Episode 236: Sidney Ann Merrick

On Monday, September 26th, 1983, 21-year-old Sidney Ann Merrick drives from Salt Lake City to Park City, Utah, to run an errand for her boss. While heading eastbound on I-80, Sidney’s car breaks down. Less than an hour later, Sidney’s body is discovered on an off-ramp near Parleys Summit. She’s been stabbed to death. Eyewitnesses traveling along the freeway place 33-year-old Wesley Allen Tuttle at the scene. Tuttle is apprehended while trying to flee the country and swiftly convicted of first-degree murder. Shortly after, Tuttle escapes prison for five months. Then, the Utah Supreme Court changes Tuttle’s conviction to second-degree murder and significantly reduce his sentence. But, in 2008, new DNA testing proves Tuttle sexually assaulted and murdered another young woman: 14-year-old Lisa Lynne Chambers. In episode 236, Jac and Alexis explain how Wesley Allen Tuttle nearly escaped prison, the court system, and justice for over 25 years. 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree ⚖️ On the Stand: (818) 446-6889 💩 Worst Thing You’ve Ever Done: (818) 446-6889 🎟 Catch up to FOUR bonus episodes per month plus full video episodes over on Patreon: patreon.com/thefirstdegree 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/thefirstdegree 🕺 TikTok: tiktok.com/@thefirstdegreee 👤 Facebook: facebook.com/thefirstdegree Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices