Hey everyone! I re-watched this segment yesterday but I couldn't find anything about this sad case here on the board.

For those of you who don't remember he was the guy who picked up a hitchhiker and was later found murdered.

This mysterious man was seen with Don several times, including at his daughter's work when she wasn't there and at a bar where he met his daughter and was obviously drunk. His daughter became quite upset with him for making a scene and kind of snapped at him which of course she regretted because that was the last time she ever saw him alive.

Don's pickup truck was later involved in a car accident in which a man who fitted the description of the hitchhiker took off and was never seen again.

Anyone knows if this was ever solved or if there was an update?

Anyone knows if this was ever solved or if there was an update?

As of a couple of weeks ago when this was aired on Lifetime (with Farina) there was no update in this case.

The Don Smith case reminds me of the Phillip Fraiser case. Both men were likely murdered by hitchhikers they picked up while traveling. Also, the hitchhikers seemingly didn't care that they were seen in the presence of their respective victims and carried out the the murders despite that fact. Considering that both Smith and Fraiser likely had no relationship with their killers before they crossed paths out on the road, these crimes will be extremely difficult to solve.

I am not aware of an update in either case.

Thanks guys, what a shame he hasn't been caught - just as I suspected though :(

What beats me is why the hitchhiker had to kill him :confused: . Don didn't seem like he had a lot of money or anything, such a senseless crime.

Anyway, I agree with you justins5256, that's what strikes me the most about this case and Phillip Fraser - the fact that the hitchhikers were seen several times and they were able to come up with some pretty good composites yet both are (to our knowledge) still at large.

Though there's nothing funny about the case itself, the re-enactment provided one of my all-time biggest UM laughs when Don Smith drunkenly turns to everyone in the bar and yells: "ANYONE WANNA FIGHT?!" :lol: .

Though there's nothing funny about the case itself, the re-enactment provided one of my all-time biggest UM laughs when Don Smith drunkenly turns to everyone in the bar and yells: "ANYONE WANNA FIGHT?!" :lol: .

I always found that quite amusing too.

I always found that quite amusing too.

Especially the look on the daughter's face right after he says it. She pretty much looks like she wants to say "I'm outta here!"

There is absolutely nothing about this case online, outside of UM related websites. That's very frustruating because I think this has got to be one of the most senseless crimes UM ever profiled. And, thanks to UM's ambiguity, we're left with several questions:

-Were Don's two dogs he had with him at the time of his death ever found?
-If they were located, where were they?
-Did Don ever tell his daughter who the "hitchiker" was, and how they met?
-What was the motive behind Don's murder? To gain access to a truck?

I'm sure the daughter had to have been somewhat curious as to who the guy was sitting in her father's truck. I wonder if she did in fact ask him who his was and if Don offered any clues to the guy's identity. Unfortunately, if he did, UM left that part out. I tend to think the killer is either dead or in prison for another crime. I would still like to see the killer identified. I wonder if "Larry Monroe" was actually his real name or just an alias.

Just watched this. You would think he could be found :/ I like how the daughter did the re-inactment. You don't normally see that!

There is absolutely nothing about this case online, outside of UM related websites. That's very frustruating because I think this has got to be one of the most senseless crimes UM ever profiled. And, thanks to UM's ambiguity, we're left with several questions:

-Were Don's two dogs he had with him at the time of his death ever found?
-If they were located, where were they?
-Did Don ever tell his daughter who the "hitchiker" was, and how they met?
-What was the motive behind Don's murder? To gain access to a truck?

I'm sure the daughter had to have been somewhat curious as to who the guy was sitting in her father's truck. I wonder if she did in fact ask him who his was and if Don offered any clues to the guy's identity. Unfortunately, if he did, UM left that part out. I tend to think the killer is either dead or in prison for another crime. I would still like to see the killer identified. I wonder if "Larry Monroe" was actually his real name or just an alias.

Like justin I too think of Philip Fraser. I wonder what made Don decide to pick "Larry Monroe" up to begin with being that he had a truck full of belongings and two large dogs.

Like justin I too think of Philip Fraser. I wonder what made Don decide to pick "Larry Monroe" up to begin with being that he had a truck full of belongings and two large dogs.

My best guess would be company for the long trip. The weirdest part for me is the fact that "Larry Monroe" was the one who went into the hospital looking for Don's daughter. Why was he the one who went in instead of Don? And if "Larry Monroe" planned on killing Don all along, would he really care that much about helping him find his daughter?

My best guess would be company for the long trip. The weirdest part for me is the fact that "Larry Monroe" was the one who went into the hospital looking for Don's daughter. Why was he the one who went in instead of Don? And if "Larry Monroe" planned on killing Don all along, would he really care that much about helping him find his daughter?



Yeah really...he had no problem showing his face all over.

Bump.

I just watched this one recently.

My gut feeling is that Don Smith probably picked up this guy "Larry Monroe" who was hitchhiking. From the re-enactments, and some of the comments made by the Smith's daughter, I got the vibe that Smith was an "angry drunk." (Who wants to fight?! I can whip anyone in here!!) I think he could have gotten in to an argument with the hitchhiker, and the hitchhiker killed Smith in a rage, and disposed of Smith's body, then stole Smith's truck and continued on to wherever his final destination was (or at least as far as he could get before the accident, which forced him to flee for obvious reasons). I say this because the hitchhiker (assuming he was the killer) allowed himself to be seen in Smith's company by numerous witnesses, including some who had a vested interest in Smith's well-being (the daughter, the daughter's co-workers). I doubt he would do this if murder was his endgame. Also, it sounds as though Smith was beaten and hit repeatedly in the head with some sort of jack that belonged in his truck. This would also be in line with anger being a motive, and the perp using whatever weapon was within reach, as opposed to using a gun or knife of his own.

As to what his ultimate end-game or plan was with Smith, it's hard to say. It could be something as simple as the guy was hitchhiking, he killed Smith in a rage and then had to dispose of his body and vehicle. I just have a hard time believing the guy would have allowed himself to be seen by so many people if he planned to hurt Smith from the get-go.

All this being said, I wonder how deeply the police checked for "Larry Monroe" - if the guy wasn't intending to kill Smith, that could, hypothetically, be his real name. Additionally, I wonder if any fingerprints were found in the car Monroe was driving, or in the motel room. I think it's reasonable to assume he left prints, as he would have been driving the vehicle and not planning to get in to an accident and ditch it as he did. From that, perhaps we could surmise the guy does not have a record, as he would have been located by now.

Bump.

I just watched this one recently.

My gut feeling is that Don Smith probably picked up this guy "Larry Monroe" who was hitchhiking. From the re-enactments, and some of the comments made by the Smith's daughter, I got the vibe that Smith was an "angry drunk." (Who wants to fight?! I can whip anyone in here!!) I think he could have gotten in to an argument with the hitchhiker, and the hitchhiker killed Smith in a rage, and disposed of Smith's body, then stole Smith's truck and continued on to wherever his final destination was (or at least as far as he could get before the accident, which forced him to flee for obvious reasons). I say this because the hitchhiker (assuming he was the killer) allowed himself to be seen in Smith's company by numerous witnesses, including some who had a vested interest in Smith's well-being (the daughter, the daughter's co-workers). I doubt he would do this if murder was his endgame. Also, it sounds as though Smith was beaten and hit repeatedly in the head with some sort of jack that belonged in his truck. This would also be in line with anger being a motive, and the perp using whatever weapon was within reach, as opposed to using a gun or knife of his own.

