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“Who Murdered Jimmy Gaul? - 1964 (Part 1)"
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Part 1 – 1964
Part 2 – The Initial Investigation
Part 3 – The Manuscript
Part 4 – Finding Jimmy - Who is Vandegrift?
Part 5 – The Boys Next Door - Part I
Part 6 – The Boys Next Door - Part II
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Part 2 – The Initial Investigation
Part 3 – The Manuscript
Part 4 – Finding Jimmy - Who is Vandegrift?
Part 5 – The Boys Next Door - Part I
Part 6 – The Boys Next Door - Part II
Creators & Guests
Host
Crystal Garcia
Host
Jose Medina
AA
Guest
Amy Anderson
Childhood Friend | Neighbor
GH
Guest
Gay Harvey
Childhood Friend | Neighbor
Guest
Tracy Ferris
Manuscript Receiver
What is Body of Crime?
Body of Crime is a true crime podcast for crime lovers. Join hosts, Crystal, Joe, and Alicia as they present cases and dissect each body of crime. Rather your love is to hear true crime stories, research, debate, and / or even attempt to solve some of the world’s most intriguing cases, we have you covered. Get ready to put your detective hats on and take some notes – you never know which mysteries will get messier with each case!
“Who Murdered Jimmy Gaul? – 1964”
James “Jimmy” Anthony Gaul, Jr.
INTRODUCTION
Welcome fellow true crime enthusiasts to today’s case file, “Who Murdered Jimmy Gaul? – 1964.”
Today, we embark on an journey into the depths of a case that will surprise, intrigue and leave you spellbound, not just with curiosity, but with a burning desire to uncover the truth and offer closure to a mother who has sought justice for over 60 years, left in what could only be described as perpetual anguish. Despite its profound significance, for some mysterious reason, this case has remained shrouded in obscurity – until now.
Body of Crime marks the inaugural exploration of this haunting tale, promising a thorough examination of every thread and intricate detail. Today, we delve into the lingering tale of Jimmy Gaul, a seven-year-old boy whose bright future was cut short by a savage and brutal act of violence in May of 1964.
Join us as we peel back the mystifying layers surrounding this long unsolved cold case mystery. We not only promise a thorough examination of what has been known, uncovered and shared throughout the life of this case over the last 60 years, but we also intend to bring forth new facts and information that has never been uncovered until most recently, as we attempt to uncover the truth and offer closure and resolution to a mother’s suffering.
Despite the passage of nearly six decades since the murder of young Jimmy Gaul, justice has remained elusive, leaving behind a void that demands some form of resolution. But how did this dormant case resurface from the accounts of the hundreds of other cold cases that still plaque the Sacramento, California police department?
As if written for a Hollywood movie, life was breathed back into this case in 2003, when one of the young children who had known Jimmy Gaul, a lady, now in her 40’s, who had played and went to school with young Jimmy in Citrus Heights as a little girl in 1964, visited the house where her and her family had lived, surprising the new home owners with their visit. The new homeowners innocently entertained the nostalgic visit never expecting to see or hear from the mysterious visitors again. After more than a year, the United States Postal Service delivered the contents of a package that would change the family’s life forever.
The package, a mysterious manuscript from the Jimmy’s young friend, filled with damning evidence that implicate one of her own family members in the murder of young Jimmy Gaul.
This case has sat frozen in history, as if time itself has stood still in the quaint nascent neighborhood of Citrus Heights where Jimmy, a confident and brave young boy lived, played and socialized with the other young kids of that neighborhood, many who are now in their 60’s and 70’s. A case with few leads, no witnesses and evidence that has since disappeared into the dark ether.
As we continue to develop and deep dive this case, it will require the collective efforts of all of our amateur detectives and investigative sleuths. Prepare to don your detective hat, arm yourself with a notepad, and prepare to channel your inner Sherlock Holmes, as we bring forth details and information that has remained elusive and hidden for over 60 years. The nostalgic journey back to the tumultuous landscape of 1960s America will take you back to a time where doors remained unlocked, neighbors helped raise and protect your children and kids played outside. As we shine our investigative light on the hidden recesses of a society on the brink of transformation, all in pursuit of justice for a young boy whose life was abruptly cut short, you will find an America that is much different than the one we live in today.
