The Murder of Austin Colson (Vermont)
Dark Downeast
Deep Dive
What were the suspicious circumstances surrounding Austin Colson's disappearance?
Austin Colson, a 19-year-old from South Royalton, Vermont, disappeared on January 11, 2018, after leaving his apartment to go scrapping. His car was found parked at his father's house, but the utility trailer he was supposed to use was missing. His phone was turned off around 11:15 a.m., and the last known sighting of him was at 11:17 a.m. on an ATM camera. His remains were found four months later in an old barn miles from home, and his death was ruled a homicide by a gunshot wound to the head.
Who is the primary suspect in Austin Colson's murder?
Richard Whitcomb, a 38-year-old former high school classmate of Austin's mother, is the primary suspect. He was the last person seen with Austin and had a history of drug dealings with him. Whitcomb's cell phone data contradicted his alibi, placing him near key locations related to Austin's disappearance and death. Despite being identified as a suspect, he has not been charged with homicide.
What evidence linked Richard Whitcomb to Austin Colson's disappearance?
Richard Whitcomb's cell phone data showed he was near Austin's father's house and the barn where Austin's remains were found on the day of his disappearance. Additionally, Whitcomb's internet searches included queries about gunshot residue and retrieving deleted text messages. Witnesses also reported seeing him with Austin the night before he disappeared, and he admitted to drug dealings with Austin.
What was found during the search of the barn where Austin Colson's remains were discovered?
Police found Austin's baseball hat with the A&C Painting logo, 25-caliber shell casings, a cigarette butt with Austin's DNA, and gloves that a cadaver dog alerted on. The remains of Austin Colson were discovered on the second floor of the barn, and his cause of death was confirmed as a gunshot wound to the head.
What role did Richard Whitcomb's ex-wife, Sarah, play in the investigation?
Sarah, Richard Whitcomb's ex-wife, provided new information to investigators after their separation. She revealed that Richard had been stressed and scared after Austin's disappearance, mentioning the need to dispose of tools like a shovel. She also noted that Richard cleaned his truck and had a large bonfire around that time, which she found suspicious. Sarah now believes Richard was involved in Austin's death.
What were the outcomes of Richard Whitcomb's legal troubles unrelated to Austin Colson's case?
Richard Whitcomb pleaded guilty to a felony charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 37 months in prison. He also pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor home improvement fraud charge and was sentenced to 9-10 days in jail. Despite these convictions, he has not been charged in connection with Austin Colson's murder.
What challenges did investigators face in using cell phone data to track Richard Whitcomb's movements?
Cell phone tower data can only approximate a device's general location and is influenced by factors like network load, tower maintenance, terrain, and signal strength. While the data placed Richard near key locations related to Austin's disappearance, it required corroboration with additional evidence to avoid misleading conclusions.
What new information did Sarah provide about Richard Whitcomb's behavior after Austin's disappearance?
Sarah told investigators that Richard was stressed and scared after Austin's disappearance, mentioning the need to dispose of tools like a shovel. She also noted that he cleaned his truck and had a large bonfire, which she found unusual. Additionally, she found holes cut into walls and floors of Richard's residence, which could have concealed evidence.
What was the significance of the internet searches found on Richard Whitcomb's phone?
Richard Whitcomb's phone contained searches for 'How long does GSR last?' (gunshot residue) and 'Can you retrieve deleted text messages and erase your iCloud?' These searches, made around the time of Austin's disappearance, raised suspicions about his involvement in the crime and potential attempts to cover up evidence.
What was the timeline of Richard Whitcomb's cell phone activity on the day of Austin Colson's disappearance?
On January 11, 2018, Richard's cell phone pinged near Austin's father's house between 10:40-10:54 a.m., near the barn where Austin's remains were found between 12:08-1:02 p.m., and near the area where the utility trailer was abandoned between 3:35-5:45 p.m. These pings contradicted his alibi and placed him near key locations related to the case.
- Austin Colson went missing on January 11, 2018
- He was last seen around 11:17 a.m. near an ATM
- His father's utility trailer was found abandoned, partially filled with scrap metal
Shownotes Transcript