🎙️Episode 21: The Final Trace or Erika Case
August 1993 — Terre Haute, Indiana.
Eighteen-year-old Erika Case was house-sitting for a friend when she was found brutally murdered in her sleep.
For fifteen years, the case remained unsolved.
Rumors spread. Two teenage boys were accused. Fear gripped the town.
But the real killer was much closer than anyone imagined.
A confession years later revealed a story of guilt, silence, and betrayal —
and a haunting question that lingers to this day:
why did he do it?
🕯️ The Final Trace: Erika Case — now streaming.
Spoilers:
Sources and Readings:
“He Said, She Said – Cold Justice S02E05 (Erika Case, Vigo County, IN)” – Atlanta Black Star Atlanta Black Star
“Cold Justice – He Said, He Said (TV Episode 2014)” – IMDb IMDb
“Mackey pleads guilty to 1998 Indiana ‘cold case’ murder” – Vinton Today vintontoday.com
“Vinton man jailed for ’98 murder in Indiana; authorities say …” – Vinton Today vintontoday.com
“List of Cold Justice episodes – Wikipedia” (shows episode listing including Erika Case) en.wikipedia.org
Vinton Man Jailed for ’98 Murder in Indiana; Authorities Say … (Vinton Today) — covers the arrest of Clinton Bryan Mackey in January 2014. Vinton Today
Vinton Man Charged in 1998 Indiana Homicide (The Gazette) — details the murder charge stemming from the 1998 killing of Erika Case. The Gazette
Iowa Man Turns Himself in for 1998 Murder (Scripps News) — reports on Mackey’s self-turn in and extradition to Indiana. Scripps News
Mackey Pleads Guilty to 1998 Indiana ‘Cold Case’ Murder (Vinton Today) — covers Mackey’s guilty plea and sentencing in 2015. Vinton Today