As we embark on this journey to uncover the truth behind Jimmy Gaul's tragic murder, we delve into a world teetering on the brink of change, where every neighborhood harbored deep secrets and every corner held the echoes of a turbulent time. Despite its significance, this case has received scant attention until now – making Body of Crime the first podcast to explore Jimmy’s story while conducting a comprehensive deep dive into its complexities. This is just the beginning of a journey that promises to keep you engaged, eager not just to learn more, but to lend a hand in solving the mystery and bringing closure to a grieving mother.
SETTING THE SCENE: The 1960’s in Citrus Heights
If you were to go back in time to the 1960’s, you would be stepping in to one of the most tumultuous and divisive decades in world history where cultural revolutions collided with political upheaval, shaping an era defined by change and uncertainty. The era was marked by the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War and antiwar protests, countercultural movements, political assassinations and the emerging "generation gap."
In 1964, the fashion landscape echoed with daring trends, men embracing "surf rock" styles and a subculture of "Greasers" sporting tough-guy personas reminiscent of the movie "Grease." Women donned "Space Age" attire with miniskirts, epitomized by the iconic "Dolly Girl" look, characterized by teasing long hair and childlike, tight-fitting clothing from scandalous topless bathing suits to knee-high skirts, reflecting a bold defiance of societal norms and a celebration of feminine allure.
The musical backdrop featured chart-toppers like "Can't Buy Me Love" by The Beatles in the United States and "A World Without Love" by Peter and Gordon in the United Kingdom rocking the airwaves. Popular culture was shaped by iconic artists such as The Animals, The Beach Boys, Bobby Vinton, and The Supremes, with the phenomenon of Beatlemania sweeping through enthusiasts much like Swifties in our day today.
Iconic films like "Mary Poppins" and “My Fair Lady” captivated audiences at movie theatres while households’ television screens flickered with beloved shows such as "The Andy Griffith Show" and "The Twilight Zone,". Kids were enthralled by animated classics such as "The Bugs Bunny Show" and "Tom and Jerry." My Fair Lady took home the Academy Award for Best Picture, while children engaged in play with toys like Army Men and Tonka Trucks.
Passing through the Baby Boomers (1946 – 1964) and Generation X (1965 – 1980), there were no cellphones in this era. Rotary phones, though facing competition from push-button phones, were still the norm in homes. Children played outside and people either walked or rode their bikes everywhere. As households buzzed with the excitement of Academy Award-winning films and children played marbles or popped wheelies, the sports world witnessed NBA legends with stars like Oscar Robertson and Wilt Chamberlain dominating the courts, and global soccer stars like soccer legends Pelé and Eusébio dominated the soccer fields captivating audiences worldwide. Amidst this whirlwind of cultural transformation, 1964 stands as a pivotal year in shaping the world's collective consciousness, bridging the gap between tradition and a newer more modern world that was just emerging.
In post-war Europe, neighborhoods were rebuilding from the devastation of World War II, while developing countries confronted the challenges of urbanization and industrialization. In the U.S. and abroad the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963 in Dallas, Texas sent shockwaves across the United States and the globe, casting a somber shadow over the collective consciousness and psyche, stirring a nation grappling with grief and skepticism. The unresolved questions surrounding Kennedy's death lingered, shaping the national discourse, and deepening public skepticism about the government and its institutions.
The assassination of President Kennedy reverberated through these communities, underscoring the fragility of peace and stability in an uncertain world. Against the backdrop, the United States found itself deeply entrenched in the Civil Rights Movement, with landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 aiming to dismantle racial segregation and discrimination. Meanwhile, the Cold War tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union continued to simmer, punctuated by events like the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, which brought the world to the brink of nuclear war.
Across the globe, former colonies were gaining independence from European powers, ushering in a new era of self-determination and decolonization movements. The global stage saw nations emerging from the shadows of colonialism, forging paths toward independence amidst a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty.
Citrus Heights, nestled in Northern California, burgeoned into a symbol of growth and prosperity during the 1960s. Situated as a suburb of Sacramento, it swiftly became the epitome of the American dream, boasting rapid residential and commercial development, a vibrant community life, top-notch services, abundant parks, and a renowned fire department, the world-famous Ladies in White rescue squad. Residents reveled in a lifestyle that was both dynamic and fulfilling. At the northern fringes of Sacramento lay the former McClellan Air Force Base, with Beale Air Force Base situated a bit further out. Among the proud residents of Citrus Heights were the Gaul family, who settled in the Sylvan Park neighborhood, purchasing a home on Minuet Way, constructed in 1959 where most homes averaged $17,000 to $20,000 for a three-bedroom house.
