SERIAL KILLER: The Alphabet Murders Part 1
Dive into the chilling investigation of a young girl's tragic death with Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat in the latest Crime Junkie episode. In this meticulously detailed exploration, the hosts dissect the complex web surrounding Carmen Colon's murder, revealing the intricate workings of a criminal investigation. They examine the movements and confessions of key suspects like Miguel Colon, whose sudden flight to Puerto Rico and subsequent admittance of wrongdoing sets a trail for law enforcement to track. Listeners will be engrossed by the twists and revelations of the case, including the puzzle of inconclusive evidence that leaves Miguel a free but scrutinized man.
While piecing together the narrative thread of the Alphabet Murders, Ashley and Brit delve into the perplexing puzzle presented by the murder cases of Wanda, Carmen, and Michelle, each bearing haunting similarities and perplexing differences. The podcast spotlights forensic details that suggest a linked series of crimes, yet contrasts it with distinctions that could imply multiple assailants. This episode does not shy away from harrowing specifics, from the specificity of a rare blood type to the violent nuances that differentiate each girl's tragic end. Tune in as these engrossing details foster a gripping narrative that will leave you pondering the true depth of these unsolved mysteries.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Feb 19, 2024 episode of the Crime Junkie
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1-Page Summary
Key Suspects in Carmen Colon's Murder Case
Investigators in Carmen Colon's murder case scrutinize multiple individuals, notably her "uncle" Miguel Colon, following her untimely death. Immediately post-murder, Miguel's actions raise suspicions when he unexpectedly relocates to Puerto Rico. This abrupt departure triggers a closer look by legal authorities. Witness statements later fuel suspicions, as Miguel allegedly admits to having "done something wrong" in Rochester which necessitates his departure. Law enforcement officials head to Puerto Rico to confront him. Miguel, initially elusive, ultimately surrenders to Puerto Rican authorities and returns to Rochester for investigation.
During questioning, Miguel maintains innocence, referencing an alibi in Syracuse on the disappearance day. To strengthen his claim, he undergoes and passes a polygraph test. Although Carmen's doll is discovered in Miguel's car, the evidence is inconclusive to warrant charges. Lacking substantial proof against him, Miguel is not considered a viable suspect in Carmen's murder.
Similarities and Differences Between the Three Murder Cases
The cases of Wanda, Carmen, and Michelle demonstrate a mix of shared characteristics and distinctive details that complicate the possibility of a connection. Each girl, in a close age range, goes missing while running errands in the same vicinity. Post-mortem examinations confirm all three were sexually assaulted and strangled. Forensic details such as a unique 20% blood characteristic and the presence of light-colored cat hairs on each victim point towards possible commonalities in these crimes.
However, precise differences introduce doubts about a single perpetrator's involvement. Both Wanda and Michelle were reportedly fed by their captor before their demise, a detail not present in Carmen's case. Post-assault, Carmen is found not fully redressed, unlike Wanda and Michelle, who are fully clothed. The mode of strangulation and severity of injuries also set Carmen apart. She suffers more violence and is manually strangled, as opposed to the ligature strangulation seen in the other cases, suggesting that Carmen may have faced a different fate or attacker.
New Suspect After Michelle's Murder
The summary does not reveal any new information about a suspect following Michelle's murder. Without additional details provided, the investigation's status regarding potential new suspects remains unknown.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Polygraph tests, also known as lie detector tests, measure physiological responses like heart rate, blood pressure, and perspiration to determine if someone is being deceptive. While widely used in investigations, polygraphs are not foolproof and can be influenced by various factors, leading to both false positives and false negatives. The accuracy of polygraph results can be affected by the individual's emotional state, beliefs about the test, and the skill of the examiner. Despite their limitations, polygraph tests can sometimes provide useful investigative leads but are not considered definitive evidence in court.
- The inconclusive evidence regarding Carmen's doll suggests that while the doll was found in Miguel's car, it did not provide definitive proof of his involvement in her murder. This lack of conclusive evidence means that the presence of the doll alone was not enough to link Miguel to the crime. The doll's discovery may have raised suspicions, but without additional incriminating evidence, it was insufficient to establish guilt. The inconclusiveness indicates that the doll's presence did not directly implicate Miguel in Carmen's murder.
Counterarguments
- Miguel Colon's relocation to Puerto Rico could be unrelated to Carmen Colon's murder and may have been planned prior to the incident.
- Witness statements regarding Miguel's alleged admission of wrongdoing could be misinterpreted or taken out of context.
- Polygraph tests are not always reliable indicators of truthfulness and are not admissible in court in many jurisdictions.
- The presence of Carmen's doll in Miguel's car does not necessarily implicate him in the murder, as there could be other explanations for how it got there.
- The lack of substantial proof against Miguel does not definitively prove his innocence; it only means there is insufficient evidence to charge him.
- Forensic commonalities like the blood characteristic and cat hairs could be coincidental and not indicative of a single perpetrator.
- The differences in the cases, such as the mode of strangulation and post-assault clothing, could be due to a single perpetrator changing their method rather than indicating multiple attackers.
- The absence of information about a new suspect after Michelle's murder does not necessarily mean that the investigation has not identified one; it could simply mean that the information has not been disclosed or is not yet available.
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Key Suspects in Carmen Colon's Murder Case
Investigators in the case of Carmen Colon's murder have considered multiple suspects, including her "uncle" and her mother's boyfriend, Miguel Colon. His suspicious actions and the subsequent investigation raised eyebrows but ultimately did not lead to a conviction.
