Murder in Oregon

The premiere trailer for Murder in Oregon.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trailer 2 - On October 24th we'll re-open the Michael Francke Murder case, shining new light on those who escaped justice.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In January of 1989 the director of Oregon's Department of Corrections, Michael Francke, was brutally stabbed to death outside his office building in Salem. His killing was quickly ruled a “car burglary gone wrong”, but inconsistencies soon called the official investigation into question. Was Michael Francke murdered...or assassinated?   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inconsistencies in the narrative bring about issues as the official investigation into Michael Francke's murder unfolds. The Francke family raise concerns that Mike was targeted and are met with resistance from state officials. By the time they get his autopsy report, all bets are off.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Months after Mike's murder, the official investigation seems to stall. Frustrated, Pat and Kevin link up with newspaper columnist Phil Stanford. Their combined efforts lead them to a controversial confession, a mysterious sketch of a possible suspect and the fury of Salem government officials.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A deep dive into the history of corruption in Salem reveals a long and sordid relationship between criminal and political powers. It also leads to a troubled and violent man some believe murdered Michael Francke.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The search for Mike's killer leads to a woman whose dysfunctional upbringing in Salem's drug scene was closely linked to corruption in Corrections. And the staggering violence and trauma she experienced is peppered with names closely tied to the Francke murder investigation.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many people, including those closest to him, believe Tim 'Rooster' Natividad was involved in the murder of Michael Francke. His former girlfriend - and mother of his son - lays out the terrifying timeline of their relationship and the period leading up to, and after, Francke's murder. And it links to the mysterious man in the pinstripe suit.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than a year after Michael Francke's death, public and political pressure is mounting to capture his killer. Then, in April of 1990, a small time Salem drug dealer named Frank Gable is arrested and indicted for his murder. But the case the state mounts against him raises serious questions and concerns.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than two years after Michael Francke's murder, a small time drug dealer named Frank Gable would be tried for the crime. The basis for the case and the outcome of the trial would shock and outrage many- including Kevin Francke.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A sworn statement, unearthed in 2004, presents some very damning information involving one of Michael Francke's former co-workers. It also could have greatly aided in the defense of Frank Gable, were it presented during his trial. That document, along with others, sparks renewed interest in the Francke murder and once again places Phil at odds with his former employer.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Throughout this podcast we've seen the victimization of people caught in the crosshairs of politics and corruption. Lives twisted or destroyed by those with great power and little accountability. This episode addresses one of the darkest political scandals in Oregon's history - a woman deeply damaged as a result of a childhood disrupted, by a man who became one of the most powerful men in Oregon...and how that scandal played into the investigation of Mike Francke's murder.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The past ten episodes have been driven by the question: Who killed Michael Francke? Here is a recapitulation of the players, timeline, evidence covered... And a huge development regarding Frank Gable's fight for freedom.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final episode of Murder in Oregon, Phil, the Francke brothers and Mike's friends and colleagues share their thoughts on Michael Francke, his murder and the individuals who've avoided justice for the past thirty years.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three years ago the Murder in Oregon podcast posed the question ‘Who Killed Micheal Francke?' and on September 29th, 2022 a court answered: NOT the man who was convicted of his murder and spent nearly 30 years in prison. Reactions from journalist Phil Stanford and Michael Francke's brothers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin Francke and Phil Stanford join Lauren Bright Pacheco to share the news that Frank Gable, who was wrongly convicted of killing Oregon Corrections Director Michael Francke, has been completely exonerated as of Monday, May 8, 2023. They also discuss the reality that the murder of Michael Francke remains unsolved- and his real killers have never been brought to justice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.