John Franklin Sr.

John Franklin Sr.

John Franklin Sr. and
Michelle Franklin

Double Homicide

John Franklin, Sr., 35
Michelle Franklin, 22
702 Mill Street
Eddyville, IA
Wapello County
January 3, 1978

 

Michelle Franklin

Michelle Franklin

Case Summary compiled by Jody Ewing

John Franklin, Sr., 35, a central Iowa factory worker, and his 22-year-old wife Michelle were shot to death in their Eddyville, Iowa, home some time between 10 p.m. and midnight on Tuesday, January 3, 1978, in what officials called a double homicide.

Michelle’s mother, Willa Mae Brower, discovered the bodies about 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 4, in the Franklin’s small frame house and alerted local authorities.

Iowa Bureau of Criminal Investigation agent Craig Beek said the couple apparently were shot to death during the night but that there were no signs of a struggle.

John Franklin Jr.Courtesy Cedar Rapids Gazette
John Franklin Jr.

John Franklin’s son by a previous marriage, John Franklin, Jr., 14, was picked up in Oskaloosa by law officers about 1 a.m. the morning after the murders.

Mahaska County Sheriff Harold Van De Pol said young Franklin was being held “purely as a runaway,” and at the time refused to comment whether the boy was linked to the killings.

John Franklin Jr. lived with his father — an employee of Rolscreen Company in Pella — and stepmother. His biological mother lived in Des Moines.

On Monday, March 6, 1978, John Franklin Jr. was charged with two counts of first-degree murder. A court ruled he would be tried as an adult, and on March 16 he was arraigned in Wapello County District Court in Ottumwa, Iowa, in connection with the shootings.

In an evidence hearing on August 28, 1978, BCI agent Ron Mower testified that Franklin admitted killing his father and stepmother, and then beating his father’s body with a stick.

Newspaper clipping on the Franklin trial

Courtesy The Carroll Times Herald, March 22, 1979

The trial was held in Washington County District Court on a change of venue and began March 13, 1979.

Defense attorney Alfredo Parrish told the six-men six-women jurors that a neighbor “whose bedroom is adjacent to the Franklin house, awoke at 3 a.m. and heard what he thought were three shots — maybe more.”

Prosecutor Sam Erhardt, the Wapello County Attorney at the time of the shootings, said he would show evidence that Franklin stated to an acquaintance in Eddyville that he was going to kill his father and kill his parents. “And while he was held [at the State Training School for Boys] at Eldora, he stated on more than one occasion that he had shot his father and stepmother,” Erhardt said.

An Associated Press story published in the Carroll Times Herald on March 22, 1979, laid out both the prosecution’s and defense’s arguments on the first full day of testimony, including, in part:

Young Franklin was familiar with firearms, said Erhardt, particularly the .22-caliber bolt action rifle that was found in the Franklins’ living room. He used the gun when he went hunting with his father, Erhardt said.

Parrish said he would show inconsistencies in the state’s claim that the Franklins were both dead by about 5 p.m.

“Sometime around 5:30, or closer to 6 p.m., a witness heard a call on the CB for ‘Honest John’ calling ‘Troublemaker.’ We will show that ‘Honest John’ was John Franklin Sr. and ‘Troublemaker’ was his wife, Michelle,” Parrish said.

— Carroll Times Herald, March 22, 1979

Erhardt said Michelle Franklin was shot in the living room of the Franklin home when she returned from work in Ottumwa about 4 p.m. on January 3. Her body was dragged into a bedroom, where John Franklin, Sr. also was shot when he arrived home about 5 p.m., Erhardt said.

Wapello County in Iowa
Wapello County in Iowa
 
Eddyville in Wapello CountyEddyville in Wapello County

According to Wapello County Deputy Medical Examiner Dr. H.L. Wormhoudt, the couple died sometime between 10 p.m. and midnight.

John Franklin Jr. was 16 years old when the Washington County District Court jury acquitted him of both murders.

About John and Michelle Franklin

John Franklin Sr. was born April 13, 1942. He was survived by a son, John Franklin Jr.

Michelle Anne Franklin was born May 5, 1955.

The couple were laid to rest at Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Ottumwa, Iowa.

Information Needed

If you have any information regarding this double homicide, please contact the Wapello County Sheriff’s Office at 641-684-4350 or the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation at 515-725-6010.

References:

 

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79 Responses to John and Michelle Franklin

  1. Cari says:

    Stop trashing my mother, Corena. Shes broken. I love my mom. Stop.

  2. I know everything says:

    BCorena I have said all I will say here and you are correct about releasing information as law enforcement an you would also know if once on trial and acquitted there can not be another trial. I have had many conversations with DCI as well and in that court room Dailey. I have know more time to waste on this subject. Just discusstting to see you bad mouthing the very people who started this site for the VICTIMS.

