Discover the chilling pattern of dismemberment murders in Wisconsin, focusing on the haunting cases of Rhys Pocan, her cousin Rae Tourtillot, and Julia Baez. Unravel the struggles families face as they seek justice for Indigenous victims shrouded in mystery. Explore the emotional turmoil surrounding Ray's disappearance and the complexities that hinder investigations in such tragic cases. The urgent need for better coordination among law enforcement is highlighted, alongside heartwarming community support for victims' families.
The podcast highlights the chilling pattern of dismemberment cases in Wisconsin, suggesting the potential existence of a serial killer targeting women.
Frustration is expressed over the lack of comprehensive collaboration among law enforcement agencies, hindering progress in solving interconnected murder cases.
Emphasizing the emotional pain of the victims' families, the hosts advocate for increased awareness and support for marginalized communities affected by unsolved crimes.
Deep dives
Upcoming Crime Junkie Live Tour
The hosts announce an exciting upcoming live tour that spans across several locations in the United States, including Los Angeles, Texas, and Florida. They emphasize the urgency of purchasing tickets due to high demand, hinting at exclusive content and behind-the-scenes insights related to crime reporting. The tour will feature unique cases that fans have never heard before, suggesting a fresh and thrilling experience for attendees. This live event promises an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of true crime stories, aiming to connect the hosts with their audience in person.
Investigation into Reese Pocan's Case
The episode delves deeply into the case of Reese Pocan and her tragic outcome, revealing a disturbing pattern of dismemberment cases occurring in Wisconsin. Researchers discover that at least twelve dismembered individuals, mostly women, were found under similar circumstances, leading to a broader investigation across multiple jurisdictions. The ongoing investigation raises concerns about a potential serial killer operating in the area, highlighting the difficulty in coordinating efforts among various law enforcement agencies. The hosts express frustration over the lack of a holistic approach to connecting these cases, which could shed light on the possible links between the victims.
Ray Tortolot's Mysterious Disappearance
The narrative shifts to Ray Tortolot, a cousin of Reese, who disappeared after attending a party in 1986, igniting an investigation that has yet to yield clear answers. Initial searches conducted by tribal police showed promise, but evidence quickly faded, leading to growing frustration among family members over the lack of progress. Despite the involvement of a Native American psychic who provided a lead, the case went cold, and suspicions around the witnesses and associates became a source of contention. The hosts reveal that the investigation has encountered roadblocks, causing deep emotional pain for Ray’s family, especially her daughter, who grapples with the unresolved mystery.
Julia Baez's Tragic Story
Julia Baez’s case is introduced as another instance that ties into the disturbing dismemberment cases, with her missing report filed nearly five months after her last sighting in 1990. The podcast describes her challenging life, marked by drug use and tumultuous relationships, which contributed to her family's delayed concern about her wellbeing. After her remains were eventually discovered in a series of garbage bags in a remote area, DNA testing eventually revealed the identity of the Jane Doe. Despite this identification, a complete lack of follow-up on the investigation highlights a troubling pattern of neglect that continues to afflict the families of these victims.
The Call for Awareness and Justice
The episode culminates with a heartfelt plea for justice from the daughters of the victims, highlighting the ongoing trauma experienced by families affected by these unsolved cases. They call on society to recognize and support the memories of their mothers, emphasizing the need for better communication and effort from law enforcement. The podcast underscores the importance of raising awareness for these crimes, especially for marginalized communities, and encourages anyone with information to come forward. The hosts express hope that by sharing these stories, they can spark interest and galvanize action towards solving these tragic mysteries.
In 2021, we set out to cover the case of Rhys Pocan, a 35-year-old Indigenous woman who was murdered in Wisconsin in the ‘80s. But while we were in the field, we uncovered a disturbing pattern of murders with similarities to Rhys’ that were just too blatant to ignore. So, we spent the next three years working with local and federal law enforcement to try and get to the bottom of it.
In Part 2, we look into cases of two other female dismemberment victims in Wisconsin with striking similarities to Rhys Pocan’s. Rhys’ own cousin Rae Tourtillot’s remains were found just two years before Rhys’ disappearance. And Julia Baez’s remains were found buried in plastic bags the year after. But without a statewide task force, investigators are slow to put things together.
If you have any information about any of the cases below, please contact Det. Nathan Hatch at the Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Office at 920-459-3135, or email him at nathan.hatch@sheboygancounty.com. You can also reach out to us at crimejunkie@audiochuck.com. Other Wisconsin cases to note:
Jane Doe, 1982, Caledonia, Columbia County
Helen Sebastian, 1983, Racine, Racine County
Eric Hansen, 1983, Petrifying Springs Park, Kenosha County,
Jane Doe, 1984, Westby, Vernon County
Terry Dolowy, 1985, LaCrosse, Vernon County
Rae Tourtillott, 1987, Menominee Reservation
Rhys Pocan, 1989, Sheboygan County
Susan Poupart, 1990, Price County
Julia Baez, 1990, Brockway, Jackson County
Doris Mcleod, 1991, Goose Lake Wildlife Preserve, Dane County
Jane Doe, 2002, Houlton, St. Croix County
Charlee Pocan Russ has started a GoFundMe to raise money for solving her mother’s murder. If you would like to donate or learn more, please visit this link.
And keep an eye on The Deck feed for Susan Poupart (7 of Spades, Wisconsin), or listen right now in the Fan Club!
You can learn more about The Good segment and even submit a story of your own by visiting The Good page on our website!
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