Small Town Murder Small Town Murder

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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