"Any crime junkies listening to this should see that receipt and know exactly what that means." — Detective Larry Crasanoy
"He goes, 'I just want to see what the update is.' And I said, 'You killed your dad. You want to come down and tell me about it?'" — Detective Larry Crasanoy
"This was not the end he deserved." — Hosts
The investigation began with a concerned Facebook friend of Roger Fred Farmer, who alerted Detective Larry Crasanoy of unusual text messages received from Fred. Fred, who typically used talk-to-text, was suddenly using proper grammar, punctuation, and emojis, coupled with his unexplained absence since mid-November. This raised immediate red flags for Detective Crasanoy, especially upon learning Fred had already been reported missing by his daughter, Christina. The initial assessment by the assigned detective suggested the disappearance was likely a homicide. Investigations into Fred's financial records revealed significant discrepancies, including an overdrawn account and transactions at locations Fred would not typically frequent, occurring in mid-November and December. A crucial piece of evidence emerged from a Lowes receipt for $225.73 on November 18th, leading to security footage that identified Fred's son, Jeremy, using the card.
Further investigation revealed a deeply troubled relationship between Fred and Jeremy, exacerbated by Jeremy's substance use disorder and his cohabitation with Fred. Evidence pointed towards Jeremy using his father's credit cards and engaging in fraudulent activity, including opening accounts in Fred's name. A search of Fred's home uncovered a room with the carpet and padding removed, suggesting a hasty cleanup. Phone records corroborated that Fred's phone never left the west side of Indianapolis during his supposed hunting trip, and more critically, Fred's and Jeremy's phones were pinging in the same locations simultaneously. Despite Jeremy's attempts to deflect suspicion, including fabricating stories about threats from Fred's former roommate and a supposed hunting trip with individuals named Brian and Dave, the evidence against him mounted. This included the discovery of Fred's dentures and camping gear, along with a pawned crossbow, all at Fred's home, contradicting Jeremy's narrative.
The discovery of a receipt for a large trash can, cleaning supplies, bleach, plastic drop cloths, and other items from Lowes, coupled with the missing carpet and the presence of Fred's dentures, formed a strong inference of a "murder kit." The investigation ultimately led to the discovery of Fred's body in a storage unit rented by Jeremy, concealed within a trash can matching the Lowes purchase. Despite Jeremy's claims of self-defense, the trajectory of the gunshot wound and the overwhelming circumstantial evidence, including his fingerprints and DNA on the trash can, led to his conviction for murder and a sentence of 57 years. The case concluded with the recovery of Fred's remains, but with lingering questions for his daughters about the full truth and the possibility of additional involvement in the cover-up.