Mary & Bill: An Ohio Cold Case

In 1970, Mary Petry and Bill Sproat, two university students in love, were murdered in a Columbus, Ohio apartment. The crime was so brutal it drew comparisons to the Manson murders of the previous year. The case has never been solved. Host/Producer Justin Glanville and the sisters of the two victims track down friends, witnesses to the original investigation and the Columbus police to understand why the case remains unsolved, despite the existence of solid DNA evidence and the fact that police say they have a person of interest. Along the way, the three explore who really owns DNA collected at crime scenes – families or police? – and what it takes to bring new attention to a 53-year-old cold case in an era when police departments are struggling to attract new recruits.

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Recent Reviews

EskerChance

Very well done journalism

I love when good journalists do true crime podcasts. Fewer gimmicks, less wasted time by sticking to what’s useful, and a story that’s easy to follow. That’s Mary and Bill. I cannot believe there have been no updates from the prosecutor or police since 2023 when they started the genetic testing. What could possibly explain that? The family isn’t getting any younger. While the podcast does not point fingers at the state dragging its feet, any one with a brain has to ask that. Did they lose the evidence or mess it up? Are they trying to protect ineptitudes in the handling? Or is there some hard to imagine valid reason for keeping a heinous unsolved case from moving forward? Seems like justice denied at this point. I look forward to another episode with some resolution.
Pratt@65

any updates?

don’t want to lose track of this…can you give and update as to the state of this investigation?
MadLoopy

Good show

Good show
AssociatingbyPinner***yuk

Heartbreaking.

Very good true crime pod. I realize you are constrained by CPD’s actions & communications, but please keep us updated. Keep applying pressure. Podcast led to case being worked again. Warning: unsolved, cliffhanger
GaryElectric28

Among the best…

So superb that I find myself asking, is it one of the GOAT? YES, it is.
Amanda Grace G

Just Great Storytelling

This podcast is thorough, thoughtful, sensitive, respectful, and informative. I loved it and I can’t wait for updates.
Jmbooker1

Very well done

I really enjoyed this podcast.
Ndelaney

Great Podcast

A great podcast. Well researched and delivered to listeners in an understandable way. Grateful that this case is being looked in to more closely.
Betsor

Heartfelt Determination

I’m really absorbed in this story, which I had never heard of before. The podcaster has teamed up with a sister of the victims, and they are determined to dog the Columbus police until DNA is extensively tested.
Seeker7171

Solve 70’s Case with 21st Century Methods?

Riveting because the author’s parents are personally connected to the victims of this long-unsolved murders case. Dogged retrospective reporting provides an excellent review of basic crime scene investigation and analysis history.
Osusnoopy1

Less music

Just a little too much music throughout. It’s actually taking away from the story.