    • b.corena@yahho.com says:

      You did not answer any questions. You claim to know so much ,speak up state what you know. My father ,John and Michelle,his wife are the victims and the victims are deceased, but you already know that with your vast or limited experience in law enforcement.

    • b.corena@yahho.com says:

      You and law enforcement are a oxymoron, with many attempts to shove a pervasive incompetency that exist in that time onto me. Shame on you.

    • b.corena@yahho.com says:

      Furthermore, the local law totally let the murder scene be trashed by letting many people in the house to view the scene…amateur…I think so. They were totally unprepared to manage such a crime scene much less conduct a thorough investigation…and they put the case into court on circumstantial evidence which was not good enough to secure a conviction. Some guys are good cops and deputies but not crime scene investigators…would you agree? In this case their best efforts were not convincing. Additionally if you believe you have other details contact DCI, If you have solid information, post it here for all to see. Your name is a misnomer for sure. You are the one that feels victimized,is that correct? Shame on you.

  3. I know everything says:

    BCorena I have known retired Bud Erwin for years by the way. And also knows the truth. Please save this site for the real victims Dear you are no victim.

    • b.corena@yahho.com says:

      I know Bud retired. Of course some say he retired on the job way before his actual retirement ,and I agree with that statement,and there are many that disagree with that statement.I was told of that retirement by active law enforcement long time ago. You as a person with portfolio claims stated you are retired,is that retirement in lieu of and/ or the result of anything or with guidance and direction? Either way it does not matter, and I am not your,then supervisor. The many calls made to prompt ,to inquire ,to see of the progress or non progress that had been made seemed to be a total waste of effort either mine or that of whom I spoke with each time. I can keep responding to You Know It All ,but me calling you or implying an era correct term such as knuckle dragging Neanderthal while making old funny pages comments about your abilities and include the old comparison to pubescent gorilla. I am in opposition of your displayed biases and without defiance to honor and integrity for those that solve crimes of long ago. I send my prayers every night that the actual crims are not your neighbors in that scary and dangerous town. That mental health comment you made about me ,My RESPONSE: are you a result of unique breeding or knowing how SE Iowa Law Enforcement works you might be my cousins dad. Your turn

  4. I know everything says:

    Let’s do one on one on this case BCorina. I was in the law at that time but now retired. I retired right after this case. But I keep in contact with my former coligues let’s do the math on this case. I often feel how justice was not served

    • b.corena@yahho.com says:

      If you have pertinent information to resolve the murder of my Father and Michelle have you come forward in a court of law?

  5. I know everything says:

    BCorena you ask what do you know about this case? Quiz me I will have all your answers. After all you were living in Des Moises when the murders were committed and I lived in Eddyville at the time and YES did work in aw enforcement then.

    • b.corena@yahho.com says:

      you stated:”BCorena you ask what do you know about this case? My response: Only what the media reported about the actions of law enforcement. You Stated:”Quiz me I will have all your answers.My response: Have you heard of land issues in the family? You stated:” After all you were living in Des Moises when the murders were committed and I lived in Eddyville at the time and YES did work in aw enforcement then.” My response” Where the hell were you when my dad and Michelle were getting killed?

  6. I know everything says:

    On second thought let BCorina continue on this site because the more she talks and rambles the worst she looks. What a joke she is.

    • b.corena@yahho.com says:

      Your name is a misnomer for sure. All here think all you do is talk and actually know nothing. If you have solid information, post it here for all to see. Otherwise crawl back into your shell. As you know if you are who you say you are, law enforcement is not allowed to release publicly elements of any crime unless through media public spokesperson. Let me give you the answer to the obvious question,you liked being involved in law enforcement because you got to play with the siren. Furthermore, the local law totally let the murder scene be trashed by letting many people in the house to view the scene…amateur…I think so. They were totally unprepared to manage such a crime scene much less conduct a thorough investigation…and they put the case into court on circumstantial evidence which was not good enough to secure a conviction. Some guys are good cops and deputies but not crime scene investigators…would you agree? In this case their best efforts were not convincing. Additionally if you believe you have other details contact DCI,

  7. I know everything says:

    BCorena says she can’t imagine caring less about how she disturbs people… doesn’t that sum it all up. Two peas in a pod.

    • b.corena@yahho.com says:

      You stated:”BCorena says she can’t imagine caring less about how she disturbs people… doesn’t that sum it all up. ” My response: You are inaccurate. Kim stated”b.corena, I really find your actions and your attitude on here disturbing, not to mention extremely sad”. I responded to her statement. I said You can’t imagine how little I care about your being disturbed. You have show the high IQ of a doughnut hole. It is sad that should law enforcement had to take any guidance or training from you. You stated: “Two peas in a pod. My response: It is a well known fact that the water in Eddyville causes hallucinations.

