EP. 196: OKLAHOMA - The Murders Of Lauria Bible & Ashley Freeman: A Disturbing Mystery In The Heartland
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Our story for today starts on December 29th, 1999. Just days away from the new millennium, there was excitement in the air. People across America were writing down their future goals and aspirations. Some were closing old chapters and hoping to start fresh. But in the town of Welch, Oklahoma, there were people that were wanting to get revenge on those who they felt had wronged them. And in their pursuit, they were ruthless. On that cold winter night in 1999, on a secluded property in Welch, Oklahoma, the sound of gunshots echoed through the air. Soon after, gasoline was being poured throughout the home, and then a match was lit. Within seconds, the home erupted in a fiery blaze. Flames consumed everything, turning cherished family memories into rubble and ash.
Eventually, law enforcement made their way to the scene where they made a gruesome discovery. In the front room of where the home once stood, the bodies of Danny and Kathy Freeman both had gunshot wounds to their heads, and both had been set on fire in the blaze. From the very beginning, it was obvious that somebody had a vendetta against this family. But the biggest mystery of all wasn't what was found inside of the burned out home. It was what was missing from it. As it turns out, two teenage girls had been staying there that night. Danny and Kathy's daughter, Ashley Freeman, and her best friend, Laura Bible. But as investigators made their way through the scene, the girls' bodies were not among the rubble. So where were they?
Sadly, over 25 years later, even though there has been a conviction in the case, we are still asking that very question. So this is the story of Laura Bible and Ashley Freeman. I'm Courtney Browen.
And I'm Colin Browen.
Thank you.
Welch, Oklahoma, a small rural community located in the northeastern part of the state. With a population of only a few hundred people, Welch has a classic small-town feel. People are close to their neighbors, they support the small businesses in town, and they look out for each other. There's one small school system, Welch Public Schools, that has a total of around 286 students in grades pre-K to 12. Needless to say, life in Welch is simple and quiet, and there's a strong sense of community. Now, about 15 minutes away from Welch is the town of Veneta. Although it's larger, with a population of a few thousand, the town of Veneta still has the small-town atmosphere. Described as the second-oldest city in Oklahoma, tourists flock to the area for their roadside attractions, famous chicken fried steak, and easy access to Grand Lake. However, like every town in America, Welch and Vanita have their share of problems, and these two have had a history of methamphetamine abuse.
Over the years, the large and secluded prairie lands have allowed meth cookers and users to hide their drug operations. According to the National Drug Intelligence Center in 2002, methamphetamine production continues to be a significant problem in Oklahoma. Per the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control, methamphetamine laboratory seizures increased dramatically from 34 in 1995 to 1,193 in 2001. But despite these shocking statistics, the vast prairies of Craig County, Oklahoma holds a darker secret, the unsolved disappearance of Laura Bible and Ashley Freeman.
Anyone who knew Laura Bible and Ashley Freeman knew that they were best friends. And it had been that way ever since kindergarten. Laura Jaylene Bible was born on April 18th, 1983 to Jay and Laureen Bible in Veneta, Oklahoma. The couple married in July of 1978, and two years later, they had their first child, a son named Bradley.
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