Episode 204 of Starz' Wrong Man winds up its coverage of the Rorrer/Katrinak case, but it leaves us with far more questions than answers. Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve the legal counsel for Patricia. Why did the police not look into these things? Mike McIntyre, the first assistant district attorney in Lehigh County during the case, said the petition is "crazy. S5 E7: Patricia Rorrer sits in prison for brutally murdering her ex-boyfriend's wife and baby out of spite. Previously on Wrong Man, we learned about the murder of Joann Katrinak and her baby.Were they murdered because Joann angrily hung the phone up on Patty Rorrer, the ex of Andy Katrinak? If you subscribe to Hulu and upgrade to Starz (theres a free one-week trial offer), you can stream the Wrong Man episodes about Patricia Rorrer. Learn more about our upcoming events, fundraisers, and more! While the police are still investigating the murder of your wife and child? Book her. Or did they? Patricia Rorrer has been in prison since 1998, convicted of the horrific murder of a young mother, Joann Katrinak, and her 16-week old son, in Catasauqua, Pennsylvania. The couple moved into Andrews sturdy brick house at 740 Front Street in Catasauqua, Pennsylvania. Commonwealth v. Rorrer, J-A14029-17 | Casetext Search + Citator Detective Barry Grube found it odd that Andrew fixed the severed phone line before police examined it in essence tampering with evidence. Four months after Joanns disappearance, farmer Paul Kovalchik reported seeing what at first looked like a pile of clothes on his land in Heidelberg Township woods, about 15 miles from the Katrinaks house. She was bubbly and likable, not disgruntled, according to friend Kathy Barber, who visited her friend in jail. Regarding the gun, she claims to have said that she didn't have a gun at that time, not that she never had one. Combine keywords and attributes to find specific items. Most convictions were procured through microscopic hair comparison which has been debunked as junk science today. DNA from that and a cigarette butt linked Patricia to the offense. On Thursday, December 15, 1994, Joann Katrinak and her three-month-old son, Alex, went missing from their Catasauqua, Pennsylvania, home. There are claims that the cigarette butt wasnt examined and that the hair strands had no roots (which contain the DNA), suggesting that nothing truly ties Patricia to the homicides. Rorrer has filed a petition to get new evidence admissible that he said could set her free. Mal told Keith Morrison that Patricias dance teacher originally confirmed her alibi that she was in class on the day of the murder, then changed his mind. . Patricia Rorrer was wrongfully convicted of Murder. "Our position is that Patricia Rorrer's sample hairs were switched with crime scene hair, the hair taken from the seat back of Katrinak's vehicle," Neely said. But there was only one day in question, so it feels like Patricia might have been overselling her story. I didn't see other potential suspects highlighted. Find a typo or issue with the details of this case? Patricia Rorrer: Under the Microscope: Patty Rorrer is convicted of the kidnapping and murder of her ex-boyfriend's wife and infant son, but "Wrong Man" investigators discover that the case is not so clear cut. More hairs there. Murder in Lehigh Valley: Keith Morrison Investigates Neely said the first officer on the scene didn't believe Rorrer committed the crime. Illustration of the location of mitochondrial DNA in human cells. Obviously her husband Andy would be the main suspect (and his smirking after Patricia was found guilty was galling) but the Wrong Man team spoke to him and seem convinced that he was being truthful. Aside from the hair, there was almost zero forensic evidence. They released a poster of Joann and Alex, noting that the baby had almond-shaped blue eyes, weighed 18 pounds, and was circumcised. The second is Patricia Rorrer, who has been in prison since 1998 after being convicted of the horrific murder of a young mother, Joann Katrinak, and her 15-week old son in Catasauqua, Pennsylvania. With Chris Anderson, Fatima Silva. Tribute Archive It's not often there's a laundry list of clear signals, but it's fun to iterate them when there are so many. Patricia Rorrer: Guilty Or Not?. The FBI declared the strongest piece Since then our team has proven that Patricia is innocent. Her friends say she was railroaded by the system and they want Chris and Fatima to join their fight to free her. In June of 2016 Patricia Rorrer's petition for a new trial was been thrown out. for the sole purpose of building a stronger case against Andy, their main suspect at the time. Pal stays true. Where is Patricia Rorrer Now? - The Cinemaholic By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. If I knew I was going to get caught, I