Many of the case's original investigators and prosecutors have retired or died, but Linda Holloway, a retired homicide detective and now a part-time investigator for the 13th Judicial District Attorney's Office, is heading the new search effort. 1st they found the body of James Jim Irvin Plance. Apparently, hiring workers you dont pay and then murdering them was not quite the money-saving endeavor Tom thought it would be. He allowed her to make a phone call to her roommate, whom she told she had been kidnapped. And they would have gotten away with it too, if it werent for those pesky investigators.Wanna take our Patreon for a test drive and get FREE BONUS EPISODES? He began beating on Sowarsh like a punching bag and whatever else he wanted, but Mike said that he didnt see any of this because he stepped outside for a joint. Then Tom started screaming at his wife, Sylvia, that this was all her fault! Holloway said, Since there is no statute of limitations on homicide, we thought maybe the case could be rejuvenated and charges could be used against the responsible parties. She attempted to procure funds to start digging for remains again and getting other agencies involved like NecroSearch. One of his partners was 38-year-old Michelle Lee Thompson-Larimer. The McCormick farm in Kit Carson county, on the eastern plains of Colorado, was once one of the largest farms in the state. Complicating the case has been the absence of anyone coming forward to notify police that their loved ones may be missing. On this particular night however, the silence was broken by an almost constant thumping sound coming from the cellar. How many bodies may still be buried there no one knows, but more than 20 years ago Michael McCormick led homicide detectives to at least three corpses buried around his father's ranch, naming his father as the killer, according to senior investigator Michael Gallagher of the 1st Judicial District Attorney's Office, who spearheaded the case. Some say they were completely oblivious. McCormick At this point, Michael left, stepping outside to smoke a joint. Mike tells the story that Sowarshs death was far from fast. Another story was of a man that was strangled for stealing from Mike and was then placed in the farms cesspool. And ONCE AH-GAIN, Mike pulled the old Irish Goodbye and was in the wind. His foot was almost amputated (this would later be seen when his remains were found). Once down there, Mike learned what was making the thumping they had heard at dinner. In total "Every once in awhile the plow will dig up something like a shoe or a piece of clothing," she told ABC News. They were hanging out together driving a field car on the McCormick farm. Granby police and a SWAT team swarmed the house and made numerous attempts to contact Michael or Michelle, but neither were answering the phones, and they had no luck getting any answers through the doors or windows. Mike said that at this point, Tom is tickled pink with himself and living his best life. Causes of death released for Texas family likely killed by escaped In the 1980s, cell phones werent a thing. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Michael To date, there have been no more bodies found on the farm, but that doesnt mean that they arent out there. The men that were brought to the farm to work were housed in workers quarters at the farm that was described as like a frat house. Each man got his own room and then the bathroom, kitchen, and living area were all shared. However, the state police didnt dig any further into these tips. (Not kidsinvestigators.). Some said 2,200 acres and others said as much as 2,900 acres. Michael McCormick was convicted of murdering missing truck driver Bert Donoho in 1987, though he claimed that his father, Thomas, had actually done the killing. with Jack mother-fuckin Osbourne (as in the son of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne), a psychic was brought to the property who they claimed to have given no information about the property or the McCormicks. You can call Michael McCormick a natural-born predator, a serial killer, a monster, whatever. When his grave was revealed, there was still wire around the ankles, now just bones. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. That day, Michael went about his normal daily routine before retiring to his parents house for dinner. While he was cleaning up, Mike said he heard Donoho moaning so he slit his throat. Perhaps one of the most graphic and disturbing deaths is that of Robert Lee Sowarsh. McCormick Mike said he pushed the body wrapped in the sleeping bag into the corner and then went about covering up the bloodstains on the garage floor. Its totally free to check and theres no obligation. Retired detective Linda Holloway who now worked part-time helping with cold cases had started looking into Mikes case again in 2008. Even more disturbing was the wheelbarrow sitting nearby that was full of Sowarshs skin. Mike had become kind of obsessed with Michelle and told his brother about it when he stayed with him on April 4th, 2010. Police