REOPENED: DNA SPEAKS: A Deadly Premonition
Summary
This episode details the 38-year investigation into the 1981 murder of Linda Slayton in Lakeland, Florida, whose killer was identified through genetic genealogy. Hosts discuss the initial cold case, the impact on her sons Tim and Jeff, and the breakthrough that led to the arrest of their former football coach, Joseph Mills. The story covers the forensic challenges of the era, the emotional toll on the family, and Mills’ eventual confession and life sentence.
Topics discussed
Introduction: The 40-year wait for justice
The discovery of Linda Slayton's body in 1981
Tim Slayton's traumatic first look at the crime scene
Linda's life, family struggles, and a chilling palm reading
Early investigation: Forensics and suspecting the son
Interrogating Jeff Slayton and polygraph results
Autopsy findings and the family's grief
Investigating ex-husband Frank Slayton and his violent past
The case goes cold and the brothers' trauma
Sponsor break
1995: The false lead of serial killer Frank Potts
1998-2001: DNA breakthroughs and ruling out suspects
2015-2018: Retirements and the pivot to genetic genealogy
Genetic genealogy identifies Joseph Mills as the suspect
Confirming the match: Fingerprints and trash pull DNA
Sponsor break
Arrest and interrogation of Joseph Mills in 2019
Victim impact statements and Mills' life sentence
Conclusion and credits
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