never would have brought you into this world, the arresting officers testified they heard her say to Nicole. Oscar-nominated and Emmywinning director Berlinger (Paradise Lost, Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes), a leading voice in non-fiction film and television for over two decades, returns to keep checks on the criminal justice system. Keith Morrison investigates the horrific 1994 murders of Joann Katrinak and her infant son Alex, the tangled relationships surrounding the crime, and the ongoing claims that Patricia Rorrer was wrongfully convicted. Incriminating words. There was an error processing your request. Success! It seems Patricia's own daughter and baby Alex Katrinak were very close in age. Did investigators look for phone calls between Andrew and Patricia prior to December 11, 1994? She asked to speak with Andrew, who was home during the call; Joann refused. Finally, four months after that dreadful day in December, a farmer plowing his fields found what at first seemed to be a pile of discarded clothing. Another thing never presented at trial was the fact that they found flower petals in the soles of Joann's shoes,. He contributed to Altvariety, Chiseler, Smashpipe, and other magazines. Forensic tests suggested the hair found in the car and at the murder scene came from Patricia. A local murder case that made national headlines will be back in the national spotlight Sunday night. Wake up people this could be you! Other loyal friends and associates attested to Patricias kindness toward horses and devotion to her daughter, whom she took along as she worked in stables. Some lawyers call microscopic hair analysis junk science that today wouldnt qualify as evidence in a trial like Rorrers. Most convictions were procured through microscopic hair comparison which has been debunked as junk science today. The six-episode documentary series examines the cases of three different inmates who are serving life sentences on murder convictions but who claim innocence. In April 1995, the family buried Joann and Alex in a single bronze casket after a funeral mass at a Bethlehem church. She does not have a lawyer, her last lawyer was sued by the prosecutor. Four months later, when their bodies were found in a lonely patch of woods, the police would launch a three-year investigation leading to the arrest of Patricia Lynne Rorrera young mother who had never met either victimas the monster responsible. Charles Robert, the 3-month-old son she had with Gary Gabard, died of sudden infant death syndrome; Patricia found him blue in his crib. Any ideas why the fact that their bodies didnt appear to have been in the woods as long as previously thought wasnt brought up in court? Joe Berlingers documentary series Wrong Man shows what long form documentary journalism can achieve. - On December 15, 1994, Joann Katrinak and her three-month-old son Alex disappeared without a trace from their home in Catasauqua, Pa. Patricia Rorrer, the ex-girlfriend of Katrinak's husband, was convicted of the murders and has maintained . To date, the PA courts refuse to let me test this evidence which will prove my innocence. Patricia Rorrer being escorted by the police | Photo Credits: People Magazine. The episode made a special point about locating the photograph of Patricia Rorrer with dyed blonde hair. Psycho For Love: Patricia Rorrer killed her ex-boyfriend's new wife Pat Rorrer received a sentence of life imprisonment for her crime. Strands of the accuseds dyed-blond hair at two crime scenes proved it. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Later, they both worked 12-hour graveyard shifts at a textile factory. Born on January 24, 1964, in eastern Pennsylvania, Patricia Rorrer spent most of her life going back and forth between the Keystone State and North Carolina. The episode claimed the jury required just two hours to deliberate, but other sources indicate it took six. But thats just some of the ammo on Team Patricias battleship. By: Robert S. In 1994, Joann Katrinak called her mother-in-law and made plans to go holiday shopping. Joanns first husband, New Jersey construction worker Michael Jack, who had reportedly abused her during their marriage, also had a solid alibi. That hang-up, they said, was the last straw. Joann was shot once, then the gun jammed. Wrong Man Season 2 Release Date Confirmed (Exclusive) Was this on unsolved mysteries too? Mostly cloudy and drier, but a few scattered rain showers linger early, and perhaps a few snow showers at any point in the Poconos. TV-MA | Mar 1, 2020 | 53m. Criminals aren't always the smartest folks - this area highlights the common (and reoccurring) mistakes they make. Chapter 1. . $4.99/mo. TV-14. It will show you that I have not committed these murders. (QUIZ), RAW: FILE: CHRIS ROCK IS SET TO MAKE NETFLIX HISTORY, Outlast