As to what his ultimate end-game or plan was with Smith, it's hard to say. It could be something as simple as the guy was hitchhiking, he killed Smith in a rage and then had to dispose of his body and vehicle. I just have a hard time believing the guy would have allowed himself to be seen by so many people if he planned to hurt Smith from the get-go.

All this being said, I wonder how deeply the police checked for "Larry Monroe" - if the guy wasn't intending to kill Smith, that could, hypothetically, be his real name. Additionally, I wonder if any fingerprints were found in the car Monroe was driving, or in the motel room. I think it's reasonable to assume he left prints, as he would have been driving the vehicle and not planning to get in to an accident and ditch it as he did. From that, perhaps we could surmise the guy does not have a record, as he would have been located by now.

That's a very good point "Larry Monroe" going out of his way being seen is evidence that murder was not his plan from the beginning. He was the one who entered the hospital to find Don's daughter, and he was the one who entered the bar first. I do not think the murder was a crime of passion, however. Shortly after Don's sister wired him $200, he was murdered. And "Larry Monroe" was seen with Don when he picked up the money.

That's a very good point "Larry Monroe" going out of his way being seen is evidence that murder was not his plan from the beginning. He was the one who entered the hospital to find Don's daughter, and he was the one who entered the bar first. I do not think the murder was a crime of passion, however. Shortly after Don's sister wired him $200, he was murdered. And "Larry Monroe" was seen with Don when he picked up the money.

So do you think this was a robbery turned murder? Or, do you think Monroe knew he had the money (wired to him for some other reason) and just decided to kill him for it?

So do you think this was a robbery turned murder? Or, do you think Monroe knew he had the money (wired to him for some other reason) and just decided to kill him for it?

I think either way is probable. I do think he got the idea to rob him once Smith got the money wired to him. I don't know if murder was on his mind, but it's also possible that Smith accused him of taking it which then threw the guy into a rage and killed him. But LE believes he was killed from behind while he let his dogs out, which would indicate that he snuck up on him and killed him.

I think either way is probable. I do think he got the idea to rob him once Smith got the money wired to him. I don't know if murder was on his mind, but it's also possible that Smith accused him of taking it which then threw the guy into a rage and killed him. But LE believes he was killed from behind while he let his dogs out, which would indicate that he snuck up on him and killed him.

Just watched this again. I think you are most likely correct in that the money became the motivation for the murder. It was only $200 as I recall.

One thing I do find kind of interesting is that the assailant got in to an accident and abandoned Smiths' vehicle. In the process, he also abandoned his motel room - at least the segment makes it seem as though he never returned to the motel after the accident.

Obviously, no one really plans to get in to a car accident, so his fleeing the scene never to return was likely unplanned and improvised, as was the fact that he couldn't return to the motel.

The fact that he fled in a hurry makes me wonder if he left fingerprints or physical evidence behind in either the vehicle or the motel room. It's not like he had time to clean up. If there was ever a point to closely look for mistakes in the execution of the offense, that would have been the time.

I also noticed that at the end of the segment, Stack mentions that the suspect seemed to have a familiarity with the Blackfoot, Idaho area. This made me think of a part earlier in the segment where Smith and the assailant went to the hospital where Smiths' daughter Brenda worked and had to get directions to where Brenda and her friends were fishing by the lake. According to the shift supervisor at the hospital who spoke with the assailant, the assailant seemed to know where that location was or have some familiarity with the area.

That just seems like some pretty esoteric knowledge. I wonder if the perp was from the area originally, or had family there or something. He could have been a transient or something.

The whole crime is pretty senseless, and I find it really strange that the guy would let himself be seen in the company of Smith before the murder, and presumably go on to commit the murder anyway. It seems like the guy had nothing to lose, and his net gains would have been $200 and the temporary use of a vehicle.

I like how Stack mentions at the end that the guy wasn't a suspect, and that the police would like to get his side of the story. Heh.

I've also been really puzzled as to why "Larry Monroe" allowed himself be seen with Smith in front of so many people. Something about this one just doesn't sit right with me. I feel like he never planned from the beginning to kill Smith. I think something triggered it.

I've also been really puzzled as to why "Larry Monroe" allowed himself be seen with Smith in front of so many people. Something about this one just doesn't sit right with me. I feel like he never planned from the beginning to kill Smith. I think something triggered it.

I made a post earlier in this thread where I brought up the possibility that it was a crime of passion.

Recall that Smith was an "angry drunk." (I can whip anyone in here!!)

I speculated that perhaps Smith said something that upset the guy, so the guy killed him.

Further evidence in support of this theory was the use of the weapon (a tire iron), as it would have just been the only thing available. Anger as a motive would also explain why Smith was beaten severely.

Yet, TheCars brought up two points that may point toward robbery as a motive - the fact that Monroe was with Smith when they picked up the cash advance, and that LE indicated that Smith was attacked from behind - this might suggest some level of pre-meditation. In fact, this is what the re-enactment depicts. Monroe sneaks up behind Smith.

The most bizarre thing about the segment to me was that Monroe went into the hospital looking for Smith's daughter, not Don Smith himself. Granted, Smith may have been intoxicated at the time and didn't want to make a bad impression at his daughter's place of work, but it's just really odd to me that Monroe would be willing to go in and look for this guy's daughter for him. That, IMO, points to him trying to help Smith at this point, and not planning on committing any crime.

It's possible that the more time Monroe spent with Smith, the more irritated he became. But I find it odd that this guy accompanied him throughout the US (LE theorize he was picked up in Nevada somewhere, was seen with Smith in Idaho, picking up the wired money in Utah, Don Smith's body found back in Idaho) wouldn't have had a better time and opportunity to kill him, if indeed this was a crime of passion. The fact that Smith was murdered shortly after the money transfer seems to indicate to me that this was a crime of opportunity.

I made a post earlier in this thread where I brought up the possibility that it was a crime of passion.

Recall that Smith was an "angry drunk." (I can whip anyone in here!!)

I speculated that perhaps Smith said something that upset the guy, so the guy killed him.

Further evidence in support of this theory was the use of the weapon (a tire iron), as it would have just been the only thing available. Anger as a motive would also explain why Smith was beaten severely.

Yet, TheCars brought up two points that may point toward robbery as a motive - the fact that Monroe was with Smith when they picked up the cash advance, and that LE indicated that Smith was attacked from behind - this might suggest some level of pre-meditation. In fact, this is what the re-enactment depicts. Monroe sneaks up behind Smith.

