MURDERED: Peggy Hettrick Part 2
When Peggy Hettrick’s body was found in an open field in Fort Collins, Colorado, police rushed to the nearest suspect. But clues left behind on Peggy’s body later turn the case upside down, leaving justice undone and multiple victims in the wake of a sloppy investigation.
In Part 2, we take a closer look at other viable suspects in Peggy’s case, some who were ignored or dismissed by investigators, and others we uncovered ourselves.
Listened to this episode? Let us know what you think here.
The celebration following Tim’s release from prison.
Credit: Helen H. Richardson via Getty Images
Top: Matt Zoellner’s floor with stains. Bottom: Matt’s broken table.
Credit: Fort Collins PD
Recreation of Matt’s apartment.
Credit: audiochuck staff
Tom McAn shoes.
Credit: Drawn to Injustice: The Wrongful Conviction of Timothy Masters by Timothy Masters and Steve Lehto (2012)
Mona Hughes.
Courtesy: Mona’s Family
Sergeant Ray Martinez.
Credit: audiochuck staff
Lieutenant Jim Broderick.
Credit: Helen H. Richardson via Getty Images
Peggy’s brother, Tom Hettrick.
Credit: audiochuck staff
Detective Linda Wheeler-Holloway.
Credit: audiochuck staff
Tim Masters.
Credit: audiochuck staff
Peggy Hettrick.
Courtesy: Tom Hettrick
Timeline:
The body of Peggy Hettrick, 37, is found in a field in Fort Collins, Colorado.
A Larimer County jury convicts Tim Masters of first-degree murder. He is sentenced to life in prison.
Masters is released from prison and a couple days later, the charges against him are dropped.
Open Field
The location of the former open field where Peggy’s body was found.
The Masters’ Trailer
The former location of The Masters’ trailer.
Fashion Bar Department Store
The location of the mall where Peggy worked.
Peggy Hettrick’s Apartment
The former location of Peggy’s apartment.
The Prime Minister Bar
The former location of the bar where Peggy was last seen alive.
Richard Hammond’s House
The former location of Hammond’s house.
Matt Zoellner’s Apartment
The former location of Zoellner’s apartment.
Black Hollow Reservoir
Where Lisa Holt’s body is found tied to a tree.
Eaton, Colorado
Where Mona Hughes’ body is found in a shed
Help reopen the case:
Contact the Colorado Attorney General
Join us in asking the Colorado Attorney General to reopen Peggy’s case, assign a new investigator and explore new DNA testing by following this link.
We’d love to speak with you and see how we can support.
If you’re a law enforcement agency or family member of one of the people we mentioned in this episode, or if you’re looking for more coverage on a case, please reach out. You can email us at:
Episode Source Material
- Original reporting by Emily Mieure
- Denver Post: Key questions linger in prominent cold case killing of Peggy Hettrick, by Kevin Vaughan. Published Sept. 21, 2018. Accessed November 18, 2024.
https://www.denverpost.com/2011/12/17/key-questions-linger-in-prominent-cold-case-the-killing-of-peggy-hettrick/ - Denver Post: Sketchy evidence raises doubt, by Miles Moffeit. Published May 7, 2016. Accessed November 18, 2024.
https://www.denverpost.com/2007/07/13/sketchy-evidence-raises-doubt/ - CBS Colorado: Charges against Masters’ investigator dismissed, by CBS Colorado. Published May 9, 2011. Accessed November 18, 2024.
Charges Against Masters’ Investigator Dismissed – CBS Colorado - Loveland Reporter-Herald: Judge dismisses 3 perjury charges against Jim Broderick, by the Loveland Reporter-Herald. Published December 21, 2011. Accessed November 18, 2024.
Judge dismisses 3 perjury charges against Jim BroderickLoveland Reporter-Heraldhttps://www.reporterherald.com › … - The Coloradoan: State says judges Jolene Blair, Terry Gilmore ‘impaired’ fair trial for Masters, by Trevor Hughes. Published September 9, 2008. Accessed November 18, 2024.
- The Coloradoan: Masters murder conviction, arrest now sealed, by Coloradoan staff. Published November 14, 2009. Accessed November 18, 2024 via newspapers.com.
Masters murder conviction, arrest now sealed - The Classic Journal: Is memory reliable?, by Lola Henry. Published December 21, 2022. Accessed January 25, 2025.
https://theclassicjournal.uga.edu/index.php/2022/12/01/is-memory-reliable/ - Fort Collins Weekly: The two lives of Dr. Richard Hammond, by Greg Campbell. Published December 5, 2007. Republished in the Greeley Tribune in May 2020. Accessed March 18, 2025.
https://www.greeleytribune.com/2011/05/11/the-two-lives-of-dr-richard-hammond/ - Denver Post: Detective: Dead doctor possible suspect, by Miles Moffeit. Published May 7, 2016. Accessed November 18, 2024.
https://www.denverpost.com/2007/08/23/detective-dead-doctor-a-possible-suspect/
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