Miguel Colon
Carmen's "uncle"/mother's boyfriend leaves for Puerto Rico soon after her murder
Carmen Colon's murder left the community and authorities searching for answers. Amidst this tragic event, Miguel Colon, who was both her mother's boyfriend and uncle, left for Puerto Rico. His quick relocation immediately after Carmen's disappearance appeared suspicious, prompting further scrutiny from law enforcement.
Witnesses claim he said he "did something wrong" in Rochester and had to leave
An anonymous witness came forward with a significant claim that Miguel Colon had expressed a sense of guilt. According to the witness, Miguel stated he needed to leave Rochester quickly because he had "done something wrong." Reference to Carmen by name in these suspicious comments raised red flags for the investigators, although specifics around these incriminating statements were unclear.
Investigators confront him in Puerto Rico; he agrees to return to Rochester for questioning
Monroe County District Attorney Jack B. Lazarus led a team of investigators to San Juan, Puerto Rico, to confront Miguel Colon about his potential involvement in the murder. Tipped off to their arrival, Miguel went on the run, evading the investigators until their trip concluded. Later, he turned himself in to Puerto Rican a ...
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Key Suspects in Carmen Colon's Murder Case
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Carmen Colon's relationship with Miguel Colon was complex. Miguel was both Carmen's mother's boyfriend and referred to as her "uncle." This familial connection added layers of suspicion and intrigue to the investigation into Carmen's murder.
- The incriminating statements made by Miguel Colon were vague and lacked specific details about what he had done wrong in Rochester. While a witness reported that Miguel mentioned doing something wrong, the exact nature of this wrongdoing or its connection to Carmen' ...
Counterarguments
- Miguel Colon's departure to Puerto Rico could be coincidental and not necessarily indicative of guilt.
- Witness statements about Miguel Colon saying he "did something wrong" are hearsay and may not be reliable without further corroboration.
- Agreeing to return to Rochester for questioning could be seen as a willingness to cooperate with the investigation, which may not align with typical behavior of a guilty individual.
- Passing a polygraph test is not a definitive indicator of innocence, as polygraph results are not always accurate and are not admissible in court.
- The presence of Carmen's doll in Miguel Colon's vehicle could have an innocent explanatio ...
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Similarities and Differences Between the Three Murder Cases
A close examination of the murder cases of three girls reveals both similarities and differences that leave investigators questioning if there could be a connection between them.
Similarities suggest connection
The girls, including Wanda, Carmen, and Michelle, share eerily similar circumstances surrounding their deaths which suggests a potential link.
All 3 girls around same age, disappeared in same area while running errands
The conversation indicates that all three girls were approximately the same age and they all disappeared in the same area while they were out running errands.
Sexually assaulted and strangled
Autopsies reveal that each girl was sexually assaulted and strangled. Wanda and Michelle had evidence of being strangled with a ligature, while in Carmen's case, the strangulation was manual.
20% blood characteristic in common; evidence of light-colored cat hairs on all three victims
The cases share specific forensic similarities. Notably, a unique 20% blood characteristic was identified in each case. Moreover, light-colored cat hairs were found on all three victims, which could suggest a specific environment or attribute of the killer.
Differences cause uncertainly about link between Carmen and the other two cases
Though the girls share some circumstances, there are distinct differences that cause uncertainty about the link between Carmen's case and the other two girls.
Carmen not fed by killer pre-murder like Wanda and Michelle
One of the contrasts drawn is that Wanda and Michelle, as shown by the contents in their stomachs, were fed by their ...
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Similarities and Differences Between the Three Murder Cases
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- A ligature is a cord, rope, or similar material used to strangle or bind someone. In forensic terms, ligature marks can indicate the use of such material in causing injury or death. In the context of the text, the mention of ligature suggests that Wanda and Michelle may have been strangled using a cord or similar object, as opposed to Carmen, who was strangled manually.
- Forensic similarities in this context pertain to specific shared characteristics found in the forensic evidence of the three murder cases, such as the presence of a unique blood characteristic and the discovery of light-colored cat hairs on all three victims. These similarities suggest a potential connection between the cases and may indicate a commonality in the circumstances surrounding the crimes. The forensic similarities serve as key points of interest for investigators, helping them explore potential links and patterns that could aid in understanding the crimes and identifying the perpetrator.
- "Redressed" in this context means that after the assault, Wanda and Michelle were found fully clothed, while Carmen was not fully clothed. This difference in clothing status after ...
Counterarguments
- The age and location of the victims' disappearances could be coincidental, as individuals of similar ages often frequent the same areas and run errands at similar times.
- The presence of light-colored cat hairs on all victims could be a commonality without significance, as such hairs could be prevalent in the area or a result of cross-contamination during the investigation.
- The unique 20% blood characteristic might not be as unique as suggested and could be present in a larger portion of the population, reducing its value as a linking factor.
- Differences in the way the victims were fed, clothed, and the severity of their injuries could indicate different perpetrators with different modus operandi rather than a single individual with varying behaviors.
- Manual strangulation versus strangulation with a ligature could suggest different levels of premeditation or personal anger towards the victim, which could support the theory of different assail ...
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New Suspect After Michelle's Murder
There are currently no new details regarding a suspect in the murder of Michelle, as the provided transcript does no ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
New Suspect After Michelle's Murder
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