Yeah, I saw your post and it basically conjured up some feelings I'd had about the case. I guess I don't really understand the association with Monroe at all. Was it in Smith's habit to pick up hitchhikers? Was this a Neil Jennings-Bill Blackwell type relationship? I don't want to get all cocytus up in here, but was there some kind of sexual advance made toward someone?

I also entertained the notion that Monroe could have targeted Smith from the beginning, perhaps plying him with alcohol and keeping him relatively "liquored up" in order to wait for the right moment to rob Smith of his truck, his money, whatever.

The most bizarre thing about the segment to me was that Monroe went into the hospital looking for Smith's daughter, not Don Smith himself. Granted, Smith may have been intoxicated at the time and didn't want to make a bad impression at his daughter's place of work, but it's just really odd to me that Monroe would be willing to go in and look for this guy's daughter for him.

It's been a LONG while since I've seen this segment (it's somewhere in my collection, but I'd have to dig it out). I thought Smith only telephoned the hospital and spoke to his daughter's supervisor. For some reason, I don't remember Monroe actually going in there to look for her.

It's been a LONG while since I've seen this segment (it's somewhere in my collection, but I'd have to dig it out). I thought Smith only telephoned the hospital and spoke to his daughter's supervisor. For some reason, I don't remember Monroe actually going in there to look for her.
Monroe did actually go into the hospital to find Smith's daughter and one of her supervisors even came into the parking lot with him to speak to Don. I also find it quite baffling that he showed his face not only to the people in the hospital, but also to everyone in the bar.

Monroe did actually go into the hospital to find Smith's daughter and one of her supervisors even came into the parking lot with him to speak to Don. I also find it quite baffling that he showed his face not only to the people in the hospital, but also to everyone in the bar.

Thanks, Wishful. His going into the hospital is very strange. I mean, there seemed to have been absolutely no reason for him to have done that unless he legitimately wanted to help Don, or perhaps he was just depraved enough to string the man along like that.

I also entertained the notion that Monroe could have targeted Smith from the beginning, perhaps plying him with alcohol and keeping him relatively "liquored up" in order to wait for the right moment to rob Smith of his truck, his money, whatever.

Yeah, I sort of got that vibe as well. A part of me wonders if Smith was an alcoholic or at least a serious abuser. I can't recall if it was mentioned one way or another in the segment.

In any event, perhaps Monroe saw an easy opportunity in Smith for a robbery, either for the money he had just received via wire, the truck, or both.

I also wonder how he got mixed up with Monroe in the first place. The hitchhiking theory seems the most obvious direction, I guess, considering Smith was traveling cross country to visit his family.

I find it odd that Smith did not introduce Monroe to his daughter or anyone else they encountered. Did Brenda even ask her Dad who the guy was? If so, it was never stated in the segment. I just find that weird.

Perhaps I'm going out on a limb here, but I wonder if Smith had a "habit" of picking up young male hitchhikers and the family just didn't ask questions.

The seeming non-mention of the guy's identity or absence of that line of questioning by the family, the mere existence of the "theory" that Monroe was hitchhiking (absent of other evidence), and some of the daughter's comments about Smith being a "macho" type. I don't know. I'm probably reading in to it a little much, but it does seem strange.

Thanks, Wishful. His going into the hospital is very strange. I mean, there seemed to have been absolutely no reason for him to have done that unless he legitimately wanted to help Don, or perhaps he was just depraved enough to string the man along like that.

This is why I don't think the murder was premeditated. It seemed like Monroe genuinely tried to help Smith initially. They criss-crossed across the country together, and Monroe was seen with Smith in various locations. The UM segment also mentions that after police theorized Smith picked up Monroe hitchhiking, they BOTH started drinking. Which is weird.

Yeah, I sort of got that vibe as well. A part of me wonders if Smith was an alcoholic or at least a serious abuser. I can't recall if it was mentioned one way or another in the segment.

Seems plausible. It seemed like everywhere the pair were seen together (hospital, bar) Smith was drunk. But Smith's daughter said that hew as a good person, until he drank, but then added, "which he didn't do very often." Which makes me wonder if it wasn't Monroe who was the one who initiated the drinking.

In any event, perhaps Monroe saw an easy opportunity in Smith for a robbery, either for the money he had just received via wire, the truck, or both.

It absolutely, positively has to be the money being the motive. There were three instances were Smith and Monroe were seen together. The hospital, the bar, and the western union. Monroe drove Smith to the hospital, and actually got out to see if he could find his daughter. Very weird for a guy planning on killing someone, IMO. Monroe also had a prime opportunity to steal his truck while Don was at the bar with his daughter. His daughter said that after Monroe got out of the bathroom, he went out and walked right by Smith and sat in the driver's seat of his truck, seeming impatient and "disgusted" with being there. He could have stolen the truck then. It was only after the money was picked up that Smith was murdered. 2 weeks after Smith was last seen by his daughter was when his body was found. The coroner determined that his body was decomposing for 2 weeks. The last time the pair were seen together was when Smith picked up the money. I think it's pretty cut and dried what the motive was. Monroe could have been a junkie. For all we know, Monroe could have been the one plying Smith with the alcohol, with the hopes of lowering his inhibitions making him get the money easier, and easier to kill him, etc.

I also wonder how he got mixed up with Monroe in the first place. The hitchhiking theory seems the most obvious direction, I guess, considering Smith was traveling cross country to visit his family.

I think the police theory is right. IMO, Smith picked up Monroe, they started drinking, Smith more heavily than Monroe. Smith drank for the next two days, became intoxicated, and either started bragging to Monroe about his sister, or in a passing comment mentioned that she could send him money. This is when I think Monroe decided to kill Smith. Why he didn't just drive off with the truck and the money when Smith went out to feed his dogs is odd. Not to mention what the hell happened to Smith's dogs?

I find it odd that Smith did not introduce Monroe to his daughter or anyone else they encountered. Did Brenda even ask her Dad who the guy was? If so, it was never stated in the segment. I just find that weird.

It's possible that that she asked about him, because the UM segment mentioned Monroe possibly being from Blackfoot, Idaho. I don't know where UM could have gotten this information from other than Smith's daughter, or possibly from the motel registry. Plus, according to Smith's daughter a minute after Smith came in she went to the bathroom, embarrassed. When she came back out, he became belligerent and she just up and left. I don't know how much time she had to quiz the guy, especially if Smith did break down and start sobbing at the bar.

Perhaps I'm going out on a limb here, but I wonder if Smith had a "habit" of picking up young male hitchhikers and the family just didn't ask questions.

This would be really strange for him to pick him up and "advertise" the fact to his daughter.

The seeming non-mention of the guy's identity or absence of that line of questioning by the family, the mere existence of the "theory" that Monroe was hitchhiking (absent of other evidence), and some of the daughter's comments about Smith being a "macho" type. I don't know. I'm probably reading in to it a little much, but it does seem strange.

