Where were you 44 years ago back in 1982? Were you even born yet? Now imagine spending those 44 years in prison, for a murder you did not commit. That was a reality for Kansas Citian Kevin Strickland, who was wrongly convicted for a murder he did not commit and was sentenced to a "hard 50" behind bars.

How did this happen? And why was Kevin not released when the evidence was overwhelming that he was not even there that night? Former Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker joins us again to answer all those questions, and to talk about her role in ultimately freeing Kevin.

This month's episode is sponsored by our good friends at West Bottoms Whiskey who want you all to know all about their limited release, maple cask finished rye whiskey.

This month's Killer Cocktail: "The Switchman":

The Switchman is the moment you realize the outcome was decided before you ever stepped onto the platform.

Ingredients

2 oz West Bottoms Whiskey Rye

0.5 oz Amaro (Nonino or Montenegro)

0.25 oz Demerara syrup (2:1)

2 dashes black walnut bitters OR Angostura bitters

Optional: absinthe or pastis rinse

Optional: Islay Scotch (for float)



Method

If using absinthe or pastis, rinse a chilled rocks glass and discard excess.

Stir rye, amaro, syrup, and bitters over ice until well chilled.

Strain over a large clear ice cube in the prepared glass.

Float a small barspoon of Islay Scotch on top, if using.

Garnish

Express an orange peel over the glass, discard or rest on the rim.

Have a couple of these and you won't be able to stay on track.

Episode links:

Kevin Strickland exonerated 42 years after wrongful conviction

Jean's blog post about Kevin Strickland in 2023

ABC news story about Kevin Strickland

In October 1978, the Phillips Petroleum attorney from Oklahoma was found dead in her hotel room—shot in one of the city’s most elegant addresses. Nearly half a century later, questions linger: Who wanted her silenced, and what disappeared with the evidence?

Alex explores the Kansas City–Oklahoma connection, the power and secrecy behind the case, and why justice sometimes stalls in the glow of the Plaza lights.

This episode was made possible in part by the detailed reporting in The Pitch: https://www.thepitchkc.com/the-icecold-case
And be sure to check out Jamie’s “Killer Cocktail” inspired by this case—his blind interpretation of the cryptic clue Alex gave him before the show.

Visit us at killingcitypod.com and on Substack at kilingcitypod.substack.com for bonus content, behind-the-scenes notes, and more true Kansas City stories.

We’ve launched a new way for listeners and readers to go deeper into the world of Going to Killing City. Think of it as your backstage pass to Kansas City’s darker history—paired, of course, with a splash of cocktail culture. This isn’t just a fan club. It’s a community of people who love Kansas City, its history, and its strangest untold stories—seasoned with a little gin, rye, or whatever’s in your glass.

Memberships are open now. Consider it your invitation into the shadows.
All membership perks are available exclusively through our Substack page.

This month's Killer Cocktail: Mt. Vesuvius:

2 oz Mezcal, Banhez
3⁄4 oz Bergamot liqueur, Italicus
1⁄2 oz Amaro, Cappelletti Sfumato Rabarbaro
1⁄2 oz Maraschino Liqueur, Luxardo
1 ds Chocolate bitters, Scrappy's Chocolate
1 twst Orange peel (Flamed)
Instructions
Stir, strain, up, chilled coupe, garnish with flamed orange peel

Questions or comments? Email us at: killingcitypod@gmail.com

In March 1941, Kansas Citians woke up to the most horrific news, 24 year old Leila Welsh was brutally murdered in her own bedroom after coming home from a date. The killer had laid in wait for hours, before sneaking into her bedroom through an open window while her mother slept in the room next to her, while her brother was asleep downstairs. Despite a bevy of physical evidence, there has never been a conviction to her murder, and to this day remains unsolved.

6 years later and almost 1700 miles away, 22 year old Elizabeth Short's body was found perfectly dissected, in a weed strewn empty lot in Los Angeles. It would be another case that would never be solved, but maybe it now has been.

The author Eli Frankel joined Jamie with UMKC's Chris Wolff to discuss his new book "Sisters in Death." Frankel ties the two murders together with a huge amount of detail. He spent 5 years total investigating the cases. And at the very least, both women did know the same Kansas City man. Could he possibly murdered them both and got away with it?

This discussion was recorded live at Rainy Day Books in front of a packed audience. Listen in as Frankel makes his case as to who was responsible for both murders, and how he managed to get away with it.

Special thanks to this month's sponsor, KC Bier Co! They invite you to enjoy their winter seasonal beer, Schwarzbier!

Be sure to join both Jamie and Alex at the Speakeasy Spa on Tuesday December 9 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm! The event is free, but space IS limited- you must email us at: killingcitypod@gmail.com to reserve your space before it sells out! Jamie and Alex will each make a killer cocktail, while discussing some of their most interesting cases, while Speakeasy Spa will provide free tacos, sangria AND chair massages! Plus enter to win a free massage!