  8. I know everything says:

    With her long drawn out statements to repeating everyone’s words on here she must be on crack like her brother John JR an Burton. Keep her off of here

    • b.corena@yahho.com says:

      You Stated:”With her long drawn out statements to repeating everyone’s words on here she must be on crack like her brother John JR an Burton.” My response: I take that statement as a personal threat to safety of myself and others. You stated:”Keep her off of here” My response: continue to expound that you want me “…off of here…”

  9. I know everything says:

    I will keep this short unlike BCorena…….. B. Corena is as nuts as her murdering brother and she should not be allowed back on this site. She has NOT contacted law enforcement on this case because I have and I know EVERYTHING about this case. She keeps saying we’re you there? Do you know? YES B Corena I was there and I know ALL and everything

  10. Anonymous says:

    Wow… going through trauma affects different people in different ways, but… just wow.

    • Kim says:

      b.corena, I really find your actions and your attitude on here disturbing, not to mention extremely sad. You pick apart the comments on here and belittle the posters and for what reason? You don’t reveal anything vital to the case that would solve it, you just seem to spin your wheels with weak rhetoric and egregious assumptions about people you don’t even know. I also find it very revealing of you that you are intent on attacking the very people who are interested in getting this case resolved. I know Jody and she is absolutely, positively the VERY best person you could ever have working on getting these cases brought to the public eye. Each case profile presents ONLY the facts she has been given by either the investigating law enforcement agency or by the family/friends of the victim. She does not engage in bias or spin-doctoring (like you’re doing). In fact, if you actually KNEW her instead of making false assumptions about her and engaging in character assassination against her (and this site), you’d find that she’s very warm and caring and her ONLY interest is to help the victims’ families and friends find justice for their loved ones. She knows the anger and the sorrow and the helplessness that families feel in cases like this because her own stepfather was tragically murdered…read Earl Thelander’s profile here:
      https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/earl-thelander/

      And read her recent blog post about her father’s death in a car accident here: https://iowacoldcases.org/2016/09/empty-shotgun-shells-floating-downriver/

      Jody connects deeply to the victims’ loved ones because she has been there herself and knows exactly what they’re going through. She works her butt off to keep the attention focused on these cases (including that of your father and stepmother) because she doesn’t want them to be forgotten. She puts heart and soul into this site because she, like the rest of us, would like to see justice served in these cases.

      A final thought: Continuing to attack and belittle Jody, this site, and the other users on here only reflects badly on YOU. Maybe you don’t care how you come off, but I agree with Jody, I hope someday you will be able to find compassion and understanding, for it will truly make you a better human being. Oh, and go ahead and pick apart my comments but I’m done here. I refuse to waste my time on someone who is acting like a schoolyard bully.

      • b.corena@yahho.com says:

        You can’t imagine how little I care about your being disturbed. You Stated:”b.corena, I really find your actions and your attitude on here disturbing, not to mention extremely sad. My Response: See previous response. You Stated:” You pick apart the comments on here and belittle the posters and for what reason?” My Response: I have seen your contributions,and statements and believe those statements are revealing much about yourself , that you hold a extremely low opinion of me all of which is of no interest to me,Can you name two people that are? You stated:” You don’t reveal anything vital to the case that would solve it, you just seem to spin your wheels with weak rhetoric and egregious assumptions about people you don’t even know.” My Response: I have have not attacked anyone,I am attacking the apparent biases against my brother. You stated:” I also find it very revealing of you that you are intent on attacking the very people who are interested in getting this case resolved.” My Response: In Wappello county there are Sheriffs and deputies,but not much law enforcement. You stated:” I know Jody and she is absolutely, positively the VERY best person you could ever have working on getting these cases brought to the public eye. My response: That is a nice personal abstract you posted about someone. I asked some questions. You Stated: Each case profile presents ONLY the facts she has been given by either the investigating law enforcement agency or by the family/friends of the victim. My response: What am I chopped liver? I believe correct me if I am wrong , what is posted are news articles. Public record. Has a court been petitioned for records to be released by law enforcement? You stated:” She does not engage in bias or spin-doctoring (like you’re doing).” My response: Iowa cold cases stated,” He was acquitted because he had criminal defense attorney Alfredo Parrish. It’s called “good lawyering.”’ Jody stated,” Netflix’s “Making a Murderer” is probably one of the best documentaries I’ve seen that portrays the lengths some dedicated lawyers go to in order to prove a client’s innocence. ” When I read this I think nothing worse than reading with a feeble mind. You stated:” In fact, if you actually KNEW her instead of making false assumptions about her and engaging in character assassination against her (and this site), you’d find that she’s very warm and caring and her ONLY interest is to help the victims’ families and friends find justice for their loved ones. My Response: How is she helping by saying they missed their chance to get the guilty guy? You stated:” She knows the anger and the sorrow and the helplessness that families feel in cases like this because her own stepfather was tragically murdered…read Earl Thelander’s profile here” My response: That is probably very true. That is tragic. You stated: “Jody connects deeply to the victims’ loved ones because she has been there herself and knows exactly what they’re going through. She works her butt off to keep the attention focused on these cases (including that of your father and stepmother) because she doesn’t want them to be forgotten. She puts heart and soul into this site because she, like the rest of us, would like to see justice served in these cases.

