Crime Junkie
Crime Junkie
"Two years, yet we know no more, or very little more, than we did when our girls were killed. The authorities seemed to be at a standstill. Sometimes it even seems like we must convince them anything ever happened. I think they should start fresh and try to find the person who killed our girls." — Fred Raker
"I don't think it was as treated as seriously as it should have been because I think at the time, law enforcement believed they were going to come home. And then when they didn't return home, then people started getting bad feelings and some things were being done as far as, okay, maybe this isn't a runaway situation." — Sergeant Brian Bolig
"He was totally in denial. I found him to be very angry, a very hard and bitter person. There was no sense of remorse at all." — Rita Raker (describing her encounter with Herb Notch Jr.)
This two-part episode of Crime Junkie meticulously recounts the tragic story of Mary and Suzanne Raker, sisters who disappeared on Labor Day in 1974. The initial investigation was hampered by law enforcement's early belief that the sisters were runaways, a misclassification that led to delays in a thorough search. The narrative highlights the family's desperate efforts to find their daughters, contrasting with the perceived apathy of authorities. As the investigation unfolded, jurisdictional complexities between city police and the county sheriff's office, coupled with staffing changes and political factors, further complicated efforts to identify a suspect.
The discovery of the girls' bodies in a quarry revealed that both died from multiple stab wounds, but the lack of significant physical evidence at the scene, exacerbated by the passage of time and weather conditions, presented considerable challenges. Over the decades, numerous individuals were investigated, including Herb Notch Jr., who was later convicted of a similar crime. Despite similarities and compelling circumstantial evidence, no definitive arrest has been made, leaving the Raker family without closure. The podcast emphasizes the profound impact of this unsolved case on the family and the ongoing efforts by investigators to find the perpetrator.
The episode delves into various leads and potential suspects that emerged over the years, including a man seen at a local tavern and a potential connection to a traveling carnival worker. The investigation also explored the possibility of accomplices and the role of community members, such as Roy, who had a known connection to Herb Notch Jr. and was present at the quarry. The podcast underscores the dedication of Sergeant Brian Bolig, who continues to work the case, and the enduring hope of Rita Raker that the truth will eventually be revealed, underscoring the emotional toll and the tireless pursuit of justice for Mary and Suzanne.