"There is not a clear motive, but it appears Bollinger suddenly, uncontrollably and explosively snapped over something. There is a love triangle. Most grizzly crime scene he has investigated in 20 years. Police were dumped in a pile, all shot in the head covered in hay in an outbuilding." — Detective (via transcript memo)
"Trust your gut folks. Sometimes it's nothing, but sometimes you break a case because who knows if anyone would have connected the dots otherwise." — Ashley Flowers
"The thoroughfare is the most remote place in the United States outside of Alaska. You can only get there by foot or horseback and there are ranger cabins just kind of like dotted for miles along the river." — Ashley Flowers
This episode of Crime Junkie delves into the chilling case of Gerald Michael Bollinger, a pilot suspected of a triple homicide. The investigation began with the discovery of an abandoned car in a Wyoming campground, leading to a nationwide manhunt. The car, a white Ford Focus, was found by a listener who recognized its unusual presence and reported it, providing a crucial lead. This discovery connected to a triple murder investigation in Idaho involving Bollinger, his wife Cheryl Baker, his secret girlfriend Nadia Medley, and Nadia's teenage daughter Peyton.
The narrative unfolds to reveal Bollinger's double life: a seemingly happy marriage to Cheryl in Utah, and a concurrent relationship with Nadia and Peyton in Idaho. The investigation uncovered a disturbing crime scene where all three women were found deceased, apparently victims of Bollinger's violent actions. Evidence suggests Bollinger, who possessed significant wilderness survival and piloting skills, may have used these abilities to evade capture after the murders. The episode highlights the complexities of his alleged motive, possibly stemming from a love triangle and unexpected confrontation, and explores theories about his disappearance into the vast wilderness of Wyoming.
The latter part of the episode focuses on the extensive search efforts, the psychological profile of Bollinger, and the lingering questions surrounding his fate. Despite numerous tips and an intense manhunt utilizing various law enforcement agencies, Bollinger remains a fugitive. The case also touches upon the devastating impact on the victims' families and the ongoing quest for closure, leaving listeners with the unsettling reality of a perpetrator who vanished without a trace.