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cover of episode Case 261: Shari Smith & Debra May Helmick (Part 2)

Case 261: Shari Smith & Debra May Helmick (Part 2)

2023/9/30
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本集讲述了1985年南卡罗来纳州发生的Shari Smith和Debra May Helmick两起绑架谋杀案。九岁的Debra May Helmick在自家拖车房前被绑架，两周前，十几岁的Shari Smith也被绑架并杀害。警方怀疑是同一人所为，并发布了嫌疑人画像。在调查过程中，警方接到一个电话，告知了Debra May Helmick的尸体位置。法医证据表明Debra May Helmick死于窒息，并有性侵犯的迹象。犯罪侧写专家John Douglas认为，凶手在Debra May Helmick身上穿戴成人内衣是为了减轻对袭击儿童的罪恶感。警方通过Shari Smith遗嘱上的模糊电话号码，最终锁定了嫌疑人Larry Jean Bell。Larry Jean Bell有暴力犯罪前科，曾多次被判刑，但刑期均被缓刑或减刑。警方在其住所和车辆中发现了与案件相关的证据，包括血迹、纤维、头发等。Bell否认犯下罪行，但他承认对受害者家庭感到内疚，并向Smith一家道歉。调查人员认为Bell对Shari Smith的袭击是偶然的，而对Debra May Helmick的袭击是预谋的。Bell最终被判处死刑。本案也牵扯出其他几起失踪案件，但没有足够的证据证明Bell的参与。

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**** Content warning: Sexual assault *** [Part 2 of 2] *When nine-year-old Debra May Helmick was abducted from the front of her family’s trailer in Richland County, South Carolina, there were immediate concerns that her kidnapping could be linked to the recent murder of Lexington teenager, Shari Smith. Those fears were confirmed when Shari’s sister Dawn received a chilling phone call directing authorities to Debra May’s body. 

The news that a serial killer was on the loose had South Carolina residents gripped by fear. As the investigation ramped up, a breakthrough clue finally emerged.

Narration – Anonymous Host) Research & writing – Elsha McGill Creative direction – Milly Raso Production and music – Mike Migas) Music – Andrew D.B. Joslyn)

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