found Michelles car at a gas station in Parker. His new stories even involved his brother and wife in the murder of Bert Donoho. It wasnt until he was calm that they were able to ascertain his true identity. local news and culture, Alan Prendergast While Mike was doing his part, Tom went looking for the perfect place to bury the remains. And they would have gotten away with it too, if it werent for those pesky investigators.Wanna take our Patreon for a test drive and get FREE BONUS EPISODES? Holloway hadnt received the funding yet, but she was definitely working the case with fervor which could eventually lead to Mike being sent back to prison. Killer Queens: A True Crime Podcast: McCormick Farm Murders on But that doesnt change the fact that, at the time, they did bupkis. After the holiday, he was taken on a Cessna plane back to Colorado. He would recruit some to help steal cars, which Michael would take and scrap. When presented with a picture of Tom McCormick, they knew that he was the angry old man. Mike would tell the police that he lured Donoho back to the ranch somehow and that when he had him in his trailer, he showed him to the garage. The McCormick family was a twisted little clan on a gigantic farm where they basically had free reign to murder at will and dispose of the evidence without leaving the Even more disturbing was the wheelbarrow sitting nearby that was full of Sowarshs skin. Hauntings, Paranormal, Serial Killers, True Crime, True Crime. | Truckers had CB Radios, but those were basically fancy walkie-talkies. While youd think these pleasant folks would have lovely mealtime conversations about their day and make jokes youd be wrong. independent local journalism in Denver. killer in Granby murder-suicide Denver's independent source of She was told that they had to retain the body for study according to her husband Lonnie Nail. Michael told the police that he knew about some murders that had taken place on his family farm, and he could tell them where the bodies were and who killed them. Once Mike was fully free, he left his wife Kathy (who had stayed with him through all the trials and things). They buried him about 100 miles away from their farm. (The other three men found would never result in charges.). Become a member to support the independent voice of Denver Then he heard a gunshot. After Michael McCormick's conviction, his attorneys began a series of appeals that ended when the Colorado Supreme Court ordered a new trial because of the ineffectiveness of McCormick's trial lawyer, Rowe Staton. At 3 am the next morning (4/7/2010), Mike left Johns house and headed to Granby where he picked up Michelle. 60-year old Herbert Donoho was set to meet up with some friends at a truck stop in Wheat Ridge, Colorado on August 30, 1983. Using aerial photography it has been able to compare pictures of the ranch from then and now to narrow down areas where potential graves may be located on the massive estate, Holloway explained. It was over 3,000 acres, producing wheat, corn, beans, and livestock. Handcrafted with love by Georgia Lou Studios. Mike said that this night, their silence was interrupted when there was a thumping that kept happening over and over throughout dinner. Although no one is certain how many had been killed on the ranch, Holloway said, "some other names came up in the investigation of people that worked out there on the ranch where nobody knew what happened to them.". However, there was no one at that house, so police began canvassing the neighborhood and located one of Mikes cars at 109 Timber Court. In 2008, retired detective Linda Holloway, started looking into Michaels case again, saying, Since there is no statute of limitations on homicide, we thought maybe the case could be rejuvenated and charges could be used against the responsible parties. She enlisted the help of NecroSearch, a private Denver-based nonprofit organization that helps in the recovery of hidden bodies. According to Mike Gallagher, the now retired detective from the case, Mike McCormick told them during the interrogation that, Nobody scares me more than my father. After all, he was supposed to be heading to Wheat Ridge Colorado for lunch with friends, not in Stratton at the McCormick farm. During interviews with law enforcement in April and May, Mikes stories started to reveal a lot of inconsistencies. Add to that the strains of business and his feelings for Michelle, it wasnt surprising that he felt suicidal. Later, he moved the body to the field and buried it. Linda Holloway used victim-assistance funds to have Jim Plance, Robert Sowarsh, and Jim Sinclair cremated and returned to their loved ones. At about 2 pm on that Wednesday, April 7th, Michelles roommate called the police. Mike said that at this point, Tom is tickled pink with himself and living his best life. Mike told them that his dad had murdered other men over disputes on the farm, and that he knew where the bodies were buried. Actually, the court documents specifically say that Michael had promised to, truthfully, faithfully, and fully provide accurate