Their neighbors, much like themselves, were mostly employees of Aerojet, a company deeply rooted in California's aerospace history. Founded in 1942 in Pasadena during World War II, Aerojet initially focused on aiding the war effort by developing rocket propulsion systems. Over time, it diversified its operations, engaging in missile systems, spacecraft propulsion, and defense technologies. The company played a pivotal role in early space exploration, contributing propulsion systems to projects like the Apollo missions to the Moon and various satellite launches. Given its close ties to the military, particularly the Air Force, many Aerojet employees in Citrus Heights were military veterans. This created a unique bond among neighborhood residents, who not only knew each other from their community but also from their shared workplace experiences.
This was the setting where Jimmy Gaul and the young boys and girls of Citrus Heights played together. Where they walked to school in small groups, and where they built long lasting friendships and beautiful memories.
MEET JIMMY GAUL
At the tender ages of twenty-two and nineteen, respectively, James Anthony Gaul, Sr., a Pennsylvania native and former U.S. Army veteran turned Electronics Assembler, exchanged vows with Dolores Marie Fleischer, a Homemaker from Ohio, on June 11, 1955, in Trumball, Ohio. Transitioning from Cleveland to Chardon, Ohio in 1956, James, young Jimmy’s father, found employment at Assembly Products in Chesterland while indulging his passion for woodworking. Meanwhile, Dolores devoted her time to sewing and knitting. Their eldest child, Kimberly "Kim" Anne, blessed their lives with her arrival in 1956, heralding the dawn of parenthood for the couple.
Their familial joy multiplied on January 31, 1957, with the arrival of their cherished second child and first son, James Anthony Gaul, Jr., affectionately known as Jimmy, born under the zodiac sign of Aquarius. Growing up in a nurturing environment alongside his older sister Kim, Jimmy's early years were imbued with familial warmth and the wonder of childhood exploration. Soon after Jimmy’s birth, the Gaul’s embarked on a new chapter in California. However, their joy was tinged with sorrow when their third child and second son, Timothy was born in 1958, but tragically passed away within twenty-four hours.
Seeking new horizons, the Gaul family embarked on a journey, settling in the burgeoning Citrus Heights area, where James Anthony Gaul, Sr. began a new career at Aerojet as a Serviceman. In 1960, they welcomed their fourth child and third son, Robert Timothy, affectionately called "Timmy." Settling in the newly established Sylvan Park neighborhood, surrounded by fellow Aerojet families, the Gaul’s found solace and community, and Jimmy flourished.
Proximity to their children's schools facilitated Jimmy's enrollment at Citrus Heights Elementary School in 1962, less than a mile from their residence. Jimmy quickly found his place among classmates like Stevie and Amy, forging enduring friendships that would shape all their lives on that auspicious first day of school crossing paths with them in Miss McLerran's Kindergarten class.
Described by some as having a sweet disposition and protective nature, particularly towards his friend Amy, Jimmy embraced the joys of childhood especially those quintessential 1960s activities, from outdoor adventures and timeless pastimes such as marbles. These activities filled his days, while dreams of the future intertwined with the innocence of youth.
As Jimmy navigated the halls of elementary school and the new construction sites of the growing Citrus Heights community, he seamlessly integrated into the neighborhood with his newfound companions, anchored by the support of his loving family and the camaraderie of his neighbors. Amidst the backdrop of the 1960s suburban life, Jimmy's story unfolds, intertwined with the fabric of a transforming society. Jimmy, innocent and full of life, and Amy, crafted dreams of a shared future, envisioning a day when they might unite in matrimony. That’s what young children fantasized about in the 1960’s.
JIMMY GAUL GOES MISSING
Families in this working-class community were gearing up for weekends of quality family time as the school year drew to a close and summer beckoned. Saturday, May 2, 1964 in the idyllic suburban landscape of Citrus Heights, California was no ordinary day because excitement buzzed through the air as the Fun Fair Shows set up at the Grand Oaks Shopping Center, promising a day of carnival delights for the eager children of Citrus Heights.
The weather hovered around a pleasant 70s, with a gentle drizzle starting around 3:00 pm—a scene straight out of the swinging sixties. Among them was Jimmy Gaul, a spirited young husky boy of four feet tall, weighing 55lbs, with light brown crew-cut hair and brown eyes. Clad in green jeans, patched at the knees, a task done by his mother most likely, a blue plaid shirt, and sturdy black boots, Jimmy eagerly awaited the promised trip to the carnival, his pockets jingling with twenty-five cents. In today’s currency, almost $5.00.
