That was her immediate reaction to the ruling. The cause of death was changed from accidental to probable homicide. He does not believe Don would do that because he would not want the wood getting scratched. Police officer Danny Allen stopped to question him. However, many do not consider him to be a credible source. Misen Knives http://bit.ly/3sNux6V | Quip https://bit.ly/3pkPc0i | Upstart https://bit.ly/35qcF8j | Hello Fresh http://bit.ly/39mRSmP M. collected upon, added Haynes. Families don't accept explanation, Marijuana coma? The driver of a 6000-ton cargo train noticed two bodies lying side by side, in straight lines, on the tracks. From the boys witnessing a drug deal, a mysterious army clothed man inhabiting the area, to law enforcement and political corruption police covering up the whole investigation. Mary Shelley the author of Frankenstein. One week before the boys died, a man wearing military fatigues was spotted not far from the train tracks. Spotlighting was a fairly widespread activity among the local boys. At first, local officials treated the incident like an apparent suicide despite the objections of the train crew. This page was last updated at 2022-10-12 14:39 UTC. The Clinton Chronicles advanced the conspiracy theory that, while governor of Arkansas, Clinton had a connection to a scandal involving large shipments of cocaine, guns, and money from Central America passing through Arkansas at the Mena Intermountain Municipal Airport. The case was the subject of journalist Mara Leveritts award-winning book The Boys on the Tracks. Date: August 23, 1987. The two boys were identified as sixteen-year-old Don Henry and seventeen-year-old Kevin Ives. As the train got closer, a horrifying discovery was made of two boys Kevin Ives and Don Henry, lying motionless, side by side across the tracks. When asked about his thoughts on the case by host Robert Stack, Garrett alleged that the boys saw something they shouldnt have seen and it had to do with drugs. Despite the grand jurys announcement that the boys deaths may have been related to drug trafficking, Sheriff Steed refused to allow any funds to aid in the investigation. Saline County Arkansas. They believe that Kevin and Don walked up on something that they were not supposed to see; they were at the wrong place at the wrong time. Curtis recalls that Don came into his bedroom at around 12:15am. Is Fluoridation Dumbing Down The Population? In light of this new evidence, the grand jury changed its ruling from probable homicide to definite homicide. They were lying motionless on the tracks, in a position nearly identical to Kevin and Dons. Their deaths were ruled out as accidental. She successfully had the original examiner's ruling overruled and the cause of death for Kevin Ives and Don Henry was changed from accidental to homicide. The two boys were identified as sixteen-year-old Don Henry and seventeen-year-old Kevin Ives. For more than 30 years Linda Ives has been relentless in fighting to find out what happened to the two boys. The same man was also spotted on the night that Don and Kevin died. Mile Higher. Don and Kevin's parents, however, could . Police have been unable to locate or identify him. This time, he was leaving town, heading down a road less than 200 yards from the spot where Kevin and Don were later hit. Many celebrities faces are stolen since many years now. "I come to you straight face-to-face because this is reality, man.". In August of 1987, the bodies of 16-year old Don Henry and 17-year old Kevin Ives were hit by a train in Alexander, Arkansas. Teenage boys often find ways to keep themselves occupied and to have a little fun. As his train drew closer, he made the horrifying discovery that two boys were lying motionless across the railroad tracks. All our content comes from Wikipedia and under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Is Angela Merkel A Reptiloid! Ivan Pavlovs Classical Conditioning Theory. Suspects and theories. Train Deaths Are Officially Homicides. Arkansas Gazette, March 6, 1988, p. 3B. The 2017 movie "American Made" focused on the life of Barry Seal, a pilot who, in the 1980s, flew tons of cocaine from the jungles of Colombia to the American South, using the Mena Intermountain Municipal Airport as a sort of base. "I would just like to thank everyone out there who has been supportive," Linda Ives said in the video. indicating that they were planning on using an illegal hunting technique that Newly appointed prosecutor Richard Garrett had Kevin and Dons bodies exhumed for a second autopsy to be performed by a noted expert. View original page. They loved to work on their cars and hunt. The hospital clerk told an