and verifiable information, about the homicide of Herbert Donoho and to, cooperate fully and freely with the State in its investigation and take and pass a polygraph to unequivocally demonstrate truthfulness and that he had not killed Donoho.. Then he tells the officers that he can tell them where many of the bodies are buried, and hell even mark the spots on the property. He had been throwing his body against the wall. She has focused efforts on gathering teams to return to the ranch to recover more bodies. Michael McCormick was released from prison in 2006. Then came the gunshot. He was the current patriarch of the McCormick family and the owner and chief of the McCormick family farm. Every once in a while the plow will dig up something like a shoe or piece of clothing, she told ABC News. It was an emotional couple of hours. Last, in the old shop, you will find holes in the corrugated metal walls. Mike claimed that he went about his daily duties and then went to his parents house for dinner. Two weapons were used in at least one of the murders, indicating two killers may have been involved. On the steps, he used his sledgehammer to cave in Donohos skull. Tom would kill the man, make him disappear. Meanwhile, Tom went to search for the perfect burial spot and moved the body. Using aerial photography, they were able to compare photos of the ranch from the 80s to now and narrow down possible grave sites. It is believed that Thomas McCormick killed as many as 17 homeless men, possibly more. He wasnt going to give up that easily though, and it was quickly discovered that he had a gun in his hand, which he had been concealing with a towel, which he put in his mouth. On December 20, 1985, a man named Michael Rexford McCormick was arrested on outstanding warrants and for jumping bail. It was also said that Tom kept these men supplied with the drugs and alcohol they needed, making them completely dependent on him. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. He was a ranch hand that got into a dispute with Tom over alcohol. )Wanna take our Patreon for a test drive and get FREE BONUS EPISODES?Just visit this link: https://killerqueens.link/jinx. Killers death may close book on horrific Eastern Plains story However, Doyle Johns, the Fort Morgan District Attorney was intrigued. McCormick was convicted of murder at trial in 1987 after leading investigators to the bodies of four men, including three on his familys ranch on the Eastern But hes gonna need a deal for a lesser punishment before he said anything. [6] According to a 1999 article in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, McCormick suffered from chronic heart and If youre looking for a story about another criminal farmer, then check this one out Willie Pickton, the Pig Farmer. McArthur was sentenced to first-degree premeditated murder on August 30, 2019, and received a sentence of life in prison. In fact, Mike would later say that these were among the main interview questions asked by his father to these workers. He also recalled that his wife had to move her garden, and he had to explain why. 170: The McCormick Farm Murders Killer Queens: A True Crime Podcast 4.28K subscribers Subscribe 1.7K views 1 year ago The McCormick family was a twisted And they woul Listen to 170: McCormick Farm Murders by Killer Queens: A True Crime Podcast instantly on your tablet, phone or browser - no downloads needed. Its a gamble. GRANBY It was Michael Rexford McCormick, a 53-year old felon, who murdered his ex-girlfriend Michelle Lee Thompson-Larimer, 38, of Parker on Thursday morning in a Granby Ranch home before killing himself. While the crime part of the McCormick farm is over, there are now a whole new set of activities taking place according to the new owners. Just visit this link: killerqueens.link/jinx. He was arrested on June 24, and his trial was set for April the following year. Herbert Donoho was in Byers, Colorado. Learn how your comment data is processed. Their son also reported hearing someone following behind him, as well as a time when he and his cousin saw an angry old man just standing and staring at them. In a strange twist, Michael was granted a new trial on appeal after his appellate attorneys claimed that his trial lawyer had been ineffective. Rumors swirled. Even though both Tom and Mike were now dead, Linda Holloway didnt stop. