Episode 5: Found in the Ditch

Some mornings begin like any other.

Until something shifts.

In Rapid River, Michigan, a dog named Peanut refused to settle—and what she led her owner to find in a nearby field would uncover a situation far more serious than anyone expected.

This is the story of instinct, intervention, and a moment that changed everything.

Sources

This episode is based on official law enforcement statements, news reporting, and follow-up coverage related to a 2017 child neglect investigation in Delta County, Michigan, and the role a rescue dog named Peanut played in bringing the situation to light.

• Delta County Sheriff’s Office (Facebook Statement, March 20, 2017)
  – Official timeline of events, including the discovery of the three-year-old child, environmental conditions (approximately 32°F), and initial response by deputies
  – Confirmation of unsafe and unsanitary living conditions and involvement of Child Protective Services
• CBS News (March 21, 2017)
  “Former shelter dog hailed as a hero for finding 3-year-old girl curled up in ditch” (Jennifer Earl)
  – Narrative account of Peanut alerting her owner and leading him to the child
  – Details of the rescue, emergency response, and early investigation
• The Daily Press (August 2, 2025)
  “Peanut, the dog that saved three-year-old, dies at age 9” (R. R. Branstrom)
  – Peanut’s background, rescue, and adoption by Kathryn and Kyle Frisk
  – Additional reporting on the condition of the children and statements made during legal proceedings
  – Details surrounding Peanut’s later life and passing
• Supplemental reporting and case details
  – Publicly available information regarding child welfare findings, medical and developmental concerns, and judicial statements indicating the child was unlikely to have exited the home on her own

Key Takeaway

Not every case is solved by training or investigation.

Sometimes, it’s instinct.

In this case, a dog who had once needed saving refused to ignore what she found—and in doing so, brought attention to two children who needed it most.

Follow along and stay connected:

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📧 Email: dogdaysofmurder@gmail.com

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Episode Summary

In October of 1994, 32-year-old mother of five Shirley Ann Duguay disappeared from her home on Prince Edward Island. What began as a missing person case quickly turned into a homicide investigation when her abandoned car was discovered—covered in blood.

As investigators worked to piece together what happened, they uncovered physical evidence that pointed toward a violent attack. But one small detail—nearly overlooked—would ultimately change the course of the case.

Inside the lining of a bloodstained jacket, investigators found several white hairs.

Those hairs did not belong to Shirley.

They belonged to a cat.

What followed would become a landmark moment in forensic science. For the first time, DNA from a domestic animal would be used in a criminal trial—linking evidence to a specific location and strengthening the case against Douglas Beamish.

This is the story of Shirley Duguay…
and a house cat named Snowball.

Key Takeaway

This case marked the first time animal DNA was used in a criminal trial—demonstrating that even the smallest piece of evidence can play a critical role in uncovering the truth.

Sources

This episode is based on reporting, court records, and forensic research related to the 1994 murder of Shirley Ann Duguay and the first use of animal DNA in a criminal case.

• The New York Times
  “Cat Hair Finds Way Into Courtroom in Canadian Murder Trial” — Gina Kolata (1997)
• CBC News
  Reporting on the investigation, conviction, and parole developments
• R. v. Douglas Beamish
  Trial proceedings, conviction, and sentencing
• Nature
  Early documentation of animal DNA in forensic science
• Research and published work by Stephen J. O’Brien
  Feline DNA analysis and forensic application
• Supplemental forensic case studies
  Hair comparison, DNA extraction, and footwear evidence analysis

Connect with the Show

Follow along on Instagram:
📷 @dog_days_of_murder

Have a case suggestion or want to reach out:
📧 dogdaysofmurder@gmail.com

Support the show (and treat Ein to a pup cup 🐾):
☕ Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/dogdaysofmurder

Follow along and stay connected:

📸 Instagram: @dog_days_of_murder
📧 Email: dogdaysofmurder@gmail.com

If you’d like to support the show—or treat Ein to a well-earned pup cup—you can do that here:
☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dogdaysofmurder

It’s a story of movement. A quiet stretch of highway. And a dog who refused to leave.

Episode Summary:

This episode examines the 2023 murder of Mandy Reynolds in Robinson, Texas.

What began with a brush fire on the side of a rural road quickly turned into a multi-state investigation — one that followed a timeline of surveillance footage, cell phone data, and a vehicle moving north along Interstate 35.

