The Starved Rock Murders with Andy Hale
In the winter of 1960, three women were brutally murdered in a cave at Starved Rock State Park. After months of dead ends, a manhunt pinned the crime on Chester Weger, a 21-year-old dishwasher at the park lodge. Despite contradictory physical evidence and immense police pressure, Chester confessed and has spent 60 years in prison maintaining his innocence. Attorney Andy Hale, who specializes in wrongful convictions, re-examines the case, provides real-time updates including DNA testing, and uncovers new evidence to determine if this is the longest wrongful conviction in U.S. history.
Episodes
Here's What Happened: Inside the Chester Weger Clemency Hearing
Andy, Sally Cohen, and Johanne Karizamimba recap the October 6, 2026, hearing on Chester Weger’s petition for posthumous clemency. From emotional testimony and family statements to closing arguments, rebuttals, and the LaSalle County State's Attorney's Office's persistence in clinging to the confession despite all of the new evidence. Get an inside look at the ongoing fight for Chester
Digging Deeper From Supporters Perspectives | Part 2
In Part 2 of Andy’s conversation with investigation enthusiasts and Chester Weger supporters Steve Mueller and Deanan Herkert, discover how dedicated followers can contribute to the ongoing pursuit of justice. They examine the known and lesser-known evidence surrounding the Starved Rock Murders and discuss the questions that continue to surround the case. Join the discussion and weigh the evidence
Supporters Perspectives| DiscussingThe Starved Rock Murders| Part One
Have you been following the Starved Rock Murders case? Piecing together the evidence, researching reports and asking how Chester Weger could have been convicted? You’re not alone.Andy is joined by Steve Mueller and Deanan Herkert, two longtime investigative enthusiasts who have followed this case for years, from visiting Starved Rock lodge to following Andy’s ongoing legal fight for justice.Join P
Evidence Uncovered: The Legal Team Breaks Down the Case
Join Andy and his team, Sally Cohen and Johanne Karizamimba, for an in-depth discussion of their posthumous clemency developments. They break down uncovered witness testimony, examine key details in both new and previously known evidence, and provide insight into their legal strategy. Hear their analysis, the unanswered questions, and what these developments could mean for the verdict. You can joi
Season 2. Ep. 1: A Legal Update: The Posthumous Petition for Clemency
Season 2 takes deeper looks into the untold stories in and around the case and Andy's final legal push to secure justice for Chester Weger. In this episode, Andy and Sally discuss the latest legal development, the filing of a posthumous petition for clemency, and what his all means for the quest to prove Chester's innocence.
The Winders Family Murders - what really happened?
Andy and Sally examine the deaths of William Winders, his wife Patricia, and their three young children, who were all found dead in their Seneca home from gunshots. The murders took place just a week after the Starved Rock Murders and were officially ruled a homicide/suicide conducted by Patricia. But was it?
The Continuing Coverup: A Discussion with Author Jim Ridings
In this episode Andy sits down with Jim Ridings, author of the new book "Murder at Starved Rock: How the System Framed an Innocent Man," and two discuss how there was a coverup of the true facts in 1960 and how the coverup has continued to the present.
Manufacturing A Case Against Chester Weger: The Bogus Scratches Evidence
In this episode, Andy Hale and Sally Cohen reveal and discuss new evidence that demonstrates the State's "scratches" evidence at trial was not credible. They also discuss the Court's application of the wrong legal standard in assessing the "scratches" evidence.
The Continuing Colossal Coverup
Andy and Sally take a deep dive into the Lois Zelensek telephone operator interview and how there was a coverup of the people involved in that telephone call, and how the focus then turned to Chester Weger. They also discuss how the coverup continues to this day.
An analysis of false confessions: Andy Hale & Sally Cohen discuss the expert report of Dr. Brian Cutler
In this episode, attorneys Andy Hale and Sally Cohen delve into the concept of false confessions by discussing and explaining the expert report of Dr. Brian Cutler, who was retained as an expert witness in Chester Weger's case.
A Legal Autopsy, Part 2: Andy Hale & Sally Cohen continue to discuss the recent evidentiary hearing and devastating court ruling
In this episode, attorneys Andy Hale and Sally Cohen focus on some of the key evidence presented at the evidentiary hearing showing Chester Weger's innocence. They also discuss the manner in which the Will County State's Attorney's Office argued the case, and some of the key constitutional violations that occurred.
A Legal Autopsy: Andy Hale & Sally Cohen discuss all the stunning ways the Court got it wrong.
In this episode, attorneys Andy Hale and Sally Cohen dissect the stunning court ruling denying Chester Weger's post-conviction petition and walk through several of the court's substantial factual and legal errors. They also discuss the ridiculous manner in which the powerful DNA evidence was disregarded.
