Crime Junkie
Crime Junkie
"And in the summer of 2018, tank actually became this evil person's victim. And after three days in the pet hospital, he actually officially moved out." — Britt (Referring to a listener's pet)
"But during this conversation, Frank has the gall to accuse Suzy of trying to sabotage his relationship with Marie." — Britt (Describing a taped conversation between suspects)
"Frank Castile is found guilty of all three murders on May 20th, 1998, and sentenced to life in prison." — Britt (Reporting the verdict)
The episode chronicles the perplexing case of the Signal Mountain murders, beginning with the disappearance of Richard Mason, Kenneth Griffith, and Earl Smock in July 1988. Their ATVs were discovered abandoned, two bearing signs of blood, leading to an extensive search of the surrounding wooded area. Initial theories ranged from accidental death to drug-related activities, but the discovery of blood, hair, and bone fragments at a cleaned-up site near the "helican gate" confirmed a violent crime scene. Autopsy results later revealed the men died from multiple shotgun wounds, with evidence suggesting a close-range attack.
The investigation focused on Frank Castile, a local landowner known for his intense dislike of trespassers on his property, which included a popular swimming spot. Castile's logbook of trespassers and his shotgun became points of interest, though initial ballistics tests on wadding found in the victims' wounds were inconclusive. The discovery of the victims' bodies approximately ten miles west of Signal Mountain, in a different direction from the ATVs, suggested a deliberate effort to conceal the crime. The case took a significant turn years later with anonymous tips and advances in DNA technology.
The breakthrough came when an anonymous caller led investigators to Marie Hill, Frank Castile's mistress, who revealed receiving letters implicating Castile. Further investigation, including a secretly recorded conversation between Frank, his wife Suzy, and Marie, and subsequent DNA analysis of saliva on the letters, linked Suzy Castile to the anonymous calls and the mailing of the incriminating letters. Frank Castile was arrested and, after an initial conviction was overturned, was retried and found guilty of the three murders in 2003, ultimately dying in prison. The episode also briefly touches on a listener's story about their dog, Tank, and the subsequent adoption of Christoph.