Secrets, Justice, and Shocking Truths That Changed Everything

Mysteries Behind the Crimes That Captivated the World

Author

David Yupa
November 27, 2024

Welcome Back to Solved Files!

Whether you’re a long-time reader or a newcomer to our true crime community, we’re thrilled to have you join us for another riveting edition. This week, we’re bringing you an exciting lineup of true crime content designed to inform, intrigue, and challenge you. From breaking news and myth-busting facts to tips, stats, and thought-provoking case studies, there’s something for every crime enthusiast.

Here’s what’s waiting for you:

✍️ Breaking News
✍️ Crime Facts vs. Myth
✍️ Tip of the Week
✍️ Case Study
✍️ Crime Puzzle Answer
✍️ Crime Statistics
✍️ And much more!

Let’s get started,

🚨BREAKING NEW🚨

Florida Man Convicted and Sentenced to Life for the Murder of Teenager Justis Garrett

Robert Kern on trial for murder at the Volusia County Court House in Deland, Monday, Aug. 8, 2022.  

In a chilling case that gripped Florida, Robert Kern Jr., 43, was convicted of first-degree felony murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the 2018 killing of 16-year-old Justis Marie Garrett. The heinous crime, involving kidnapping, sexual assault, and murder, left a community shattered and a family mourning the loss of a beloved teenager.

A Morning That Turned Tragic

On the morning of April 13, 2018, Kern was supposed to drive Justis to Mount Dora High School after she missed her school bus. However, instead of taking her to school, Kern abducted her and drove to a remote wooded area near DeLand. Prosecutors revealed that Kern sexually assaulted and killed the teenager before abandoning her body in the secluded spot.

The last known activity on Justis’s phone was a Snapchat post at 6:48 a.m. Shortly after, Kern texted Justis’s mother, Danielle Pratt, claiming he had dropped her off at school. By then, prosecutors argued, Kern had already taken control of Justis through violence or drugs.

The Discovery of Evidence

Justis’s body was found five days later by a tracking group in a heavily wooded area. Her remains showed signs of trauma, including a fractured nose. Forensic analysis indicated that Kern attempted to cover up his crime by pouring bleach on parts of her body.

Phone records and surveillance footage placed Kern in the vicinity of the crime. Cameras captured his SUV near the area where Justis’s phone was last tracked. Despite Kern’s attempts to erase evidence, including resetting his phone and deleting a fake Instagram account he used to message Justis, investigators uncovered a trail of digital and physical evidence pointing to his guilt.

A Family’s Heartbreak and a Community’s Relief

Throughout the trial, the courtroom was filled with raw emotion as prosecutors presented a haunting juxtaposition of Justis’s smiling photos alongside images of her remains. Her family hugged one another after the verdict, finding solace in the justice served for their daughter.

Prosecutor Jason Lewis points to Robert Kern during murder trial at the Volusia County

Assistant State Attorneys Megan Upchurch and Jason Lewis delivered compelling closing arguments, emphasizing the overwhelming evidence against Kern. Although Kern’s defense argued that the lack of DNA and inconclusive cause of death left room for doubt, the jury was unconvinced.

Justice Delivered

Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols sentenced Kern to life in prison for first-degree felony murder and an additional five years for tampering with evidence. While no sentence can erase the pain of losing Justis, her family and community now have a sense of closure knowing her killer will never walk free again.

This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can lurk within trusted circles and the importance of remaining vigilant to protect our loved ones.

Myth: 

Serial killers are all highly intelligent masterminds who carefully plan their crimes to evade capture.

Fact:

While some serial killers do exhibit above-average intelligence, many have average or below-average IQs. Their ability to avoid capture often stems more from luck or systemic flaws in investigations rather than calculated genius.

Example:
The notorious serial killer Gary Ridgway, also known as the Green River Killer, had an IQ of 82, which is considered below average. Despite this, he managed to evade capture for nearly two decades due to missteps in the investigation and lack of forensic technology at the time

Tip: Study the geography of a crime scene and surrounding areas—it can often reveal patterns or lead to new evidence. Criminals may select locations based on familiarity, accessibility, or even emotional significance.

Example:
In the case of the Golden State Killer, understanding the geography of his crimes was pivotal. His attacks clustered around areas where he had previously lived or worked, which helped law enforcement narrow their suspect pool and eventually identify Joseph DeAngelo through DNA evidence and geographic profiling.

The Murder of Emmett Till: A Catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement

The brutal murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till in 1955 remains one of the most harrowing and impactful cases in American history. Till, an African American boy visiting relatives in Mississippi, was abducted, tortured, and murdered after allegedly whistling at a white woman, Carolyn Bryant, at a local store. His killers, Roy Bryant and J.W. Milam, were acquitted despite overwhelming evidence of their guilt, igniting outrage and galvanizing the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement.