I don't even know if the daughter knew Smith was with Monroe until after she left the bar. She was sitting there and Monroe came in, took his shades off, and went to the bathroom. Then Smith walked in, and embarrassed, she too went to the bathroom. She came back a minute later, sat down and her father broke down and began sobbing. Then Monroe came out of the bathroom and went outside. When Smith started asking if anyone wanted to tussle, she got up and left. It's possible that this was when she noticed that Monroe sitting in her father's truck. It doesn't seem that strange to me. If your father randomly started crying in the middle of a crowded bar, your first thought would be to calm him down. I'm guessing that immediately after she got him to stop crying was when he became belligerent, which is why she quickly left.

Two things that baffle me:
-Don's dogs. What happened to them? Were they found out roaming around in the middle of nowhere, which led to the theory that Smith was killed after letting his dogs out?
-The bottle of wine found in a "sack" near where Smith's body was dumped. Smith had to have been killed elsewhere from where his body was found, because blood was found on a barrier nearby. The bottle of wine was found near the barrier. If Monroe bought this, or handled it, shouldn't his prints have been on the bottle?

Good point re: the opportunity to have stolen the truck at the bar, Cars. I suppose if he were A) intent on stealing that vehicle, and also B) somewhat sympathetic toward Smith, this would've been an ideal time to have done it. He would've gotten his take, but would've left Smith in the care of his daughter, who certainly would've seen to it that he get home, and get home safely. Just a thought.

I too wonder what happened to the dogs.

The one thing I'd like to know is where exactly Don Smith was murdered, and how close it was in relation to where he picked up the $200. Because if it's close, obviously there's your motive. But if it was farther away, it would be possible that Monroe became angry with Smith because he needed to be somewhere and Smith was taking his time (kind of like the Dorothy Donovan case with Charles Holden), or an argument arose after Smith became belligerent.

There is literally NOTHING about this case online.

You're right. Nothing online about this case other than it being connected to UM. I would hope for an answer by now. Were the dogs ever found?

This was the first UM segment I remember watching. It scared the crap out of me, mainly because my father was an alcoholic and I feared something similar happening to him...

Larry was (probably) a transient with no real job or commitments in life (clearly because he picked up with Don and traveled with wherever Don wanted to go). So, my guess is since he didn't seem like an alcoholic like Don, he was either a petty criminal or had some mental/emotional issues. Most normal people don't travel with an alcoholic they don't know. Even free spirits, I doubt would entertain traveling around with an drunk they had just met. Anyways, I don't think this Larry necessarily had it all together either so who knows the actual motive for the crime. I doubt it was planned from the beginning but it was either the money or he became angry at Don. I don't think it was a crime of passion, it had some planning it to.

I don't know how much of an alcoholic Smith was. His daughter mentions that he turned into a different person when he was drinking, but was quick to point out that he didn't do it very much.

I still think that Monroe was the one plying Smith with the alcohol.

I don't know how much of an alcoholic Smith was. His daughter mentions that he turned into a different person when he was drinking, but was quick to point out that he didn't do it very much.

I still think that Monroe was the one plying Smith with the alcohol.

If he wasn't an alcoholic he was quite the hard binge drinker and was on an extended bender. I don't think this was the first and only time he went on bender like that either. Even if Monroe did supply the alcohol, Smith willingly drank it. (I mean unless the theory is he forced him to drink it, but then why wouldn't Smith get help at the bar?.) Also, if Monroe was trying to get him drunk and disoriented, why help him search for his daughter? For all Monroe knew, his daughter could have sensed something wrong and either convinced her father to come with her or called the police for his welfare.

If he wasn't an alcoholic he was quite the hard binge drinker and was on an extended bender. I don't think this was the first and only time he went on bender like that either. Even if Monroe did supply the alcohol, Smith willingly drank it. (I mean unless the theory is he forced him to drink it, but then why wouldn't Smith get help at the bar?.) Also, if Monroe was trying to get him drunk and disoriented, why help him search for his daughter? For all Monroe knew, his daughter could have sensed something wrong and either convinced her father to come with her or called the police for his welfare.

I don't think Monroe forced Smith to drink.

But I do think Monroe went along for the ride with Smith initially, and during their travels, Smith relayed something to Monroe about his sister having money, or being able to wire him money if he needed it. Monroe seized on this, and kept plying him with alcohol to lower his inhibitions, to make it easier for Smith to ask his sister for the money. And that's when he was murdered. Monroe needed Smith to get the money.

But I just don't feel comfortable with labeling a guy we know nothing about based off of a 12 minute segment. Yeah the guy showed up drunk when he went to meet his daughter (at a bar coincidentally), but outside of that, there really is no evidence of Smith being an alcoholic.

Brenda made a comment in passing during the interview about her father drinking....something about how he was a wonderful person with the exception of when he drank, which wasn't often, thank god. Her tone made it seem like he was not too friendly when intoxicated.

Though there's nothing funny about the case itself, the re-enactment provided one of my all-time biggest UM laughs when Don Smith drunkenly turns to everyone in the bar and yells: "ANYONE WANNA FIGHT?!" :lol: .

Same here, one of those funny moments that is memorable.

Same here, one of those funny moments that is memorable.

Another hilarious moment from that scene is when Larry Monroe comes walking in through the door and the entire bar comes to a complete standstill just to stare at him in awkward silence. It resembles a scene from a western movie where the entire saloon cowers in fear when a notorious outlaw comes walking in.

Anyway, an interesting detail from the segment is how Don's daughter said he had recently gotten too sick to work and during their conversation in the bar, Don apparently talked about having cancer and how he was going to be in heaven with her mother very soon. They never really elaborate on how bad Don's cancer was, but I always got the impression that even if he hadn't been murdered, he probably didn't have much time left anyway. Even though Don's daughter said he didn't drink too often, I could see him greatly increasing his alcohol consumption if he believed he was going to die anyway. Under normal circumstances, Don might never have picked up a stranger like Larry Monroe and traveled with him, but I could see him wanting some company if he was feeling depressed and lonely.

In fact, I've also pondered the theory that Monroe might have considered the murder to be some sort of mercy killing. The fact that Monroe allowed himself to be seen by so many people gives the impression that he wasn't always planning to commit premeditated murder from the outset. Maybe in his own twisted mind, Monroe justified Don's murder as the act of putting an unhappy, terminally ill man out of his misery.

Another hilarious moment from that scene is when Larry Monroe comes walking in through the door and the entire bar comes to a complete standstill just to stare at him in awkward silence. It resembles a scene from a western movie where the entire saloon cowers in fear when a notorious outlaw comes walking in.

Anyway, an interesting detail from the segment is how Don's daughter said he had recently gotten too sick to work and during their conversation in the bar, Don apparently talked about having cancer and how he was going to be in heaven with her mother very soon. They never really elaborate on how bad Don's cancer was, but I always got the impression that even if he hadn't been murdered, he probably didn't have much time left anyway. Even though Don's daughter said he didn't drink too often, I could see him greatly increasing his alcohol consumption if he believed he was going to die anyway. Under normal circumstances, Don might never have picked up a stranger like Larry Monroe and traveled with him, but I could see him wanting some company if he was feeling depressed and lonely.

