Ep 18. A Confession for Carmen/The Girls

In season 5, episode 18 of Cold Case Files Classic, entitled "A Confession for Carmen/The Girls," viewers are transported to a small town in northern California where the brutal murder of a teenage girl rocked the community and haunted investigators for decades.

The episode begins with a recounting of the crime - in 1980, 16-year-old Carmen Miranda was found brutally beaten and strangled to death in her family's barn. Despite an initial investigation and several persons of interest, the case went cold for over 20 years.

Then, in the early 2000s, a breakthrough occurred. An informant came forward with information that led investigators to a former town resident named Rodney Halbower. Halbower, it turned out, had been a suspect in several other murders along the West Coast during the same time period. DNA evidence linked him to Carmen's murder and he was eventually convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

But while the outcome of Carmen's case was a rare victory for cold case investigators, it also highlighted the pain and loss experienced by the families of the other victims.

This is where the second half of the episode comes in. Viewers are introduced to the stories of three other young women who were brutally murdered in the same region during the late 1970s and early 1980s. All three cases went cold, and all three families were left with unanswered questions and unhealed wounds.

Through interviews with family members, investigators, and local community members, the episode explores the impact of these crimes on the families left behind, and the ongoing efforts to bring justice to their loved ones.

The first case highlighted is that of 19-year-old Denise Lampe, who disappeared after leaving a friend's house in Reno, Nevada in 1979. Her skeletal remains were found in a remote area of Washoe County a year later, but despite extensive investigation, the case remained unsolved.

Next, the episode turns to the story of 23-year-old Michelle Mitchell, who was last seen leaving a San Francisco hotel in 1976. Her strangled body was found in a remote area of Marin County several days later. Despite a number of potential suspects, including a man who confessed to the murder, the case never resulted in a conviction.

Finally, viewers are introduced to the story of 14-year-old Tammy Jarschke, who was last seen hitchhiking in the same area where Carmen Miranda was murdered. Her body was found in a remote area of Nevada County in 1984, but despite an extensive investigation, no suspects were ever named.

Throughout the episode, viewers are reminded of the ongoing pain and trauma experienced by the families of these victims. They are also given a glimpse into the tireless efforts of cold case investigators, who continue to work towards bringing justice and closure to these unsolved cases.

In the end, "A Confession for Carmen/The Girls" is a powerful reminder of the impact of violent crime on individuals, families, and communities, and the importance of continued efforts to solve these cases and bring healing to those affected.