As his father, James Anthony Gaul, Sr., who had just completed his overnight shift at Aerojet, slipped into bed, he assured the children that upon waking, that he would take them to the carnival. Throughout the day, the children, engaged in various outdoor activities, would periodically check on James, to see if he had woken, with anticipation of their trip to the carnival.
Under the morning sun, Jimmy, accompanied by his sister Kim and their friend Gay Harvey, who lived just two doors down, gathered in front of Gay's house as her father installed a new shiny chrome light on her bicycle. She was beyond excited to show off the new upgrade to her bike, and eager to enjoy the day outdoors with her friends. Following this, they embarked on a bike ride around the block, encountering older children who proved to be less than friendly near Donald Shepherd’s house who everyone knew as Don.
Sometime during the day, Gay fell from her bicycle scratching and damaging the new light her father had gotten her and sullenly, filled with disappointment at damaging the new gift, the children dropped their bikes off in Gay's front yard.
The trio intended to venture on foot to the field behind the homes that sat across the street from where they lived. The fields were future home developments with the skeleton of roads that outlined future housing plots. It is here where the children of the neighborhood found adventures and played. The older teens from the high school used the desolate roads with no homes as a Lover’s Point with collections of beer cans and trash littered in the future neighborhood.
In order to access the field, they had to cross the yard of the houses that sat across from their homes. Most of the houses had fences that prevented crossing into the new construction development, but one home, the Doolittle Residence didn’t have a fence, just a retaining wall. This is typically where they crossed from their street into the field. This was a concern for Jimmy and Gay.
Mr. Doolittle, a strict and dominant member of the neighborhood had spoken to Jimmy about playing with girls, especially in the undeveloped fields. He didn’t approve of their friendship, stating that boys shouldn’t play with girls. As a consequence, Mr. Doolittle had forbidden Jimmy from crossing through his property to access the field. As Jimmy and Gay considered their dilemma, they realized that Mr. Doolittle’s car was not there, and that he wasn’t home. The Doolittle’s had the luxury of owning two vehicles. One they parked in the garage, and the other one that was parked outside.
Feeling confident that Mr. Doolittle was not home, the trio made their way to the fields to play.
In the field, the dirt trails, foxholes, and hills created a tapestry of adventure and excitement and was an exciting playground for neighborhood escapades. Gay’s sister, Joy had gone ahead of the trio, and was already in the field when they arrived. The alfalfa weeds swayed waist-high, creating a natural playground for the children, thicker in some areas than others. The children who played there, often played army, marbles, and explored the empty canvas of the future housing development.
Jimmy’s sister, Kim, Jimmy and Gay played marbles that day in a dirt berm, the backdrop of the berm perfect for the bouncing marbles, preventing them from bouncing out and getting lost in the vegetation. Eventually, Kim, who had been invited to a birthday party, announced that she had to leave, and made her way home, leaving Gay and Jimmy in the field. Gay’s sister also remained in the field, trying to catch butterflies.
At some point while playing, Gay recalled seeing Mr. Doolittle standing on his retention wall and watching Jimmy and Gay play in the field. This was unsettling for the children, since the only way back home was through Mr. Doolittle’s yard. This forced them to remain out in the field a while longer while they waited for Mr Doolittle to become disinterested in them.
Around 12:30 – 1:00PM Jimmy and Gay began their trek back home. Jimmy probably planned to check to see if his dad had woken up. He had most likely been fantasizing about the carnival all day. As they approached the Doolittle property, Mr. Doolittle appeared and gave Jimmy a disapproving look. He told Gay that she could continue home, but Jimmy could not come through his property.
Gay, uncertain with how to proceed, turned to Jimmy, who encouraged her to go home, indicating that he would be okay and as Gay walked home, Jimmy returned to the field, where Joy, Gay’s sister, continued to hunt for butterflies. It would be the last time that Gay would see Jimmy alive.
Eventually another neighborhood kid, Guy Nelson, would join Jimmy and Joy in the field. After Joy returned home, Jimmy and Guy continued playing together in the field according to Guy’s future statements to detectives.
According to Guy’s statement, the boys had played Army in the field, and at some point Jimmy had somehow retrieved his bicycle from Gay’s front yard. He had told Guy that he was heading home to fetch a magnet. Guy watched as Jimmy pedaled off towards Minuet Street, where Jimmy resided. However, around 3:00 pm, rain began to fall, dissuading Guy from joining Jimmy for further outdoor adventures. When Jimmy returned to the field a short while later, he was on foot and without his bike, braving the rain alone.
