Buried Bones - a historical true crime podcast with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes Into the Woods
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Oct 1, 2025 Travel back to 1843 Rhode Island, where the rich Amasa Sprague is found dead in the woods, setting off a whirlwind of intrigue. Discover the surprising motives behind his murder, including rumors of affairs and political rivalries. Explore fascinating forensic analyses, including the crime scene's bloody trail and the significance of a shattered musket. Witness the chaos of mass arrests that even ensnared family pets. Reflect on the case's impact, revealing long-term consequences and how modern forensics could have changed its outcome.
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Limits Of 1840s Forensics
- Forensics in 1843 were weak, making many convictions uncertain and unjust.
- Modern DNA and testing would likely have prevented wrongful convictions like John Gordon's.
Ambiguous Crime-Scene Clues
- Crime-scene details (drip trail, pooled blood, nearby pistol) suggested a short struggle and fleeing offender.
- The scene left multiple plausible scenarios but lacked definitive linkage to suspects.
Wealthy Victim Found At Footbridge
- Kate identifies the victim as Amasa Sprague, the wealthiest and most influential man in town.
- He was found bludgeoned and bloody near a small footbridge on New Year's Eve, 1843.
