EP. 183: OHIO - The 11-Year-Old Who Helped Solve His Mom's Murder
Murder In America
Deep Dive
Why did Noreen Boyle suddenly vanish in the early morning hours of January 1st, 1990?
Noreen Boyle was murdered by her husband, Jack Boyle Jr., who used a hammer to strike her head and then suffocated her with a plastic bag. He wanted to eliminate her to avoid the complications of a divorce and to start a new life with his mistress, Sherry Campbell.
Why did Collier Landry, an 11-year-old boy, help solve his mother's murder?
Collier overheard his father's lies and found incriminating evidence, such as photographs of Sherry Campbell and the new house Jack had bought for her. He bravely shared this information with Detective David Messmore, leading to the discovery of his mother's body.
Why did Jack Boyle Jr. buy a lakefront home in Erie, Pennsylvania, just before his wife's disappearance?
Jack Boyle had plans to start a new life with his mistress, Sherry Campbell, and their unborn child. He bought the home and signed the contract on December 31, 1989, under the name 'Sherry Boyle,' indicating his intent to move there with her after Noreen's murder.
Why did Jack Boyle Jr. rent a jackhammer before the murder?
Jack Boyle rented a jackhammer to prepare a hiding place for Noreen's body. He used it to break up the basement floor of the new house in Erie, Pennsylvania, to hide her body under the concrete.
Why did Jack Boyle Jr. threaten his wife with dire consequences if she ever left him?
Jack Boyle was a controlling and abusive husband who didn't want to lose his wealth and status. He was also a compulsive liar and womanizer, and he wanted to avoid the legal and financial complications that would come with a divorce.
Why did Noreen Boyle tell her son about Jack's mafia connections and her fear for her life?
Noreen was deeply scared of Jack and believed he was capable of extreme actions, including murder. She wanted Collier to be aware of the danger and to have a sense of what might happen if she disappeared.
Why did Collier and his sister end up in the foster care system after Noreen's murder?
Collier and Elizabeth were placed in foster care because both sides of their extended family refused to take them in. Jack's family wanted Collier to recant his testimony, while Noreen's family rejected him due to his resemblance to Jack.
Why did Jack Boyle Jr. continue to deny his involvement in Noreen's murder, even after being found guilty?
Jack Boyle was a stubborn and manipulative man who maintained his innocence despite overwhelming evidence. He wanted to avoid taking responsibility and continued to cling to his lies even in later attempts for parole.
Why did Collier Landry decide to confront his father in his documentary, 'A Murder in Mansfield'?
Collier wanted to understand why his father had murdered his mother and to seek some form of closure. He also hoped to share his story to help others who have experienced similar traumas.
Why did Collier continue to show love and forgiveness to his father despite everything Jack Boyle Jr. had done?
Collier believed in the human capacity for forgiveness and the need to move forward. He saw this as a way to heal and not let the trauma define his life, inspired by his mother's teachings and values.
- Noreen Boyle's disappearance on January 1st, 1990
- Collier's suspicion of his father's involvement
- Initial police investigation and their skepticism
- Collier's proactive role in contacting authorities and gathering evidence
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