        A final thought: Continuing to attack and belittle Jody, this site, and the other users on here only reflects badly on YOU. Maybe you don’t care how you come off, but I agree with Jody, I hope someday you will be able to find compassion and understanding, for it will truly make you a better human being. Oh, and go ahead and pick apart my comments but I’m done here. I refuse to waste my time on someone who is acting like a schoolyard bully. My Response: It is a nice day you go out and enjoy it.

      • b.corena@yahho.com says:

        She allows people to post their assumptions about my brothers guilt,that does not do my family any good at all. When you can name two people that have contributed anything on this site relevant to solving a crime, please call the proper authorities. Thank you.

    • b.corena@yahho.com says:

      Hey Anon, you left gaps in your statement,cupcake. What are your qualifications to assess adverse affects due to trauma?

  11. anonymous says:

    John Jr. and his sister Corena also have a brother, Burton D. Franklin, who has a 1996 conviction for assault with intent to commit sexual abuse.

    • Willy says:

      Thank you ! From Willy

      • b.corena@yahho.com says:

        Willy you seem to be appreciative of anon, mostly a typical coward hangs under the cloak anonymity,many anon’s make egregious statements.

      • b.corena@yahho.com says:

        I heard that John Franklin Sr. was 3ft 2 in and Michelle nine ft six inches.Until you sight a source, it is all hearsay. Were you born in Eddyville? If so, so sorry. And,I understand the town has a lot questionable souls.

        • Kim says:

          My question to you, b.corena, is if you think someone other than your brother committed this crime, then why are you not offering assistance to this site to help find their killers? Why aren’t you contacting the law enforcement agency in charge of the case and telling them what you know? I mean, you seem to want to clear your brother’s name, so why aren’t you taking all the anger and hostility you’ve displayed on this site and turning that into energy to find the real killers of John and Michelle Franklin? Some food for thought for you. Please consider digesting it.

          • b.corena@yahho.com says:

            Hey Kim ,You stated:’My question to you, b.corena, is if you think someone other than your brother committed this crime, then why are you not offering assistance to this site to help find their killers? ” My Response: What makes you believe or what source tells you that I have not contacted authorities for years? What you think that this site is aiding and assisting anyone in law enforcement too solve crimes? This site I believe is opened by a word Jockey, a author. Name one crime as a result of this site? Tell me, are the people on this site other than the dregs of society? You Stated:’ Why aren’t you contacting the law enforcement agency in charge of the case and telling them what you know? My Response:” What makes you think that for decades that I have not contacted the authorities? What is your source? You Stated:”I mean, you seem to want to clear your brother’s name, so why aren’t you taking all the anger and hostility you’ve displayed on this site and turning that into energy to find the real killers of John and Michelle Franklin? My Response; My brother has been cleared,that has already been done. Are you offended by the question that I am asking? Do my questions anger you ,causing your displayed hostilities toward me? I am not law enforcement, that is their job. Maybe you are suggesting that I buy them doughnuts ? You stated; Some food for thought for you. Please consider digesting it.” My response: You keep reporting this information, Do you know something the authorities don’t? Do you believe the atty broke laws in getting the verdict? I f so did make as report to any appropriate entity?Do believe he wrote the laws that were implemented in any of the proceedings? This site is purely rhetoric, and not one of my questions have been answered.

          • b.corena@yahho.com says:

            Bud Erwin was one of the law enforcement officials, do you have information?Where were you, in January of 1978? I assure you that should I suspect any of your statements egregious or interrogatory I will contact the authorities and speak of my concern of what you expect me to digest.

          • b.corena@yahho.com says:

            I would like to know what cases and how many
            as a result of this site Iowa Cold Cases have been solved or placed in a active investigative status ,to some known as reopened. I thought this site was to post the unbiased, however the many biased statements are showing. Remember you are dipping into real tragedies real people s lives.