In fact, I've also pondered the theory that Monroe might have considered the murder to be some sort of mercy killing. The fact that Monroe allowed himself to be seen by so many people gives the impression that he wasn't always planning to commit premeditated murder from the outset. Maybe in his own twisted mind, Monroe justified Don's murder as the act of putting an unhappy, terminally ill man out of his misery.

This is an excellent post, and a point I had totally forgot/missed when watching the segment.

Smith very well could have been sick, how severe is anyone's guess, but his daughter doesn't make it seem like it was too serious. I'm guessing that once Smith was drunk, he became an emotional wreck, and probably exaggerated his condition in front of his daughter as a sort of "pity party" attempt. He could have done the same thing in front of Monroe. But I don't think Monroe ever considered Smith's murder a mercy killing. He may have told himself that to make himself "justify" the murder in his own sick mind, but I still think Monroe's sole motive for murdering Smith was to get that $200.

My Uncle was a drunk, well, I don't want to disparage him like that, but he definitely drank copious amounts of alcohol containing beverages. Towards the end he had a "handler" who's job was to drive him to various bars around town. When he'd get totally blotto the handler would drive him home. Uncle Slim always carried a gangsta wad of cash and would pay the guy $100 for his service. I always figured Don Smith was in a similar situation with the Larry guy. If he knew he had limited time, and was right, I could see him going out with a bang, doing stupid stuff, getting all emotional, and when he finally PO'd Larry enough, Larry just ended it and headed on out to greener pastures. With some green and whatever else Don Smith had.

Another hilarious moment from that scene is when Larry Monroe comes walking in through the door and the entire bar comes to a complete standstill just to stare at him in awkward silence. It resembles a scene from a western movie where the entire saloon cowers in fear when a notorious outlaw comes walking in.

I always got the impression it was a barroom full of whiteys staring at a black man.

Anyway, an interesting detail from the segment is how Don's daughter said he had recently gotten too sick to work and during their conversation in the bar, Don apparently talked about having cancer and how he was going to be in heaven with her mother very soon. They never really elaborate on how bad Don's cancer was, but I always got the impression that even if he hadn't been murdered, he probably didn't have much time left anyway. Even though Don's daughter said he didn't drink too often, I could see him greatly increasing his alcohol consumption if he believed he was going to die anyway. Under normal circumstances, Don might never have picked up a stranger like Larry Monroe and traveled with him, but I could see him wanting some company if he was feeling depressed and lonely.

In fact, I've also pondered the theory that Monroe might have considered the murder to be some sort of mercy killing. The fact that Monroe allowed himself to be seen by so many people gives the impression that he wasn't always planning to commit premeditated murder from the outset. Maybe in his own twisted mind, Monroe justified Don's murder as the act of putting an unhappy, terminally ill man out of his misery.

I had never thought of that before, but it's an interesting theory.

This is an excellent post, and a point I had totally forgot/missed when watching the segment.

Smith very well could have been sick, how severe is anyone's guess, but his daughter doesn't make it seem like it was too serious. I'm guessing that once Smith was drunk, he became an emotional wreck, and probably exaggerated his condition in front of his daughter as a sort of "pity party" attempt. He could have done the same thing in front of Monroe. But I don't think Monroe ever considered Smith's murder a mercy killing. He may have told himself that to make himself "justify" the murder in his own sick mind, but I still think Monroe's sole motive for murdering Smith was to get that $200.

Thanks. I actually do agree that Don might have been exaggerating his illness a little bit. One detail I'd forgotten about in the segment is that they very briefly mentioned that Don's wife hadn't heard from him in 12 days, so it seems Don was married to someone else, though I have no idea what their relationship was like at the time. If Don's illness was causing his current marriage to fall apart, that would certainly provide some insight into why he would feel compelled to pick up and befriend a random stranger.

I don't understand the theory of murder for money. We're talking about $200. That's a small amount of money to murder someone over. Not only that, but you walk in to the guy's daughter's place of employment, where everyone can see your face. Along with the bar, gas stations and other pit stops I'm sure they made, it's seem too risky.

But if not for the money, what other motive could possibly make sense?

People have been murdered for a whole heck of a lot less...

I don't understand the theory of murder for money. We're talking about $200. That's a small amount of money to murder someone over. Not only that, but you walk in to the guy's daughter's place of employment, where everyone can see your face. Along with the bar, gas stations and other pit stops I'm sure they made, it's seem too risky.

But if not for the money, what other motive could possibly make sense?

I think he mainly murdered Don Smith for his truck. Smith had picked him up hitchhiking, and the perp was seen driving Smith's vehicle (in another state) after Smith's murder.

Rewatched the segment. The UM segment is kind of confusing with its presentation of the timeline in the case, so I decided to attempt to make it easier.

-Don was planning on visiting his daughter in Idaho. The segment doesn't specify where at in Idaho, but it does mention that Don was leaving from Hemet, CA.
-Don left on May 11th, 1987.
-Don ran into trouble on the 11th, and had to abandon his trailer. The segment mentions that he made arrangements with a local man just outside of Las Vegas to leave his trailer with him until he returned. This would make sense as to why police theorized that Larry Monroe was a hitchiker, and that Don picked him up somewhere around the Vegas area. The "local man" outside of Vegas is an semi-important witness. He doesn't place Monroe with Don, meaning that (obviously) their paths hand't crossed yet.
-On May 12th, Don and Monroe arrive at the hospital where Don's daughter worked (presumably in Idaho).
-On May 13th, Don and Monroe were seen in Park City, Utah picking up the money order from Don's sister. This is the last confirmed sighting of Don alive.
-On May 16th, Monroe has the accident in Denver, Colorado.
-2 Weeks after May 11th, Don's body is found in Twin Falls, Idaho. No exact date is given. Police speculate that Don had been dead for approximately 2 weeks.

This tells me two things: Don and Monroe were headed back to Don's home in Hemet, since they were in Park City, Utah when the picked up the money order. And also the fact that the police speculated that Don had been dead for 2 weeks would seem to indicate that he died shortly after his trip began. And the last person to be seen with him was Monroe, picking up the money order. Which makes the theory that this was a crime of opportunity (and the motive was the money) much more believable, IMO.

One weird thing in the segment is mentioned early on. It says that Don left his home on the 11th, and when Monroe got into an accident on the 16th, the cops notified Don's wife who said she hadn't heard from him for 12 days? Was this after his body was found, or after Monroe had the accident?

Is there any possibility that Monroe isn't involved?? Meaning (I haven't seen the case in a few months so it isn't fresh) that Monroe's biggest crime could have been stealing the truck after Smith passed out drunk or was sleeping and someone else killed him??

Is there any possibility that Monroe isn't involved?? Meaning (I haven't seen the case in a few months so it isn't fresh) that Monroe's biggest crime could have been stealing the truck after Smith passed out drunk or was sleeping and someone else killed him??

possible, but highly unlikely.

Is there any possibility that Monroe isn't involved?? Meaning (I haven't seen the case in a few months so it isn't fresh) that Monroe's biggest crime could have been stealing the truck after Smith passed out drunk or was sleeping and someone else killed him??

