u/ninesevenpotatoes

*CORRECTION: This crime took place in Rowlett, Texas.
(DISCLAIMER: I’m not a professional writer. If I make any mistakes in my writing or some of it could come across as insensitive, please give me feedback so I can improve. Thank you!)

I remember first discovering this case with the Forensic Files episode “Invisible Intruder”, and I always find it sickening and frustrating. Just the idea of stabbing your own sons in the middle of the night and even slashing your own throat to frame the scene as an intrusion is horrific.

The case is very divisive nowadays, but personally, I’m leaning on guilty. I think the main reason it’s so controversial is that people are divided on how evidence is interpreted and subjective evidence. I think it makes sense to focus on more objective evidence rather than stuff like that silly string gravesite party. In particular, I find these the most significant:

• Luminol showed a heavy amount of Darlie’s blood was present at the kitchen sink, and of it had been cleaned up. This is in contrast to where she claimed to have been attacked, on the couch, which had much less blood. It’s likely she slashed her throat at the sink.
• Darlie’s story has changed a few times, and her current story claims Damon woke up and told her about the attack, which is when she called 911. However, Damon’s autopsy reports he had been stabbed repeatedly in the lungs, to the point he was making “gurgling” sounds at the crime scene, so it seems weird he would be able to coherently talk.
• The blooded tube sock is rather controversial, because it would’ve involved Darlie running out for a brief period to plant it at the trash can. However, DNA evidence from the shock shows Darlie’s DNA was in it, so its possible she wore it to protect her hand as she stabbed her boys.

In all, if there wasn’t a handful of suspect circumstantial evidence (fiberglass on knife, blood spatter inconsistent with events, Darlie’s injuries being “superficial”), coinciding with some subjective stuff (her diary entry, her troubled marriage), I probably wouldn’t believe it was her. But I will always believe it was, and that she is right where she should be. The fact she continues to lie to this day is unbelievable.

The best sources that persuade me that she’s guilty are the Forensic Files episode I just mentioned, Matt Orchard’s video on it, and the site “Darlie Routier: Fact & Fiction”.

At the end of the day, both of these boys died a horrible death they didn’t deserve. Rest in peace Devon and Damon, who would’ve been 36 and 35 today. (Devon also would‘ve been turning 37 8 days from now)

its crazy to think the series is this old now. riddle school was one of my favorite flash game series I discovered back in 2019, thanks to dantdm. i remember just loving the style of the games, the humor, and the creatoea’ thought process, despite its troubled production over the years. it influenced me a lot in my art and fan games myself.

despite the messed up stuff that i found out about Jon, I will always love the riddle school series and have a soft spot for it.

so, happy 20 years of riddle school, and bread crumbs and beaverspit!

DISCLAIMER: I am not a professional writer, and I try my best to be respectful with these posts. If there's anything that I could improve with my write-ups, please tell me, as I know my writing can come across as insensitive or redundant at times. And if any information is significantly incorrect, especially correct me. Thank you!

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One of a more modern Doe case from the 2000s I think about is the horrific case of Erica Green, formerly known as Precious Doe. Today marks 25 years since she was murdered by her abusive parents.

Erica Michelle Marie Green was born on May 15, 1997, to Michelle Johnson and Larry Green. Michelle was incarcerated at the time, so she gave Erica to the custody of her grandmother's friend, Betty Brown.

However, years later, Erica was returned back to her mother and her step-father at the time, Harrel Johnson (a heavy drug user), away from Betty. Erica would then face physical abuse by Johnson over minor things.

DEATH & DISCOVERY

One night, when Erica had reportedly refused to go to bed, her parents were enraged, and her step-father ended up beating and kicking her with an ashtray, which killed her. Once he and Michelle realized this, instead of calling authorities, they covered up the girls' murder.

Johnson used hedge clippers to decapitate the young girl, and Michelle helped dispose of her remains in nearby woods. Her headless body would then be found on April 28, 2001, during a search for an unrelated missing person. Her head was found 3 days later.

INVESTIGATION & IDENTIFICATION

The victim, dubbed Precious Doe, was a Black toddler about 3 to 6 years old. The case would make rounds around the media for a few years with reconstructions being released and many leads being investigated.

Eventually, with the help of Betty Brown (Erica's former caretaker) speaking up, and testimonies from Erica's step-fathers' cousin, Precious Doe was identified as Erica Green, and her "parents" were arrested for her murder.

On October 8, 2008, Harrell was sentenced to life for murdering Erica, and Michelle received 25 years in exchange for a plea deal. Erica has since been laid to rest in Missouri.

THOUGHTS

This is a painful case to talk about. I find child abuse to be one of the evilest things to do in the world, because children are so innocent and they haven't done anything that would warrant that. I don't get why Erica was returned to her mother and step-father when Betty was caring for her already.

The fact anyone could abuse and even decapitate a young girl is horrible to think about. What's also disgusting is how her excuse of a mother, Michelle, acted in all this. Michelle took her daughter away from someone she liked, and helped conceal her murder. How could you do that to your own daughter, someone you birthed, someone you should have loved? Personally, I think she also should have gotten life.

Thankfully, with how dedicated forensic scientists were in this case, and Betty opening up about Erica, we were able to bring justice to Erica after her death. Despite what tragically happened to her, there were people who cared about this young girl, not her "parents". I hope they rot away in prison for the rest of their lives.

Side note: one reason I remember this case fondly is the fact that Erica's birthday, May 15th, is also my birthday.

Rest in peace Erica, a precious life robbed so cruelly. I wish you a happy early birthday in Heaven!

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/6257530/erica_michelle_marie-green

https://unidentified-awareness.fandom.com/wiki/Erica_Green

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Erica_Green