Episode 627: The Murder of Carol Thompson
Morbid
Deep Dive
Why was Carol Thompson's murder so shocking to her community?
Carol Thompson was a well-liked, active mother of four who was deeply involved in her community, including her children's activities and church events. Her brutal murder in a quiet, middle-class neighborhood was unexpected and deeply unsettling.
What were the initial findings at the crime scene of Carol Thompson's murder?
The crime scene was chaotic, with evidence of a struggle throughout multiple rooms. Blood was found on walls, curtains, and rugs. A trail of blood led from the kitchen to the front door, where investigators found a pool of blood, three unspent pistol rounds, a broken knife handle, and pieces of plastic. The bedroom was ransacked, suggesting a search for something, though nothing appeared to be stolen.
How did Carol Thompson manage to escape her attacker?
Carol fought back against her attacker, even managing to escape multiple times. She eventually crawled or dragged herself down the street to a neighbor's doorstep, where she pleaded for help before losing consciousness.
What was the motive behind Carol Thompson's murder?
The motive was primarily financial. Cotton Thompson had taken out multiple life insurance policies on Carol, totaling over $1 million (equivalent to $10 million today). He also wanted to free himself from the marriage to pursue other relationships. Additionally, he planned to kill Carol's father to gain access to her family's fortune.
How did investigators eventually link Cotton Thompson to the murder?
Investigators discovered that Cotton Thompson had a connection to Norman Mastrian, a criminal with mob ties, through a previous legal consultation. Dick Anderson, the actual killer, eventually confessed that Cotton had hired him through Mastrian to murder Carol. The murder weapon, a pistol, was traced back through several criminals, ultimately linking it to Cotton.
What was the role of Dick Anderson in Carol Thompson's murder?
Dick Anderson was the actual killer hired by Norman Mastrian, who was in turn hired by Cotton Thompson. Anderson sneaked into the Thompson home, waited in the basement, and attacked Carol when she returned to her bedroom. He used a rubber hose, a pistol, and a paring knife in the attack before fleeing the scene.
How did Cotton Thompson's behavior during the investigation raise suspicions?
Cotton Thompson was not forthcoming about the multiple life insurance policies he had taken out on Carol. When the policies were discovered, he released a detailed statement to the press instead of speaking directly to investigators. His behavior, combined with the excessive number of policies and his connection to known criminals, made him appear highly suspicious.
What was the significance of the chain lock on the front door during the attack?
The chain lock was installed by Cotton Thompson, who instructed his son to lock it before leaving for school. This prevented Carol from escaping when she tried to flee her attacker. The chain lock was a key part of Cotton's plan to ensure Carol couldn't escape the attack.
How did Carol Thompson's community react to Cotton Thompson's arrest?
The community was shocked by Cotton Thompson's arrest, as they had perceived the Thompsons as a happy, ideal couple. Neighbors and friends were stunned that Cotton could be involved in such a brutal crime, especially given his public image as a devoted father and husband.
What was the outcome of Cotton Thompson's trial?
Cotton Thompson was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. The jury deliberated for over 26 hours before reaching their verdict, considering the case as a whole, including the motive, evidence, and testimony from key witnesses.
- Carol Thompson found severely injured
- Multiple wounds from blunt and sharp objects
- Scene at Thompson home suggests a struggle
- Husband, Cotton Thompson, arrives home and acts strangely
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