Episode 632: The Suspected Crimes of Guy Muldavin
Morbid
Deep Dive
Who was identified as the 'Lady of the Dunes' after nearly 50 years?
Ruth Marie Terry, a 37-year-old California resident, was identified as the 'Lady of the Dunes' through DNA analysis and genealogical research.
Why was Guy Muldavin suspected in the murder of Ruth Terry?
Guy Muldavin was suspected because he was Ruth Terry's husband at the time of her death, and authorities determined he was responsible for her murder based on their investigation.
What were the circumstances of Ruth Terry's death?
Ruth Terry was found with a fist-sized hole in her left temple, her head nearly decapitated, and her hands and one forearm missing. She had been sexually assaulted with a piece of wood, strangled, and died from blunt force trauma to her skull.
Why did investigators believe Ruth Terry knew her killer?
Investigators believed Ruth Terry knew her killer because there were no signs of a struggle, and her clothing was neatly folded, suggesting she was comfortable with the person who killed her.
What other crimes is Guy Muldavin suspected of besides Ruth Terry's murder?
Guy Muldavin is suspected of multiple mysterious disappearances and murders, including the deaths of his wife Manzi Mearns and her daughter Dolores, whose remains were found in his septic tank.
What evidence linked Guy Muldavin to the murder of Manzi Mearns and Dolores?
Evidence included blood stains in his home, human remains in his septic tank, and a rental car odometer showing he drove the distance to where Manzi's legs were found in the Columbia River.
Why was Guy Muldavin never prosecuted for the murders he was suspected of?
Guy Muldavin was never prosecuted because DNA testing was not available in the 1960s, and authorities felt the case was weak without definitive identification of the remains found in his septic tank.
What was the outcome of Guy Muldavin's trial for grand larceny?
Guy Muldavin was found guilty of grand larceny but received a 15-year suspended sentence, allowing him to walk free on probation.
What was the significance of the dental work found on the 'Lady of the Dunes'?
The extensive and expensive dental work suggested the victim was not from a working-class background and likely had the means to stay somewhere other than the beach, aiding in narrowing down her identity.
What theories were proposed about the identity of the 'Lady of the Dunes' before she was identified?
Theories ranged from her being an extra in the film 'Jaws' to a victim of Boston mob boss Whitey Bulger, who was known to remove the teeth of his victims to prevent identification.
- Discovery of a decomposing body on a Provincetown beach in 1974
- Victim remained unidentified for nearly 50 years
- Speculation ranged from a Jaws extra to a mob victim
- DNA identified victim as Ruth Terry
- Husband, Guy Muldavin, identified as the main suspect
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