From Under the Elm Tree: The Kidnapping & Murder of Maria Ridulph
Crimehub: A True Crime Podcast
Key Insights
Why did the FBI initially clear John Tessier as a suspect in Maria Ridolf's kidnapping and murder?
They believed his alibi, involving travel between Sycamore, Chicago, and Rockford, made it impossible for him to have committed the crime.
Why did Eileen Tessier initially lie about her son John's whereabouts on the night of Maria's disappearance?
She first claimed he was home all night, possibly to protect him from suspicion.
Why did the prosecution face challenges in proving John Tessier's guilt in Maria Ridolf's murder?
Many key witnesses were dead, and the case relied heavily on circumstantial evidence and hearsay.
Why was John Tessier acquitted of the rape charges brought by his sister Jeannie?
The judge found inconsistencies in Jeannie's story and questioned the timing of her allegations.
Why did the judge allow Eileen Tessier's deathbed confession into the trial despite it being hearsay?
The prosecution argued it was against Eileen's own interests to confess, suggesting she knew about the murder and could face charges herself if alive.
Why did the judge refuse to allow the FBI reports into the trial as evidence?
In Illinois, police reports and documents cannot replace actual witnesses, and the authors of the reports were deceased.
Why did the DeKalb County State's Attorney, Richard Schmack, later conclude that John Tessier was innocent?
He found that police and prosecutors had manipulated the timeline to fit their case, ignoring evidence that supported John's alibi.
Chapters
- Maria Ridulph was abducted in 1957 and her remains found five months later.
- Jack McCullough was convicted in 2012 but his conviction was overturned in 2016.
- The case remains unsolved, with enduring legal and investigative challenges.
Shownotes Transcript
