The Sweater Letter Murder - Ontonagon, Michigan
Oct 16, 2026 · 1h 15m
Summary
This episode of Small Town Murder Express investigates the 1992 shooting death of Judy Blake in Ontonagon, Michigan, during the final days of deer season. The hosts detail the background of her husband, Bruce Moilanen, a man described as arrogant and financially irresponsible, who had previously injured Judy with a falling cinder block and harassed a coworker. The narrative explores the couple's strained marriage and the suspicious circumstances surrounding Judy's death, which was initially presumed to be a hunting accident but was investigated as a potential homicide by Detective Sergeant …
Topics discussed
Intro and Progressive Insurance ad
Live show announcements and Patreon promo
Introduction to Ontonagon, Michigan
Humorous tangent about Smurfs
Local reviews and Porcupine Mountains Music Festival
Background on Robert Bruce Moilin
Background on Judy Blake and their meeting
Bruce's infidelity and workplace behavior
The cinder block incident and therapy ad
3-Day Blinds ad and insurance claim discrepancy
Marital strife, financial trouble, and Bruce's mindset
Hunting season context and Judy's disappearance
Discovery of Judy's body and initial investigation
Ballistics evidence and initial suspect interview
Police scrutiny and family reactions
Quince clothing ad
SimpliSafe security ad
Kalshi ad and discovery of the bullet
The .30-06 rifle, the letter, and Gail's testimony
Polygraph test and Bruce's confession
Trial, jury reaction, and guilty verdict
Sentencing, aftermath, and book recommendation
Outro and final sponsor reads
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