaelin: "It's pretty clear to me that Chuck Chance's life went downhill after police accused him of killing Jennifer."
Challenges with DNA Evidence
Timestamp: [07:32] – [12:04]
A critical aspect of the investigation revolves around DNA evidence. Kaelin shares updates on the efforts to obtain a definitive DNA profile of the killer. Despite initial setbacks due to sample degradation, there remains hope that better-preserved evidence could finally provide the answers needed.
Sarah Kaelin: "The samples were too degraded, but we're holding onto hope that the knife and clothing might yield better results."
Interview with Chris Hausch: Insights on Chuck Chance
Timestamp: [05:49] – [11:19]
Former detective Chris Hausch provides valuable insights into the case, particularly regarding Chuck Chance. Despite public suspicion, Hausch supports the conclusion that Chuck was innocent, emphasizing the lack of evidence tying him to the murder.
Chris Hausch: "Everything he did that day makes no sense."
Law Enforcement’s Dismissal of Jeremy Jones’s Confession
Timestamp: [12:04] – [25:31]
Kaelin delves into the controversial handling of Jeremy Jones’s confession by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI). She uncovers inconsistencies and potential biases in their approach, suggesting that Jones's confessions may have been prematurely dismissed without thorough verification.
Sarah Kaelin: "KBI swears up and down they have sent everything. And Joel is saying to them, no, you didn't."
Jeremy Jones’s Role as a Criminal Informant
Timestamp: [25:31] – [32:37]
A breakthrough in the investigation reveals that Jeremy Jones had worked as a criminal informant. This revelation raises serious questions about possible misconduct or negligence within law enforcement agencies, potentially explaining why his confessions were not adequately pursued.
Sarah Kaelin: "If someone in law enforcement helped Jones flee, that person could now be criminally liable in all of these subsequent murders Jones committed."
Exclusive Interview with Chris Hausch: Confirming Jones as an Informant
Timestamp: [29:09] – [32:37]
In a pivotal interview, Chris Hausch confirms his past collaboration with Jeremy Jones as an informant. While Hausch minimizes the extent of their interaction, his admission provides a crucial link between Jones's informant activities and his ongoing criminal behavior.
Chris Hausch: "He was just a typical little maggot running around here."
Jeremy Jones’s Attempts to Manipulate the Investigation
Timestamp: [36:14] – [45:59]
Jeremy Jones reaches out to Chris Hausch from prison, attempting to manipulate and cast doubt on his involvement in Jennifer Judd’s murder. Despite Jones's efforts to present himself as innocent, Kaelin remains skeptical, citing substantial evidence that contradicts his claims.
Chris Hausch: "It was so bad. There was an article about fate. I live next door to Justin Judd."
Sarah Kaelin: "He sounds delusional."
DNA Testing: Current Status and Roadblocks
Timestamp: [48:17]
Kaelin provides a sobering update on the DNA testing process. The lab technician, Susanna, reports that initial tests failed to produce a usable DNA profile due to degraded samples. However, Kaelin remains hopeful that with improved samples, definitive results can still be achieved without incurring additional costs.
Sarah Kaelin: "This isn't the news I wanted... but there's a silver lining."
Future Directions and Determination to Solve the Case
Timestamp: [48:17] – End
As the episode concludes, Kaelin reaffirms her commitment to solving Jennifer Judd’s murder. She emphasizes the importance of upcoming DNA results in either validating Jeremy Jones’s original confessions or debunking his subsequent denials. With the elimination of key suspects and renewed focus on DNA evidence, Kaelin is optimistic that the truth will finally emerge.
Sarah Kaelin: "Either way, we will be able to move forward. We will at last know who killed Jennifer Judd."
Conclusion
Episode 8, "Traces of Truth," offers a deep dive into the intricate investigation surrounding Jennifer Judd’s murder. Through interviews, case reviews, and persistent investigation, Sarah Kaelin brings listeners closer to uncovering the truth, while highlighting the challenges posed by flawed law enforcement procedures and unreliable evidence. The episode underscores the importance of DNA analysis and ethical policing in bringing justice to unresolved cases.
Production Credits:
Who Killed Jennifer Judd? is produced by ARC Media for ID Network. Executive Producer Meredith Russell, Senior Audio Producer Danielle Elliott, Associate Producer Imani Leonard, and Executive Producers Zachary Herman and Sarah Kaelin contribute to the series. The episode features sound editing and mixing by Dean White, with audio engineering and editorial feedback provided by Josh Wilcox at Brooklyn Podcasting Studio. Forensic research is conducted by Jennifer Leahy, and archival clips are sourced from 2023 Griffin Media.