    • b.corena@yahho.com says:

      I rarely put any credence in anything said by anyone named anonymous. Come on Anon, step up, your mask is showing.Are you chained to your main frame?Are you a coward sitting in a grotesques town bar lurking in the shadows with your lap top? Did your parent conceive you on a dirt or graveled road near the high school? What do you do for a living Anon? Are your intellectual abilities that of a South Eastern Iowa rough neck? Do you tip cows and out houses?Do you encourage wearing a sweatshirt on a humid 111 degree day while driving through town? Are you covered in Prep. h and ingesting laxatives rather than any food groups? My final question are you seeking estate funds or any monies for any reason from the family members of the deceased?

  12. Willy says:

    John Jr. He did it and we all know it . Just the judge helped out Parrish . John Sr . Wasn’t over weight he was tall and medium build . Michelle was over weight but had surgery to lose weight and she was losing weight . but had a sleek nurses uniform on and hard wood floors and that kid was heavy at the time he killed them . He dragged them both into the bedroom . How could you do that to your own dad and stepmom . You should of ran away before you killed them . A lot of the evidence got thrown out . He had blood on his socks and gun burns on his hands . He gave a fake name to the oskaloosa police when he was at the police station. He has to live with it and someday he will burn in hell for what he did ! Willy

    • b.corena@yahho.com says:

      Hey Willy, How long have you worked for the archives department in the DA’s office? You stated: “John Jr. He did it and we all know it .” Interesting comment. My Question: I want names . Who are all of you? How and what do all of you know? Why have none of you stepped forward? You stated:” Just the judge helped out Parrish .” My Question: If a judge helped a Public Defender,How would you have the information? You stated:”Michelle was over weight but had surgery to lose weight and she was losing weight .” My question: How long did you know Michelle? And how do you know she was loosing weight? You stated;”but had a sleek nurses uniform on and hard wood floors and that kid was heavy at the time he killed them .” My Question: How do you know what type of nursing uniform Michelle was wearing and the type of flooring and John’s weight and of a surgery and what other information do you have? You stated:”He dragged them both into the bedroom .” My Question: How do you and others know other than newspaper articles? You stated:”How could you do that to your own dad and stepmom .” My Question:” Is Willy a nickname for William? You stated:”You should of ran away before you killed them . ” My Question: Another interesting statement, How long have you worked for the Sheriff’s Department? You stated:”A lot of the evidence got thrown out . My Question” Are you a Juror or audience? You stated:”He had blood on his socks and gun burns on his hands .” My question:Do you work in any area of DCI ,Coroners Office or the newspaper ,are you a health care wrkr? You stated:He gave a fake name to the oskaloosa police when he was at the police station.” My question: How long have you worked for the police department? Are you a journalist? How long have you worked in Juvenile Department with detained youth? You stated:” He has to live with it and someday he will burn in hell for what he did ” My Question: Interesting statement ,Pastoral studies,and are you a Calvinist? I have further questions. As you know the statements are yours,I wonder were you there? You are convinced of his guilt,then you must have first hand knowledge,otherwise it is up to the Judge and Jury. And those folks said not guilty. You should know that with all the media coverage that those involved (police/prosecutors) withhold from the media. My last question were you born a Idiot? You spoke of Michelle in a odd manner. You sighted her health and weight, employment ,how long did you know Michelle? Are You a school friend,A co-worker,a jilted lover? Are you a stalker? By your statements I am guessing you to between the ages of sixty-five and seventy -five.

    • Melanie Wood says:

      Michelle first of all defiately doesn’t look big enough to approved for gastric surgery. You have to be a certain BMI to be be approved. Second it was 1978. I don’t think so.

  13. He was acquitted because he had criminal defense attorney Alfredo Parrish. It’s called “good lawyering.”

    • b.corena@yahho.com says:

      shame on Iowa cold cases,and the bias state in quotes.

      • Jody Ewing says:

        Corena, this was not a biased statement as it’s in the court records (you should have access to them) that Alfredo Parrish got all evidence, along with John’s confession, thrown out of court because officials had initially treated John Jr. as a “runaway” rather than a suspect, and they did not read him his rights before he confessed.

        There is so much more I could have put on this page but I didn’t out of respect for remaining family members, like you.

        One thing I hope you might consider: perhaps the people leaving comments here left them because they truly cared about the victims — John and Michelle — and they knew justice was never served in either of their deaths. No one ever wants to believe a sibling is capable of homicide (let alone one’s father and stepmother), but, sadly, prisons are full of sons and brothers and fathers and nephews who would never have committed murder in a million years.

        While I admire your loyalty to your brother, surely you must be aware of the fact that he fully confessed before the defense got the confession thrown out. The readers here took time to comment because they *cared* about John and Michelle. They weren’t looking for fights or arguments, but rather expressing frustration at what happens within the justice system (i.e. confessions thrown out despite concrete evidence) when one confesses before he/she is read his/her Miranda rights.