Andy & Whitny's Post-Mortem Analysis
In this episode, Andy welcomes back his co-host Whitny Braun and the two of them conduct a post-mortem analysis of the case, the bombshell Lois Zelensek memo, and the court's puzzling court ruling denying Chester Weger's post-conviction petition. The journey for justice continues!
Honoring Chester Weger's Memory + The Puzzling Court Ruling
In this episode, Andy honors the memory of Chester Weger and his decades-long battle to prove is innocence. Andy also breaks down the puzzling and disappointing court ruling denying Chester's petition for post-conviction relief, despite the presence of powerful DNA evidence.
The Evidentiary Hearing: An Update
In this episode, Andy summarizes the evidence presented at last week at the three-day evidentiary hearing and discusses what happens next in the case.
Honoring the Victims: A Step Back Before the Hearing
As the crucial May 2025 evidentiary hearing for Chester Weger approaches, Andy takes a moment to explore the other side of the Starved Rock Murders. In this episode, he honors the lives of the three victims—Mildred Lindquist, Frances Murphy, and Lillian Oetting—and revisits the role of Chester’s original attorney, John A. McNamara. It’s a thoughtful, emotional journey into a pivotal moment in hist
Oddities & Absurdities
In this episode, Andy discusses a variety of oddities and absurdities in the case including the lineup, the women's clothing, fingerprints, and a suspicious similarity between statements in Chester Weger's "confession" and a description in the Startling Detective Magazine September 1960 edition.
The Tale of the Twine
In this episode, Andy takes a deep and detailed dive and revisits the manner in which the twine evidence has been misrepresented over theyears.
The Arrest Warrants for Murder and the Unusual Role of a Justice of the Peace
In this episode, Andy continues his discussion of how the police had no basis to arrest Chester Weger for the murders, and discusses the unusual role of a Justice of the Peace, who was also a local grocer, who signed the arrest warrants for murder.
What was the evidence to arrest Chester Weger for the triple murders??
In this episode, Andy takes a deep dive into the issue of how Chester Weger came to be charged with murder, how that issue has been portrayed in a book on the case, and how local law enforcement and the State's Attorney's Office lacked probable cause to arrest Chester for the triple murders.
Game On
In this episode, Andy walks through the chronology of the Will County State's Attorney's Office's involvement in this case as well as the evidentiary hearing that was recently scheduled by the Court.
A Big Court Victory: Chester Takes One Step Closer To Justice
In this episode, Andy and Whitny discuss the recent court ruling allowing Chester Weger's evidence to advance to an evidentiary
hearing.
A Call to Action
In this episode, Andy discusses the upcoming court hearing on November 22, 2024, and encourages anyone with information about the case to call the Starved Rock Murders tipline!
Revisiting The Telephone Operator Bombshell
In this episode, Andy takes another look at a huge break in
the case that came within days when a telephone operator overheard two men discussing bloody overalls in the trunk of a car.
The Case Reaches A Fork In The Road
In this episode, Andy and Whitny discuss the upcoming court hearing on September 11th and some of the evidence and arguments that have been presented.
Another Bombshell: The Randy Reynolds Interview
In this episode, Andy and Whitny discuss a new witness, Randy Reynolds, who shares a stunning admission made by former LaSalle County Sheriff's Officer William Dummett.
A Big Court Ruling Awaits
In this episode, Andy discusses the status of the legal proceedings and a big court hearing that awaits on September 11, 2024, and Whitny offers her thoughts on the road ahead.
Chester Names Names
In this episode, Andy and Whitny identify and discuss the three brothers who are linked to a hair found on the glove of Frances Murphy.
For more information, documents, photos, and other assets associated with and referenced in this episode visit andyhalepodcast.com.
You Never Know Who You Might Run Into At The Grocery Store
In this episode, Andy recounts Chester's chance encounter with a key person from the criminal case and also discusses his latest request to examine some interesting items recovered at the crime scene.
For more information, documents, photos, and other assets associated with and referenced in this episode visit andyhalepodcast.com.
Will County & Genetic Genealogy Results - Part Two
In this episode, Whitny Braun joins Andy for a discussion about the genetic genealogy results and Will County's refusal to vacate Chester's conviction.
For more information, documents, photos, and other assets associated with and referenced in this episode visit andyhalepodcast.com.
Will County Continues To Refuse To Vacate Chester's Conviction
In this episode, Andy discusses the disappointing news that, despite the genetic genealogy results, the Will County State's Attorney's Office is continuing to refuse to vacate Chester Weger's conviction.
For more information, documents, photos, and other assets associated with and referenced in this episode visit andyhalepodcast.com.
A Christmas Conversation With Chester And His Sister Mary
In this episode, Andy sits down for a heartwarming and heartbreaking chat with Chester and his sister Mary about the long road to prove Chester's innocence.
