Case Study: The Mysterious Murder of Edna Posey

Discovery of the Body

• Date: Memorial Day Weekend, 1984
• Location: Juniata River, Central Pennsylvania
• Discovery: Fisherman found a torso inside a cardboard box at the river's edge
• Victim Identification: Female, unknown initially
• Details: Body was dismembered, head, arms, and legs removed

Evidence and Initial Investigation

• Timeline: Box slid down embankment after dew settled
• Physical Evidence: Grease-stained puncture hole in the box with styrofoam pieces
• Body Markings: Three large moles, scar on abdomen
• Clothing: Blue jeans and a belt with a zodiac buckle
• Forensic Analysis: Insect activity used to estimate time of death, approximately two days before discovery
• Autopsy Findings: Semen present, no signs of rape

Identification of the Victim

• Edna Posey: Identified by a phone call reporting her missing
• Details: 31-year-old single mother, unstable lifestyle
• Missing Persons Report: No match initially
• Belongings: Zodiac buckle belt matched description

Investigation into Edna's Life

• Background: Known for unstable relationships and alcohol problems
• Son: Randy, lived with Donald Ruby, a Boy Scout leader

Key Suspect: Donald Ruby

• Background: Machinist, took in troubled boys
• Motivation: Potential threat of losing custody of Randy seen as a motive
• Conflicting Accounts: Edna's visit for the weekend, Donald's claim they dropped her off versus Randy's account of noise
• Forensic Link: Grease and hole in box matched Ruby's car
• Initial Conviction: Charged and convicted of Edna Posey's murder

Retrial and New Evidence

• Challenge to Conviction: Defense contested evidence and jury heard pedophilia accusations
• Forensic Re-examination:
  • Dr. Neal Haskell: Re-evaluated insect evidence, proposed a different timeline
  • DNA Analysis: Found semen from three different men, none matching Ruby
• Outcome: Not guilty verdict in second trial, Ruby released

Conclusion

• Current Status: Case officially closed but unresolved
• Public Reaction: Mixed, concern over Ruby's potential threat remains
• Ruby's Whereabouts: Unknown after trial

Key Takeaways

• Forensic Science: Importance of accurate evidence handling and the impact of new forensic techniques like DNA analysis
• Judicial Process: Highlights complexities and challenges in murder investigations
• Emotional Impact: Case left unresolved for Edna's family and community