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[The Brutal 1986 Murder of Katie Hawelka: A Tragedy at Clarkson University]-[Episode 317: The Horrific Murder of Katy Hawelka Part 1]

Morbid · B2 · 2022-05-09

True crime
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📋 Summary

The Tragic Case of Katie Hawelka: A Life Cut Short

This podcast episode explores the harrowing 1986 murder of 19-year-old Clarkson University student Katie Hawelka. The hosts, Ash and Alaina, detail the events leading up to the crime, the failures of campus security, and the arrest of the perpetrator, Brian McCarthy, a man they describe as a "literal fucking monster."

The Setting: A False Sense of Security

On August 28, 1986, in Potsdam, New York, Katie Hawelka was dropped off at Clarkson University by her mother for her sophomore year. Despite the university being founded as a memorial to Thomas S. Clarkson—a businessman who died in a tragic industrial accident—the campus was considered a "very safe community." This perception of safety is why Katie’s family felt comfortable with her attending school there. However, the university’s security force at the time consisted merely of "night watchmen" who were not properly trained to handle criminal confrontations.

The Night of the Attack

In the early hours of August 29, 1986, security guards Kim Avadikian and Donald Shanty were patrolling the campus. Around 3:25 AM, they encountered a man and a woman on the grass outside the Walker Arena. Initially, the guards assumed they were witnessing students having consensual sex and, in a "hands-off approach," chose not to intervene, hoping the pair would simply leave. This decision, which the hosts describe as "negligent," proved catastrophic. When the guards returned to the scene a third time, they found the man gone and Katie lying in a "pool of blood" with injuries suggesting her head had been "smashed into the wall."

The Perpetrator: Brian McCarthy

Brian McCarthy was found hiding under a nearby metal stairway. He was 23 years old, had a history of violence, and immediately attempted to deflect blame by claiming he was a hero who had tried to "save" the victim from an attacker in a "black jacket." His story was riddled with inconsistencies; he corrected himself in real-time, claiming he had been "knocked out" despite having no physical injuries to support this. McCarthy’s criminal history was extensive, including larceny, burglary, and a violent assault on a 16-year-old girl he had previously kidnapped and forced into criminal activity. The hosts emphasize that had the legal system properly communicated his parole violations between Virginia and New York, McCarthy would likely have been behind bars, and Katie would still be alive.

The Investigation and Incrimination

During his interrogation by Chief Maytot, McCarthy continued to lie, claiming he had been "peeing by a fence" and heard screams. However, he accidentally incriminated himself by mentioning he was being charged with "rape" before the police had even disclosed that information. His behavior throughout the interview was that of someone who knew exactly what he had done. He was eventually charged with assault and rape, with murder charges to follow as the case progressed.

Seeking Justice for Katie

Katie Hawelka was remembered by her family as "Never a Bad Day Kate," a vibrant, intelligent, and compassionate young woman who was a leader, a cheerleader, and a trailblazer at her university. Her family has spent decades fighting to keep Brian McCarthy behind bars, as he is eligible for parole every 24 months. The hosts urge listeners to sign a petition to ensure he remains incarcerated, arguing that he is an "animal" who deserves to stay behind bars for the rest of his life. The episode serves as both a tribute to Katie’s legacy and a sobering look at the systemic failures that allowed a violent predator to take her life.

🎯Key Sentences

1
That actually happened to me the other day.
2
I don't think I need to explain myself anymore.
3
I am who I am. And that's all that I am.
4
How did I not think of that?
5
How did I miss that?
Expand All

📝Key Phrases

1
dive into
2
stock up
3
make a breeze
4
remiss
5
keep them coming
Expand All

📖 Transcript

Hey weirdos, it's Ash. Before we dive into today's twisted tale, let me tell you about the spooky perks of Wondery+.
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