Police Headquarters Case: Disappearance of Linda Riley
Key Individuals
Jay Roth: 65-year-old retiree, reported Linda Riley's disappearance.
Linda Riley: 53-year-old missing person, friend of Jay Roth.
Timeline of Events
Initial Discovery: Neighbor found Linda's house unlocked, phone, and purse left behind. Police issued a missing endangered person alert.
Jay Roth's Interview: Voluntarily provided information. Last saw Linda two nights before she went missing. Mentioned a man named Floyd causing trouble.
Dogs Detail: Roth mistakenly indicated knowledge of the dogs' presence he couldn't have known.
Further Information by Roth: Returned with new details about Linda's past incidents with her ex and another man named Roger.
Polygraph Test: Jay Roth agreed to take a polygraph due to his willingness to help but failed the test.
Confession: Under pressure and after the polygraph, Jay confessed to Linda's murder after a purported argument.
Locating the Body: Jay led the police to where he incinerated Linda's remains.
Investigation Findings
Initial Findings: Unlocked house, personal items left behind, Jay Roth's last contact with Linda, mention of Floyd.
Dogs Presence: Roth's knowledge of dogs raised suspicion.
Polygraph Results: Failed, increasing doubt about Roth's innocence.
Confession & Details: Admitted accidental murder during argument.
Body Discovery: Roth indicated location of incinerated remains.
Legal Outcome
Charges: Felony restraint, kidnapping, second-degree murder (lack of premeditation).
Sentencing Argument: Roth's attorney argued for leniency due to age and health, dismissed by judge citing danger to women and children.
Sentence: Life imprisonment, eligible for parole at age 78 (40% of a 30-year sentence).