Buried Bones - a historical true crime podcast with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes

The Machete Murderer PT 1

Oct 8, 2025
Delve into the haunting story of a disturbed orchard in 1971 Yuba City, where the discovery of shallow graves unravels chilling mysteries. Farmers stumble upon the remains of transients, leading to a deeper investigation into their identities and tragic fates. Forensic techniques, including probing and sifting, come into play as the hosts analyze suspicious patterns and victim profiles. Clues surface, including a striking yellow Chevy panel van, while connections to past assaults escalate the tension. Join the hunt for the truth behind these crimes.
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INSIGHT

Pre-Dug Graves Suggest Planning

  • A shallow pre-dug grave with a single foot exposed signaled a planned disposal site rather than a spontaneous burial.
  • Paul Holes emphasizes documenting tool marks, sifting soil, and identifying the body quickly to focus the investigation.
ADVICE

Screen Soil Carefully During Digs

  • When digging graves, sift excavated soil through progressively smaller screens to recover small evidence like cigarette butts or bone fragments.
  • Use water and finer screening for muddy sites to avoid losing tiny remains or teeth.
ADVICE

Cast Impressions Before They Degrade

  • Document impressions like tire tracks with oblique photography and make dental-stone casts for later comparison.
  • Preserve, photograph, and cast impressions promptly to link them to suspect vehicles or shoes.
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