Why Did the Unknown Wanderer Carry Nearly 30 Keys?

Almost 30 mysterious Almost 30 mysterious keys, a bolo tie keys, a bolo tie keys, a bolo tie and cyanide. It's probably the and cyanide. It's probably the and cyanide. It's probably the strangest strangest strangest combination of things, combination of things, combination of things, but it's the only evidence but it's the only evidence Idaho detectives have had for Idaho detectives have had for decades to decades to decades to try to try to try to identify identify identify the man they've the man they've the man they've called the unknown called the unknown called the unknown traveler. traveler. A man who simply A man who simply died of died of died of cyanide poisoning in the middle of a cyanide poisoning in the middle of a cyanide poisoning in the middle of a church pew in church pew in church pew in December 1982. Now, December 1982. Now, December 1982. Now, in this day and age, it's no wonder that in this day and age, it's no wonder that in this day and age, it's no wonder that the police were the police were the police were finally able to name finally able to name finally able to name this man just 2 this man just 2 this man just 2 weeks ago. But no one weeks ago. But no one weeks ago. But no one could have predicted could have predicted could have predicted that he might be that he might be that he might be connected to one of the connected to one of the connected to one of the most famous most famous most famous unsolved crimes unsolved crimes unsolved crimes in American in American in American history. I worked history. I worked history. I worked directly with directly with directly with the detective on this the detective on this the detective on this case, who gave case, who gave case, who gave us some new us some new us some new exclusive details that exclusive details that you'll you'll you'll only hear on Crime Junkie. And his only hear on Crime Junkie. And his only hear on Crime Junkie. And his department needs department needs department needs your help. So your help. So your help. So Crime Junkies, I'm Brianna Crime Junkies, I'm Brianna Crime Junkies, I'm Brianna Whitney, and this week Whitney, and this week Whitney, and this week we're diving into the we're diving into the we're diving into the stunning case of the stunning case of the stunning case of the unknown unknown unknown traveler. On traveler. On traveler. On September 23, 2026, the September 23, 2026, the September 23, 2026, the Ada County Sheriff's Office in Ada County Sheriff's Office in Ada County Sheriff's Office in Boise called this Boise called this Boise called this big big big press conference.

press conference. press conference. They solved a 40-year-old They solved a 40-year-old They solved a 40-year-old "cold" case. As? "cold" case. As? "cold" case. As? Well, like all good things, Well, like all good things, Well, like all good things, the sheriff said this the sheriff said this the sheriff said this case was once again case was once again case was once again fueled by a cup of not-so- fueled by a cup of not-so- fueled by a cup of not-so- great coffee. I'm not great coffee. I'm not great coffee. I'm not kidding. The sheriff said kidding. The sheriff said kidding. The sheriff said that around that around that around 2018-2019, a parishioner of 2018-2019, a parishioner of 2018-2019, a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in the city Sacred Heart Church in the city Sacred Heart Church in the city accidentally ran accidentally ran accidentally ran into Detective Tim into Detective Tim into Detective Tim Cooper as he was Cooper as he was Cooper as he was sipping coffee he had sipping coffee he had sipping coffee he had just bought at a just bought at a just bought at a gas station. And gas station. And gas station. And the parishioner reminded the parishioner reminded the parishioner reminded him of one thing. him of one thing. him of one thing. Hey, what happened to Hey, what happened to Hey, what happened to that mysterious that mysterious that mysterious case about the case about the case about the unknown unknown unknown traveler? traveler? traveler? Detective Cooper Detective Cooper Detective Cooper was actually a was actually a was actually a department canine handler department canine handler department canine handler who conducted who conducted drug stops on the drug stops on the interstate interstate interstate , but he , but he , but he knew exactly what knew exactly what knew exactly what case case case the parishioner was talking about because he the parishioner was talking about because he the parishioner was talking about because he remembered watching a remembered watching a 1990 episode of Unsolved Mysteries about it. So 1990 episode of Unsolved Mysteries about it. So let me let me let me turn back time turn back time turn back time for a second. On December 4, for a second. On December 4, for a second. On December 4, 1982, a confession was being held at 1982, a confession was being held at 1982, a confession was being held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Sacred Heart Catholic Church when some parishioners when some parishioners noticed a man noticed a man noticed a man slumped in the slumped in the slumped in the fifth pew. But he was fifth pew. But he was fifth pew. But he was n't just sleeping. He n't just sleeping. He n't just sleeping. He was dead. Everyone was was dead. Everyone was was dead. Everyone was very confused, not very confused, not very confused, not only by the death itself, but also by the fact only by the death itself, but also by the fact only by the death itself, but also by the fact that no one that no one that no one seemed to even seemed to even seemed to even know who this man was.

know who this man was. know who this man was. No one had ever No one had ever No one had ever seen him before. And once the seen him before. And once the Ada County coroner determined Ada County coroner determined the cause and manner of the cause and manner of the cause and manner of death, it raised a death, it raised a death, it raised a million more questions. million more questions. million more questions. Method of death? Method of death? Method of death? Suicide. Cause of Suicide. Cause of Suicide. Cause of death? death? death? Cyanide poisoning. What? And that Cyanide poisoning. What? And that Cyanide poisoning. What? And that was strange. was strange. was strange. The detectives The detectives The detectives were particularly impressed by his were particularly impressed by his were particularly impressed by his appearance. His appearance. His appearance. His hair looked hair looked hair looked freshly dyed and freshly dyed and freshly dyed and styled. His pants styled. His pants styled. His pants looked brand new, looked brand new, looked brand new, as if they had just as if they had just as if they had just been ironed and been ironed and been ironed and never been worn. And he was also wearing a bolo tie never been worn. And he was also wearing a bolo tie with with turquoise and silver. turquoise and silver. turquoise and silver. He also had a deep He also had a deep He also had a deep tan, the kind you tan, the kind you tan, the kind you get when you're get when you're get when you're somewhere somewhere somewhere warm, which warm, which warm, which was completely was completely was completely illogical. I illogical. I illogical. I mean, this was Idaho in mean, this was Idaho in mean, this was Idaho in December. He also had December. He also had December. He also had two bundles with him, each containing two bundles with him, each containing two bundles with him, each containing nearly 30 nearly 30 nearly 30 keys. That was strange. keys. That was strange. keys. That was strange. Why 30 keys? Who Why 30 keys? Who Why 30 keys? Who needs 30 needs 30 needs 30 keys anyway? And then—the keys anyway? And then—the detail that detail that detail that puzzled puzzled puzzled the detectives the most. An the detectives the most. An envelope containing 19 new envelope containing 19 new hundred-dollar hundred-dollar hundred-dollar bills and a bills and a bills and a printed printed printed note was found in his pocket. The note note was found in his pocket. The note note was found in his pocket. The note said, and I quote: " said, and I quote: " In the event of my death, this In the event of my death, this In the event of my death, this money is to cover money is to cover money is to cover all expenses for my all expenses for my all expenses for my funeral or funeral or funeral or cremation, which is the cremation, which is the cremation, which is the preferred option." " preferred option." " Please accept whatever remains Please accept whatever remains as a donation to this as a donation to this as a donation to this church." "God church." "God church." "God will see your will see your will see your honesty in this matter.