        Since the case is now closed (open in name only; police are not looking for any other suspect(s), you should be able to get access to court files and documents including motions to suppress or motions to dismiss and probably even the detailed report of the blood tracks (from the socks) in and out of ditches while walking to Oskaloosa.

        It’s one thing to stand behind a brother you know is guilty (he did confess), but it’s quite another to attack the very people here who’ve taken time to write because they truly care that a man and his wife are dead and no one will ever be held accountable for either of their murders.

        True compassion comes in many disguises. I hope, for your sake, you one day learn how to recognize it.

        • b.corena@yahho.com says:

          hmmm, interesting. You stated:”Corena, this was not a biased statement as it’s in the court records (you should have access to them) that Alfredo Parrish got all evidence, along with John’s confession, thrown out of court because officials had initially treated John Jr. as a “runaway” rather than a suspect, and they did not read him his rights before he confessed.” My Response: ok. As a atty you should know about client atty privilege. Your statement clearly does not address other concerns. So you are mistaken in some of your perceptions. You stated:”One thing I hope you might consider perhaps the people leaving comments here left them because they truly cared about the victims — John and Michelle — and they knew justice was never served in either of their deaths My Response: They are correct,the law enforcement believed a open and closed case and that was that. No further investigation. My Dear that was my dad and his wife., Which member of that town cared more than his children? Name one, otherwise you are speaking perception.If many truly cared,they would have gone to the mat to seek the facts. A small town is concerned about my dad and Michelle,hmmm. You stated:” No one ever wants to believe a sibling is capable of homicide (let alone one’s father and stepmother), but, sadly, prisons are full of sons and brothers and fathers and nephews who would never have committed murder in a million years. My Response” Please site your source. You knowledge and background on inmate populations. You stated:”While I admire your loyalty to your brother, surely you must be aware of the fact that he fully confessed before the defense got the confession thrown out. The readers here took time to comment because they *cared* about John and Michelle. My response; You make comments with limited or little support. You then profess to speak for the people that you may or may not know or of their personal relationship with my dad or Michelle. And nor do I know if any of those people actually knew or ever knew my dad or Michelle. You stated:”They weren’t looking for fights or arguments, but rather expressing frustration at what happens within the justice system (i.e. confessions thrown out despite concrete evidence) when one confesses before he/she is read his/her Miranda rights. My response” This anger is better reserved for another venue. You originally stated” the people leaving comments here left them because they truly cared about the victims — John and Michelle — .”You Stated:”Since the case is now closed (open in name only; police are not looking for any other suspect(s), you should be able to get access to court files and documents including motions to suppress or motions to dismiss and probably even the detailed report of the blood tracks (from the socks) in and out of ditches while walking to Oskaloosa. My Response: Unless the laws have changed in Iowa ,the term you are looking for is not actively investigated, go figure. Homicides are never closed unless solved. You stated:”It’s one thing to stand behind a brother you know is guilty (he did confess), but it’s quite another to attack the very people here who’ve taken time to write because they truly care that a man and his wife are dead and no one will ever be held accountable for either of their murders. You do not speak for me. You take it upon yourself to speak for a groupie mentality,that is your choice and the choice of others that enable you to speak for them or on their behalf, but you do not speak for me. Your perception of never is odd truly absent that Iowa standard. You stated:”True compassion comes in many disguises. I hope, for your sake, you one day learn how to recognize it. My response: site your source. It is sad that the baseline decades ago was marginal and it remains the same today.If anyone felt attacked, as you stated, how many specifically contacted you ,or did you merely state your perception? And sir I thank you for your hopes no matter how misguided they might appear.

          • b.corena@yahho.com says:

            and you sir were speaking out of both sides of you mouth. please feel free to prove any statements that i described as hearsay wrong.

        • b.corena@yahho.com says:

          I do not appreciate people that speak out of both sides of their mouth. But I am not a trained atty skilled and gifted in double talk

        • b.corena@yahho.com says:

          You stated somewhere in here about Mr.Parrish “…setting killers free…,My question: Is he breaking the law to do that? You present a idea,yet you have not presented any facts. It is not a right to not be offended. I When I read the details of some person that claims knowledge of Michelle ,I wonder did that person have further knowledge about her. I find it unfortunate that Willie, whether Willie man or woman would display my fathers wife. I believe he would find that display offensive . Did you approach that person? Willamae(sp) I believe was Michelle’s mother. Do you believe that she would be offended about that persons comments about her daughter and her daughter’s home? With your opinion’s,and comments you did not redress any other person posting lavish comments. Perhaps as a journalist you are not required too. As a Word Jockey you should know Shock Jockey’s are rarely accurate,and are generally self serving.My question what are the benefits and have you received benefits for deciding guilt and innocence in this site for public perusal ?

