MAINE, 1973: In April of 1973, the vibrant college town of Orono, Maine was shattered by a shocking murder that sent tremors through the University of Maine community. The victim was Frederic Alan Spencer, a promising UMaine graduate student with a bright future ahead. When Frederic's roommate came forward and confessed to the killing, it seemed like an open and shut case.
However, as the trial of Richard Westall Rogers Jr. unfolded, it was clear the case was far from simple. Despite his admission of guilt, the proceedings took a surprising turn. Nobody in that courtroom could have known at the time, but the unexpected decisions made in the case of Frederic Spencer would set in motion a chilling and deadly ripple effect that only grew with intensity and consequence over the next few decades.
View source material and photos for this episode at darkdowneast.com/fredericspencer
Dark Downeast is an audiochuck and Kylie Media production hosted by Kylie Low.
The Murder of Crystal Perry (Maine)
BONUS: The Murders of Patricia Walsh and Mary Anne Wysocki (Massachusetts)
The Murders of Patricia Walsh and Mary Anne Wysocki (Massachusetts)
The Murder of Robert Joyal Part 2 (Maine)
The Murder of Robert Joyal Part 1 (Maine)
The Disappearance of Tammy Lynn Belanger (New Hampshire)
The Murder of Darien Richardson Part 2 (Maine)
The Murder of Darien Richardson Part 1 (Maine)
The Murder of Mattie Hackett (Maine)
The Murder of Beverly Polchies (Maine)
The Annie C. Maguire Shipwreck at Portland Head Light
The Murders of Luella Blakeslee and Debra Lee Horn (New Hampshire)
The Murder of Susan Randall (New Hampshire)
SOLVED: Janet Brochu & Geraldine Ann Finn (Maine)
The Murder of Richard S. Bellittieri (Maine)
The Murder of Debra Dill (Maine)
The Disappearance of Anneliese Heinig (Maine)
The Disappearance of Ludger Belanger (Maine)
The Disappearance of Kurt Newton (Maine)
The Disappearance of Kim Moreau Part 2 (Maine)
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