Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
In this episode, the hosts examine the brutal murder of 53-year-old Michelle Kenny in Dubuque, Iowa, and the subsequent police investigation that led to her killer. Michelle was known for her kindness, deep faith, and willingness to take in people who were down on their luck. On July 23, 2018, neighbors found her stabbed to death inside her apartment. Investigators used city traffic camera footage to track a stranger named Gary James, who had walked with Michelle to her apartment on the day of the murder. James was arrested later that night for public intoxication and subsequently confessed to the murder after detectives appealed to his religious conscience during an interrogation. The case revealed a tragic history of prior violent encounters with women by James that had previously resulted in minimal accountability within the justice system.
Hosts introduce the episode and a DraftKings Casino ad appears at the start.
Mike Ferguson and Mike Gibson begin discussing the murder of 53‑year‑old Michelle Kenny.
Neighbors find Michelle stabbed in her apartment; police investigate the crime scene and gather evidence.
Investigators canvass the neighborhood, noting Michelle’s open-door policy and the presence of multiple visitors.
Traffic camera footage links a 53‑year‑old man, Gary James, to Michelle’s apartment on the night of the murder.
The hosts detail Michelle’s upbringing, career, family, and her reputation as a kind, helpful woman.
James is brought in, initially denies involvement, but later confesses to the stabbing after detectives use religious appeals.
James is charged, pleads guilty to lesser charges, and receives a suspended sentence, sparking debate over justice.
Michelle’s sisters discuss the emotional toll, community changes, and the importance of staying vigilant after the tragedy.
The hosts open the episode, setting the tone for the discussion on Michelle Kinney’s case.
The hosts detail the killer’s motive, linking it to a prior conflict and financial gain.
A brief advertisement promotes discounted tire services.
Discovering Michelle's Bodystory
Friends and neighbors checking on Michelle in the early hours of July 23 found her front door open and discovered her body on the kitchen floor.
Traffic Camera Footage Timelineinsight
Surveillance cameras captured Michelle and an unidentified man entering her apartment together, and showed the man leaving alone about 45 minutes later.
Autopsy Results and Brutal Attackdata
The autopsy revealed that Michelle had suffered blunt force trauma and had been stabbed 41 times throughout her head, torso, and neck.
Interrogation Breakthroughstrategy
After denying involvement when shown video evidence, Gary James confessed immediately when detectives brought up his religious faith and facing a higher power.
Gary James was sentenced to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder, avoiding a trial for the original first-degree charge.
“No good deed goes unpunished.”
“She was found completely nude.”
“The average homicide leaves in its wake six to 10 co-victims, that's what they termed it, close friends or family who are deeply impacted by the law.”
“I think one of the things that Michelle really would want us to know is never stop being kind.”
“I think it's, again, it's sad when people take advantage of the kindness of others.”
“But this woman really was a class act and this guy just took advantage of her kindness.”
“Cause he was mad at, I think, some woman who kicked him out of her house.”
In July 2018, 53-year-old Michelle Kinney was living alone in Dubuque, Iowa. Known for her kindness and willingness to help people struggling, Michelle often opened her home to strangers who needed a place to stay. When concerned neighbors found her brutally murdered inside her apartment, investigators faced a large pool of potential suspects. A break came when detectives reviewed city traffic cameras and spotted Michelle walking home with a stranger carrying her groceries. The man entered her apartment with her and was later seen leaving alone. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss Michelle Kinney. Her killer was already in jail on unrelated charges when detectives questioned him, and after initially denying involvement, he confessed to attacking Michelle in a rage, stabbing her repeatedly with a knife and fork before stealing money and leaving in her clothing because his own was covered in blood. Investigators soon learned the killer had a disturbing history of violence against women and had failed to report to probation just months before Michelle’s murder. The case left Michelle’s family devastated, but they continue to honor the generous, outgoing woman who spent her life helping others. You can help support the show at patreon.com/truecrimeallthetime Visit the show's website at truecrimeallthetime.com for contact, merchandise, and donation information An Emash Digital production See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
9,206 words · 3 speakers
Page updated · transcript and summary are machine-generated