honesty in this matter. " The note was " The note was " The note was signed: W.M.L. to me. signed: W.M.L. to me. signed: W.M.L. to me. In addition, there was a line at the end In addition, there was a line at the end crossed out in black crossed out in black ink. It was as if ink. It was as if ink. It was as if the man had written a the man had written a the man had written a final thought, then final thought, then final thought, then decided he didn't want anyone to decided he didn't want anyone to decided he didn't want anyone to read it and read it and read it and crossed it out. Investigators crossed it out. Investigators crossed it out. Investigators quickly determined that the quickly determined that the quickly determined that the name W.M.L. Tummy was name W.M.L. Tummy was name W.M.L. Tummy was fictional. So, fictional. So, fictional. So, since since since nothing more was nothing more was nothing more was known about him, he began known about him, he began known about him, he began to be called the "unknown to be called the "unknown to be called the "unknown traveler." traveler." traveler." Meet Frank Meet Frank Meet Frank Richardson. He was a Richardson. He was a Boise police sergeant who had been on this Boise police sergeant who had been on this case from the case from the case from the beginning. Trying to beginning. Trying to beginning. Trying to piece together all the facts, piece together all the facts, piece together all the facts, he thought: "Maybe he thought: "Maybe this man was this man was this man was connected to other connected to other connected to other crimes?" crimes?" Two priests were recently murdered in Odessa, Texas, and Yuma, Arizona. Two priests were recently murdered in Odessa, Texas, and Yuma, Arizona. They were Catholic, They were Catholic, They were Catholic, so maybe that was so maybe that was so maybe that was important. Maybe there was important. Maybe there was important. Maybe there was some connection. And some connection. And some connection. And then Richardson had then Richardson had then Richardson had another thought another thought . This was just a . This was just a . This was just a few months after the few months after the few months after the Chicago Chicago Tylenol-related murders, when Tylenol-related murders, when several people died several people died several people died after consuming after consuming after consuming capsules laced with capsules laced with capsules laced with cyanide. So cyanide. So cyanide. So maybe it was maybe it was maybe it was somehow related? But somehow related? But somehow related? But despite all his despite all his despite all his efforts over efforts over efforts over the years, no the years, no the years, no evidence has linked evidence has linked evidence has linked this mysterious this mysterious this mysterious man to those man to those man to those crimes. Ultimately, crimes. Ultimately, crimes. Ultimately, Richardson Richardson Richardson retired and died without ever retired and died without ever retired and died without ever learning who the learning who the learning who the "unknown "unknown "unknown traveler" was. So in traveler" was. So in traveler" was. So in 2019, after 2019, after 2019, after a chance encounter a chance encounter a chance encounter at a gas station with at a gas station with at a gas station with a parishioner, a parishioner, Ada County Sheriff's Office Detective Ada County Sheriff's Office Detective Tim Cooper, who Tim Cooper, who Tim Cooper, who was working was working was working unsolved unsolved unsolved cases at the time, officially cases at the time, officially cases at the time, officially reopened reopened reopened the investigation into the " the investigation into the " unknown

unknown unknown traveler." traveler." Fasten your seatbelts, because the most unexpected most unexpected twists and turns imaginable are ahead twists and turns imaginable are ahead twists and turns imaginable are ahead . He . He . He said he started by said he started by said he started by comparing all comparing all comparing all the information from a file of the information from a file of the information from a file of over 17,000 over 17,000 over 17,000 missing persons records across the missing persons records across the missing persons records across the country. He country. He country. He understood that almost understood that almost understood that almost forty years later, forty years later, forty years later, search technologies and search technologies and search technologies and databases, or even databases, or even databases, or even just the Internet, just the Internet, just the Internet, could help could help could help find much find much find much more than then. And more than then. And more than then. And here's the strangest thing: no here's the strangest thing: no one one ever reported this traveler missing. ever reported this traveler missing. Nowhere. No one. So Cooper Nowhere. No one. So Cooper went back to the went back to the went back to the evidence vault to evidence vault to evidence vault to see if see if see if they had missed they had missed they had missed anything or if there was anything or if there was anything or if there was anything they could anything they could anything they could investigate again. He investigate again. He investigate again. He saw the same saw the same saw the same note that note that note that the traveler had left him. the traveler had left him. the traveler had left him. Remember I said the Remember I said the Remember I said the last line was last line was last line was crossed out in ink crossed out in ink ? So, Cooper ? So, Cooper ? So, Cooper told me that told me that told me that Frank Richardson Frank Richardson Frank Richardson actually used actually used actually used chemicals to wash off chemicals to wash off chemicals to wash off the ink. This opened the the ink. This opened the the ink. This opened the last message last message : "Yes, a record of this : "Yes, a record of this : "Yes, a record of this communication exists." communication exists."

OK. Amazingly. What did that OK. Amazingly. What did that mean? This mean? This mean? This led Cooper led Cooper led Cooper to the idea that the key to to the idea that the key to to the idea that the key to the solution might the solution might the solution might lie in one of lie in one of lie in one of dozens of clues. dozens of clues. dozens of clues. What were they all What were they all What were they all up to? Could up to? Could up to? Could any of them have any of them have any of them have led to the led to the led to the recording he recording he recording he mentioned? Cooper mentioned? Cooper mentioned? Cooper laid them all out on the table laid them all out on the table laid them all out on the table and began examining them one and began examining them one and began examining them one by one. And he by one. And he by one. And he saw something that saw something that saw something that caught his caught his caught his attention. He looked closely attention. He looked closely attention. He looked closely and realized that there and realized that there and realized that there was a tiny inscription on one of them was a tiny inscription on one of them was a tiny inscription on one of them . It . It . It said: "Mills said: "Mills said: "Mills Court." And the key Court." And the key Court." And the key had a had a had a hardware hardware hardware store stamp on it. They were able to store stamp on it. They were able to store stamp on it. They were able to track it to a track it to a track it to a store in store in store in Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida. And, of course, Florida. And, of course, Florida. And, of course, they found they found they found Mills Court Street there. And Mills Court Street there. And Mills Court Street there. And now my question. now my question. now my question. This was not new evidence. This was not new evidence. This was not new evidence. So why So why So why didn't investigators notice this didn't investigators notice this didn't investigators notice this street name in the 80s? She was there street name in the 80s? She was there street name in the 80s? She was there the whole time. Did they the whole time. Did they the whole time. Did they just not look just not look just not look at the key? What happened at the key? What happened ? Detective Cooper ? Detective Cooper ? Detective Cooper said they said they said they looked at it looked at it looked at it but misread the but misread the but misread the inscription. Then inscription. Then inscription. Then they thought it they thought it they thought it said "Mills." said "Mills."

was meant. They was meant. They never realized that it never realized that it never realized that it actually actually actually spelled "Court." So spelled "Court." So spelled "Court." So when current investigators when current investigators when current investigators figured this out, figured this out, figured this out, Cooper's team pulled up all the Cooper's team pulled up all the Cooper's team pulled up all the title deeds to the title deeds to the title deeds to the houses on that street houses on that street , dating back to the late , dating back to the late 70s and 80s. And then they 70s and 80s. And then they 70s and 80s. And then they painstakingly worked out painstakingly worked out painstakingly worked out the name by name of the name by name of the name by name of everyone who had everyone who had ever owned ever owned ever owned real estate there. And one real estate there. And one real estate there. And one name stood out. name stood out. name stood out. A man whose death A man whose death A man whose death was registered in was registered in was registered in 1989. Cooper knew 1989. Cooper knew 1989. Cooper knew that the traveler had died in that the traveler had died in that the traveler had died in 1982, but you never 1982, but you never 1982, but you never know for sure, so know for sure, so know for sure, so he decided to find he decided to find he decided to find this guy. He this guy. He this guy. He found the found the found the man's brother, who lived in man's brother, who lived in man's brother, who lived in Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California. This brother California. This brother California. This brother told investigators, “Yes, told investigators, “Yes, told investigators, “Yes, his brother did live his brother did live his brother did live in Jacksonville. And here's the in Jacksonville. And here's the in Jacksonville. And here's the most interesting thing. He most interesting thing. He most interesting thing. He actually disappeared back in actually disappeared back in actually disappeared back in 1982. The only 1982. The only 1982. The only reason his reason his reason his death was registered death was registered death was registered in 1989 is in 1989 is in 1989 is because that's when because that's when because that's when he was officially he was officially he was officially declared dead in declared dead in declared dead in absentia. So they absentia. So they absentia. So they took DNA from the brother. They took DNA from the brother. They took DNA from the brother. They managed to extract DNA managed to extract DNA managed to extract DNA from the from the from the traveler's old wallet, which traveler's old wallet, which traveler's old wallet, which was kept in the was kept in the was kept in the evidence vault, and boom—it was a evidence vault, and boom—it was a evidence vault, and boom—it was a match. They believed that match. They believed that match. They believed that these men had the these men had the these men had the same father.