For more information, documents, photos, and other assets associated with and referenced in this episode visit andyhalepodcast.com.
Case Update: A Genetic Genealogy Bombshell
In this episode, Andy and Whitny discuss the recent results of genetic genealogy testing and the significant implications it has for Chester's case.
For more information, documents, photos, and other assets associated with and referenced in this episode visit andyhalepodcast.com.
Case Update: Chester Weger Receives A Great Court Ruling
In this case update episode, Andy and Whitny discuss the court's recent ruling granting Chester Weger's petition for leave to file a successive post-conviction petition and the significance of this court ruling for the case moving forward.
For more information, documents, photos, and other assets associated with and referenced in this episode visit andyhalepodcast.com.
Case Update: Chester Weger Seeks Additional DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy Testing
In this case update episode, Andy and Whitny discuss the court’s ruling denying a new special prosecutor, Chester Weger’s request for additional DNA testing and genetic genealogy testing, and the controversial “John Reid” polygraph technique.
For more information, documents, photos, and other assets associated with and referenced in this episode visit andyhalepodcast.com.
BONUS: The Motion for a New Special Prosecutor + Whitny's Sinister Suspicions
In this case update episode, Andy and Whitny discuss the recently filed motion to appoint a new special prosecutor and Whitny
offers her opinions on why the Will County State's Attorney's Office has done so little to investigate the case.
For more information, documents, photos, and other assets associated with and referenced in this episode visit andyhalepodcast.com.
BONUS: The Petition for Post-Conviction Relief
In this bonus episode, we discuss the recent filing of Chester’s Petition for Post-Conviction Relief, where the case goes from here, and some of the legal improprieties involved in Chester’s case.
To support Chester's GoFundMe click here!
For more information, documents, photos, and other assets associated with and referenced in this episode visit andyhalepodcast.com.
BONUS: Christmas Conversation with Chester and State's Attorney's Office Part Two
There are many words associated with the Christmas season. Presents…cookies…family…egg nog and snow…but the spirit of Christmas is perhaps most closely associated with one word in particular: HOPE.
In this bonus episode, as Christmas approaches, we wanted to share a conversation we had with Chester and his family. We also go into greater detail on the States Attorney's Office and the road we've ta
BONUS: The State's Attorney's Office Declines to Vacate Chester's Conviction
In this bonus episode, we break down that decision and provide a roadmap of where we go from here, including additional forensic testing.
For more information, documents, photos, and other assets associated with and referenced in this episode visit andyhalepodcast.com.
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And also exciting news! The Starved Rock Murders with Andy Hale is a finalist in the Signal Awards for "Best Exclusive Content
BONUS: The Steve Stout Documents
The plot thickens…
If the 60+ year saga of the Starved Rock Murders were a three act play, the first act would be the crime itself, the second act would be the decades that passed and the rumors and whispers that swirled around the truth of what really happened…and the third act would provide the answers and an ending that brought the whole tale to some sort of resolution.
We sit now on the cusp
BONUS: The DNA Results
The long-awaited DNA results are in. In this special bonus episode we break down the results and their massive impact on the case.
For more information, documents, photos, and other assets associated with and referenced in this episode visit andyhalepodcast.com.
BONUS: A Massive Break In The Case
This massive break in the case involves a woman reaching out to Andy and recounting a story she had been told by a family member about the Starved Rock Murders.
For more information, documents, photos, and other assets associated with and referenced in this episode visit andyhalepodcast.com.
EP 14: A Conversation With Chester
The biggest mistake anyone can make when it comes to the Starved Rock Murders is to think that this is simply a tragic episode relegated to an obscure chapter of 20th century history that no longer has any impact on any of our lives other than as intellectual fodder for a podcast. Make no mistake, this case is more relevant now than ever. Because, 62 years after the crime, the man who was sentence
EP 13: More on the Palmatier Brothers (and our Top 25 list)
In a criminal trial in the United States, the courts require that the jury find the accused to be guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. It is the highest standard in the courts for evidence. In the case of Chester Weger, can anyone who knows the facts of the case, in good conscience, say that they believe he committed these murders beyond all reasonable doubt?