The Night of Terror

On the night of August 28, 1955, Roy Bryant and J.W. Milam arrived at the home of Moses Wright, where Till was staying with his cousins Wheeler Parker and Simeon Wright. The men dragged Till from his bed as his terrified family watched helplessly. Till’s body was later found in the Tallahatchie River, weighed down by a cotton gin fan. His face was so disfigured that he was identifiable only by a ring he wore.

A Mother's Unwavering Courage

Emmett Till’s mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, made the bold decision to hold an open-casket funeral in Chicago, allowing the world to see the brutality her son had endured. The heartbreaking photographs of Till’s mutilated body, published in JET magazine and other outlets, shocked the nation and brought the realities of racial violence into stark focus. Thousands attended the funeral, and the images became a rallying cry for justice.

The Trial That Shook the Nation

Despite powerful testimony and evidence, an all-white jury acquitted Bryant and Milam after deliberating for just over an hour. The injustice of the trial infuriated African Americans nationwide and underscored the deep-seated racism in the legal system. In a later interview with Look magazine, Bryant and Milam admitted to the murder, knowing they were protected from further prosecution by double jeopardy laws.

A Generation Inspired to Act

Emmett Till’s murder deeply affected African American communities, particularly children and teenagers. Sisters Joyce and Dorie Ladner, growing up in Mississippi, collected every article they could find about the case. Dorie Ladner’s desire to understand why Till’s killers were not punished led her to study law and fight for equal rights.

Joyce Ladner later coined the term “Emmett Till Generation” to describe young African Americans inspired by Till’s murder to demand justice. This generation became the backbone of the Civil Rights Movement, participating in sit-ins, marches, and other acts of protest.

Personal Reflections and Collective Resolve

For many, Till’s death was a deeply personal wake-up call. Cleveland Sellers, who was 11 years old at the time, recalled seeing the images in JET magazine and realizing that Till’s fate could have been his own. Rather than succumbing to hatred or despair, he and others channeled their grief into action, vowing to fight for a society that would no longer tolerate such atrocities.

A Legacy of Change

Emmett Till’s murder was not in vain. His death became a cornerstone of the Civil Rights Movement, inspiring landmark changes in American society. The Library of Congress preserves numerous artifacts related to Till, including photographs, trial records, and federal resolutions like the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act of 2007, aimed at addressing racially motivated crimes.

Today, the story of Emmett Till serves as both a sobering reminder of America’s history of racial violence and a testament to the power of collective action to seek justice and equality. His legacy endures as a symbol of the fight against hatred and injustice.

Challenge of the Week: Reconstruct the Alibi

A man claims he was at a movie theater during the time of a burglary at his neighbor's home. He provides the following details:

  • He watched the 7:30 PM showing of a popular film.

  • The burglary was reported between 7:15 PM and 8:00 PM.

  • A ticket stub for the movie was found in his pocket.

  • A witness saw him leaving the theater at 8:30 PM.

Can you spot the inconsistency in his alibi? Analyze the timeline and details to find what doesn’t add up. The answer will be revealed next week!

 Statistic of the Week:

Did you know that over 27% of serial killers worldwide have military experience? This surprising statistic comes from studies analyzing the backgrounds of known offenders and highlights a fascinating connection between military service and criminal behavior. Researchers suggest that the structure, discipline, and exposure to violence in military environments may desensitize some individuals, potentially making it easier for them to commit violent crimes later in life.

While the vast majority of veterans never engage in criminal behavior and often go on to lead exemplary lives, this statistic raises important questions about how certain individuals process trauma, adapt to civilian life, or misuse skills acquired during service. Some experts theorize that for a small subset of people predisposed to violence, military training can amplify those tendencies, providing the technical skills and confidence to carry out crimes.

Example:
One of the most infamous cases is David Berkowitz, the "Son of Sam," who terrorized New York City in the 1970s. Before his killing spree, Berkowitz served honorably in the U.S. Army, where he received firearms training. He later used this knowledge during his series of shootings that left six people dead. Similarly, Timothy McVeigh, the perpetrator of the Oklahoma City bombing, was a decorated Gulf War veteran whose military expertise played a role in his ability to carry out the devastating attack.

David Berkowitz

This statistic serves as a stark reminder that while military service is overwhelmingly a force for good, it’s important to address the mental health challenges and reintegration issues that some veterans face after leaving the armed forces. It also underscores the need for robust systems to support individuals struggling with trauma, ensuring they channel their skills in productive, positive ways.

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