Crime Junkie
Crime Junkie
"The truth is, we're all still figuring out how to navigate our romantic journey, and Valentine's Day spares no one from that reminder. That's where BetterHelp comes in." — Ashley Flowers (Contextualizing the episode's opening with a sponsor mention, highlighting a relatable struggle.)
"It's so encouraging. It keeps us going. So feel free to send us some mail there. We love hearing from you. And make sure to keep telling your friends about the show so we can keep this going." — Ashley Flowers (Expressing gratitude for listener engagement and support, reinforcing community connection.)
"And when they get there, they see that the home has been totally burnt to a crisp and there's police tapes surrounding the entire home, but they get immediately agitated because it kind of seems like everyone is just standing around, like not really doing anything." — Ashley Flowers (Describing the scene of the fire and the immediate sense of urgency and confusion felt by the families.)
This episode of Crime Junkie delves into the tragic case of Ashley Freeman and Laura Bible, two teenage friends who disappeared in December 1999. The investigation into their disappearance was significantly complicated by a house fire that destroyed the Freeman residence. Initial efforts to investigate were hampered by the local Sheriff's office's potential conflict of interest due to a prior incident involving Ashley's brother, leading to the involvement of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations (OSBI). The discovery of only one adult female body, later identified as Kathy Freeman, initially offered a slim hope that the girls may have survived.
Over the years, numerous theories emerged, including the possibility of a drug-related incident or a vendetta against the Freeman family, further complicated by the previous death of Ashley's brother, Shane, at the hands of a deputy. The discovery of Danny Freeman's body on the property added another layer of complexity, leading investigators to consider him a suspect in Kathy's death and the girls' abduction. The case remained cold for nearly two decades, marked by uncorroborated confessions and investigative dead ends, including theories involving inmates and a death row inmate who confessed to the murders.
The breakthrough in the case came in 2018 when newly discovered investigative notes pointed towards Ronnie Dean Bussick and his accomplices. Evidence, including an insurance card found at the scene and witness accounts, suggested the girls were held captive and ultimately murdered. The episode highlights critical failures in the initial investigation, such as missing a body at the crime scene and delays in forensic testing, which significantly impeded progress. The prolonged duration of the investigation underscores the challenges faced in solving complex cases and the emotional toll on the victims' families.