In the Gaul residence, Jimmy’s absence became increasingly alarming, sparking a flurry of frantic searches and worried calls to neighbors. By 5:00pm, the Gaul family had contacted the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department, initiating a desperate search effort involving over 100 deputies, firefighters, the Ladies in White, and concerned residents. Despite their exhaustive endeavors, Jimmy had not been found, casting a shadow of fear and uncertainty over his family and the community. Throughout the afternoon, witnesses reported sporadic sightings of Jimmy: someone reported seeing him riding his bike; someone else reported seeing him chasing after a blue car with a "For Sale" sign in the window; someone else saw him alone in the field.
Search parties scoured throughout the night and into the early morning, with a little more than an hour of rest, Jimmy’s father, James Sr., resumed the search throughout the morning, tirelessly scouring the area for his son until approximately 7:30am the following morning.
THE MURDER OF JIMMY GAUL
Melford Berl VanDegrift, known to most as a devoted Mathematics Teacher at Norte Del Rio High School and a caring neighbor had spent most of the night as part of the search party searching for Jimmy, with the rest of the neighborhood. Around 7:30AM – 7:40AM, VanDegrift, after a short break from search efforts, decided to resume searching for Jimmy on his own. He drove his truck out to the field and continued searching for Jimmy.
Pulling up to the field, VanDergrift backed his truck onto the field where he planned to search, and almost immediately spied a troubling sight: Jimmy's tiny toes protruding from beneath a mass of brush, likely Alfalfa weeds from the field.
Filled with dread, VanDegrift, notified the authorities and awaited their arrival to confirm what he suspected to be Jimmy Gaul’s body.
Seven-year-old Jimmy lay lifeless, his small body bearing the cruel evidence of violence. Naked and bruised, his discarded clothes lying next to him with other articles served as silent testimony to the horrors that had unfolded. It was a scene that defied comprehension: Jimmy had been subjected to unspeakable acts, leaving the community reeling in shock and sorrow. He had been sexually assaulted and strangled with a piece of cloth, by what was believed to be an article of his own clothing, the fabric still around his neck.
There was what appeared to be a stick like item protruding from his buttocks and his genitalia showed evidence of mutilation. Detectives meticulously analyzed the scene, noting a stark contrast in the ground's condition: dry earth directly beneath Jimmy's lifeless form, juxtaposed with damp soil surrounding him, evidence of the intermittent rain. Detective Munizich's somber conclusion was that Jimmy had been assaulted and murdered at or close to where he had been found.
The pronouncement sent shockwaves through the community, reverberating even within the corridors of law enforcement. Sacramento County Coroner, George L. Nielsen (1958 – 1981), a seasoned professional hardened by years of confronting death, confessed that Jimmy's case stood out amongst the multitude he had encountered. In his six years as County Coroner, it remained the most heinous crime he had been involved in.
Later, a pair of neighborhood boys would venture out, like young boys usually do, curious to understand what had happened to Jimmy, and recounted that the exact area where Jimmy had been found had been a shallow foxhole with a dirt berm, that could have served to conceal the despicable act that had resulted in Jimmy’s death. The hole had measured 2-feet in depth and 2-feet in diameter, adding a chilling layer to the narrative.
CONCLUSION
The haunting tale of Jimmy's untimely demise in 1964 continues to reverberate through the corridors of Citrus Heights, leaving an indelible mark on the community and beyond. But our journey is far from over. It is just getting started.
Many of the children from Citrus Heights, who are now adults have spent the last 60 years with haunting questions about this day. Why did Mr. Doolittle prevent Jimmy from coming home? Some have speculated that he disliked Jimmy and he was home alone that weekend, his wife, and children away on a trip to visit family. Could he have intentionally isolated Jimmy for nefarious reasons?
Another of the Citrus Heights children speculates the irony of Vandergrift backing his truck at the exact location where Jimmy’s body was found. How did he know where to look? Was this an unfortunate coincidence.
Join us in the next episode as we dive deeper into the investigation that shook Citrus Heights to its core. Discover how advancements in forensic technology have opened new avenues of inquiry, offering fresh perspectives, untangling the web of mysteries surrounding Jimmy's death. Don't miss out – because just when you think you have it all figured out, the truth may prove to be more elusive than you ever imagined.
Stay informed, stay engaged, and stay tuned for the next installment in this gripping series. The pursuit of justice for Jimmy Gaul continues, and together, we will unravel the truth behind one of history's most confounding unsolved mysteries.