investigator, per Leveritt, Thats why the families were not billed. However, a medical report found by an EMT at the tracks that night noted that the boys blood looked like it lacked oxygen, raising questions about whether Ives and Henry were already dead when the train hit them. In March of 1987, a major plot twist appeared in the case when Billy Jack Haynes wrestled in front of a record-setting audience off 93,000 fans at the Pontiac Silverdome in Detroit, Michigan during Wrestle mania 3. It was featured in a two-part episode of "The Trail Went Cold" podcast. They have spent many hours at the spot where they were killed, wondering how it could have happened. Unravelling The Reptilian Ruler. Police who searched the scene later denied that Stephen had even told them about the tarp. How Did The Indus Valley Civilization Decline? What looked like a horrible tragedy turned out to be a haunting mystery. Suddenly, while going through the town of Alexander, he saw something in his path; he could not tell what it was. On August 23rd 1987, a cargo train was on its way on a regular run to Little Rock, Arkansas. However, he repeatedly received resistance from authorities, who seemed unwilling to cooperate or change their opinions about the case. In the film, two veteran sheriff's deputies, Jay Campbell and Kirk Lane, were alleged to be the killers. "In August of 1987, I was contacted by the Arkansas criminal politician and was asked if I would provide muscle at an Arkansas drug stop," said Haynes while reading from a paper. The train was over a mile long and was traveling at a speed of fifty-two miles per hour. By March 1989, another recipient of a subpoena to appear before the grand jury, Daniel Boonie Bearden, had disappeared. Neither of them were moving. The case remains unsolved. In the summer of 1987 best friend Kevin and Don headed out for a late night hunting adventure in the woods around Don's home. The Boys on the Train Tracks 16-year-old Don Henry and a year older Kevin Ives were best mates. Conspiracy theories persisted surrounding the boys' homicides after a number of murders and untimely deaths of people connected to the case. The two left around midnight to go back to Dons house. However, on the night of Saturday, August 22, 1987, Kevin and Don met a group of friends on the outskirts of Little Rock at a favorite gathering place for the local teenagers. She has encountered corrupt law enforcement . Boys on the Tracks: Death, Denial, and a Mothers Crusade to Bring Her Sons Killers to Justice. By then, it was almost 1am. However, since he started working on it, he has carried one. However, it was never found. In 1995, the investigation into Kevin and Don's murders was officially closed without their killer(s) captured or identified. Onthe night Kevin and Don were killed, witnesses again saw the man in military fatigues. Speculation persisted throughout the years that the teenagers were murdered because they witnessed activity related to drugs that were being smuggled into the U.S. from Central America, possibly via an airport in Mena. This project is funded in part by a National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Sustaining the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan grant award. Garrett was later interviewed by Robert Stack; he claimed that there was drug trafficking throughout Bryant and Saline County that also was connected to several other counties and states. ", Linda Ives' sister, Carol Edmondson, said the cause of death is unclear, and that Linda lost consciousness and was septic due to "some kind of infection.". Several witnesses who testified before the grand jury were charged with drug trafficking and other offenses. As recently as the winter of 2019, Linda Ives posted a video on YouTube about her ongoing efforts to find out who murdered her son, asking for donations to help cover some of the costs of her never ending odyssey for the truth. Life will never be the same, but the memories she left behind will forever be treasured.". They talked for about fifteen minutes before he left. Four hours later, they were discovered spread out over the railroad tracks near their home with a green tarp covering them. Local authorities did not question Malaks findings, but the parents were motivated to conduct their own investigations. Support Our Sponsors! Malak said that these were two accidental deaths due to THC intoxication; THC is a component of marijuana. In October 1988, shortly after the broadcast, the results were released. The train then went over them.What had caused Kevin and Don to lie side-by-side on the railroad tracks? 