  14. Diana Wilson says:

    That stinks!!!! Kind of like OJ!!!

    • b.corena@yahho.com says:

      Should you like to know more of Orenthal Simpson,you should write him, or his handlers, Maybe you should write Mark Fuhrman he was the Detective. Maybe you should contact Robert Shapiro. John and Michelle Franklin were victims of a terrible crime. Families grieve. Family members,are second generation victims,some have been subjected to inflammatory statements of posters promoting this sight/ blog. The original intentions might have been to get unsolved crimes into the public view, with public out cry serving as the tool to place a dusty folder on a Detectives desk. I do not believe for a second that making a comparison such as yours achieves that purpose. The perpetrator(s)(the un accused) probably sitting watching the show and have enjoyed freedom Have a good day madam.

    • b.corena@yahho.com says:

      And lady my father and Michelle were the victims. My family and extended family are second generation victims.My brother a victim of Iowa law enforcement,in my opinion. Law enforcement wants to investigate ,I believe they might have wanted too. I have a suggestion that town cop that is to get out off bed to make a drive through, make certain that occurs,. Secondly, Keep the towns folk off the private property where the crime occurred, and law enforcement mark a spew spot if reactions occur, my suggestion after reading media reports. You see,I will never believe that the criminals will be captured or face a day in court as a result of ineptitude ,cowardice of small town’s narrow-mindedness and the area’s dynamics. According to my husband, the town has a long history of lawlessness. How about my father or Michelle’s other family members,are they scandalous fodder?I believe that the criminals might still reside in the area or outlining area either living prosperously or economically indigent and are morally and personally bankrupt, hidden and above the law. I hope the criminal does indeed one day suffer from shortened arms and a crotch full of camel fleas.

  15. Diana Wilson says:

    I’d like to know more, too.

  16. I wonder why they acquitted the son. Were there any other suspects?

  17. Amber abbott says:

    Kid was guilty as hell, he told me he did it

  18. You can be friends with young Franklin on Facebook he loves new friends

    • robin eby says:

      this statement was made in anger by john franklin he is tried of this and wishes to be left alone the matter is closed

      • Bentley says:

        This matter is closed here on earth but it’s not closed when he has to meet his maker. He will be found quilts as charged and off to the firie pit. He then will have a chance to look his father in the eyes again but this time he Won’t have a shot gun or a club to beat him

        • b.corena@yahho.com says:

          Bently you stated:”This matter is closed here on earth but it’s not closed when he has to meet his maker.” My response: That sounds real close to a Calvinistic statement,are you a Methodist? You stated:”He will be found quilts as charged and off to the firie pit. My response: Are you a drunken Methodist? You stated:”He then will have a chance to look his father in the eyes again but this time he Won’t have a shot gun or a club to beat him My response: You seem to be a very challenged person or a Luthern that is full of pot luck. potluck

  19. BENTLEY says:

    YOU WILL FIND HIM ON (IOWA COURTS ONLINE), COURT SEARCH WITH A LONG LIST OF CRIMINAL ACTS AFTER THIS HOMICIDE TOOK PLACE

  20. BENTLEY says:

    JOHN BURTON NIEHOFF

  21. DCampbell says:

    What could have been the motive? And were there any other suspect in this case?

    • b.corena@yahho.com says:

      Good questions, I do not know the answer to the first. Answer to the second, I do not know the answer to that question either. I sometimes believe it was the doughnut crew of investigations.

  22. JRUMBAUGH says:

    IN 1992 HE MARRIED MARY RUMBAUGH OF OSKALOOSA AND HAD HIS LAST NAME CHANGED TO RUMBAUGH

  23. marcia says:

    Where in Eddyville did this occur and what became of the young man?

  24. Teresa says:

    I’m curious as to the basis of his acquittal.

    • Bob says:

      Both of the victims were heavy set. At the time of the murders, young Franklin was also an obese person. While in jail awaiting trial he lost all the weight and appeared in trial as a frail looking youngster. His confessions where not admitted or those testifying to his statements, being young criminals themselves, were not believed. To the jury’s eyes, how could this little boy have dragged his obese stepmother from the living room to the bedroom? Another killer aquitted due to the masterful defense work of Mr. Parrish.

