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Murder in Oregon

iHeartPodcasts 33 episodes Latest Jun 10, 2026

In January 1989, Michael Francke, the director of Oregon's Department of Corrections, was brutally stabbed to death outside his office in Salem. The murder was quickly ruled a car burglary gone wrong and pinned on a low-level drug dealer named Frank Gable. However, Francke's brother Kevin and reporter Phil Stanford believe Gable has been wrongfully imprisoned for nearly 30 years. They suspect Francke had uncovered a trail of corruption in the prison system leading to the top of Oregon's political establishment. The podcast follows their decades-long journey into Oregon's underworld to answer who really killed Michael Francke.

Episodes

Introducing: Bone Valley Season 5 | The Devil's Quarry Jun 10, 2026 188 A decades-long true crime nightmare set in the shadowy woods of Putnam County, New York. Two wrongful convictions, a brutal predator hiding in plain sight, and a system that protected him for years—until a dogged pursuit uncovered the truth. Hosted by Rolling Stone’s Paul Solotaroff and Lava for Good CEO Jason Flom, The Devil You Know dives into the terrifying story of Howard Gombert,

#555 Lauren Bright Pacheco with Frank Gable Dec 18, 2025 2505 Early on the morning of January 18, 1989, a security guard found the body of Michael Francke lying in a pool of blood on the floor of the North Portico of the Dome Building of Oregon State Hospital in Salem, OR. An autopsy revealed the cause of death to be a stab wound to the heart. Michael Francke - who had a background as a military man, former prosecutor and judge, and then head of the New Mexi

11. Closing Arguments Mar 6, 2025 2550 The final episode, subject to future updates, of Murder on Songbird Road invites listeners and former interviewees to reflect on their thoughts and opinions regarding the case against Julia Bevely. Additionally, Bevely's legal team provides an update on the current status of her appeal process. Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com.  CONTACTS: The

10. Suspect Feb 27, 2025 2542 Bob and Lauren return to Marion, knocking on doors once again. This time, however, they uncover crucial footage that reveals significant flaws in the investigation’s hasty rush to judgment. Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

9. Judgement Feb 20, 2025 2782 The infamous Huck’s footage exposes critical flaws in the prosecution’s theory, reinforced by a criminologist’s analysis of stabbing murders—setting the stage for Innocence activist Jason Flom to intervene and alter the course of Bevely’s legal battle. Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com. See omnystudio.com/listener

8. The Evidence Feb 13, 2025 2712 The access to the interrogation video and the collection of Bevely’s DNA raise concerns about official protocol and the broader objectives of the investigation. Additionally, the prosecution’s influence on the case comes under scrutiny. Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

7. Close Calls Feb 6, 2025 2578 The State’s Attorney claimed Bevely’s account of encountering an armed assailant was proven false within days of the murder but a closer look into call records raises questions about other possible suspects. Wrongful Conviction Podcast Episodes: Julie Rae Michelle Murphy Melissa Lucio Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com. See omnystudi

6. Observations Jan 30, 2025 2710 The family of Jade’s father share their remembrances of a life tragically ended and thoughts on the woman they believe took it. Speculation as to what could have motivated the murder takes an unlikely turn, leading to Salem, Massachusetts. Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5. The Delivery Jan 23, 2025 2528 Weeks after she was arrested for the murder of her step-daughter, Julia Bevely realized she was expecting her fourth child. Her subsequent treatment during pregnancy, birth and postpartum as a pre-trial detainee remain, next to the murder, the most disturbing aspects of the case. Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for priv

4. The Sentencing Jan 16, 2025 2448 The day of the sentencing, Bob and Lauren retrace the route Julia Bevely claims to have taken the morning of the murder with surprising results. Her increasingly polarizing fate is then decided in a packed Marion courtroom filled with contrasting emotions. Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

3. The Timeline Jan 9, 2025 2292 Bob and Lauren connect in Marion, Illinois for Julia Bevely’s sentencing. Through a jailhouse visit with Bevely- and interviews with her family- a narrative emerges that is at odds with key elements of the prosecution theory in terms of the murder and the woman convicted of having committed it.  Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com.  Se

2. The Arrest Jan 2, 2025 2203 Just days after the murder, the Williamson County State’s Attorney announced the death of Jade Beasley- and the arrest of Julia Bevely- in the same press conference. He claimed a thorough investigation had already been conducted, but glaring questions remain to this day.  Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for p

1. The Case Jan 2, 2025 2351 On December 5th of 2020, a blended family was ripped apart when police responded to a 911 call placed from a rural area in Marion, Illinois. At the scene, they would find an 11-year-old girl, brutally murdered and her hysterical 32-year old stepmother.  Email us with thoughts, suggestions or tips at investigatingmurder@iheartmedia.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introducing: Murder on Songbird Road Dec 26, 2024 183 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UPDATE 5/23: Frank Gable Exonerated May 10, 2023 797 Kevin Francke and Phil Stanford join Lauren Bright Pacheco to share the news that Frank Gable, who was wrongly convicted of killing Oregon Corrections Director Michael Francke, has been completely exonerated as of Monday, May 8, 2023. They also discuss the reality that the murder of Michael Francke remains unsolved- and his real killers have never been brought to justice.See omnystudio.com/listene