16-year old Don Henry and 17-year old Kevin Ives head into the woods to do some late-night hunting, but never return. Train Deaths Are Officially Homicides. Arkansas Gazette, March 6, 1988, p. 3B. They began a crusade to find out what really happened and salvage the reputation of their sons. Teenage boys are more likely to get themselves into a dangerous situation, but it shouldnt result in their. Honor or memorial gifts are an everlasting way to pay tribute to someone who has touched your life. By all accounts, Kevin and Don were both typical teenage boys. In March 1988, Dr. James Garriot of San Antonio offered a second opinion and was skeptical of the findings about marijuana. A new autopsy revealed that they only smoked 1 to 3 joints. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette file photo). It was reported in February 2018 that former World Wrestling Federation wrestler Billy Jack Haynes had recorded a video testimony in which he claimed to have witnessed the murders of Ives and Henry while providing security for a drug trafficking drop in 1987. He was Ashoka, also widely known as Ashoka The Great was the third ruler of the Mauryan Empire. His side He felt that was like questioning the existence of the bodies on the tracks. They have spent many hours at the spot where they were killed, wondering how it could have happened. All four of the people on the train who were able to observe the scene prior to the accident stated that the bodies were partially covered by the green tarp. Source: The Murders of Kevin Ives and Don Henry | by Lori Johnston His behavior had aroused suspicion. Linda wondered, if they were that stoned, how were they able to lie down in identical positions? Furthermore, he found evidence that Dr. Malak did not follow proper procedures when conducting the autopsies. They were partially covered by a light green tarp. She was a precious mother, wife, daughter, sister, family member, friend and a great inspiration to many. Killing of Don Henry and Kevin Ives On August 23, 1987, the bodies of 16-year-old Don Henry and 17-year-old Kevin Ives were hit by a freight train in Alexander, Arkansas as they lay on the tracks. She hoped to force eight federal agencies and three Arkansas-based law enforcement agencies to produce any documents they had about the case. The CALS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. The government was certainly running drugs in '87. The state medical examiner, Dr. Fahmy Malak, said they had been under the influence of marijuana and ruled the deaths accidental. Man Claims to Have Seen "Boys on the Tracks" Murders", "Murder on the Tracks - The Massive Cover-up of Kevin Ives and Don Henry", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Killing_of_Don_Henry_and_Kevin_Ives&oldid=1128422169, This page was last edited on 20 December 2022, at 01:41. The trains crew immediately reported the incident to railroad officials and to local law enforcement at Benton (Saline County), where the train had come to a full stop. Read our Privacy Policy. The Train Deaths, they're called in Arkansas, and our first stop on our 'conspiracy' shoot in Arkansas had been right outside Little Rock, to visit the site of the murders of Kevin Ives and Don Henry, two high school students who were murdered in 1987. . Additional support provided by the Arkansas General Assembly. television, and movies. "As far as I am concerned, Linda Ives is an angel, figuratively and literally now," Rounsavall said. Garrett then focused on the green tarp. Update now. New York: St. Martins Press, 1999. Farrar, Lara. Another death supposedly connected with the case was that of twenty-one-year-old Jeffrey Edward Rhodes, whose body was found in a landfill in April 1989. To cover their tracks, they laid them on the railroad tracks and covered them up with a tarp. The teenagers had stayed out late hunting the night before. Friends who were with them that night confirmed this amount. As the train got closer, a horrifying discovery was made of two boys Kevin Ives and Don Henry, lying motionless, side by side across the tracks. On August 23, 1987, the bodies of 16-year-old Don Henry and 17-year-old Kevin Ives were hit by a freight train in Alexander, Arkansas as they lay on the tracks. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. With the help of lawyers Dan Henry and Richard Garrett, Malaks ruling of accidental death was overturned, but the result was hardly definitive. They hoped to force the authorities to reopen the investigation. "She never gave up her fight. The two victims were identified as 16-year-old Don Henry and 17-year-old Kevin Ives, best friends and popular seniors at Bryant High School. Special thanks to the Department of Arkansas Heritage. According to Stephen, they questioned the existence of the tarp. Rumors have circulated as to who might have been there and ultimately be responsible. The Trail Went Cold - Episode 213 - The Boys On The Track (Part 1) August 23, 1987. Stephen noted that although three seconds does not seem like a long amount of time, it felt like an eternity for them. Garrett also believes that the tarp existed. The death of Henry and Ives, as well as the other suspicious sightings and deaths listed above, join a list of other deaths believed to be associated with the drug running of Barry Seal and the cover up of the drug trafficking activity during the late eighties in Arkansas, that continued after Seal's murder the year prior to this incident. The usual theory given about the boys' deaths, believed by Linda Ives, involves drug trafficking. He also points out that Dons gun was laying on the gravel. He does not believe Don would do that because he would not want the wood getting scratched. When a tribute gift is given the honoree will receive a letter acknowledging your generosity and a bookplate will be placed in a book. Haynes also claimed that the politician believed police officers were involved in the theft of the drug money. Within about three seconds, they hit the boys. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Curtis was not worried about them going into the woods because he did not think they would get in trouble. The parents did not accept this finding and conducted their own investigation. He felt that was like questioning the existence of the bodies on the tracks. He also found evidence to indicate that one of them was already dead and one unconscious when the train hit them. On most weekends, the two double dated. Garrett then focused on the green tarp. Garrett had another autopsy conducted on Kevin and Don. He was certain that the tarp was there. Mother of boy found dead on tracks in 1987 suing United States of America, Judge to look at files in 1987 deaths of 2 boys found on central Arkansas railroad tracks, Former wrestler claims he witnessed murders of Don Henry and Kevin Ives, Mom of cold case victim dies; Linda Ives sought answers in the deaths of 2 teens for decades, Linda Ives, mother who sought answers in 'Boys on the Tracks' case, dies at 71, SitcomsOnline Discussion of Don Henry and Kevin Ives. . On Sunday, August 23, 1987, at around 4:00 a.m., the bodies of the two boys were spotted by the crew of a Union Pacific locomotive near Crooked Creek trestle in Alexander (Pulaski and Saline counties). Three hours later, Stephen Shroyers locomotive came speeding down Bryant Hill. Kevin and Don had avoided being caught. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . Leveritt, Mara. Suddenly, while going through the town of Alexander, he saw something in his path; he could not tell what it was. Newly appointed prosecutor Richard Garrett had Kevin and Dons bodies exhumed for a second autopsy to be performed by a noted expert. Anonymous tips to the telecenter suggested that Kevin and Don were murdered by drug traffickers, and that they may have stumbled onto them in the middle of a "drug drop". Over 30 years after the murder of Kevin Ives and Don Henry, a former professional wrestler has come forward and claimed he witnessed their deaths. that one of the boys was already dead and the other unconscious before the Don Henry, age 16, and Kevin Ives, age 17, were the best of friends and frequently spent time together. Dan Harmon, a prosecutor of the case, who was later arrested for dealing drugs,[10] is one person implicated in the murder. NBCs hit show Unsolved Mysteries featured a segment on the case in the fall of 1988. Who had covered them with it and why? He also suspects that there was some sort of police cover-up involved in the case; however, he was not sure if it was inadvertent or deliberate. "She had the chance to meet her son in the last 48 hours, Kevin Ives, and he has told her the truth whatever it is.". Eventually, they managed to make police reopen the investigation five months later. This time, he was leaving town, heading down a road less than 200 yards from the spot where the bodies were run over. On October 23, 2018, Garrett passed away at the age of seventy-two. 00:23:25 - Join us as we unfold the unsolved mystery of the Kevin Ives and Don Henry case. He honked, but it was impossible to stop the train this late. Curtis had the trains sound checked and found that it was ninety-eight decibels, which is equivalent to the sound of a jackhammer or an air compressor running. The case was profiled on the television program Unsolved Mysteries. 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