same father. Finally, Finally, decades later, they decades later, they decades later, they learned who the learned who the learned who the unknown traveler was unknown traveler was . A man named . A man named . A man named Dr. Matthew Dr. Matthew Dr. Matthew Betkowski. What they Betkowski. What they Betkowski. What they could not have could not have could not have predicted was what predicted was what predicted was what they would they would they would learn about him learn about him learn about him next. next. next. Cold Cold Cold case detective Tim Cooper case detective Tim Cooper case detective Tim Cooper said that Dr. said that Dr. said that Dr. Matthew Betkowski Matthew Betkowski Matthew Betkowski came from a very came from a very came from a very prominent family in Los prominent family in Los Angeles. His grandfather Angeles. His grandfather Angeles. His grandfather was president of the was president of the was president of the Los Angeles City Council Los Angeles City Council and even and even and even served as served as served as mayor. And his father mayor. And his father mayor. And his father was a high-ranking official was a high-ranking official was a high-ranking official in the city's in the city's in the city's Department of Water Department of Water Department of Water Resources and Resources and Resources and Energy. And then there was Energy. And then there was Energy. And then there was Betkovsky himself. He Betkovsky himself. He Betkovsky himself. He had a PhD had a PhD had a PhD in in in organic chemistry. organic chemistry. organic chemistry. Cooper said this Cooper said this Cooper said this guy was on the level of a guy was on the level of a guy was on the level of a genius. But he added genius. But he added genius. But he added that when it came that when it came that when it came to emotions and to emotions and to emotions and communicating with people, communicating with people, communicating with people, Dr. Betkowski Dr. Betkowski Dr. Betkowski struggled his whole struggled his whole struggled his whole life. Detective Cooper life. Detective Cooper life. Detective Cooper told me that as soon as he told me that as soon as he told me that as soon as he got got got Betkowski's name, he began Betkowski's name, he began Betkowski's name, he began to find out everything he to find out everything he to find out everything he could about him. And could about him. And could about him. And you might ask: " you might ask: " Why continue so Why continue so Why continue so persistently persistently persistently ?" I ?" I ?" I mean, you solved the mean, you solved the mean, you solved the case of the unknown case of the unknown case of the unknown traveler. You traveler. You traveler. You have identified have identified have identified him. But something him. But something him. But something told told told Detective Cooper that there was Detective Cooper that there was more to this story. So he more to this story. So he contacted people contacted people contacted people who had studied with who had studied with who had studied with Betkowski or Betkowski or Betkowski or spent time with him in their spent time with him in their spent time with him in their teens and teens and teens and twenties. Cooper twenties. Cooper twenties. Cooper wasn't quite prepared wasn't quite prepared wasn't quite prepared for what they had to for what they had to for what they had to say. They say. They say. They told him that in told him that in told him that in high school and high school and high school and college, Betkowski college, Betkowski college, Betkowski was called the " was called the " crazy crazy crazy bomb-maker" because of

bomb-maker" because of bomb-maker" because of his extreme his extreme his extreme fascination with chemistry and fascination with chemistry and fascination with chemistry and explosives. And I'm explosives. And I'm explosives. And I'm not talking about some small not talking about some small not talking about some small scientific experiments scientific experiments . Cooper told me . Cooper told me . Cooper told me that Betkowski that Betkowski blew up cats, blew up cats, phone booths, and phone booths, and phone booths, and made homemade made homemade made homemade guns in high school. So, it already guns in high school. So, it already guns in high school. So, it already exists. But Cooper said exists. But Cooper said exists. But Cooper said things got even worse things got even worse things got even worse in 1974, when Dr. in 1974, when Dr. in 1974, when Dr. Betkowski suffered a Betkowski suffered a Betkowski suffered a serious serious head injury after head injury after head injury after falling from a retaining falling from a retaining falling from a retaining wall and hitting his wall and hitting his wall and hitting his head on the concrete. head on the concrete. head on the concrete. People told People told People told Detective Cooper that Detective Cooper that Detective Cooper that Matt Matt Matt Betkowski Betkowski Betkowski was never the same after that. was never the same after that. was never the same after that. However, he was However, he was However, he was so so so naturally intelligent that in 1975 naturally intelligent that in 1975 naturally intelligent that in 1975 he was hired as a he was hired as a he was hired as a chemist for a chemist for a fragrance company in fragrance company in Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida. And that's where Florida. And that's where real serious real serious concerns about concerns about concerns about him began to arise. Cooper said him began to arise. Cooper said him began to arise. Cooper said colleagues reported some colleagues reported some colleagues reported some very creepy very creepy very creepy things that things that things that Dr. Dr. Dr. Betkowski started talking about. They Betkowski started talking about. They Betkowski started talking about. They said he said he said he claimed to claimed to claimed to know how to commit the know how to commit the know how to commit the perfect crime, perfect crime, perfect crime, using using using cyanide as a clean and cyanide as a clean and cyanide as a clean and quiet way for a quiet way for a quiet way for a person to die. Who person to die. Who person to die. Who even says that?

even says that? even says that? Betkowski wrote a lot Betkowski wrote a lot Betkowski wrote a lot during these during these during these years, pages and years, pages and years, pages and pages and pages of pages and pages of pages and pages of texts. Cooper texts. Cooper texts. Cooper told me that he told me that he told me that he began to began to began to chart his chart his chart his moods and behaviors, moods and behaviors, moods and behaviors, viewing his own viewing his own viewing his own mental illness as a kind of mental illness as a kind of mental illness as a kind of case study for case study for case study for data collection. He data collection. He data collection. He also had delusions and also had delusions and also had delusions and believed he was being believed he was being believed he was being watched. So the situation was watched. So the situation was watched. So the situation was obviously obviously obviously deteriorating rapidly. His deteriorating rapidly. His deteriorating rapidly. His family and colleagues family and colleagues family and colleagues tried to help tried to help tried to help him. In 1978, he him. In 1978, he him. In 1978, he spent two and a spent two and a spent two and a half months in a half months in a half months in a psychiatric psychiatric psychiatric facility at the facility at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute. UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute. While there, While there, While there, Cooper told me, Cooper told me, Cooper told me, Betkowski wrote that Betkowski wrote that Betkowski wrote that if he had done what he was if he had done what he was if he had done what he was really really really thinking at UCLA, they would have thinking at UCLA, they would have thinking at UCLA, they would have lost several lost several lost several buildings that day. buildings that day. So, was he planning to So, was he planning to plant explosives at plant explosives at plant explosives at UCLA? Detective Cooper UCLA? Detective Cooper UCLA? Detective Cooper doesn't really know. doesn't really know. doesn't really know. Fortunately, and it is important to Fortunately, and it is important to Fortunately, and it is important to note, nothing happened during note, nothing happened during note, nothing happened during his stay there his stay there his stay there . . . But Cooper said that But Cooper said that But Cooper said that when Betkowski when Betkowski when Betkowski returned to work returned to work returned to work in Florida after in Florida after in Florida after leaving the hospital, leaving the hospital, leaving the hospital, nothing nothing nothing improved and he was improved and he was improved and he was simply fired. We simply fired. We simply fired. We contacted this contacted this contacted this company in an company in an company in an attempt to attempt to attempt to learn more, but learn more, but learn more, but they responded that they do not they responded that they do not they responded that they do not comment on past or comment on past or comment on past or present present present employment employment employment as per their as per their as per their policy. Detective policy. Detective policy. Detective Cooper said Cooper said Cooper said Betkowski's notes from Betkowski's notes from Betkowski's notes from that time increasingly that time increasingly that time increasingly grew into this grew into this grew into this truly creepy and truly creepy and truly creepy and disturbing idea. That disturbing idea. That disturbing idea. That imagining scenes of imagining scenes of imagining scenes of violence could violence could violence could bring him bring him bring him a kind of euphoria a kind of euphoria a kind of euphoria that would perhaps cure that would perhaps cure that would perhaps cure him of his mental him of his mental him of his mental illness. A huge