I don't see why Mornoe would have fled the scene of the accident if he had nothing to do with Don's murder. Granted, if his biggest crime was lifting the truck, he still could have played it cool during the accident, because he would've had no idea that Don was dead at that point.

I was looking up online and apparently some people think 'Larry Munroe' is Barack Obama when he was younger? Apparently he lived in Idaho at the time this happened.... i can see some similarities i must admit lol

I was looking up online and apparently some people think 'Larry Munroe' is Barack Obama when he was younger? Apparently he lived in Idaho at the time this happened.... i can see some similarities i must admit lol

Pack it up boys and girls, this one's solved.

Pack it up boys and girls, this one's solved.

This won the Internet for me this morning.

Well done, Cars. :)

I don't understand the theory of murder for money. We're talking about $200. That's a small amount of money to murder someone over. Not only that, but you walk in to the guy's daughter's place of employment, where everyone can see your face. Along with the bar, gas stations and other pit stops I'm sure they made, it's seem too risky.

But if not for the money, what other motive could possibly make sense?


I think he mainly murdered Don Smith for his truck. Smith had picked him up hitchhiking, and the perp was seen driving Smith's vehicle (in another state) after Smith's murder.


I just watched this one again (and can't recall commenting on it before). I'm reminded of Dexter Stefonek here, but the one thing that sets this case apart is the motive - nothing really makes sense.

In Dexter's case, its assumed that a random hitchhiker murdered him and stole his car for the gas (I think? Haven't read through that thread in a bit).

Here though, the two most common theories - money or his truck don't make sense. If Larry Monroe was after money, possibly from Don's daughter, walking into her place of employment was a clear faux pas. One might try to begin to explain this away, but Monroe also bothered to show his face in a somewhat crowded bar. You would think that if the ultimate goal was robbery/extortion, he would've kept a relatively low profile until the deed was done.

For a crime of opportunity, the net gain being either $200 (plus or minus) or a truck, this seems awfully drawn out to me (though like LooksLikeCRicci said, people have been killed for a hell of a lot less)

I just watched this one again (and can't recall commenting on it before). I'm reminded of Dexter Stefonek here, but the one thing that sets this case apart is the motive - nothing really makes sense.

In Dexter's case, its assumed that a random hitchhiker murdered him and stole his car for the gas (I think? Haven't read through that thread in a bit).

Here though, the two most common theories - money or his truck don't make sense. If Larry Monroe was after money, possibly from Don's daughter, walking into her place of employment was a clear faux pas. One might try to begin to explain this away, but Monroe also bothered to show his face in a somewhat crowded bar. You would think that if the ultimate goal was robbery/extortion, he would've kept a relatively low profile until the deed was done.

For a crime of opportunity, the net gain being either $200 (plus or minus) or a truck, this seems awfully drawn out to me (though like LooksLikeCRicci said, people have been killed for a hell of a lot less)

I always had the sense that Don Smith’s murderer was probably a transient drifter type who lived a reckless “in the moment” kind of lifestyle. He could have seen this as an easy opportunity to get some quick cash and transportation to wherever so he could keep the party going, so to speak. The money could have been used to buy drugs, or perhaps he had the intention of selling the truck to turn an additional profit. Regardless, I think he saw Don Smith as someone he could rip-off to further his own ends and that’s exactly what he did.

Another possibility that I have contemplated before is that Smith could have said something, perhaps while drunk, that pissed the guy off and he killed him out of anger/rage.

I always had the sense that Don Smith’s murderer was probably a transient drifter type who lived a reckless “in the moment” kind of lifestyle. He could have seen this as an easy opportunity to get some quick cash and transportation to wherever so he could keep the party going, so to speak. The money could have been used to buy drugs, or perhaps he had the intention of selling the truck to turn an additional profit. Regardless, I think he saw Don Smith as someone he could rip-off to further his own ends and that’s exactly what he did.

Another possibility that I have contemplated before is that Smith could have said something, perhaps while drunk, that pissed the guy off and he killed him out of anger/rage.


I never thought about it like that. The more I think of this, the more it starts to click for me.

Just to piggyback on that, I'd highly recommend to anyone who has even a passing interest in true crime to take an introductory level criminology class at your local junior college.

You'll see that most crimes are actually pretty simple to deconstruct and there really isn't a lot of elaborate planning, forethought, or brilliance on the part of the offender.

A lot of UM cases come apart pretty easily if you just think of Occam's Razor and trying to find theories with the fewest possible variables. Not always easy to do, but I've found a lot of clarity in thinking through these cases over the years.

Rewatched the segment. The UM segment is kind of confusing with its presentation of the timeline in the case, so I decided to attempt to make it easier.

-Don was planning on visiting his daughter in Idaho. The segment doesn't specify where at in Idaho, but it does mention that Don was leaving from Hemet, CA.
-Don left on May 11th, 1987.
-Don ran into trouble on the 11th, and had to abandon his trailer. The segment mentions that he made arrangements with a local man just outside of Las Vegas to leave his trailer with him until he returned. This would make sense as to why police theorized that Larry Monroe was a hitchiker, and that Don picked him up somewhere around the Vegas area. The "local man" outside of Vegas is an semi-important witness. He doesn't place Monroe with Don, meaning that (obviously) their paths hand't crossed yet.
-On May 12th, Don and Monroe arrive at the hospital where Don's daughter worked (presumably in Idaho).
-On May 13th, Don and Monroe were seen in Park City, Utah picking up the money order from Don's sister. This is the last confirmed sighting of Don alive.
-On May 16th, Monroe has the accident in Denver, Colorado.
-2 Weeks after May 11th, Don's body is found in Twin Falls, Idaho. No exact date is given. Police speculate that Don had been dead for approximately 2 weeks.

This tells me two things: Don and Monroe were headed back to Don's home in Hemet, since they were in Park City, Utah when the picked up the money order. And also the fact that the police speculated that Don had been dead for 2 weeks would seem to indicate that he died shortly after his trip began. And the last person to be seen with him was Monroe, picking up the money order. Which makes the theory that this was a crime of opportunity (and the motive was the money) much more believable, IMO.

One weird thing in the segment is mentioned early on. It says that Don left his home on the 11th, and when Monroe got into an accident on the 16th, the cops notified Don's wife who said she hadn't heard from him for 12 days? Was this after his body was found, or after Monroe had the accident?

The locations with the timeline are interesting, because they left Idaho to go to Utah and then they go back to Idaho? Maybe Larry Monroe thought they'd get some money out of Brenda so they went back to Idaho. Don got killed on the way and then Larry flees and makes it to Denver.

The locations with the timeline are interesting, because they left Idaho to go to Utah and then they go back to Idaho? Maybe Larry Monroe thought they'd get some money out of Brenda so they went back to Idaho. Don got killed on the way and then Larry flees and makes it to Denver.

The last confirmed sighting of Don being alive was in Utah. I think it's possible that he was on his way back to California at this point. I think Monroe killed him after getting the money order, dumped his body back in Idaho, and then traveled east through Colorado when he had his accident.