Forces Lone Wolf Contestants to Embrace Team Dynamics for Netflix Competition, Diego Luna: Andor Ending With Season 2 Is Really Important for My Mental Health. A subreddit dedicated to the unresolved mysteries of the world. He was sentenced to life in prison. The victim in this crime had a hair clutched in her right hand, and three pieces of fingernail found on her body, none of which has ever been tested. How would an intruder find it? The footage was quite old and filmed well before the show and theory so it caught my notice after the show stated his percentiles being nearly off the chart. [1] The mitochondria, and thus mitochondrial DNA, are passed exclusively from mother to offspring through the egg cell. Watch enough true crime shows and you're bound to hear one of these gems. At the very least, prosecutors got their story very wrong as they convicted Patricia. When their bodies were found four months later, police sought the clues to find their killer. Wrong Man season 2, episode 4 recap: Under the Microscope - Show Snob Patricia is and has been fighting that she is innocent from the very beginning. Smith claims that she is innocent and that she loved the victim like a daughter., The second is Patricia Rorrer, who has been in prison since 1998 after being convicted of the horrific murder of a young mother, Joann Katrinak, and her 15-week old son in Catasauqua, Pennsylvania. I lived with Andrew Katrinak for approximately 5 years, and we ended our relationship as friends in 1989 when I moved to North Carolina.. We would speak 2 or 3 times a year. I lived more than 500 miles away, was engaged to be married, was a new mother, and all of a sudden I'm arrested for murdering two people I'd never even met? Keith Morrison investigates the horrific 1994 murders of Joann Katrinak and her infant son Alex, the tangled relationships surrounding the crime, and the ongoing claims that Patricia Rorrer was wrongfully convicted. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Decades-old Lehigh Valley murder case back in national spotlight, Stormcenter - School / Business Application. . For this week, I looked into the defenders reasoning as well as Patricias whereabouts today. 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Senate vote, Reading Area Water Authority looking for leak on North Heidelberg Township line, Former Penn State Berks soccer player among dead in violent Monroe County crash, In Britain, warm hubs emerge to beat soaring energy costs, Biden expected to tighten rules on US investment in China, Paid express lanes grow more popular in once-reluctant South, Ukraine ally Kallas fights for reelection in Estonia vote, In Chicago, adapting electric buses to winters challenges, Pot vote has Oklahoma hungry to rake in green from Texas, Global race to boost electric vehicle range in cold weather, 6 Nigerian states drop suit to void presidential vote result, The implications of Walgreens' decision on abortion pills, What the Tech? Irelands husband buried it in the yard because he didnt feel comfortable with a firearm inside, she said. McIntyre said he was accused of being the mastermind of a conspiracy to frame Rorrer. They even lived together for about two years before parting ways for good. Patricia, who moved from PA to North Carolina, made long distance calls from her home practically every day, except for the time period between December 11 and 16. So, this pointed to a theory that Joann had either left on her own or encountered foul play within her home. Crime 2017. Not gender neutral. He wanted to move to Colorado and she was against it.. How to do some spring cleaning on your smartphone, What the Tech? Ive seen the forensics files episode a few times and Im shocked at how it could be so wrong! Felix (Phil) Rosado and Terrell (Rell) Woolfolk-Carter, WELCOME HOME!!!!! Puny policy. Patricia was convicted based on her head hairs being found in the victim's car. She had money put aside. I would really recommend watching the Wrong Man 2-part episode. They initially thought Joann's husband Andy may have committed this crime, so they didn't check into Patricia's story of being in a dance class during the time of the kidnapping. After watching the latest Starz episode of Wrong Man (a great investigative show), I started thinking about the Patricia Rorrer case again. She has been incarcerated for 24+ years. List of female murderers by name | R | Murderpedia She had a suitcase packed, Devine said. 1994 double-murder case returns to Lehigh County Court - Lehighvalleylive Brisk with west to northwest winds around 10-20mph gusting to 30mph.. Mostly cloudy with less wind and a few breaks in the clouds overnight. After a successful first season, Starz has announced thatWrong Man season 2 will premiere on Sunday, Feb. 9 at 9:45 p.m. Read More:Where is Jacqueline Crymble Now? Sounds