In an episode of 'The Elkhart Tapes', the brutal 1983 murders of a young, expectant couple, Donna and Carson Friend, in Stanton County, Kansas are explored. Cocaine residue found in the couple's car and the implication of a local man, Larry Hackney, pointed towards a drug-related motive. This was further complicated by the involvement of brother-in-law and alleged undercover informant for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), Mike Walker. The episode delves into the trial proceedings, focusing on the use of criminal informants, the role of law enforcement agencies and the criticism faced by the KBI. Also scrutinized is the controversial decision to charge Hackney with the murder of the unborn child. In the end, despite Hackney's acquittal, the true perpetrators and the motive for the Friend's murders remain shrouded in mystery.
00:04 The Brutal Murder of Carson and Donna Friend
01:15 The Trial of Larry Hackney
04:01 The Role of Mike Walker in the Case
08:08 The Controversial Confession of Larry Hackney
09:49 The Legal Debate Over Fetal Rights
12:00 The Complex Role of Informants in Law Enforcement
14:50 The Criticism of the Investigation
17:45 The Impact of Crime on Small Communities
19:51 The Enduring Human Spirit in the Face of Tragedy