This case has many similarities to the Neal Jennings murder. The biggest difference is that authorities actually knew the real identity of Jennings' murderer, Bill Blackwell. And Blackwell was on the run living a relatively "clean" lifestyle for 19 years before he was caught. That makes me think it's entirely possible that Monroe is still alive in the US somewhere, living a seemingly normal life.

This case has many similarities to the Neal Jennings murder. The biggest difference is that authorities actually knew the real identity of Jennings' murderer, Bill Blackwell. And Blackwell was on the run living a relatively "clean" lifestyle for 19 years before he was caught. That makes me think it's entirely possible that Monroe is still alive in the US somewhere, living a seemingly normal life.

I suggested the possibility in another thread Monroe might have been one of the Mickey Thompson shooters. The composite drawing looked a lot like the original composite of one of the Thompson killers, he had the same height and build as one of them, and Don Smith's murder and Mickey Thompson's were only ten months apart.

Plus hitmen are often drifters and transients.

Another thing too, I wonder if the authorities have Monroe's fingerprints? They were bound to have been in the vehicle, because the accident would have kept Monroe from having time to clean it. Not only that but they found bloody clothes in his hotel room. If they do, then you have to think this is still solvable.

Unfortunately Smith's common name makes it extremely difficult to find anything on this case. I just wonder if its still open.

I wouldn't put it past Smith, being an angry drunk, starting a drunken fight that led to the murder.

It always strikes me whenever I watch this one how much of a scene everyone in that bar made of an African American man walking in, to make everyone just stop silent in their tracks.

I wouldn't put it past Smith, being an angry drunk, starting a drunken fight that led to the murder.

It always strikes me whenever I watch this one how much of a scene everyone in that bar made of an African American man walking in, to make everyone just stop silent in their tracks.

Remember, Unsolved Mysteries was known to dramatize reinactments. We don't really know if that is how everyone reacted in the bar.

Although it may not have been unusual, this was Idaho in 1987 and even now very few African Americans live in the state, especially not in rural areas. So one walking into a bar was probably unusual. Especially this bar.

Remember, Unsolved Mysteries was known to dramatize reinactments. We don't really know if that is how everyone reacted in the bar.

Although it may not have been unusual, this was Idaho in 1987 and even now very few African Americans live in the state, especially not in rural areas. So one walking into a bar was probably unusual. Especially this bar.

Sure, but even the daughter confirms it in her narration.

I noticed two things that I didn't pick up on before while re-watching this one today. When Larry Monroe enters the bar, he goes straight to the bathroom, and then Don's daughter says that Don came in a minute or two later. While Don was talking to his daughter, she says that Larry Monroe passed by and ignored him and went outside to the truck. In the re-enactment, Don tells Monroe as he's passing by, "they don't serve whiskey here". I know re-enactments aren't 100% accurate, and maybe I'm reading too much into this one, but is that possible that this comment had a racial connotation to it? Like he was telling Monroe they don't serve blacks without actually saying it?

I also noticed that the murder weapon was the jack, which was from Don's truck. Monroe killing Don with something from Don's truck definitely sounds like a spur of the moment type of killing. If he wanted Don's truck and the $200, why not drive off with Don's truck while he got out to let his dogs run? Monroe also transported Don's body away from where he killed him (as theorized by the police). If his intent was to murder him for the truck and the money, why not leave Don where he killed him? IMO, there was much more at play here than the money (which I also think was part of the motive, but not the sole motive). Don's daughter made a comment about how Monroe looked completely disgusted with being at the bar with Don.

I noticed two things that I didn't pick up on before while re-watching this one today. When Larry Monroe enters the bar, he goes straight to the bathroom, and then Don's daughter says that Don came in a minute or two later. While Don was talking to his daughter, she says that Larry Monroe passed by and ignored him and went outside to the truck. In the re-enactment, Don tells Monroe as he's passing by, "they don't serve whiskey here". I know re-enactments aren't 100% accurate, and maybe I'm reading too much into this one, but is that possible that this comment had a racial connotation to it? Like he was telling Monroe they don't serve blacks without actually saying it?

I also noticed that the murder weapon was the jack, which was from Don's truck. Monroe killing Don with something from Don's truck definitely sounds like a spur of the moment type of killing. If he wanted Don's truck and the $200, why not drive off with Don's truck while he got out to let his dogs run? Monroe also transported Don's body away from where he killed him (as theorized by the police). If his intent was to murder him for the truck and the money, why not leave Don where he killed him? IMO, there was much more at play here than the money (which I also think was part of the motive, but not the sole motive). Don's daughter made a comment about how Monroe looked completely disgusted with being at the bar with Don.

While I'm not justifying Monroe's actions, I do think that Don was probably saying racist/disrespectful things while drunk which could've caused a heat of the moment attack. If Monroe's intent was to kill Don all along for the money and vehicle then why be seen in the hospital and bar? why meet his daughter?

I don't think Monroe was intent on killing him from the beginning, but Don probably kept rubbing salt on the wound until Monroe attacked him. He probably moved the body so he wouldn't be found immediately which would give him time to get away

I thought it was odd that Don would send "Larry" into the hospital where his daughter worked. I wonder why Don didn't at least accompany him

I thought it was odd that Don would send "Larry" into the hospital where his daughter worked. I wonder why Don didn't at least accompany him

I always thought it was because he was drunk.

While I'm not justifying Monroe's actions, I do think that Don was probably saying racist/disrespectful things while drunk which could've caused a heat of the moment attack. If Monroe's intent was to kill Don all along for the money and vehicle then why be seen in the hospital and bar? why meet his daughter?

I don't think Monroe was intent on killing him from the beginning, but Don probably kept rubbing salt on the wound until Monroe attacked him. He probably moved the body so he wouldn't be found immediately which would give him time to get away

There is really nothing to support this. It could be true, but you need a few more facts before you go and call someone racist. If Don Smith was racist why would he have even picked a black man up to give him a ride in the first place?

Also, the fact that Smith was hit in the back of the head causes problems for the whole self defense theory, or the whole idea that it was just an argument that got out of hand.

There is really nothing to support this. It could be true, but you need a few more facts before you go and call someone racist. If Don Smith was racist why would he have even picked a black man up to give him a ride in the first place?

Also, the fact that Smith was hit in the back of the head causes problems for the whole self defense theory, or the whole idea that it was just an argument that got out of hand.

Of course there's nothing to support it, that's why it's called a theory. The reason why I came up with my theory is because Don had been heavily drinking the whole trip, so much so that Larry had gone into the hospital to get his daughter for him.

If Larry's intent was murder from the get-go then why be seen in the hospital and bar where Don's daughter was? If someone is heavily intoxicated then there's a great chance that they could mouth off and say something disrespectful. However, you're right, I shouldn't have said Don could've said something racist, so let's just go with 'disrespectful'.

Don is heavily drinking, and starts saying things that irritated/angered Larry. Larry then strikes Don in the back of the head when he isn't looking.