like prosecutors made the right call based on this. Knowing that they were not killed the day they were kidnapped, but instead held for potentially months, blows the fact that she didn't make a phone call for a few days out of the water. Lieutenant Christopher Coble and Sergeant Suzanne Pearson would later testify that Patricia cried and apologized to 18-month-old Nicole, telling the baby, Im sorry for doing this to you and lamenting to the officers that she would never see little Nicole again. Patricia demonstrated a consistent habit of long-distance calls from home, then had an obvious gap while claiming she. The Ex Files - Reasonable Doubt (Season 5, Episode 7) | Apple TV The Free Patricia Rorrer page responds to comments from supporters (How is this even possible that this woman is still in jail?!? These organelles, found in all eukaryotic cells, are the powerhouse of the cell. So much in this case, and every time she appeals with new evidence she is denied. Patricia Rorrer is serving a life sentence, convicted of driving 500 miles to kill her ex-boyfriend's new wife and his baby. Patricia L. Rorrer was taken into custody from the Linwood home she shared with her boyfriend and 1-year-old daughter on June 24, 1997. Weak wages. Three days later, Joann had plans to pick up her mother-in-law, Veronica Katrinak, to go Christmas shopping. Further, an early FBI report said the hairs found in the car had no roots which contain the DNA suggesting an evidence switcheroo. Berlingers landmark HBO documentary Paradise Lost Trilogy helped lead to the release of the wrongfully convicted West Memphis Three after 18 years of incarceration. The police considered the possibility that Joann ran away, a theory disputed by her family. The 5-foot-9-inch-tall Patricia was physically strong, no match for 5-foot-4-inch Joann. Tips to help protect your smartphone from thieves, Godfather of soft rock David Lindley dead aged 78 after months of illness, Prince George set to play key role in King Charles coronation but only if hes back in school ASAP after!, Idris Elba: Its MY prerogative to stop labelling myself a black actor, Stephen tWitch Boss widow Allison Holker tells their kids they will find courage, Which Outer Banks Character Are You? I'm not sure to what extent it was brought up in the original trial. "I'm very angry, very very very angry," McIntyre said. At the states request, the instructor wore a wire during a phone conversation with Patricia. 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. It's as if she had left with young Alex as planned but then somehow simply vanished. Of course, Patricia denied this. The Worldwide Womens Criminal Justice Networks website also points to a bombshell: In 2015, the Justice Department acknowledged that most of the team members from an FBI microscopic hair comparison unit gave prosecutors flawed data from 1980 to 2000 that could have unjustly contributed to a number convictions including Patricia Rorrers. Clair is black, and no forensic evidence ties him to the crime scene.. Rorrer was convicted at trial in March 1998 of kidnapping Joann Katrinak, 26, and her 3-month-old son, Alex, on Dec. 15, 1994, from their Catasauqua home . But none of those charges ever stuck. Patricia knew her gun tended to jam, but she used it anyway. . Prosecutor pounds away. Posted: June 22, 2022 He will never be able to speak if this case! FILED DECEMBER 13, 2013 Patricia Lynne Rorrer appeals from the order entered in the . 99.99 or whatever it was. Here was some other evidence mentioned in the Forensic Files episode: A forensic entomologist examined insect activity on the victims. Patricia was wrongfully convicted and we will show you how! Sad discovery. McItyre said this is hearsay and the officer has refuted everything in an affidavit. During Patricias hours-long turn in the witness chair, Michael McIntyre grilled her relentlessly. But other things Patricia did also seemed strange, especially according to prosecutor Michael McIntyre. Wow this episode was featured on Forensic Files. Season 9 aired from August 7, 2015, to November 6, 2015. Nickelodeons Kids Choice Awards: What Is Slime, and Why Do We Love It? Andrew had an ex-girlfriend, Patricia Rorrer, who'd been familiar with the trail, and she'd previously managed a horse stable just a mile from the scene. Convenient Suspect on Apple Books And because of the gun jamming, the assailant had to resort to blunt object and beat her about the head. Please take the time to read my story. After retracing the prosecutor's claim of Patricia breaking into the basement door, private investigators found it highly unlikely someone like Patricia would have all the tools and know-how to unscrew all the bolts and then navigate through a very long, confusing dark basement to cut a phone line. Com. v. Rorrer, P. :: 2017 :: Pennsylvania