Introducing: "Murder in Miami" Jan 19, 2023 167 In the 1980s crime journalist Phil Stanford dove into the decadent and dangerous world of Miami just as the city was becoming the cocaine- and murder- capital of the United States. His path would place him in the crosshairs of a federal investigation focusing on a mysterious and controversial drug smuggling pilot who claimed to be an operative of the American government- all while flaunting his ex

Update: Frank Gable’s Conviction Vacated Sep 30, 2022 247 Three years ago the Murder in Oregon podcast posed the question ‘Who Killed Micheal Francke?’ and on September 29th, 2022 a court answered: NOT the man who was convicted of his murder and spent nearly 30 years in prison. Reactions from journalist Phil Stanford and Michael Francke's brothers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who Killed The Vaughn Family? Jul 1, 2021 226 Trailer 2 - On July 8th, we re-examine a case that’s been tightly closed to shed light on whether Christopher Vaughn was justly charged, tried and convicted- and explore whether pertinent facts and later developments that could have been utilized in his defense were overlooked or ignored. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for priv

Introducing Murder in Illinois Jun 22, 2021 214 Trailer 1 - In 2007, Chris Vaughn was arrested during a funeral for his wife and three children. He would be tried and convicted of their murders. To this day he maintains no memory of what occurred that tragic day 14 years ago. Murder in Illinois follows the complicated circumstances that led to Vaughn’s conviction, as well as the forensic evidence his supporters believe proves his innocence-in a

12. Epilogue Jan 9, 2020 2409 In the final episode of Murder in Oregon, Phil, the Francke brothers and Mike’s friends and colleagues share their thoughts on Michael Francke, his murder and the individuals who’ve avoided justice for the past thirty years. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati

11. Habeas Corpus Jan 2, 2020 2569 The past ten episodes have been driven by the question: Who killed Michael Francke? Here is a recapitulation of the players, timeline, evidence covered... And a huge development regarding Frank Gable’s fight for freedom. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10. Victims Dec 26, 2019 2001 Throughout this podcast we've seen the victimization of people caught in the crosshairs of politics and corruption. Lives twisted or destroyed by those with great power and little accountability. This episode addresses one of the darkest political scandals in Oregon's history - a woman deeply damaged as a result of a childhood disrupted, by a man who became one of the most powerful men in Oregon..

9. Darkness Dec 19, 2019 2531 A sworn statement, unearthed in 2004, presents some very damning information involving one of Michael Francke's former co-workers. It also could have greatly aided in the defense of Frank Gable, were it presented during his trial. That document, along with others, sparks renewed interest in the Francke murder and once again places Phil at odds with his former employer. Learn more about your ad-c

8. Judgement Dec 12, 2019 1999 More than two years after Michael Francke's murder, a small time drug dealer named Frank Gable would be tried for the crime. The basis for the case and the outcome of the trial would shock and outrage many- including Kevin Francke. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in

7. Patsy Dec 5, 2019 2612 More than a year after Michael Francke's death, public and political pressure is mounting to capture his killer. Then, in April of 1990, a small time Salem drug dealer named Frank Gable is arrested and indicted for his murder. But the case the state mounts against him raises serious questions and concerns. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com

6. Rooster Nov 28, 2019 2182 Many people, including those closest to him, believe Tim 'Rooster' Natividad was involved in the murder of Michael Francke. His former girlfriend - and mother of his son - lays out the terrifying timeline of their relationship and the period leading up to, and after, Francke's murder. And it links to the mysterious man in the pinstripe suit. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheart

5. Depravity Nov 21, 2019 2180 The search for Mike's killer leads to a woman whose dysfunctional upbringing in Salem's drug scene was closely linked to corruption in Corrections. And the staggering violence and trauma she experienced is peppered with names closely tied to the Francke murder investigation. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio

4. Corruption Nov 14, 2019 2186 A deep dive into the history of corruption in Salem reveals a long and sordid relationship between criminal and political powers. It also leads to a troubled and violent man some believe murdered Michael Francke. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

3. Breaking Point Nov 7, 2019 1970 Months after Mike's murder, the official investigation seems to stall. Frustrated, Pat and Kevin link up with newspaper columnist Phil Stanford. Their combined efforts lead them to a controversial confession, a mysterious sketch of a possible suspect and the fury of Salem government officials. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for

2. Discrepancies Oct 31, 2019 2195 Inconsistencies in the narrative bring about issues as the official investigation into Michael Francke’s murder unfolds. The Francke family raise concerns that Mike was targeted and are met with resistance from state officials. By the time they get his autopsy report, all bets are off. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy

1. The Murder Oct 24, 2019 2399 In January of 1989 the director of Oregon’s Department of Corrections, Michael Francke, was brutally stabbed to death outside his office building in Salem. His killing was quickly ruled a “car burglary gone wrong”, but inconsistencies soon called the official investigation into question. Was Michael Francke murdered...or assassinated? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcast

Who Killed Michael Francke? Oct 17, 2019 113 Trailer 2 - On October 24th we'll re-open the Michael Francke Murder case, shining new light on those who escaped justice. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introducing Murder in Oregon Oct 9, 2019 95 The premiere trailer for Murder in Oregon. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Murder in Oregon

Episodes

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