We follow the case as detectives piece together the events leading to Mandy’s death, including a high-speed chase that ended with the arrest of her cousin, Derek Daigneault.

At the center of the story is Titan, a white labradoodle who remained at the scene long after the fire was out — a small act that led investigators to Mandy and helped begin the search for answers.

In the end, it’s a story not just about violence, but about presence — and the quiet kind of loyalty that refuses to leave.

Sources:

• KXXV News Channel 25 — reporting on the discovery of Mandy Reynolds, investigation timeline, and sentencing
• KWTX News 10 — reporting on trial testimony, including ballistics evidence and courtroom proceedings
• KVUE — reporting including interview with Mandy Reynolds’ stepfather, Ron Hardy
• Law&Crime Network — coverage of courtroom proceedings and case details
• McLennan County Court Records — State of Texas v. Derek Joseph Daigneault
• Contemporary news reporting and case summaries from multiple outlets

Case suggestions and correspondence:

Instagram: @Dog_Days_Of_Murder
dogdaysofmurder@gmail.com

New episodes released every Monday

Dog Days of Murder is an Angry Hamster Production

Follow along and stay connected:

📸 Instagram: @dog_days_of_murder
📧 Email: dogdaysofmurder@gmail.com

If you’d like to support the show—or treat Ein to a well-earned pup cup—you can do that here:
☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dogdaysofmurder

This is a story of loyalty. A man attacked in his own home on Christmas Eve. And a companion who refused to stay silent.

Episode Summary:

This episode examines the 2001 murder of Kevin Butler in Dallas, Texas. What began as a dispute over a check escalated into a violent attack inside his home.

We follow the investigation as detectives piece together the crime scene — from scattered feathers to a single drop of blood on a light switch.

At the center of the case is Bird, a white-crested cockatoo whose actions during the attack would ultimately provide the DNA evidence needed to convict Kevin’s killer.

In the end, it’s a story not just about violence, but about loyalty — and how one small act changed everything.

Sources:

• BBC News — reporting on the murder of Kevin Butler and the role of Bird in providing DNA evidence
• CBS News — reporting by Jaime Holguin on the investigation, forensic evidence, and trial
• The Dallas Morning News — reporting by Tim Wyatt, including examining trial testimony and early case details
• Texas Court of Appeals — Daniel Torres v. The State of Texas (2004), appellate opinion affirming conviction
• Contemporary news reporting and case summaries from multiple outlets

Case suggestions and correspondence:

Instagram: @Dog_Days_Of_Murder
dogdaysofmurder@gmail.com

New episodes released every Monday

Dog Days of Murder is an Angry Hamster Production

Follow along and stay connected:

📸 Instagram: @dog_days_of_murder
📧 Email: dogdaysofmurder@gmail.com

If you’d like to support the show—or treat Ein to a well-earned pup cup—you can do that here:
☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dogdaysofmurder

It’s the story behind the creation of Dog Days of Murder. A young girl kidnapped from her own bedroom. What if there had been a dog?

Episode Summary:

This episode examines the kidnapping and murder of Polly Klaas from her Petaluma, CA home in October of 1993. We look at the search, the investigation and the holes in the system that delayed resolution. Finally, we will see how those shortcomings fueled the family to close those systemic gaps. In the end, it brought a wonderful dog to a family that needed to feel safe.

Sources:

• Dateline NBC — coverage of the Polly Klaas case • Los Angeles Times — reporting on the disappearance of Polly Klaas, including coverage of the reward offered by Winona Ryder • Newsweek — December 13, 1993 issue covering the case • ABC10 Sacramento — interview with Marc Klaas • California Courts — court records related to Richard Allen Davis • California Supreme Court — case materials and trial documentation • Contemporary news reporting and case summaries from multiple outlets

Case suggestions and correspondence:

Instagram: @Dog_Days_Of_Murder

dogdaysofmurder@gmail.com

New episodes released every Monday

Dog Days of Murder is an Angry Hamster Production

Follow along and stay connected:

📸 Instagram: @dog_days_of_murder
📧 Email: dogdaysofmurder@gmail.com

If you’d like to support the show—or treat Ein to a well-earned pup cup—you can do that here:
☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dogdaysofmurder