"Souvenirs will be kept for fantasizing which might include body parts, clothing and other personal items victims had at the time." — FBI Psychological Profile (Paraphrased)
"I have to believe that he did it before after and whether Kristen is connected or not people are looking into her case." — Ashley Flowers
"This is a story we're actively following and reporting so we would love to hear from you again that is tips@audiochuck.com and we'll have the FBI's contact info in the episode." — Ashley Flowers
The episode delves into the 1981 murder of Kristen David, a University of Idaho student. Her dismembered body was discovered in black garbage bags floating in the Snake River, a case that authorities believe may be connected to a serial offender. Early in the investigation, witnesses reported seeing Kristen with a man in a mysterious brown van, providing descriptions that aided in the creation of a composite sketch and a detailed psychological profile by the FBI. This profile suggested a white male, likely between 21-28 years old, intelligent but an underachiever, with a history of violent crimes and a propensity for keeping trophies.
The investigation explored several individuals who came under suspicion. George Williamson, known as Buzz, was investigated due to his proximity and alleged admissions of violent acts, but was ultimately cleared. Donald White's drug-fueled accusations against his acquaintance Larry Knoff also proved unsubstantiated. A significant point of interest was a housekeeper at the Sakajuea Lodge who reported finding bloody towels and later blood on a suitcase stand in room 273. This led to the investigation of a renter named Pete Madsen, but all individuals by that name were tentatively ruled out. The case also touches on the notorious serial confessors Otis Tool and Henry Lee Lucas, who were also investigated and ruled out. A particularly disturbing element was a song written by a student at Washington State University, which contained lyrics eerily mirroring the crime and the FBI's profile, though the student denied any knowledge of Kristen David.
The episode highlights the meticulous, albeit frustrating, process of investigating cold cases. Detective Jackie Nichols expressed ongoing suspicion towards Harry Hammond, a man with a history of violent crimes who had escaped custody and lived remotely. While Hammond died by suicide before being fully investigated for Kristen's murder, Nichols believes he could have been a suspect. The podcast concludes by inviting listeners to share any similar cases they are aware of, particularly those involving dismembered women found in trash bags with signs of mutilation or missing body parts, suggesting a possible connection to a former military medical lab specialist who moved around the country. The FBI continues to investigate Kristen's case, particularly the newspaper fragments found with her remains, and is seeking public assistance with any relevant information.