illness. A huge illness. A huge alarm signal. A year alarm signal. A year alarm signal. A year later, he experienced the later, he experienced the later, he experienced the death of his mother and was again death of his mother and was again death of his mother and was again admitted to a admitted to a admitted to a psychiatric psychiatric psychiatric facility in Florida. facility in Florida. facility in Florida. So, all of this makes what So, all of this makes what I'm about to tell you I'm about to tell you extremely strange and, to be honest extremely strange and, to be honest , , , left me with left me with left me with about 50 burning about 50 burning about 50 burning questions. In 1979, questions. In 1979, questions. In 1979, Lockheed hired him, and Lockheed hired him, and Lockheed hired him, and he moved to Las he moved to Las Cruces, New Cruces, New Mexico, to Mexico, to Mexico, to work on a work on a work on a NASA project at NASA project at White Sands Proving Ground. I still don't understand how, I still don't understand how, with his history of with his history of with his history of confirmed confirmed confirmed mental illness and mental illness and mental illness and comments to former comments to former comments to former colleagues about possibly colleagues about possibly colleagues about possibly poisoning people, he poisoning people, he poisoning people, he was hired to work on a was hired to work on a was hired to work on a NASA project? And what do you NASA project? And what do you NASA project? And what do you think, he made think, he made think, he made another strange another strange another strange comment to a colleague there. comment to a colleague there. Detective Cooper Detective Cooper said that this time said that this time said that this time he told his colleague that he told his colleague that he told his colleague that the poison could easily the poison could easily the poison could easily be placed in pharmacy be placed in pharmacy be placed in pharmacy capsules. Not only capsules. Not only capsules. Not only that, he also that, he also that, he also conducted home conducted home conducted home experiments in experiments in experiments in his garden. The police his garden. The police his garden. The police were called to a were called to a were called to a local pharmacy in Las local pharmacy in Las Cruces because Cruces because Cruces because Dr. Bechtel was Dr. Bechtel was Dr. Bechtel was acting strangely while acting strangely while acting strangely while trying to obtain trying to obtain trying to obtain pills or capsules pills or capsules pills or capsules for one of these for one of these for one of these experiments.

experiments. experiments. The pharmacy called The pharmacy called The pharmacy called the police, who then the police, who then the police, who then escorted Bechtel escorted Bechtel escorted Bechtel home, where, according to home, where, according to home, where, according to Detective Cooper, Detective Cooper, Detective Cooper, they discovered he was also they discovered he was also they discovered he was also stealing stealing stealing unauthorized unauthorized unauthorized materials from the materials from the materials from the NASA lab back home. So, NASA lab back home. So, NASA lab back home. So, in March 1982, which in March 1982, which in March 1982, which surprised no one, surprised no one, surprised no one, given all this, given all this, given all this, he was fired. he was fired. Trying to uncover Trying to uncover all the details of who all the details of who all the details of who Dr. Bechtel was, Dr. Bechtel was, Dr. Bechtel was, Detective Cooper and Detective Cooper and Detective Cooper and his team his team his team decided to visit the decided to visit the White Sands Proving Ground to White Sands Proving Ground to find out if find out if find out if something else was going on there something else was going on there something else was going on there . And interestingly, the . And interestingly, the . And interestingly, the Las Cruces police Las Cruces police Las Cruces police said, “Hey, you know said, “Hey, you know said, “Hey, you know what? "We have an unsolved what? "We have an unsolved what? "We have an unsolved case from May 1982. case from May 1982. case from May 1982. " Ready for " Ready for " Ready for this? A woman named this? A woman named this? A woman named Dessie Wilson, who Dessie Wilson, who Dessie Wilson, who lived in Las Cruces and lived in Las Cruces and lived in Las Cruces and purchased supplements at purchased supplements at purchased supplements at local pharmacies, local pharmacies, local pharmacies, died from died from died from cyanide poisoning contained cyanide poisoning contained cyanide poisoning contained in a capsule containing the medication. in a capsule containing the medication. What is the probability of What is the probability of this? And whether this? And whether this? And whether it was a it was a it was a coincidence or not, they discovered coincidence or not, they discovered coincidence or not, they discovered that on the day of that on the day of that on the day of Dessie Wilson Bechtel's death, he Dessie Wilson Bechtel's death, he Dessie Wilson Bechtel's death, he boarded a plane and boarded a plane and boarded a plane and flew out of town for a flew out of town for a flew out of town for a conference in conference in conference in Pennsylvania. But there is Pennsylvania. But there is Pennsylvania. But there is one problem that one problem that one problem that prevents prevents prevents her case from being finally solved. The her case from being finally solved. The her case from being finally solved. The medications she medications she medications she was taking were never was taking were never was taking were never tested, and the tested, and the tested, and the Ada County Sheriff's Office Ada County Sheriff's Office Ada County Sheriff's Office said evidence and said evidence and said evidence and records in the case records in the case records in the case were later destroyed. So were later destroyed. So were later destroyed. So think about it after think about it after think about it after that. Dr.

that. Dr. that. Dr. Bechtel Bechtel Bechtel was never named as a was never named as a was never named as a suspect in her suspect in her suspect in her death, but it is entirely death, but it is entirely death, but it is entirely possible that he was possible that he was possible that he was involved. So involved. So involved. So for the last 6–7 for the last 6–7 for the last 6–7 years, the public did years, the public did years, the public did n't even n't even n't even know what was know what was know what was happening. All of happening. All of happening. All of this happened behind this happened behind this happened behind the scenes the scenes the scenes of the investigation, of the investigation, of the investigation, as the police as the police as the police needed to needed to needed to understand the extent of understand the extent of Betkovsky's possible involvement in Betkovsky's possible involvement in criminal activity criminal activity criminal activity or alleged poisonings or alleged poisonings or alleged poisonings before telling the before telling the before telling the public about it. And public about it. And public about it. And then the brother, who, then the brother, who, then the brother, who, thanks to his DNA, was thanks to his DNA, was thanks to his DNA, was the first to help the first to help the first to help solve the case, solve the case, solve the case, was unwittingly about to was unwittingly about to was unwittingly about to lead investigators to a lead investigators to a lead investigators to a second major second major second major breakthrough. Detective breakthrough. Detective breakthrough. Detective Cooper first Cooper first Cooper first contacted contacted contacted Dr. Betkowski's brother Dr. Betkowski's brother Dr. Betkowski's brother several years several years several years earlier, but he had been having earlier, but he had been having health problems since they met. And, unfortunately, health problems since they met. And, unfortunately, in 2021, my brother passed away. in 2021, my brother passed away. in 2021, my brother passed away. Other family members Other family members Other family members weren't entirely weren't entirely weren't entirely sure what of sure what of Matthew's belongings his brother had kept, but they gave Matthew's belongings his brother had kept, but they gave Detective Cooper and Detective Cooper and Ada County Sheriff's deputies permission Ada County Sheriff's deputies permission to travel to Los to travel to Los Angeles and inspect Angeles and inspect Angeles and inspect the house. When they the house. When they the house. When they got inside, got inside, got inside, it was, to put it mildly, it was, to put it mildly, it was, to put it mildly, strange. My brother did strange. My brother did strange. My brother did keep Matthew's things keep Matthew's things keep Matthew's things in his house, but I do in his house, but I do in his house, but I do n't mean any n't mean any n't mean any trinkets or trinkets or trinkets or souvenirs. For example, souvenirs. For example, souvenirs. For example, all the furniture from his all the furniture from his all the furniture from his bedroom remained bedroom remained bedroom remained completely untouched completely untouched . His bed, his dresser, . His bed, his dresser, . His bed, his dresser, his desk. All of this was his desk. All of this was his desk. All of this was next to where my next to where my next to where my brother slept, brother slept, brother slept, as if in the same room.

