From Under the Elm Tree: The Kidnapping & Murder of Maria Ridulph
Crimehub: A True Crime Podcast
Deep Dive
Why did the case of Maria Ridulph's murder become one of the longest cold cases in U.S. history?
The case remained unsolved for over 55 years due to a lack of solid evidence, an alibi for the primary suspect, and the challenges of cold case investigations over such a long period. DNA technology was not available at the time, and the body was too decomposed to determine a cause of death.
Why was Jack McCullough (John Tessier) initially convicted of Maria Ridulph's murder in 2012?
Jack McCullough was convicted based on new evidence, including a deathbed confession from his mother, Aliene Tessier, and testimonies from witnesses who placed him at the scene. The prosecution also presented a timeline suggesting he could have committed the crime.
Why was Jack McCullough's conviction overturned in 2016?
The conviction was overturned due to misinterpreted facts, the exclusion of crucial FBI reports from 1957, and the improper admission of his mother's deathbed confession. The new state attorney also found inconsistencies in the timeline and evidence.
Why did the FBI initially rule out Jack McCullough as a suspect in 1957?
The FBI believed it was impossible for Jack McCullough to have kidnapped and killed Maria Ridulph based on his alibi. He was allegedly in Rockford, about 40 miles away, at the time of the crime, and multiple witnesses and records supported his whereabouts.
Why did the new state attorney, Richard Schmack, believe Jack McCullough was innocent?
Richard Schmack believed the police and prosecutors manipulated the timeline to fit their case, focusing on evidence that suggested Maria was kidnapped closer to 6 PM and ignoring evidence that supported the original FBI timeline of 6:45 PM to 7 PM, when McCullough was in Rockford.
Why did the investigation of Maria Ridulph's murder face significant challenges in the 1950s?
The investigation faced challenges due to the lack of DNA technology, the decomposition of Maria's body, and the limited forensic tools available at the time. Additionally, the FBI's jurisdiction was limited because the body did not cross state lines.
Why did the discovery of Maria's body in 1958 change the direction of the investigation?
The discovery of Maria's body in April 1958 officially pivoted the investigation to a homicide. It also provided physical evidence that confirmed Maria's disappearance and death, leading to a more focused search for the killer.
Why did Jack McCullough's past raise suspicions during the investigation?
Jack McCullough's past included allegations of sexual misconduct, including the molestation of his sister and other neighborhood girls, and his involvement with underage girls. These allegations, combined with his alibi and the new timeline, raised suspicions about his involvement in Maria's murder.
Why did the jury find Jack McCullough guilty in 2012?
The jury found Jack McCullough guilty based on the prosecution's evidence, including his mother's deathbed confession, testimonies from witnesses, and a timeline suggesting he could have committed the crime. The most convincing testimony came from Kathy Sigman, Maria's friend, who provided a consistent account of the events.
- Maria Ridulph, a 7-year-old girl, is abducted in December 1957.
- Johnny, a young man with a high-pitched voice, offers piggyback rides to Maria and her friend Cathy.
- Maria's last interaction with her family is when she runs back home to get her favorite toy.
Shownotes Transcript