245\. The Piggyback Killer
Murder With My Husband
Deep Dive
Why did Maria Ridulph's disappearance shock the small town of Sycamore, Illinois?
Sycamore was an idyllic town where everyone knew everyone, and most residents didn't lock their doors. The disappearance of a seven-year-old girl was unprecedented and shattered the community's sense of security.
What was the game Maria and her friend Kathy were playing when Maria disappeared?
They were playing 'Duck the Cars,' a game where they ran across the street before a car's headlights could hit them.
Why did Maria's friend Kathy go home alone for a few minutes?
Kathy went home to get her mittens because her hands were cold, leaving Maria alone with the man who approached them.
How did John Tessier's dream of enlisting in the military end?
John was disqualified from military service due to a spot on his lung from a childhood tuberculosis infection.
What significant piece of evidence was found during the initial search for Maria?
Maria's doll was found in the alley behind her house, which was significant because she had gone to get it before her friend Kathy left.
Why did John Tessier change his name to John McCullough?
John changed his name to honor his mother's maiden name, McCullough, possibly to distance himself from his sordid past.
What did Janet Tessier's mother reveal on her deathbed?
Eileen Tessier revealed to her daughter Janet that her brother John was responsible for Maria Ridulph's disappearance and death.
Why was John Tessier initially cleared by the FBI in 1957?
John was cleared because he passed a polygraph test and had an alibi for the time of Maria's disappearance.
What was the key piece of evidence that led to John Tessier's arrest in 2011?
Kathy, Maria's friend, identified John Tessier from a series of photos as the man who took Maria.
Why was John Tessier's conviction vacated in 2016?
The conviction was vacated because new evidence suggested that Maria was abducted at an earlier time, making John's alibi valid according to the revised timeline.