The fourth installment in this true-crime series of episodes originating from the Anvil Bar & Grill in Curtis, Ne. Podcast host John Murphy dives into the criminal investigation of the gruesome murders of Edwin and Wilma Hoyt after a menage' a trois love affair involving their daughter, Kay Hein, and a married couple, Harold and Ena Nokes ended badly.
Murphy interviews lead investigator Lannie Roblee, Frontier County Sheriff at the time, about the challenges of trying to prove the Nokes' guilt when there was little evidence that pointed directly to them. Nebraska State Patrol investigator Jack Sexton and "In Cold Storage" book author, James Hewitt, also provide commentary and insight into the case.
The episode begins with details from the first interviews with Harold and Ena who categorically deny any involvement or knowledge about what happened to the Hoyt's on the night of September 23rd, 1973. But later, Harold confesses he and Ena made a plan to visit the Hoyt's at their rural farm to discuss the difficulties they were having with Kay. Harold admits bringing a .22 caliber Ruger pistol with him in case things got out of hand.
Sheriff Roblee (retired) explains how, for the first time in Nebraska law enforcement history, eavesdropping devices were used to listen in on the Nokes' conversations as a way to help build the case against them--and it didn't run too smoothly.
Roblee also shares how a Denver psychiatrist concluded Harold was extremely vulnerable and probably very stressed about what they had done and could be broken if he was arrested and separated from his wife. Which is what Roblee did. They also learned from the recorded tapes the Nokes' made a suicide pact which was foiled.
Everything builds toward next week's final episode when Harold Nokes' full confession on how the Hoyts were killed and dismembered is made available to the general public for the first time ever.
Show Notes:
IN COLD STORAGE
In Cold Storage: Nebraska Press (unl.edu)
Also available on Amazon.
The Anvil Bar & Grill
223 Center Ave.
Curtis, Ne. 69025
308-367-5119
https://anvilbarandgrill.com