as if in the same room. as if in the same room. Cooper told me he Cooper told me he Cooper told me he felt like he had been transported back in time felt like he had been transported back in time to the 80s. Everything has been preserved 80s. Everything has been preserved 80s. Everything has been preserved exactly as it was exactly as it was exactly as it was then. Even then. Even then. Even Matt's shoes were tucked Matt's shoes were tucked Matt's shoes were tucked under the bed, as if he had under the bed, as if he had under the bed, as if he had just taken them off for the night. just taken them off for the night. just taken them off for the night. Besides, he's been Besides, he's been Besides, he's been dead for almost 40 dead for almost 40 dead for almost 40 years. So, the investigators years. So, the investigators years. So, the investigators began to sort began to sort began to sort things out, and when they things out, and when they things out, and when they looked into looked into looked into Matt's desk, at first the contents of the Matt's desk, at first the contents of the Matt's desk, at first the contents of the drawers looked drawers looked drawers looked pretty ordinary. They pretty ordinary. They pretty ordinary. They found old photos, found old photos, found old photos, letters, his letters, his letters, his UCLA medical card, UCLA medical card, UCLA medical card, but I don't think anything but I don't think anything but I don't think anything could have prepared them could have prepared them could have prepared them for what they for what they for what they found inside found inside found inside next. Next to the map of next. Next to the map of next. Next to the map of Chicago was a Chicago was a Chicago was a small glass small glass small glass bottle of bottle of homemade cyanide. First, it means that First, it means that First, it means that this brother, without this brother, without this brother, without knowing it, simply knowing it, simply knowing it, simply kept a kept a kept a bottle of poisonous bottle of poisonous bottle of poisonous cyanide in his home, which no cyanide in his home, which no cyanide in his home, which no one had touched for 40 one had touched for 40 one had touched for 40 years. Imagine the years. Imagine the years. Imagine the shock. But if it weren't for that shock. But if it weren't for that shock. But if it weren't for that part of the part of the cyanide investigation, they would cyanide investigation, they would n't even have paid n't even have paid n't even have paid much attention to the much attention to the much attention to the map of Chicago in map of Chicago in map of Chicago in the drawer. But now the drawer. But now the drawer. But now they couldn't help but they couldn't help but they couldn't help but think, "Oh my God. Was think, "Oh my God. Was think, "Oh my God. Was Dr. Bekowski Dr. Bekowski Dr. Bekowski involved in the involved in the involved in the infamous infamous infamous Tylenol murders in Tylenol murders in Tylenol murders in Chicago?" Seven people Chicago?" Seven people Chicago?" Seven people died in the died in the died in the Chicago area after taking Chicago area after taking Chicago area after taking Tylenol capsules Tylenol capsules Tylenol capsules that had been secretly

that had been secretly that had been secretly poisoned with poisoned with poisoned with potassium cyanide in late potassium cyanide in late potassium cyanide in late September and October 1982 September and October 1982 September and October 1982 . And this was only . And this was only . And this was only 3 months before 3 months before 3 months before Dr. Bekovsky Dr. Bekovsky Dr. Bekovsky committed suicide committed suicide committed suicide with cyanide. with cyanide. with cyanide. This crime literally This crime literally This crime literally changed the way we changed the way we changed the way we use medicine. This use medicine. This use medicine. This led to the led to the led to the protective packaging we have protective packaging we have protective packaging we have today. today. today. Remember Frank Remember Frank Remember Frank Richardson, the first Richardson, the first Richardson, the first investigator in the " investigator in the " Unknown Unknown Unknown Traveler" case? If Traveler" case? If Traveler" case? If you recall, he suspected from the you recall, he suspected from the you recall, he suspected from the very beginning very beginning very beginning that that that the Traveler might have been the Traveler might have been the Traveler might have been involved in the involved in the Tylenol murder case. Cooper Tylenol murder case. Cooper told me that told me that told me that part of the part of the part of the reason was that reason was that reason was that Quantico had Quantico had Quantico had sent out sent out sent out a message at the time a message at the time a message at the time asking them to keep an eye out for asking them to keep an eye out for asking them to keep an eye out for people who came to a people who came to a people who came to a place they didn't live, place they didn't live, place they didn't live, committed suicide, committed suicide, committed suicide, and left no and left no and left no explanation. Richardson explanation. Richardson explanation. Richardson then said: " then said: " The Traveler The Traveler The Traveler answers literally answers literally answers literally every one of these points every one of these points ." He contacted ." He contacted ." He contacted the FBI, but Cooper said the FBI, but Cooper said the FBI, but Cooper said that at the time they that at the time they that at the time they were focusing on a were focusing on a were focusing on a longtime longtime longtime suspect named suspect named suspect named James Lewis, who was James Lewis, who was James Lewis, who was never charged with the never charged with the Tylenol murders, only with Tylenol murders, only with extortion. And he extortion. And he extortion. And he said the FBI said the FBI said the FBI never took into account the never took into account the never took into account the information information information Richardson had. As Richardson had. As Richardson had. As it turns out, the "Unknown it turns out, the "Unknown it turns out, the "Unknown Traveler" also Traveler" also Traveler" also came into the sights of came into the sights of came into the sights of at least one other at least one other at least one other person in connection with the person in connection with the Tylenol murders in 2009.

Tylenol murders in 2009. Michelle Rosen Michelle Rosen Michelle Rosen was very interested in his was very interested in his was very interested in his death by cyanide, and death by cyanide, and death by cyanide, and she began she began she began to study his case in depth in to study his case in depth in to study his case in depth in 2009 because her 2009 because her 2009 because her mother, Mary Rayner, mother, Mary Rayner, mother, Mary Rayner, was one of the seven was one of the seven was one of the seven victims of the victims of the Tylenol murders, and she was Tylenol murders, and she was Tylenol murders, and she was only 27 years old. Michelle only 27 years old. Michelle has been conducting her own has been conducting her own investigation investigation investigation in parallel with the in parallel with the in parallel with the official authorities for many years, official authorities for many years, official authorities for many years, and she told me and she told me and she told me that she usually that she usually that she usually hates it when hates it when hates it when her mother's case is her mother's case is her mother's case is blown up in the media, but blown up in the media, but blown up in the media, but added: "This time there is a added: "This time there is a added: "This time there is a real reason for the real reason for the real reason for the headlines." In her headlines." In her headlines." In her opinion, the mystery of the opinion, the mystery of the opinion, the mystery of the unknown unknown unknown traveler was traveler was traveler was intriguing from the intriguing from the intriguing from the very beginning. She is very beginning. She is very beginning. She is almost certain that almost certain that almost certain that he took his own he took his own he took his own life because of unbearable life because of unbearable life because of unbearable guilt over the guilt over the Tylenol-related murders. And Tylenol-related murders. And 11 years after 11 years after 11 years after she began researching she began researching she began researching his identity, she his identity, she his identity, she said the authorities said the authorities said the authorities contacted her contacted her contacted her to find out to find out to find out exactly what she had found out about him exactly what she had found out about him exactly what she had found out about him . She . She . She told me that the told me that the Ada County Sheriff's Office contacted her Ada County Sheriff's Office contacted her specifically about specifically about specifically about Backhauski back in 2020 Backhauski back in 2020 Backhauski back in 2020 . So, for 6 years now, . So, for 6 years now, . So, for 6 years now, she's been working with them behind she's been working with them behind she's been working with them behind the scenes, sharing the scenes, sharing the scenes, sharing her research her research as they as they as they try to try to try to recreate recreate recreate Dr. Backhauski's life.

