Crime Junkie
Crime Junkie
"My parents did not want to stir the pot because her past may embarrass the family and her three-year-old son." — Jolita Wilkinson
"Symmetrical linear bruises are present on the inner aspect of both upper arms. The size and aspects of the bruises suggest that they were the result of the subject being gripped from behind, and the tips of fingers produced the four separate symmetrical bruises on each side." — Autopsy Report (Read by Britt)
"We believe Rowena was murdered and we too think that her case might be connected to Melody's actually. But we're not convinced that Robert Charles Brown is the most likely suspect. There's someone else that had connections to the two women who we find far more interesting." — Britt
This episode delves into the unresolved death of Rowena Zappelach, whose passing in 1980s Texas was officially deemed a suicide by autoerotic asphyxiation, despite compelling evidence to the contrary. Rowena's sister, Jolita Wilkinson, has dedicated years to challenging this narrative, driven by inconsistencies at the crime scene, such as a broken window, scattered pennies, and a bloodied acrylic nail, none of which were documented in the initial police report. The autopsy revealed further disturbing details, including missing fingernails, scratches on Rowena's neck, and the presence of semen and unidentifiable hairs, all indicative of a struggle and a potential perpetrator other than Rowena herself.
The investigation also draws parallels to the unsolved murder of Melody Bush, who died in the same small town approximately six months prior to Rowena. Initially suspected to be the work of serial killer Robert Charles Brown, who confessed to Melody's murder with specific, albeit questionable, details, the connection to Rowena's case remained officially unestablished. However, the podcast's investigative team uncovered a potential link between Rowena and Melody through a man named Cooper Cherry, who was present at a gathering with Melody shortly before her death and was also connected to Rowena through her friend Ruby Cherry. The presence of Cooper Cherry at Rowena's apartment building on the morning of her discovery, coupled with conflicting statements from witnesses regarding his and his associate Bart Moore's whereabouts, raises significant suspicion.
Furthermore, the report touches upon the suspicious death of Cooper Cherry's first wife, Rhonda Stahl, in 1980, which was ruled an accident due to head trauma after a car rollover, despite a lack of a full autopsy. The lack of cooperation from individuals connected to Cooper Cherry, including his former wives and associates, and the reluctance of some key witnesses to discuss the events, amplifies the sense of unease. The episode concludes with a call for authorities to reopen Rowena's case, emphasizing the need for justice for her family and the possibility of a deeper, more sinister connection between these tragic deaths.