Lecture Notes on the Case of Nicole Vanderheiden

Overview

• Doug Dewitt is in interrogation after learning about the discovery of his missing girlfriend, Nicole Vanderheiden's body.
• Doug is emotionally devastated and soon becomes a suspect in her disappearance.

Timeline of Events

Night of May 20, 2016

• Doug and Nicole, along with friends, attended a Steel Panther concert.
• After the concert, Nicole was upset with Doug for allegedly flirting with another woman.
• Nicole leaves with friends to a bar called the Sardine Can.

May 21, 2016 - Missing Person Report

• At 4:30 PM, Doug contacts authorities reporting Nicole missing.
• Simultaneously, a farmer discovers a body that matches Nicole's description.
• The body is found with over 240 injuries, unclothed except for socks and a pink wristband.

Investigation

Doug's Alibi

• Doug explains his whereabouts to authorities.
• He claims after the concert, he met friends, later was dropped off around 2:30 AM, and assumed Nicole was at a friend’s place.
• He places a 911 call around 4:00 PM after being concerned about Nicole's absence.
• Interview reveals he did not search for her until later.

Police Findings

• Search of Home and Vehicle:
  • Bloody Air Jordans found that matched prints at the crime scene.
  • Blood spatter found in the garage and Nicole’s vehicle.
• Neighbor's Discovery:
  • Neighbor finds bloody items, including DNA that matched Nicole’s.

Evidence Against Doug

• Doug’s history of violence raised suspicion among investigators.
• Statements from ex-girlfriend and Nicole's sister indicate a pattern of abusive behavior.
• Interviews with friends revealed concerns during the time leading up to Nicole’s disappearance.

Doug's Arrest

• Doug arrested on suspicion of murder 3 days after Nicole's body was found but is later released due to lack of evidence linking him directly.
• Forensic analysis exonerated Doug, finding no match to his DNA on the body or items found.

New Developments

Identification of George Burch

• DNA Match:
  • Foreign DNA found on Nicole matched George Steven Burch, a man with a criminal past.
• Timeline of Burch:
  • Cell phone records place Burch near the Vanderheiden residence around the time of the murder.
• Arrested on suspicion of murder following DNA evidence.

Trial of George Burch

Witness Testimonies

• Doug’s Fitbit showed he was active (recorded data during the timeline in question).
• George Burch claims he was innocently flirting with Nicole, characterizing the encounter as consensual but later claims he was knocked unconscious.
• Prosecution vs. Defense:
  • Prosecution emphasized evidence linking only Burch to the crime.
  • Defense pointed to Doug’s timeline, attempting to paint him as a possible suspect.

Verdict and Sentencing

• Verdict:
  • March 1, 2018: George Burch found guilty of first-degree intentional homicide.
• Sentence:
  • Burch received life in prison without possibility of parole.
  • Burch's appeal was dismissed by the Supreme Court in 2021.

Conclusion

• Discussions on violence and the psychological impact on relationships highlighted in the aftermath of the case.
• The complexities of evidence in homicide investigations were emphasized, showing how initial suspects can change as more information comes to light.