However, Mike then began to change his story. To their chagrin, a series of events, including decisions from Colorado's justice system, would mean that the case against the father-son suspects was anything but secure. The agreement specifically stated that Mike had to be truthful, and if they found that he wasnt the deal could be taken back. They have seen apparitions and been touched. Michael, however, had negated his plea agreement. 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.. It was never revealed if Sowarsh was alive or dead when he was skinned. Just enter your name and email and youll be taken to a page with all your freebies! Jim Sinclairs sister, Pamela Nail had requested to have his body released to her back in 1986, but was denied. Back at the farm, purchased in 1985 by Charles and Leslie Clapper, you will find a slew of paranormal activity. However, there was no one at that house, so police began canvassing the neighborhood and located one of Mikes cars at 109 Timber Court. He led authorities to human remains in four shallow graves on the eastern plains. 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 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. He also began to say that he had been the one to kill Bert Donoho and gave more details. Michelle had been killed several hours earlier, the shot they heard had been the one that killed Michael. Tom McCormick, who died in 1997, never spoke to the press about the case. Because he was now a pretty unreliable witness and there was no evidence to prove that Tom was the true murder of any of these men, Tom was released without any convictions. She has said that if there are any more bodies, they would just like them to be found and returned to their families. They grew wheat, corn, and soybeans as well as raising different types of livestock. During a routine inspection of a semi-truck in Roseburg, Oregon, the truck was found to have altered serial numbers. On this particular night however, the silence was broken by an almost constant thumping sound coming from the cellar. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. His foot was almost amputated (this would later be seen when his remains were found). He was a ranch hand that got into a dispute with Tom over alcohol. Add to that the strains of business and his feelings for Michelle, it wasnt surprising that he felt suicidal. Authorities were contacted and the search for Herbert and his truck commenced. The three bodies recovered in 1986 were of James Plance, Robert Sowarch and James Sinclair. He decided that the best plan was to paint over it with gray paint. WebIn 1983, the small town of Stratton, Colorado, was rocked when it was revealed that local resident Michael McCormick and his father, Tom, carried out a string of gruesome murders on the family farm. 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 no one coming forward asking about missing loved ones, and because so many of the McCormicks victims were homeless, transient, undocumented, etc. 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. ", 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. 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! They were either oblivious or in serious denial about what was going on on that farm. However, Doyle Johns, the Fort Morgan District Attorney was intrigued. When he was confronted, he barricaded himself in his room and threatened to kill anyone who tried to enter. After all, he was supposed to be heading to Wheat Ridge Colorado for lunch with friends, not in Stratton at the McCormick farm. And finally the remains of Robert Lee Sowarsh. According to the Clappers who were the new owners of the property, Mike McCormick told them that they had made so many changes that he couldnt get his bearings to find the graves. 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. Linda Holloway used victim-assistance funds to have Jim Plance, Robert Sowarsh, and Jim Sinclair cremated and returned to their loved ones. 3:57PM. She has enlisted the help of NecroSearch, a private Denver-based nonprofit organization that aids in the recovery of hidden bodies. Two decades ago, prosecutors "didn't feel the need to spend the money to try [McCormick] again if he was already put away for life," Holloway explained. Handcrafted with love by Georgia Lou Studios. The property was bordered on the east by the state border to Kansas and was, at one time, a successful, functional farm. One day, Mike had taken the officers to the area where he said Donohos body was buried. Tom would hire men to work on his farm, and they would never be seen again. Tom told Mike to catch him and the two McCormick men chased Sowarsh to the trees where he was caught and then tied up by Tom. While Michael and Michelle were known to be business partners, some claimed they had a romantic relationship as well. Then Tom started screaming at his wife, Sylvia, that this was all her fault! These cookies do not store any personal information. The case started in 1983 with an investigation into the death and disappearance of a truck driver. The new owner of the McCormick property, Leslie and Charles Clapper, supported the effort. When Michael left his brothers house on April 7, 2010, he picked up Michelle and headed to Granby. For Michael, there was no easier way to make money than to deal in stolen cars and trucks. They buried him about 100 miles away from their farm. When he talked about being deathly afraid of his dad, though, he came across as far more credible than I would have expected. The man told police that he bought the semi in Phoenix, Arizona back in December of 1983, and their investigation would lead investigators to the name, Michael McCormick. Meanwhile, Tom went to search for the perfect burial spot and moved the body. People used land lines, and wrote letters. His bond was set at $1 million, which he posted and immediately went on the run. Hauntings, Paranormal, Serial Killers, True Crime, True Crime. The McCormick family was a twisted little clan on a gigantic Agents who were with the bureau at the time would later say that the allegations were unfounded and blown out of proportion. A CBI director who was not with the CBI at the time, Neil Moloney said of Doyle Johns letter that if there was a request from a district attorney, then it was clearly within our responsibility under the statute of investigation. But that doesnt change the fact that, at the time, they did bupkis. Holloway was certain she could close more cases and send Michael McCormick back to prison. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. They were stealing the cars, stripping them down to pieces, and selling off the parts. The father and son took Sowarsh to the barn and along the way they could hear Lynyrd Skynyrd blaring from the worker housing. Holloway was able to get a number of volunteers that were offering their services such as geologists and forensic anthropologists. Next they went to the farm, and Michael was given about a dozen wooden stakes to mark the locations where he believed bodies were buried. However, they require that they be reimbursed for travel expenses (hotel, food, etc.). It is believed that Thomas McCormick killed as many as 17 homeless men, possibly more. no one was reporting them missing. He had been throwing himself up against the wall. Soupwards of 2,200 acres? Tom hopped into the small Cessna plane (casual) he owned and Mike and John were in cars. Thomas McCormick A deal was struck, and on January 23, 1986 with the understanding that Michael would serve only 2 years for any convictions. Then came the gunshot. 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 Then, he heard a gunshot. On January 30, 1986, Mike took the police to Donohos remains, but not before taunting them with inaccurate directions and claiming memory lapses for over a week. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. It was Sowarsh, who was tied up with duck tape on his mouth. In 1998, the original McCormick home burned to the ground after being struck by lightning, and the Clappers built a new home on another part of the property. Tom came out of the barn and retrieved Mike. 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. #thrifty. But hes gonna need a deal for a lesser punishment before he said anything. 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. Perfect for covering screams. Mike said that at this point, Tom is tickled pink with himself and living his best life. He learned that Tom kept at least $25,000 on the ranch and one day decided it was time he got paid. 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. He never called his wife; he never made it back home to Caldwell, Idaho. Become a member to support the independent voice of Denver Truth was, Tom buried at least 3 men right around their trailer. He got right in Michaels face and demanded he stop jerking them around. Michael McCormick was simultaneously tried for 14 felonies and received a term of 48 years. WebThe 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 comforts of Donoho collapsed to the garage floor, and Mike wrapped him in a sleeping bag to stop the blood from spreading further. In order to try and recoup their money and get back on their feet, the McCormicks looked into new avenues of earning money. Its totally free to check and theres no obligation. It was this release that sparked the new interest in finding more bodies on the ranch. Dinner for the McCormick family was a silent one, no talking about their day, no laughter, nothing but silence. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. When presented with a picture of Tom McCormick, they knew that he was the angry old man. Killer Queens: A True Crime Podcast. Her mother watched as she ran into the parking lot and played. He refused to go into the basement. The police from Granby and a SWAT team swarmed the house and made numerous attempts to contact him or Michelle. Perhaps one of the most graphic and disturbing deaths is that of Robert Lee Sowarsh. Mike had been going by the name Bill Kelly, and Bill had checked himself into a Best Western. Its a gamble. On April 4, 2010, Michael admitted to his brother that he had become obsessed with Michelle, and also admitted to feeling suicidal. Then he heard a gunshot. It wasnt until the 1980s when things took a turn for the worse. In his attempt to avoid paying his bill, Mike was arrested and after they realized he had warrants, he was extradited back to Colorado. They did and while they kept their guns pointed at him, Mike began digging just feet from where they had been standing. On December 20th, a tip was called in that led officers to Mike in Omaha, Nebraska. Robert was still hanging upside down, but now there was a tarp lain beneath him. There was blood everywhere, so much blood. By the time I'd finished my research, I had become convinced of two things. He began going by the name Rex, started dating, and even took on a new business of house flipping. Disputes and arguments were resolved in the same manner. When these men would disappear, the other workers tended to believe that they just left. The family of Plance was notified of his death last year only after DNA confirmed his identity. She was told that they had to retain the body for study according to her husband Lonnie Nail. Prosecutors were never able to put together a coherent case against Tom, who had a history of violence against the drifters and boozers he hired to work his ranch, a series of whom had vanished as far back as 1971, leaving bank accounts and new clothes behind. He told them a few places, but none were right. Many of the people who were originally involved in the case are retired or dead, but Linda Holloway continues to push forward. The crew of the show spent a few nights investigating the paranormal reports and in the show they often do that, WHOA DID YOU HEAR THAT? But any real shot at justice for the homeless men who went to work for the McCormicks died back in the mid-1980s. It is still unknown whether Robert had been skinned before or after his death. Plance was either the cook or foreman (differing information) for the ranch. His alleged crimes were committed throughout multiple counties in Colorado. Retired detective Linda Holloway who now worked part-time helping with cold cases had started looking into Mikes case again in 2008. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. One in particular appears to be Tom McCormick. WebMcCormick Farm Murders from Killer Queens: A True Crime Podcast on Podchaser, aired Saturday, 26th June 2021. But, barring any credible, and relatable, evidence, these tips didnt make it very far. 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. The only other information she was able to relay was that she was with Michael McCormick, but couldnt say where they were. Michael said it nearly amputated his foot. 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. He also recalled that his wife had to move her garden, and he had to explain why. This time, he wasnt caught until December 20. There are likely many many more bodies that have not been found and identified. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Senator Mark Hanna and Charlotte Augusta Rhodes, [13] she was the wife of Joseph Medill McCormick, and after his death, Others he would take back to the farm. Back in Colorado, the judge wasnt having the brightest day either, and once again set his bond at $1 million, which Michael was able to pay, and again, he ran. The family began using their farmhands to help them steal cars and trucks. Bill/Mike had a towel wrapped around his hand concealing a gun which he then put in his mouth. He wasnt anywhere he was supposed to be so authorities were alerted by his family, and they began to search for Donoho or his truck. Once Mike was fully free, he left his wife Kathy (who had stayed with him through all the trials and things). 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. Mike and some friends/business partners began buying foreclosed houses that they would flip and resell. Mike immediately went on the lam, but he was fairly quickly captured when he attempted to stiff a California hotel. McCormick agreed to plead guilty to second-degree murder and got credit for time already served, paving the way for his release in 2006. He was also supposed to have called his wife, but he didnt call her or come home to Caldwell, Idaho. Tom told Mike to meet him in the cellar after dinner, where he saw that Robert had been tied up, his mouth covered with duct tape. For many of these men, this was likely the best living situation they could have found or asked for. We will likely never know the truth however, as Thomas McCormick died in Aurora, Colorado on November 15, 1997 without having ever faced the consequences of his actions. Sowarshs body was one that, upon autopsy, indicated that there might be two murderers. As for Michael, he may have gotten away with it all, had it not been for that trucker. Once down there, Mike learned what was making the thumping they had heard at dinner. McCormick Farm Murders - Killer Queens: A True Crime Podcast They wouldnt get any information about either until the next year. Mike had become kind of obsessed with Michelle and told his brother about it when he stayed with him on April 4th, 2010. 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 comforts of home. Leslie Clapper, who now owns the McCormick property with her husband, Charles, believes more bodies may be hidden there. He would recruit some to help steal cars, which Michael would take and scrap. "Since there's no statute of limitations on homicide, we thought maybe the case could be rejuvenated and charges could be used against the responsible parties.". Michael Homeless men from the Christian Mens Center on Larimer Street in Denver Colorado were easy targets for Tom. No one could prove anything, after all, everyone he hired were vagrants, people no one would miss. Michelle and Mike had been business partners, but it was reported in many places that they had had a romantic relationship as well. He had been shot in the head with a shotgun, but he also had 5 other gunshot wounds from a pistol in his gut. However, the state police didnt dig any further into these tips. Tom would travel from their farm to Denver, Colorado to a mens mission to hire workers and bring them back to the farm while thoroughly vetting them to ensure that they werent going to be missed should something happen to them. Just visit this link: There were many people working on the farm, but outside of these people and the family, Tom was considered fiercely anti-social and even ran people off his land. District Attorney, Robert Watson, who is also on the team, stated, Im doing this because its the right thing to do. He gave them inaccurate directions and claimed he was having memory issues for over a week. And talk he did. One such man was the ranch foreman or possibly the cook. Mikes tattle-telling is the only reason we know about any of them. In 1981, Tom had to file for bankruptcy. 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. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Leslie Clapper later told Jack Osbourne and the crew later that she had actually been digging through old papers and stuff and had come across prescriptions for Mike McCormick for a medication that was used for stomach issues. But an appeal turned him loose in 2006, and he then went into a business that's a logical progression for a convicted killer: real-estate liquidations and foreclosure scams. They made entry into the house and found 38-year-old Michelle Lee Thompson-Larimer and 53-year-old Michael Rexford McCormick both dead from single gunshots to their heads. He was sentenced to life as well as 4 years for kidnapping and 22 years for the charges regarding his jumping bail all to run consecutively to the sentence for the theft charges which was originally set at 45 years for 5 counts of theft, 3 counts of theft by receiving, 3 counts of unlawful possession of altered automobile parts, 2 counts of fraud by check, 1 count of 1st degree aggravated motor vehicle theft, and 1 count of conspiracy to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute.