Now perhaps this was Larry's intent from the get-go, but I doubt it as he willingly showed his face and drove that long with him

I do think that the money Don received from his sister could've been motive enough as well

Of course there's nothing to support it, that's why it's called a theory. The reason why I came up with my theory is because Don had been heavily drinking the whole trip, so much so that Larry had gone into the hospital to get his daughter for him.

If Larry's intent was murder from the get-go then why be seen in the hospital and bar where Don's daughter was? If someone is heavily intoxicated then there's a great chance that they could mouth off and say something disrespectful. However, you're right, I shouldn't have said Don could've said something racist, so let's just go with 'disrespectful'.

Don is heavily drinking, and starts saying things that irritated/angered Larry. Larry then strikes Don in the back of the head when he isn't looking.

Now perhaps this was Larry's intent from the get-go, but I doubt it as he willingly showed his face and drove that long with him

Yeah, I see what you are saying. And you and others make a good point about him allowing himself to be seen. I just didn't see a reason to zero in on the race angle. Mostly because I doubt Don would have picked him up in the first place if he was a racist. I just think sometimes people are to quick to think someone is racist because they are a middle aged white guy with a temper from the 80's or other eras from a certain place, or even still today.

As to what Monroe's intentions were, I can only speculate. I can't imagine they could have ever been that good though given what he wound up doing. My best guess is he may have been a small time conman who for whatever reason was playing the somewhat long game with Don, but his plan went awry. Maybe Don for whatever reason began to suspect he was up to no good, stopped the vehicle somewhere and told him to get lost and out of his vehicle when he let the dogs out. Then not realizing what his companion was capable of turned his back on him and we know the rest. For all we know Don may have even known him.

I even started a thread making a case that Larry Monroe might have been one of Mickey Thompson's assassins. Despite it being unlikely I thought I made a pretty compelling case but so far no one has responded so I guess others didn't find it as compelling. :D But to each their own.

I believe the case is still solvable, they are bound to have Monroe's fingerprints, though I doubt that was his real name. He abandoned Don's truck in Denver after the accident and never had time to wipe it.

Yeah, I see what you are saying. And you and others make a good point about him allowing himself to be seen. I just didn't see a reason to zero in on the race angle. Mostly because I doubt Don would have picked him up in the first place if he was a racist. I just think sometimes people are to quick to think someone is racist because they are a middle aged white guy with a temper from the 80's or other eras from a certain place, or even still today.

As to what Monroe's intentions were, I can only speculate. I can't imagine they could have ever been that good though given what he wound up doing. My best guess is he may have been a small time conman who for whatever reason was playing the somewhat long game with Don, but his plan went awry. Maybe Don for whatever reason began to suspect he was up to no good, stopped the vehicle somewhere and told him to get lost and out of his vehicle when he let the dogs out. Then not realizing what his companion was capable of turned his back on him and we know the rest. For all we know Don may have even known him.

I even started a thread making a case that Larry Monroe might have been one of Mickey Thompson's assassins. Despite it being unlikely I thought I made a pretty compelling case but so far no one has responded so I guess others didn't find it as compelling. :D But to each their own.

I believe the case is still solvable, they are bound to have Monroe's fingerprints, though I doubt that was his real name. He abandoned Don's truck in Denver after the accident and never had time to wipe it.

Yeah I'm surprised Larry was never caught. I really feel like he would've been caught by now

Let me clarify, the only reason I went the "racist" route was because I was trying to find a motive for Larry killing Don. They rode together for a while, and Larry even met his family, so I was just trying to piece together why he would snap so suddenly

But you bring up a good point about Larry playing the long game. This could've been his intent from the beginning. I also wonder if Don said he was going to drop Larry somewhere, but kept postponing it so Larry killed him and took his vehicle when he ran out of patience

But you bring up a good point about Larry playing the long game. This could've been his intent from the beginning. I also wonder if Don said he was going to drop Larry somewhere, but kept postponing it so Larry killed him and took his vehicle when he ran out of patience

Exactly what I think happened, though to put a finer point on it, I think that the more time Don spent off the wagon as it were, the sloppier/more unreliable he got until it just made more sense for Larry to kill him and take off than it did for him to keep tagging along with Don in his drunkenness.

Monroe was probably a hitchiker, Don picked him up so he could drive since he wanted to start drinking. Ive always wondered if Don promised Monroe something so he would drive him around while he drank? Cash? Food? Etc. Something obviously caused Don to have to ask his sister to wire him money? Did he drink away all his money for the trip? Did he promise Monroe a certain amount of the money for being his designated driver?

I find it difficult to believe Monroe set out to murder Don from the get go. It doesnt make sense he would voluntarily allow himself to be seen by so many people over several days.

No disrespect to Don but I believe a fight occured due to Don’s drinking. Monroe could have asked for money he thought he was owed or Monroe could have slowly been pocketing the money and Don found out. After fighting with Don and killing him I believe he began to panic, thats why he left the bloody jackhandle in the truck and the bloody clothes in the hotel room instead of discarding them. I do wonder why no fingerprints were found in the truck or the hotel room.

I wish we knew more about Donald's condition, the show makes it sound like he was on borrowed time, which does make me wonder if the hitchhiker felt less guilt in some way as he was killing a dying man.
At the same time, the lack of blood in the truck suggests the killing happened outside, and the location of the wound suggests the killing was not self defense.

I have tried in vain to find the bar (or the "lake" for that matter) that Don's daughter last saw him alive at. I have found the hospital where she worked, but there is really nothing "15 miles" away that has a lake or a bar overlooking it.

I have tried in vain to find the bar (or the "lake" for that matter) that Don's daughter last saw him alive at. I have found the hospital where she worked, but there is really nothing "15 miles" away that has a lake or a bar overlooking it.

do you mind sharing the name of the hospital?

Though there's nothing funny about the case itself, the re-enactment provided one of my all-time biggest UM laughs when Don Smith drunkenly turns to everyone in the bar and yells: "ANYONE WANNA FIGHT?!" :lol: .

Or right before this, when he starts crying, and his daughter says "Oh, G-d....."

do you mind sharing the name of the hospital?

Missed this from months ago, but it's State Hospital South in Blackfoot, Idaho.

Bumping an old thread after rewatching this episode. I agree with the consensus that murder was not the original motive. Larry Monroe could have murdered Don immediately if he planned to kill him all along and wouldn’t have allowed himself to be seen by so many people. He also wouldn’t have needed to use an improvised weapon. My theory is that there was something he was trying to do and was using Don to do it. I think he was getting Don drunk to try and coerce him into doing something for him (possibly trying to get money or perhaps to get somewhere else). At some point, Don refused to keep going, and when he was no longer useful to Larry, he killed him and stole his truck. In my mind this is further supported by the odd criss crossing of states. They went up to Idaho, down to Utah, back to Idaho, and then Larry eventually ended up in Denver. Part of me wonders if Larry always wanted to get to Denver and Don said something to the effect of “this is as far as I’ll take you” and Larry at that point impulsively killed him. His plan A was probably to try and get Don to agree to take him there voluntarily, either by getting him drunk or by legitimately befriending him.