Dr. Backhauski's life. Dr. Backhauski's life. But she noted But she noted But she noted that there is a huge obstacle here for everyone that there is a huge obstacle here for everyone that there is a huge obstacle here for everyone . The . The . The investigation into the investigation into the Tylenol-related murders is not Tylenol-related murders is not public because public because public because authorities still consider the authorities still consider the authorities still consider the case open. So case open. So , from Michelle's perspective, it , from Michelle's perspective, it , from Michelle's perspective, it will be nearly impossible will be nearly impossible will be nearly impossible to truly determine whether to truly determine whether to truly determine whether Backhauski was Backhauski was Backhauski was responsible for the responsible for the responsible for the murders if murders if murders if the public doesn't the public doesn't the public doesn't know exactly what know exactly what know exactly what important evidence, important evidence, important evidence, documents, and reports the documents, and reports the documents, and reports the Illinois State Police have. Illinois State Police have. My first thought My first thought was, "Yes, I was, "Yes, I was, "Yes, I definitely agree, but definitely agree, but definitely agree, but I also know that I also know that I also know that law enforcement law enforcement law enforcement can be overly can be overly can be overly cautious, especially cautious, especially cautious, especially in high-profile in high-profile in high-profile cases." So cases." So cases." So maybe there really maybe there really maybe there really are things there that they are things there that they are things there that they just don't want just don't want just don't want everyone to know about. But everyone to know about. But everyone to know about. But the public is not the public is not the public is not law enforcement law enforcement . I mean, they . I mean, they . I mean, they must have must have must have been working with been working with been working with Detective Cooper, Detective Cooper, Detective Cooper, right? Error. I right? Error. I right? Error. I turned to turned to turned to Cooper again to ask, Cooper again to ask, Cooper again to ask, “Hey, you’ve at least “Hey, you’ve at least “Hey, you’ve at least seen some of these seen some of these seen some of these recordings, right?” “So recordings, right?” “So recordings, right?” “So you identified you identified you identified Matthew Batkowski, Matthew Batkowski, Matthew Batkowski, learned all these strange learned all these strange learned all these strange facts, the Chicago authorities facts, the Chicago authorities facts, the Chicago authorities must have been must have been must have been extremely extremely extremely interested in him and interested in him and interested in him and all your work?” all your work?” all your work?” He replied that he He replied that he He replied that he had no access.

had no access. had no access. Absolutely none. And Absolutely none. And Absolutely none. And he has been trying to he has been trying to he has been trying to get some get some get some access to the Tylenol access to the Tylenol access to the Tylenol murder case files for murder case files for at least 5 years. He at least 5 years. He even offered to even offered to even offered to fly to Chicago fly to Chicago fly to Chicago just to just to just to review the evidence review the evidence review the evidence without taking anything. without taking anything. without taking anything. This also ended in This also ended in This also ended in rejection. He knows that the rejection. He knows that the rejection. He knows that the case files case files case files contain documents, contain documents, travel receipts, travel receipts, airline passenger lists airline passenger lists , hotel records, , hotel records, , hotel records, car rental receipts, car rental receipts, car rental receipts, and surveillance video from and surveillance video from at least one of the at least one of the victims' pharmacies. And when victims' pharmacies. And when victims' pharmacies. And when you have a case like this where there is a you have a case like this where there is a you have a case like this where there is a critical lack of critical lack of critical lack of DNA or DNA or DNA or fingerprint evidence, these fingerprint evidence, these fingerprint evidence, these materials materials materials are literally the whole thing. are literally the whole thing. are literally the whole thing. If there is surveillance video of the If there is surveillance video of the victim buying Tylenol at the pharmacy, Tylenol at the pharmacy, Tylenol at the pharmacy, Cooper asks, "What's Cooper asks, "What's Cooper asks, "What's in the rest of that in the rest of that in the rest of that video?" I video?" I video?" I mean, they could mean, they could mean, they could at least at least at least look at it and look at it and look at it and see if see if see if Matthew Batkowski is in there. That Matthew Batkowski is in there. That would at least confirm whether would at least confirm whether he was there or not. he was there or not. he was there or not. Given what we Given what we Given what we now know about now know about now know about Batkovsky and what Batkovsky and what Batkovsky and what was found in the table, it is was found in the table, it is impossible to ignore the timing of these events. But impossible to ignore the timing of these events. But not everything not everything not everything matches up so perfectly. Records were found matches up so perfectly. Records were found matches up so perfectly. Records were found that that that Batkowski wanted to Batkowski wanted to Batkowski wanted to visit Chicago, but visit Chicago, but visit Chicago, but he could only be clearly he could only be clearly he could only be clearly linked to that linked to that linked to that city in December city in December city in December 1981, when a 1981, when a 1981, when a photo of him was found there. At this photo of him was found there. At this photo of him was found there. At this point, there is nothing to indicate point, there is nothing to indicate point, there is nothing to indicate his presence his presence his presence there in September 1982, there in September 1982, there in September 1982, at least from the at least from the at least from the evidence found evidence found evidence found so far. And according to an so far. And according to an so far. And according to an article in the New York Times, a article in the New York Times, a article in the New York Times, a task force task force task force investigating investigating investigating Tylenol murders Tylenol murders Tylenol murders determined that the determined that the determined that the capsules had been tampered with capsules had been tampered with capsules had been tampered with only shortly before the only shortly before the only shortly before the victims victims victims took them. There is also took them. There is also took them. There is also something else. The homemade

something else. The homemade something else. The homemade cyanide found in cyanide found in cyanide found in the table turned out to be the table turned out to be the table turned out to be sodium cyanide, which is sodium cyanide, which is sodium cyanide, which is different from the different from the different from the potassium cyanide potassium cyanide potassium cyanide used in the used in the used in the Chicago case. Although Chicago case. Although Chicago case. Although this does not mean that this does not mean that this does not mean that Dr. Batkowski did not Dr. Batkowski did not Dr. Batkowski did not make other types of make other types of make other types of cyanide. He did cyanide. He did cyanide. He did all those experiments and stuff all those experiments and stuff all those experiments and stuff , but at , but at , but at this point, this point, this point, at least for the at least for the at least for the Ada County Sheriff's Office, Ada County Sheriff's Office, Ada County Sheriff's Office, he's not being named as a he's not being named as a he's not being named as a suspect in the suspect in the suspect in the Tylenol murders. They Tylenol murders. They Tylenol murders. They said they would leave said they would leave said they would leave it up to the it up to the it up to the Chicago authorities. However, they Chicago authorities. However, they Chicago authorities. However, they were able to reach one were able to reach one were able to reach one firm conclusion. firm conclusion. firm conclusion. Remember the two Remember the two Remember the two unsolved murders of unsolved murders of unsolved murders of priests in Texas priests in Texas priests in Texas and Arizona? The and Arizona? The and Arizona? The sheriff's office said it sheriff's office said it sheriff's office said it had ruled Batkowski out of had ruled Batkowski out of had ruled Batkowski out of those crimes because, those crimes because, those crimes because, when he was when he was when he was identified, he did not identified, he did not identified, he did not fit the descriptions of fit the descriptions of fit the descriptions of suspects or individuals suspects or individuals suspects or individuals involved in those involved in those involved in those crimes. And there was no crimes. And there was no crimes. And there was no evidence that evidence that evidence that he was even in he was even in he was even in those places. But those places. But those places. But let's talk let's talk let's talk about location about location , because how did Matthew , because how did Matthew , because how did Matthew Batkowski Batkowski Batkowski end up in an end up in an end up in an Idaho church in the first place? Good question Idaho church in the first place? Good question . For this episode, we . For this episode, we . For this episode, we spoke with spoke with spoke with Sacred Heart Church, who Sacred Heart Church, who Sacred Heart Church, who confirmed that confirmed that confirmed that Dr. Batkowski Dr. Batkowski Dr. Batkowski was never a was never a was never a parishioner, and parishioner, and parishioner, and to their knowledge, has to their knowledge, has to their knowledge, has never been a resident of never been a resident of never been a resident of Boise. We still don't Boise. We still don't Boise. We still don't know if he managed to know if he managed to know if he managed to go to confession go to confession go to confession before his death.