      • b.corena@yahho.com says:

        You stated:”Both of the victims were heavy set.” My response; hmmm Interesting comment. You stated:”At the time of the murders, young Franklin was also an obese person” My response: Do you look at the size of people as far as motive and advantage? If so you are very strange. You stated:”While in jail awaiting trial he lost all the weight and appeared in trial as a frail looking youngster. My response; How do you have any knowledge of the juvenile corrections facilities nutritional diets and exercise requirements? How long were you employed by any juvenile corrections facilities? You stated:”To the jury’s eyes, how could this little boy have dragged his obese stepmother from the living room to the bedroom?” My response: Are you a atty? Is it your professional opinion that everyone should evaluate evidence based on a mug shot? You stated:” Another killer aquitted due to the masterful defense work of Mr. Parrish.” My response: Have you ever heard of the Pub Defenders office? Most of them only reason they passed the bar was because it was closed that day. Most of them are recent grads ,especially during the seventies. Your statement odd indeed. Mr. Parrish is today a skilled atty,lighten up on the man. I believe retirement age.

        • Jody Ewing says:

          Corena, I’ve got to agree with you 100% here insofar as Mr. Parrish. He is indeed a skilled attorney and probably “the” most successful criminal defense attorney in the state of Iowa.

          People may accuse him of setting killers free, but we all must admit it; if any single one of us committed a crime or found ourselves accused of murder in the first degree, Alfredo Parrish is the #1 man we’d want on our side. He also needs to be credited for successfully defending those falsely accused of a crime. Being a criminal defense attorney does not make one a bad or crooked attorney. Netflix’s “Making a Murderer” is probably one of the best documentaries I’ve seen that portrays the lengths some dedicated lawyers go to in order to prove a client’s innocence.

          Never doubt for a second, however, that juries make decisions based on “all” evidence that exists. That is very seldom the case.

          • b.corena@yahho.com says:

            My dear, I do not watch made for TV viewing documentaries. I do not make invalid assumptions about juries. I also do not assume that everything written here by others to be fact.I do not know if any of these posters have ever met anyone in my family. I believe if they have then they are quite old.

            • Melanie Wood says:

              You should. You would learn alot. You act like you’re better than and know more than everyone. You’re not and don’t. People are here to help not argue. I think it WAS the son.

  25. We wish we had a good answer for you, Tracey Reitterer. Change of venue? Age at arrest and trial? Defense Attorney Alfredo Parrish, who has a way of “winning” even the most challenging cases? Nothing was made public in the media concerning the jury’s reasons. Thanks for your interest.

  26. Why was their son acquitted??

    • b.corena@yahho.com says:

      Because the Jury stated that he was innocent. That is not complicated. He did not ,the Jury found this to be so.

      • anon says:

        b.corena, your attitude may cost you. You go after anyone who dares disagree with you and calls into question your brother’s innocence. That really negative attitude could turn off someone who has legitimate information that could clear your brother. They might see how you take apart the other people’s comments and they might decide it’s not worth tangling with you to share whatever info they might have, even if it backs your arguments up that your brother is innocent. So keep that in mind next time you want to have a giant meltdown on here and attack the other posters.

        • Jody Ewing says:

          Anon, I fully share your concerns about b.corena’s negative attitude here. Anyone with information may decide it’s simply not worth sharing because they fear their every word and syllable will be attacked. It’s hard not to think of the old adage “One can catch more flies with honey than vinegar.”

          B.Corena, the criminal justice system is far from perfect and not always easy to understand, but one thing is certain: when a jury reaches a “not guilty” verdict, they are NOT saying the suspect is “innocent.” What they are saying is that the prosecution did not prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

          I can’t count how many times I’ve read interviews conducted with jury members after any given trial, and a vast majority of jurors will state he or she “was absolutely convinced” of the defendant’s guilt, but could not opt for a “guilty” vote because of the judge’s legal instructions. Do some online research about the psychological aftermath many jurors live with after having reached a compulsory not guilt verdict.

          • Corena Barber says:

            What does aftermath really mean? What consequence would a juror suffer for following absolute instructions of a judge?

        • Corena Barber says:

          Sweet heart, my brother has been cleared,correct me if I am wrong. Everybody has attitudes, snowflake.

        • Corena Barber says:

          Law enforcement allowed for all other area law enforcement to become involved, by the time DCI became involved a forensic investigation was impossible, The law enforcement of the area is directly responsible for trying my brother,the jury followed good instruction, and he is NOT GUILTY. If knowing a innocent person was jailed brings tears to your eyes, to me that sounds like poor citizenship. The county atty ,the investigators whose fault is it actually? is law enforcement that did not secure evidence of the crime scene or those that could not secure guilt or the county atty that could not present a case strong enough to prove guilt? the crime scene (the Mayor and his wife walked through the house) to allow a forensic investigation? Again my plea if you have any information contact law enforcement. Step up and be a good citizen and end this charade.

      • Melanie Wood says:

        A jury doesn’t find someone “Innocent”. It’s “Not guilty”. That doesn’t mean they didn’t do it. I think he did.

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