Boys on the Tracks Part 2: Drug Trafficking, Police Corruption, and Murder

Recap of the "Boys on the Tracks" Case

• 🚂 In August 1987, two boys, Don Henry (16) and Kevin Ives (17), were found dead on train tracks in Bryant, Arkansas.
• 🔍 The initial investigation by the Saline County Sheriff's Office was deemed "botched." The medical examiner ruled their deaths accidental, attributing them to marijuana intoxication and falling asleep on the tracks.
• ⚖️ Dissatisfied parents pushed for a press conference, leading to a grand jury that questioned the accidental ruling and called for a second autopsy.
• 🔬 A renowned pathologist, Dr. Burton, conducted the second autopsy, changing the ruling from accidental to homicide.
• 🚓 The investigation was then transferred to the Arkansas State Police, facing an uphill battle due to the initial mishandling of the case.

Drug Trafficking in the Region

• 💊 Cocaine and other drugs were flowing into Little Rock and surrounding areas from Central America via major freeways.
• ✈️ The Mena Airport was identified as a hub for drug trafficking, with planes landing covertly at night.
• 📦 To combat this, authorities began monitoring the airport, leading to planes dropping drugs from low altitudes instead of landing.

Key Witnesses and Statements

• 👤 Jeff Rhodess: A potential buyer seeking cocaine was unable to obtain it and contacted Don Henry, who, along with Kevin Ives, offered to get it from Don's connections.
• 🗣️ Gayla (Don Henry's sister): Stated Don had been to an alleged drug dealer's home to buy marijuana and mentioned knowing an "ultimate dealer" in Little Rock.
• 🚗 Chris Ballard (Don's brother-in-law): Saw Don the Thursday before his death, who mentioned stealing cocaine and the "ultimate guy" in Little Rock.
• 🤫 Confidential Informant: Reported Don and Kevin overheard a phone call about a large drug drop near the train tracks.
• 🏍️ Keith Cooney: A friend of the victims, stated he was with Don and Kevin the night they died. They were approached by two police officers, causing Keith to flee on his motorcycle, believing the boys were attacked by the officers.
• 🕵️ Mike Crook (former nightclub manager): Reported a customer named Jerry saw three teenagers (one on a motorcycle) and two officers near Shrobe Road. Jerry witnessed an altercation where the officers beat the boys and put them in their patrol car.
• 🍻 Ronnie Godwin: Driving home after drinking, saw an unmarked police car near Shrobe Road. He witnessed two officers beating two boys, one of whom was shoved against a phone booth and hit. He saw the officers place the boys and a rifle into their vehicle and drive towards a dead-end road.
• 🌳 Tom Newhouse: Witnessed three men on the tracks and two figures approaching them. He identified one of the men as attorney Dan Harmon. He heard a gunshot and saw the teenagers flee.
• 👩 Charlene Wilson: Testified she dated Dan Harmon, a prosecutor involved in the case. She stated Harmon was involved in drug dealings and had knowledge of the boys' deaths. She later confessed to being at the tracks with Harmon, Keith McCascal, and Larry Rochelle, claiming they were there for a drug drop. She stated two boys were caught trying to steal drugs, one was already dead, and Keith McCascal killed the other. In a later confession, she claimed she stabbed one of the boys.

Suspects and Timeline Reconstruction

• 👥 Key players identified include Dan Harmon (prosecutor), Keith McCascal (bartender/drug dealer), Larry Rochelle, and two sheriff's deputies, Jay Campbell and Kirk Lane.
• 💥 The prevailing theory suggests the boys may have been attempting to intercept a drug drop. They encountered Harmon, McCascal, Rochelle, and possibly the deputies.
• 👊 A confrontation occurred, leading to the boys being beaten and taken by the officers.
• 💀 According to Charlene Wilson's statements, one boy was already dead, and the other was killed by McCascal or Wilson herself. The bodies were then placed on the tracks to destroy evidence.
• 🩸 The condition of the bodies and the limited, purplish blood at the scene suggested they were likely dead before being run over by the train.
• ⚖️ Dan Harmon, despite being a prime suspect, steered the grand jury investigation, potentially using it to control information and protect himself and his associates.