before his death. Detective Cooper Detective Cooper told me that Father told me that Father told me that Father O'Grady, who O'Grady, who O'Grady, who was taking confessions at the time, was taking confessions at the time, was taking confessions at the time, never gave never gave never gave evidence to the police or evidence to the police or evidence to the police or anyone else anyone else anyone else because he could have been because he could have been because he could have been excommunicated excommunicated excommunicated if he had if he had if he had said anything. But Cooper said anything. But Cooper said anything. But Cooper said they said they said they spoke to a man spoke to a man spoke to a man whose mother worked at the whose mother worked at the whose mother worked at the church the day church the day church the day Batkowski died, and she Batkowski died, and she Batkowski died, and she reported that when she reported that when she reported that when she asked Father asked Father asked Father O'Grady if the O'Grady if the O'Grady if the mystery man had confessed to the mystery man had confessed to the mystery man had confessed to the Tylenol murders before he Tylenol murders before he Tylenol murders before he died, Father died, Father died, Father O'Grady didn't O'Grady didn't O'Grady didn't say anything, just say anything, just say anything, just smiled. This gives me smiled. This gives me smiled. This gives me goosebumps goosebumps goosebumps . Father O'Grady was . Father O'Grady was . Father O'Grady was already dead, of course, so already dead, of course, so already dead, of course, so he took everything he he took everything he he took everything he knew to the grave with him knew to the grave with him knew to the grave with him . But detectives . But detectives . But detectives believe that you, the " believe that you, the " Criminal Criminal Criminal Addicts," Addicts," Addicts," can actually can actually can actually significantly help significantly help significantly help the investigation. The sheriff's office the investigation. The sheriff's office the investigation. The sheriff's office reported that reported that reported that Dr. Dr. Dr. Betkowski was last seen Betkowski was last seen Betkowski was last seen at his home in Las at his home in Las Cruces, New Cruces, New Mexico, on October 15, 1982 Mexico, on October 15, 1982 Mexico, on October 15, 1982 . They believe . They believe . They believe he left New he left New Mexico and went to Mexico and went to Mexico and went to Brownsville, Brownsville, Brownsville, Texas, near the Texas, near the Texas, near the Mexican border, Mexican border, Mexican border, to sell his to sell his to sell his car. But until his car. But until his car. But until his death, no one knew death, no one knew death, no one knew where he went or what he was where he went or what he was where he went or what he was doing. The only possible doing. The only possible doing. The only possible evidence they evidence they evidence they have is a few have is a few have is a few phone calls phone calls phone calls made before the made before the made before the disappearance and disappearance and disappearance and birthday cards birthday cards birthday cards . Yes, . Yes, . Yes, birthday cards birthday cards birthday cards . Listen . Listen . Listen further. Let's start with further. Let's start with further. Let's start with phone calls.

phone calls. phone calls. It is believed that on It is believed that on It is believed that on September 14, 1982, he September 14, 1982, he September 14, 1982, he called a chemical supply company from his home called a chemical supply company from his home . But this isn't the same . But this isn't the same company that company that company that produced the cyanide, produced the cyanide, produced the cyanide, so they have no so they have no so they have no idea why he was idea why he was idea why he was calling them. Then there calling them. Then there calling them. Then there was another call on was another call on was another call on October 4 to the research and October 4 to the research and development department of development department of development department of SmithKline in SmithKline in SmithKline in Pennsylvania, which Pennsylvania, which Pennsylvania, which was a pharmaceutical was a pharmaceutical was a pharmaceutical company and competitor of company and competitor of company and competitor of Johnson & Johnson. But that's Johnson & Johnson. But that's Johnson & Johnson. But that's literally all there is. literally all there is. literally all there is. The detective said there were The detective said there were no other documented calls during that period. And now no other documented calls during that period. And now about birthday cards about birthday cards about birthday cards . Detective . Detective . Detective Cooper told me Cooper told me Cooper told me that Dr. that Dr. that Dr. Betkowski Betkowski Betkowski kept in kept in kept in touch with his touch with his touch with his aunt from time to time, and both aunt from time to time, and both aunt from time to time, and both had birthdays in had birthdays in had birthdays in October. So every year October. So every year October. So every year they sent each they sent each they sent each other greeting other greeting other greeting cards in the same cards in the same cards in the same month. month. month. So, in a letter to her, So, in a letter to her, So, in a letter to her, he wished her a happy he wished her a happy he wished her a happy birthday in birthday in birthday in mid-October and mid-October and mid-October and said he was still said he was still said he was still working at working at White Sands Proving Ground , which was a lie. And , which was a lie. And , which was a lie. And then he wrote that he then he wrote that he then he wrote that he traveled a lot to traveled a lot to traveled a lot to places, and I quote: "Wherever places, and I quote: "Wherever places, and I quote: "Wherever you would definitely want you would definitely want you would definitely want to go on vacation." It's a to go on vacation." It's a to go on vacation." It's a strange thing to strange thing to strange thing to say. So in say. So in say. So in her her her reply card, she reply card, she reply card, she asked what he meant asked what he meant asked what he meant and where he was and where he was and where he was going. She dated going. She dated going. She dated this postcard October 11, this postcard October 11, this postcard October 11, 1982, but it was 1982, but it was 1982, but it was returned to returned to returned to sender. She sender. She sender. She never got to him never got to him never got to him because he simply disappeared.

because he simply disappeared. After October 15, no After October 15, no one saw him again one saw him again , and to this day no one , and to this day no one , and to this day no one knows where he knows where he knows where he traveled. By the traveled. By the traveled. By the time he walked time he walked time he walked into that church in into that church in into that church in Boise in December, he had Boise in December, he had Boise in December, he had completely changed his completely changed his completely changed his hair color and hair color and hair color and appearance. Therefore, appearance. Therefore, appearance. Therefore, investigators are fully investigators are fully investigators are fully convinced that Dr. convinced that Dr. convinced that Dr. Betkovsky deliberately Betkovsky deliberately Betkovsky deliberately took steps to took steps to took steps to conceal his identity, conceal his identity, conceal his identity, the cause of his death, the cause of his death, the cause of his death, and the motives for his actions. And and the motives for his actions. And and the motives for his actions. And in reality, we will never in reality, we will never in reality, we will never know why know why know why he passed away he passed away he passed away that day. However, that day. However, that day. However, detectives say detectives say detectives say this case is far from this case is far from this case is far from closed. Dr. closed. Dr. closed. Dr. Matthew Betkowski lived Matthew Betkowski lived Matthew Betkowski lived in at least five in at least five in at least five different states: different states: different states: California, Texas, California, Texas, California, Texas, New Mexico, Ohio, and New Mexico, Ohio, and New Mexico, Ohio, and Florida. And that's not Florida. And that's not Florida. And that's not counting all the other counting all the other counting all the other states he states he states he visited or visited or visited or drove through. So, drove through. So, drove through. So, here's where you come into here's where you come into here's where you come into play. Call to action play. Call to action play. Call to action number one. Do number one. Do number one. Do you know anything about you know anything about you know anything about the whereabouts of the whereabouts of the whereabouts of Dr. Matthew Dr. Matthew Dr. Matthew Betkowski from October 15, Betkowski from October 15, Betkowski from October 15, 1982 to December 4, 1982 to December 4, 1982 to December 4, 1982? They are 1982? They are 1982? They are desperately desperately desperately trying trying trying to find out where he to find out where he to find out where he went and what he was doing went and what he was doing went and what he was doing during those seven during those seven during those seven missing weeks before his missing weeks before his missing weeks before his death. In fact, death. In fact, death. In fact, they will accept they will accept any information any information any information you have about his you have about his you have about his whereabouts in whereabouts in whereabouts in 1982 before 1982 before 1982 before he died. Call to he died. Call to he died. Call to action number two. They are action number two. They are action number two. They are asking anyone with asking anyone with asking anyone with information information information about unsolved about unsolved about unsolved cases of cases of cases of cyanide poisoning from the late 1970s cyanide poisoning from the late 1970s cyanide poisoning from the late 1970s to early 1980s to early 1980s to early 1980s anywhere in the anywhere in the anywhere in the country to contact country to contact country to contact them. Because that's the thing them. Because that's the thing them. Because that's the thing . Cooper . Cooper . Cooper did a study, and did a study, and did a study, and he told me that according to the he told me that according to the he told me that according to the CDC, there were