Can any reasonable person who is present
EP 12: Motives for Murder (and answers to questions from listener emails)
Even though the murders at Starved Rock took place over six decades ago the anger, frustrations, fear, grief and guilt experienced by all of the people involved feel as palpable today as they did in 1960. Three women lost their lives, one man went to prison for sixty years, children lost parents, parents lost their children, and countless other souls became collateral damage in a horrendous miscar
EP 11: The Trial of the Century, Part 2
In 1961 when Chester Weger was convicted and sentenced to life in prison – the State knew that they had presented a false narrative to the jury. They knew their case was built on one false assertion after another and they proceeded anyway. The State knew that the tree limb could not have been the murder weapon. They knew from multiple reports that there had to have been more than one assailant. Th
EP 10: The Trial of the Century, Part 1
When Chester Weger went to trial in 1961, it was heralded by the media as the “Trial of the Century.” Throngs of people, ranging from hungry journalists to curious citizens, lined up outside the LaSalle County Courthouse in Ottawa, Illinois to try and get a coveted seat in the gallery. The quiet Illinois Valley community had never seen a spectacle of this kind. The press, armed with giant cameras
EP 9: The Red Fibers (and Chester's cousin is mysteriously found dead)
Solving a murder mystery is like solving a jigsaw puzzle in that you can’t see the full picture emerge until each individual piece interlocks with another surrounding piece. Solving the Starved Rock Murders is like attempting a 10,000 piece jigsaw puzzle but without the guide of the picture on the box. One piece is William Palmatier. Another piece is his brother Glenn. Yet another is the mysteriou
EP 8: The Tip (the Smokey Wrona story)
It’s an unfortunate reality that cold cases generally only grow colder with time. Evidence is lost. Memories fade. Witnesses die. Collective interest wanes. And eventually unsolved crimes become nothing more than local legends told around campfires. Hope of ever really finding answers all but vanishes. But sometimes the truth of what really happened in the past survives in something as simple as a
EP 7: The Smoking Gun (bloody overalls and the conversation overheard by the telephone operator)
In the months following the murders at Starved Rock countless reports, memos and other assorted documents were created. Some were preserved. Some were filed away and are still waiting to be discovered in rusty filing cabinets or disintegrating evidence boxes somewhere. Others have simply been lost or destroyed leaving us with only part of the story.
But of the thousands of pages that still remain
EP 6: False Confessions (and the truth about how a person confesses to a crime they did not commit)
A common response from those who subscribe to the belief that Chester Weger is guilty is simply: "he confessed...why would an innocent man confess? Surely no innocent person would ever confess to attacking three women and bashing their faces in before dragging them to a cave in the woods." In 1960 a confession was a one-way ticket to life in prison or the electric chair, and to most people a false
EP 5: Andy's Case for Premeditation (and why the law student turned FBI agent on the case thought so too)
In the days following the murders law enforcement and the public seemed to gravitate towards the belief that only a depraved lunatic could have perpetrated such a heinous and depraved crime. Because who else but a madman would have reason to harm three lovely church-going ladies with no enemies? But did these women truly have no enemies? How much do we really know about the motive for the murders?
EP 4: Two Key Suspects: Gerald + George (one of which bludgeoned a girl to death a month later)
Handwritten police notes, dating to the weeks and months, following the triple homicide at Starved Rock State Park indicate that hundreds of people were questioned. A spectrum of characters ranging from the women's restroom attendant at the lodge, to known sex offenders from as far away as Chicago, and interstate truck drivers, were all pressed as to their whereabouts on the afternoon of Monday, M
EP 3: The Crime Scene (and why the evidence doesn’t point to Chester)
Imagine being any one of the members of law enforcement standing in St. Louis Canyon on March 16th, 1960. These were small town cops who had spent most of their careers dealing with domestic disputes, bar brawls and livestock theft. Suddenly, they were responsible for investigating the most high profile murder in the state’s history.
All three women seemed to have been left posed. Their arms and l
EP 2: Why the State’s Narrative Can’t Be Right (and where’s the missing finger?)
Around 10:00 in the morning of Monday, March 14th, 1960 50-year-old Lillian Oetting, 50-year-old Mildred Lindquist and 47-year-old Frances Murphy, the wives of prominent businessmen from the affluent Chicago suburb of Riverside, Illinois packed their suitcases into the back of Lillian Oetting’s Cadillac station wagon and drove out of town. Their destination - the Starved Rock Lodge.
What happens n
EP 1: The Enduring Mystery of Starved Rock
In the winter of 1960 three women were found brutally murdered in a cave at the Starved Rock State Park. After months of dead ends, a manhunt ensued that ultimately pinned the crime on a 21-year-old dishwasher at the Starved Rock State Park Lodge, Chester Weger. In spite of contradictory physical evidence and under immense pressure from the police, Chester confessed to the crime. He has spent the
Trailer: The Starved Rock Murders with Andy Hale
In the winter of 1960 three women were found brutally murdered in a cave at the Starved Rock State Park. After months of dead ends, a manhunt ensued that ultimately pinned the crime on a 21-year-old dishwasher at the Starved Rock State Park Lodge, Chester Weger. In spite of contradictory physical evidence and under immense pressure from the police, Chester confessed to the crime. He has spent the
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