Episode 631: Case Revisit: The Lady of the Dunes
Morbid
Deep Dive
Who discovered the body of the Lady of the Dunes?
A 12-year-old girl named Leslie Metcalf discovered the body on July 26, 1974, while following a barking beagle in the Race Point Dunes in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
What were the key details about the Lady of the Dunes' appearance?
The Lady of the Dunes was approximately 5'6" tall, weighed 135 pounds, and had long reddish or auburn hair tied in a ponytail. She had pink toenail polish and was estimated to be between 25 and 40 years old. Her eyes were unidentifiable due to decomposition.
Why were the Lady of the Dunes' hands removed?
Her hands were removed to prevent identification through fingerprints, suggesting the killer had experience in concealing victims' identities.
What was the cause of death for the Lady of the Dunes?
The cause of death was a severe blow to the head, likely inflicted with a military entrenchment tool, a collapsible spade commonly used by campers and military personnel.
What theories have been proposed about the Lady of the Dunes' identity?
Theories include her being a victim of James 'Whitey' Bulger, a notorious Boston mobster, or Rory Jean Kessinger, a fugitive who escaped jail in 1974. Another theory suggests she may have been an extra in the movie 'Jaws,' filmed nearby.
What role did psychic Yolanda Bard play in the investigation?
Yolanda Bard, known as the 'Queen of Psychics,' provided insights into the case, including the location of the victim's hands, which led investigators to a bar called the Ace of Spades. However, the basement had been cemented two months prior, halting further investigation.
What was unique about the Lady of the Dunes' dental work?
She had extensive dental work, including gold crowns, estimated to be worth between $5,000 and $10,000. Some of her teeth were forcibly removed, likely to hinder identification.
What evidence was found near the crime scene?
Investigators found two sets of footprints leading toward the body but not directly to it, as well as tire tracks about 50 yards away. However, no concrete evidence linked to the killer was discovered.
How many times has the Lady of the Dunes' body been exhumed?
Her body has been exhumed three times—in 1980, 2001, and 2013—to apply new forensic techniques, but no significant breakthroughs have been made.
What connection does the Lady of the Dunes have to the movie 'Jaws'?
Stephen King's son, Joe Hill, theorized that the Lady of the Dunes may have been an extra in 'Jaws,' filmed two months before her death and 100 miles from the crime scene. The resemblance between the victim and an extra in the film has sparked interest, though it remains unconfirmed.
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