"Sometimes all we're left with is the unknown, and I love a mystery, especially one with theories to explore." — Britt
"There is something intuitive in us that if we trust can tell us that we are in trouble." — Ashley Flowers
"But to leave it at that is not exactly the crime junkie nature. So our team did some investigating join us as we unravel the mystery of who killed Rachel Hanson." — Ashley Flowers
This episode of Crime Junkie delves into the perplexing case of Rachel Hanson, a 19-year-old who was murdered in her Gilbert, Arizona apartment in June 2022. The narrative begins by establishing the podcast's commitment to unraveling complex mysteries, introducing Rachel's case as one where the initial investigation left many questions unanswered. The hosts highlight the apparent contradictions and lack of concrete evidence within the heavily redacted police files, emphasizing the family's frustration with the perceived lack of progress.
The investigation explores three primary theories: the subletter theory, suggesting the crime was intended for Rachel's subletter, America; the horse ranch theory, which posits a connection to her then-recent termination from a job at a horse ranch and alleged conflicts with the owners; and the Gary Bailey theory, focusing on the troubled relationship between Rachel, her fiancé Joe Met, and Joe Met's father, Gary. Each theory is presented with supporting details, potential motives, and challenges, illustrating the difficulty in definitively identifying a perpetrator.
Throughout the episode, the hosts and their investigative reporter, Nicole, highlight numerous investigative hurdles, including extensive redactions in police documents, uncooperative individuals, and perceived oversights by law enforcement, such as the handling of a significant piece of potential evidence – a jar of pickles. The episode concludes by underscoring the family's ongoing search for justice and the hope that public awareness might encourage someone with information to come forward, while also promoting Rachel's Rescue, a dog and puppy rescue founded in her memory.