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. We know that in 1985 when he was arrested, Michael McCormick was about 29-years-old, married with one son and living in a trailer on his family farm. Despite the cheap labor Thomas McCormick was known to take on, financial trouble led him to sell off several acres of land. Because fencing wire is basically a razor, it immediately dug deep into Sowarshs ankles down to the bones. A deal is drawn up and as long as Mike is honest with them, hell get the easier punishment. And finally the remains of Robert Lee Sowarsh. There was still no evidence that Mike was involved in the disappearance and suspected murder of Donoho. There was blood everywhere, so much blood. He was chased down by the men of the family. This psychic said that whoever he was feeling had terrible stomach pains. Different sources gave different measurements for the McCormick family farm. Robert Sowarsh was buried behind Michaels trailer, though Tom retrieved the tarp, not wanting to waste a perfectly good tarp. The three bodies recovered in 1986 were of James Plance, Robert Sowarch and James Sinclair. During Mikes time in prison, his father Tom had died in November of 1997, so he was never convicted of any murders or any other crimes. Mike had convinced Michelle to come with him to Granby Ranch where they and some other acquaintances had homes theyd bought to flip. Michael named a few places, but none of them were correct. However, Mike then began to change his story. I interviewed Michael McCormick in prison in 1987, when he was still desperately trying to blame the whole mess on his father. In fact, he decided to expand his interests beyond farming, and opened up a chop shop, leaving it in his son, Michaels hands. In fact, Jack and his people suggested to Mrs. Clapper that maybe she is a psychic since so many things happened to her. It turned out that Mike had not changed the address and the police went to an address in Saddle Horn Court in Granby Ranch. They were either oblivious or in serious denial about what was going on on that farm. The Clappers built a new home on a separate part of the property, but before that, they reported that their dog would stand at the top of the cellar stairs and bark. Part of Herbert Donohos truck turned up. But before the house burned down, they said that their dog would stand at the top of the basement stairs and growl and bark. They hear voices, and footsteps. When Michael left his brothers house on April 7, 2010, he picked up Michelle and headed to Granby. In 1998, the original McCormick home burned to the ground after being struck by lightning. July 11, 2008— -- Authorities in Colorado are searching for buried bodies on a 2,800-acre ranch, reopening a notorious serial murder case two decades old after the man who was once one of the prime suspects has been unexpectedly released from prison where he'd been serving time for another murder. Cause Ive seen him kill. Mike told the stories of how Bert Donoho died and would later reveal the details about the murders of at least 3 more men. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. McCormick's final explosion was a grotesque tragedy -- not for him, perhaps, but for the woman who had the misfortune to work with him, and for her loved ones. As for Michael, he may have gotten away with it all, had it not been for that trucker. From Cyrus McCormick (18091884) to his grandnephew Brooks McCormick (1917), the McCormick family has been a force in the business, cultural, and philanthropic life and history of the Chicago metropolitan area for over 150 years. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. (The story that resulted predates our online archives.) McCormick Farm Frustrated, Tom snapped and started screaming at Sylvia, that this was all her fault! Now that they had the remains of Bert Donoho, Mike took the police to the farm, and he was given a dozen wooden stakes to mark the locations where he believed bodies were buried. While Michael and Michelle were known to be business partners, some claimed they had a romantic relationship as well. He was caught again rather quickly. Mike was arrested on June 24, 1985, and the trial was set for April of 1986. Michael McCormick: The bloody secrets that died with him Get the latest updates in news, food, music and culture, and receive special offers direct to your inbox. Thomas McCormick A deal was struck, and on January 23, 1986 with the understanding that Michael would serve only 2 years for any convictions. Afer he was found in breach of his plea agreement, he was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Herbert Donoho as well as 4 years for kidnapping and 22 years for charges related to skipping bail, theft, check fraud, 1st degree aggravated motor vehicle theft, and 1 count of conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute. He also said For about $0.33/day, you can have 3 brand new Killer Queens episodes each week and over 150 full length bonus episodes to binge RIGHT NOW! Many of the people who were originally involved in the case are retired or dead, but Linda Holloway continues to push forward. Mike McCormick told investigators that his father had killed the Idaho trucker, Hurbert Donoho, by striking him in the back of the head with a sledgehammer. This time, he plead guilty to second degree murder and was given the sentence of time served (18 years). (Not kidsinvestigators. And talk he did. One of the victims had been shot with two different weapons. It was called one of the largest spreads in that county and was at one time valued at over $2 million. He told them a few places, but none were right. Michael McCormick was convicted of murdering missing truck driver Bert Donoho in 1987, though he claimed that his father, Thomas, had actually