CDC, there were fewer than 10 deaths from fewer than 10 deaths from cyanide poisoning between 1983 and 1984 combined. cyanide poisoning between 1983 and 1984 combined. cyanide poisoning between 1983 and 1984 combined. Because it is rare. Because it is rare. Because it is rare. But as it turned out, But as it turned out, But as it turned out, in 1982 alone, in 1982 alone, in 1982 alone, he said, there were not he said, there were not he said, there were not only seven deaths from only seven deaths from only seven deaths from Tylenol in Chicago, Tylenol in Chicago, Tylenol in Chicago, but 11 more cases. We but 11 more cases. We but 11 more cases. We know that Dr. know that Dr. know that Dr. Betkowski is one of Betkowski is one of Betkowski is one of them, as is the unsolved them, as is the unsolved them, as is the unsolved Dessie Wilson case in Dessie Wilson case in Dessie Wilson case in New Mexico, but who New Mexico, but who New Mexico, but who else? Cooper gave me else? Cooper gave me else? Cooper gave me one specific one specific one specific case—William case—William case—William Pascual of Pascual of Pascual of Philadelphia. He was a Philadelphia. He was a Philadelphia. He was a 26-year-old graduate student at the 26-year-old graduate student at the 26-year-old graduate student at the business school who business school who business school who died of died of died of cyanide poisoning on April 3, 1982 cyanide poisoning on April 3, 1982 cyanide poisoning on April 3, 1982 . According to . According to . According to Time magazine, an analysis of Time magazine, an analysis of Time magazine, an analysis of three three Tylenol capsules from a bottle Tylenol capsules from a bottle Tylenol capsules from a bottle found in a shoe in found in a shoe in found in a shoe in his closet revealed no his closet revealed no his closet revealed no poison, but when the poison, but when the poison, but when the remaining remaining remaining capsules in the capsules in the capsules in the police police police vault were tested, they contained vault were tested, they contained vault were tested, they contained cyanide. According to Time, cyanide. According to Time, cyanide. According to Time, his death his death his death was considered was considered was considered a suicide for many years. He a suicide for many years. He a suicide for many years. He left a note: " left a note: " Dear Mom, it's not your Dear Mom, it's not your Dear Mom, it's not your fault, it's mine." But fault, it's mine." But fault, it's mine." But Cooper said Cooper said any unsolved any unsolved any unsolved cyanide death cyanide death cyanide death or one that no one or one that no one or one that no one saw deserves a saw deserves a saw deserves a second look. And second look. And second look. And I'll end this episode I'll end this episode I'll end this episode where it began.

where it began. where it began. One last call to One last call to One last call to action for you guys action for you guys action for you guys regarding those almost 30 regarding those almost 30 regarding those almost 30 keys. Because where do keys. Because where do keys. Because where do these keys lead? We all these keys lead? We all these keys lead? We all need to need to need to know this. And they have some know this. And they have some know this. And they have some clues. Detective clues. Detective clues. Detective Cooper told me Cooper told me Cooper told me that at that time Dr. that at that time Dr. that at that time Dr. Betkowski had a patent Betkowski had a patent Betkowski had a patent for a safety lock for a safety lock for a safety lock mechanism. He mechanism. He mechanism. He invented something that would invented something that would invented something that would prevent burglars from prevent burglars from prevent burglars from getting into the house. getting into the house. getting into the house. They believe that They believe that They believe that some of the clues could some of the clues could some of the clues could be related to this. be related to this. be related to this. One key, they One key, they One key, they believe, is over 160 believe, is over 160 believe, is over 160 years old. No years old. No years old. No idea where it idea where it idea where it fits. But he fits. But he fits. But he told me that told me that told me that a few of them a few of them a few of them ended up in ended up in ended up in bank vaults. bank vaults. Say with me: what's in those boxes? what's in those boxes? what's in those boxes? Cooper said they Cooper said they Cooper said they found one of them. found one of them. found one of them. But he added that they But he added that they But he added that they came too came too came too late. And I'm like, "What do you late. And I'm like, "What do you late. And I'm like, "What do you mean, 'we mean, 'we came too came too came too late'?" Well, he said late'?" Well, he said that the bank confirmed that the bank confirmed that the bank confirmed the existence of the box, and it was the existence of the box, and it was the existence of the box, and it was being paid for until the being paid for until the being paid for until the death of Dr. death of Dr. death of Dr. Betkovsky's brother. But Betkovsky's brother. But Betkovsky's brother. But after his death, after his death, after his death, the funds ran out, and, as the funds ran out, and, as the funds ran out, and, as Cooper said, the bank Cooper said, the bank Cooper said, the bank told him that told him that told him that the contents had not been preserved.

the contents had not been preserved. So they still don't So they still don't know what was in that know what was in that know what was in that box. Friends, I have to box. Friends, I have to box. Friends, I have to say that I was say that I was say that I was impressed with impressed with impressed with the press conference and the the press conference and the the press conference and the overall response overall response overall response I am receiving from the I am receiving from the I am receiving from the Ada County Sheriff's Office. Ada County Sheriff's Office. Ada County Sheriff's Office. Detective Cooper and his Detective Cooper and his Detective Cooper and his team are already working team are already working team are already working on it. So rest on it. So rest on it. So rest assured: if you assured: if you assured: if you know anything, if know anything, if know anything, if you have any clues or you have any clues or you have any clues or leads, any leads, any leads, any new information about new information about new information about Dr. Matthew Dr. Matthew Dr. Matthew Bakowski—they Bakowski—they Bakowski—they will read it, study it, and will read it, study it, and will read it, study it, and verify it. This is where verify it. This is where verify it. This is where you can send you can send you can send information. You can information. You can information. You can send tips send tips send tips directly to directly to directly to ACSOtips@ada county.id.gov ACSOtips@ada county.id.gov . Crime Junkies, we . Crime Junkies, we . Crime Junkies, we will definitely be will definitely be will definitely be following following following this case closely. So this case closely. So this case closely. So subscribe and subscribe and subscribe and click the bell click the bell click the bell to receive to receive to receive updates on this and updates on this and updates on this and other cases other cases other cases covered by our covered by our covered by our team. team. team. Crime Junkie is a project by Crime Junkie is a project by Crime Junkie is a project by Audiochuck. I think Audiochuck. I think Chuck would approve.