Superior Court Decisions Whether she suffocated him or left him to die of exposure, there's a special place in hell for someone who's able to live with themselves after such a heinous crime. Replies analysing and speculating over the mystery and possible explanations are encouraged. She was also no stranger to law enforcement because she had a history of violence which included an arrest for getting into a bar brawl with another patron over a guy. There is still an appeal coming up (I believe) but everything else has failed so far to get Patricia another trial. Berlingers recently directed Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes, and the feature film on the infamous serial killer, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, for Netflix. I know I did not commit these murders and they need to get justice for Joann and Alex too. Well, that really caught our attention of course.". Patricia denied owning a .22 caliber pistol (the type of gun used to kill Joann). There was an error processing your request. I cant lose them, he told the media. Microsoft Apps Unseasonably warm weather in late December suggested that the victims were there since they were killed. A young mother and her infant son suddenly went missing just before Christmas in 1994. When she stood trial that same year, she maintained her innocence and alleged that she and Andrew Katrinak had continued to stay in touch as good friends, so she wouldn't do anything to hurt him. On closer inspection, he saw it was the body of a woman. I wasn't hung up on Andy, and I didn't want him back. Patricia's friends claimed that she was not "stalking" Andy and had fully moved on with her life (new boyfriend, new city, a long time ago etc.). He said she did own a firearm, with its serial numbers filed off. So I was convicted of 2 counts of first degree murder and 2 counts of kidnapping. Some who still believe in Patricia Rorrer's innocence say it was long enough for him to stage the scene. Another case is Patricia Rorrer, who has been in prison since 1998, convicted of the murder of a young mother and her 16-week old son in Pennsylvania. The investigation that led to her identification and then turned up enough evidence to arrest and convict Patricia Rorrer was interesting. A photo at the time showed that Patricia had dyed her hair blonde, which matched the hair found. Is to get Patricia a fair trial that will prove her innocence, and give justice to Joann and Alex who died a horrific death. Patricia Rorrer was convicted of both deaths in the mid-90's and is serving a life sentence. The prosecution asked for the death penalty, but the jury chose to sentence me to life in prison without parole which, actually, is just a slower death sentence. Criminal Division at No (s): CP-39-CR-0002176-1997 BEFORE: BENDER, P.J.E., BOWES AND SHOGAN, J. Patricia Rorrer | Worldwide Womens Criminal Justice Network - WCJN Local author finds possible new evidence in 20 year old murder case Prosecutors also claimed DNA hair evidence found in the car matched Patricia's hair at the time (using what was considered valid DNA methods). How about the phone line being cut? On December 12, 1994, Joann answered a phone call from a woman shed never met, Patricia Rorrer, her husbands onetime girlfriend. Season 1. Wouldn't he have tried to call his mother recall it was with her Joann had planned to go Christmas shopping. According to a Morning Call account from March 5, 1998: McIntyre leaned forward conspiratorially like someone trying to persuade another to tell a secret, lowered his voice and said: Heres what I want to know: After you killed Joann Katrinak, did you kill that baby or just leave it to die?. Patricia Rorrer's Story - RIGHT TO REDEMPTION Patricia Rorrer's home phone record did not show her call to the Katrinak house three days prior to the kidnapping because she'd already made the trip to Pennsylvania to see Andrew. 6-10. PATRICIA LYNNE RORRER Appellant No. And it certainly didn't make me mad enough to jump in my car, drive 500 miles one way and kill two people I'd never met--one an infant child. Since 2010, Tammy has been researching the 1994 Katrinak murders in Catasauqua. He gave an audio interview to the Wrong Man investigators when they made a surprise visit to his house, but he declined to appear on camera. As for an epilogue on ex-flame Andrew Katrinak, he has moved to Colorado and kept a low profile since the trial ended. Mizgerd said she is convinced Rorrer is innocent. July 16, 1932 - September 10, 2020, Dr. Edward E. "Gene" Rorrer, Sr. passed away on September 10, 2020 in Abingdon, Virg. Keith Morrison Explores Claims of Wrongful Conviction in Investigation Rorrer offered her attendance at a private club in North Carolina as one of her alibies, but the club (per a state regulation) required members to sign in.