Return to Poplar River

Podcast Summary

• A small town murder case that left a lasting impact: Even in small towns, significant events can occur and leave lasting impacts, as seen in the unresolved case of Kim Nese's murder in Poplar, Montana.

  The case of Kim Nese's murder in Poplar, Montana, in 1979, was a shocking and unbelievable story that defied the common perception that significant events only happen in major cities. The popular valedictorian was found dead by the river, and the investigation revealed a high level of rage and overkill, suggesting a jealousy killing by local girls. Despite numerous suspects, including Kim's peers, no arrests were made for three years. The case gained renewed attention decades later when new evidence emerged, leading to a dramatic new development and potential reopening of the investigation. The story serves as a reminder that even in small towns, momentous events can occur and leave lasting impacts.

• Barry Beach's Confession to Kim Neece's Murder: Barry Beach spent over half his life in prison for a murder he claims to be innocent of. Despite his circumstances, he didn't give up hope.

  Barry Beach's confession to the murder of Kim Neece in Montana, which led to his arrest and conviction, was not as straightforward as it seemed. The investigation began when Sheriff Mallon in Montana received a call from a detective in Louisiana about a potential connection between Barry Beach and a series of murders there. During the interrogation, Barry's answers about the Louisiana murders changed, leading the detective to suspect him in Kim Neece's murder. However, Barry's confession was detailed and matched the evidence discovered at the crime scene. When he went on trial, the jury returned a guilty verdict, and he was sentenced to 100 years in prison. But as it turned out, Barry's story was far from over. When we met him in 2007, he had spent more than half his life in prison but didn't give up hope or let his circumstances define him. The question remains, if Barry is innocent, as he claims, can he prove it? The next part of the story will explore the evidence and where it points. It's important to note that the passage suggests that Barry's confession may have been coerced or false, but it does not provide definitive proof of this.

• False confessions can lead to wrongful convictions: False confessions, often obtained under duress, can result in innocent people being wrongfully convicted. Thorough investigations and evidence review are crucial to ensuring justice.

  Even with a confession, there's a possibility for false accusations. Barry Beech, a man who spent years in prison for a crime he didn't commit, confessed to a murder he didn't commit due to intense pressure and fear. Despite his sisters' testimonies of his whereabouts during the time of the murder, his confession cast a shadow over his innocence. It wasn't until decades later, when the Reverend Jim McCluskey and Centurion Ministries, a group dedicated to helping the wrongly convicted, took interest in his case, that his story began to change. They thoroughly investigated the confession and other evidence, ultimately proving his innocence. This case highlights the importance of a thorough investigation and the potential for false confessions under duress.

• Barry Beach's questionable confession: Despite inconsistencies and potential coercion, Barry Beach's confession led to his conviction for Kim Nese's murder. However, Centurion Ministries' investigation revealed physical evidence mismatches and suspicious details, casting doubt on his guilt. Possible perpetrators have been identified, adding complexity to the case.

  Barry Beach's confession to the murder of Kim Nese in 1979, which led to his conviction and imprisonment for 24 years, was questionable due to several inconsistencies and potential coercion. Centurion Ministries, an organization that helps free the wrongly convicted, found that crucial physical evidence, such as fingerprints and palm prints, did not match Barry or the crime scene. Additionally, details in his confession, like Kim wearing a plaid shirt when she was not, suggested potential coaching or dictation from law enforcement. False confessions from other cases involving these same detectives further raised concerns about the validity of Barry's confession. Despite this, Centurion believes they have identified the actual perpetrators, adding an intriguing twist to the case.

• New witnesses come forward in Barry Beach case: Investigators found witnesses who claimed Cissy Atkinson confessed to her involvement in Kim Nese's murder, but no concrete evidence has been presented.

  The Centurion Ministries, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping prisoners who have been wrongly convicted, took on the case of Barry Beach based on new evidence and old rumors of a different group of girls being involved in the murder of Kim Nese. The investigators uncovered witnesses who claimed that Cissy Atkinson, one of the girls rumored to be involved, had confessed to her involvement in the crime. Her brother, JD Atkinson, also came forward with similar claims. Cissy's story about what she did that night has changed over the years, but witnesses and the bartender from the local bar where she was allegedly present that night corroborated her presence there. Despite Cissy's denials, the fact that she and others had remained silent for decades fueled suspicion. However, no concrete evidence directly linking Cissy or any other suspect to the crime has been presented. The investigation is ongoing.

• New witnesses come forward after Dateline report: Dateline report led to new witnesses, reopened murder investigation, and ultimately led to release of wrongfully convicted man

  The investigation into the murder of Kim Nees was reopened due in part to new witnesses coming forward after a Dateline report aired. These witnesses claimed that girls from Kim's high school class were involved in her murder, with allegations of confessions from Cissy Atkinson and Joanne Jackson. The judge in the case ultimately heard testimony from several witnesses, including Steffy Eagle Boy, who claimed to have heard the girls planning and carrying out the crime. Despite Barry Beach's insistence of his innocence, the new evidence led to his release from prison in 2011. The case highlights the impact of reopening old stories on bringing new information to light and the importance of a fair and unbiased judicial process.

• Judge's Decision for New Trial Based on Late Testimony: Judge grants new trial due to late testimony, but doesn't declare Barry Beach innocent, acknowledging the need to consider confession evidence.

  The judge's decision to grant Barry Beach a new trial was based on the testimony of Steffy Eagle Boy, who claimed to have heard the murder happen but had not come forward until years later. The state argued that all witnesses had waited too long and were not credible, but Berry's confession was compelling. However, the judge did not declare Beach innocent, as there was still the issue of the confession on file. Despite the lack of freedom granted immediately, the decision was a significant step towards clearing Barry Beach's name. The judge's decision was unusual as he agreed to an interview explaining his reasoning, acknowledging the need to consider whether the man should be released or not.

• A Second Chance at Life for Barry Beach: Despite facing the possibility of returning to prison, Barry Beach remained hopeful and rebuilt his life after being granted a new trial.

  Even after spending nearly 30 years in prison for a crime he maintained his innocence for, Barry Beach was granted a new trial and eventually released on his own recognizance. The community welcomed him with open arms, and he was able to start a new life in Billings, Montana. He worked hard to rebuild his life, starting his own business and making new friends. However, the possibility of a new trial or even being sent back to prison loomed over him, as the state intended to continue pursuing justice for the victim, Kim Nese. Despite this uncertainty, Barry remained hopeful and continued to live life to the fullest, trying new experiences and connecting with people from all walks of life. Ultimately, the Montana Supreme Court ruled against him, but his story serves as a reminder that there is always hope for a second chance.

• Montana Court Upholds Barry Beach's Murder Conviction: Montana court rejected new witnesses and upheld Barry Beach's conviction for the 1979 murder of Kim Nees. Governor Steve Bullock later commuted his sentence after 33 years in prison.

  The Montana court ruled against Barry Beach's appeal, sending him back to prison to serve the remaining years of his life sentence for the 1979 murder of Kim Nees. The court found that Judge Wayne Phillips had given too much credence to new witnesses and not enough to Beach's original confession. Despite the conviction being upheld, many, including Beach's family, employers, and supporters, believe in his innocence. The case gained national attention, and Montana's legislature passed a bill granting the governor the power to grant clemency without Parole Board approval. In November 2015, Governor Steve Bullock commuted Beach's sentence, marking the end of his 33-year prison term. Beach's release was met with relief and joy, but the long legal battle left a lasting impact on all involved.

• The Power of Perseverance and Faith: Even after facing unjust circumstances for an extended period, perseverance and faith can lead to freedom and a renewed life.

  Perseverance and faith can lead to freedom and a renewed life, even after facing unjust circumstances for an extended period. Barry Beach's story is a testament to the power of belief and the importance of not giving up, no matter how long the fight may take. With the support of dedicated legislators, political figures, and citizens, Beach was able to regain his freedom in 2015 after spending over 30 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Since then, he has returned to his little house, resumed his handyman business, and cherishes every day with his loved ones. This inspiring tale serves as a reminder that hope and determination can ultimately prevail against adversity.