done the killing. And logically, their next thoughts turned to stolen cars and a chop shop as a side hustle. Michael stole a credit card and was using the identity of Bill Kelly. He was able to check in at a Best Western Hotel, but when the credit card was run later that day, it came up stolen. Once it was determined that Bill was trying to Kevin McCalister the Best Western, the manager tried to boot him out, but Billy Boy wasnt leaving without a fight and had barricaded himself in his room and threatened to kill anyone who tried to come in. The father and son took Sowarsh to the barn and along the way they could hear Lynyrd Skynyrd blaring from the worker housing. Cause Ive seen him kill.. WebMcCormick claimed that he had seen human bones on their farm while he was employed there and also claimed that Ray had tried to kill him. They dropped all of Sowarshs possessions and covered it all with dirt. McCormick Farm Murders - Killer Queens: A True Crime Podcast In July of 1984, Donohos truck turned up. On top of this, Mikes business relationship with Michelle and partners was strained as was their business in general. 3:57PM. Michael McCormick was simultaneously tried for 14 felonies and received a term of 48 years. Tom began to beat Robert, treating him like his own personal punching bag. Mike went to prison -- for life, supposedly -- for the murder of an Idaho trucker. Sowarsh was a long-time ranch hand and driver for the McCormicks and knew Tom kept at least $25,000 on the ranch. Reader: Westside Took a Gamble on the Park Hill Golf Courseand Lost, Denver Residents Could Earn $1,000 Masturbating as Part of Orgasm Advisory Job, Number Thirty Eight Expanding to Littleton, Hopes to Avoid Noise Problems Like Those in Denver, Lauren Boebert's Son Allowed to Appear in Court Virtually Despite Bench Warrant for Prior No-Show, Superfans, Mascot Mania and All-Stars: Nuggets and Suns Get Ready to Rumble, Cops Investigating "JUST KILLED A WOMAN" Photo Allegedly Shared by Rock-Throwing Suspect, Unprecedented Rise in Property Values Sparks Fears of Higher Taxes and Dissent Among County Assessors. The worst part, however, was the wheelbarrow sitting nearby. It was an angry old man who just stood and stared at them. They eventually decided that they would make a hole in the window or wall (differing information) and insert a phone that they could use to contact Mike and negotiate. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. When he talked about being deathly afraid of his dad, though, he came across as far more credible than I would have expected. The Clappers even said, Everyonce in a while the plow will dig up something like a shoelace or a piece of clothing., In the old shop, there are holes in the corrugated metal walls consistent with bullet holes and a hook hanging from one of the steel beams across the ceiling. Mike wasnt doing great and now hes told his brother, John that he is obsessed with this woman that he cant have and that hes suicidal. WebWith current owners reporting a rise in paranormal activity, the team tries to unearth who, or what, is haunting the property. With these new charges, Mike pleaded guilty to 2nd degree murder, but given the sentence of time served (18 years). The new owners of the McCormick farm began noticing a lot of ghostly activity around the farm and contacted S.P.O.O.K.S paranormal team to investigate. He went to the Colorado Bureau of Investigations and specifically asked them to help look into the McCormicks involvement in a stolen-car ring and the alleged involvement of peace officers in criminal activities in the Burlington area., Unfortunately, there were no witnesses questioned, and agents with the bureau would later go on to say that the allegations were unfounded and blown out of proportion.. Holloway gathered up 15 boxes of evidence and had it all computerized and digitized and was pouring over the evidence. Inside, was all of Roberts skin, his testicles sitting on top. Mike was probably feeling like the walls were closing in around him. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? His bond was set at $1 million, which he posted and immediately went on the run. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. He never called his wife; he never made it back home to Caldwell, Idaho. His appellate attorney was quoted as saying, No one believes he was treated fairly in this process.. With no one coming forward asking about missing loved ones, and because so many of the McCormicks victims were homeless, transient, undocumented, etc. He began going by the name Rex, started dating, and even took on a new business of house flipping. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Still, monsters don't start out as monsters. They would have gotten away with it too, if it werent for those pesky kids! Police were initially skeptical of the claims, When these men would disappear, the other workers tended to believe that they just left. He spoke for her because she had died 4 years before Holloway reached out. It was Sowarsh, who was tied up with duck tape on his mouth.