01 - Justice for Joyce Yost - The Type that Sends Roses

Overview of Events and Characters

  • Introduction to the Incident

    • Two young fathers are shot outside a restaurant in Utah.

    • The incident causes profound grief for the families involved.

    • A personal decision by an individual impacts generations.

    • The podcast "The Letter: Ripple Effect" explores these themes.

  • Susan Muridge's Experience with Anonymous Flowers

    • Susan received a dozen yellow roses at her workplace.

    • Flowers included a message: "Thank you for being a friend" without a name.

    • Susan’s discomfort grew with subsequent deliveries of flowers.

    • Third delivery confirmed she was being harassed by a mystery sender.

    • Emphasis on the feeling of dread instead of joy, despite the symbolic meaning of yellow roses (friendship).

    • Received from different florists each time, confirming the persistence of the sender.

    • Concern about potential threats due to her access to sensitive financial information.

  • Podcast Host and Episode Theme

    • Host: Amy Donaldson introduces season two.

    • Title of episode: "The Type That Sends Roses."

    • The narrative centers around Joyce Yost, who vanished in 1985.

    • Emphasizes the significance of Joyce's words in accountability for a man (Douglas Lovell).

Joyce Yost's Background

  • Early Life

    • Joyce Lynn Feigel born on January 3, 1946, in Bemidji, Minnesota.

    • Home life: raised on a farm with her two much older sisters.

    • Childhood nicknamed "Binky" by her family.

  • Teenage Years and Relationships

    • Met Mel Roberts, a senior in high school.

    • Became pregnant at age 15, leading to a difficult family dynamic.

    • Mother, Holda Feigel, pressured Joyce to give her baby up for adoption.

    • Joyces's decision led to her marrying Mel despite family objections.

    • Their marriage resulted in two children: Kim (1962) and Greg (1963).

  • Struggles and Divorce

    • Joyce had to drop out of school, worked multiple jobs as a waitress.

    • Filed for divorce, leading to even more financial strain.

    • Joyce struggled emotionally, faced challenges in dating with two young children.

  • Move to Utah

    • Moved to Utah to follow her sister Dorothy in search of a fresh start post-divorce.

    • She began working at ZCMI department store's cosmetics counter.

The Lovell Family Background

  • Douglas Lovell's Early Life

    • Family background: Parents Mon and Shirley Lovell divorced in 1972.

    • Dave, the youngest at 14, had troubling adolescence marked by delinquency.

    • Troubled upbringing with a history of juvenile delinquency and thefts.

    • Doug’s struggles continued even after parental divorce and move.

    • He dropped out of school and faced numerous criminal charges.

  • Transition into Adulthood

    • Turned 18 and began living with his brother Russell; worked menial jobs.

    • Eventually committed to a halfway house as part of a probation plan.

Crimes and Arrests Leading to Prison

  • Doug's Criminal Record

    • Involved in a armed robbery at U Save Market, held a gun during the heist.

    • Arrested shortly after, tried in November 1978 and convicted of aggravated robbery.

    • Sentenced to an intermittent treatment program instead of prison but ultimately incarcerated for a year in Utah State Prison.

  • Post-Prison Life

    • Released early to board, Doug presented well, securing parole despite past crimes.

    • Attempting to rebuild his life, Doug sought out a relationship with Rhonda.

Joyce Yost's Family Dynamics

  • Joey's Family and Motherhood

    • Joyce navigated life as a working mother even as her children matured.

    • Maintained strong familial ties with her sister and children.

    • Financial struggles continued as she juggled multiple jobs.

    • Joyce faced shock from losing her job at ZCMI after 12 years due to company layoffs.

    • Experienced significant pride upon her son Greg's acceptance into dental school.

The Lead-Up to Joyce Yost's Disappearance

  • Final Days Before Disappearance

    • On April 3, 1985, Joyce dined at the Pier 3 with a male friend, Lex Baer.

    • Engaged in social activities after work, normalcy observed.

    • Left the venue around 10:15 PM, mentioning no awareness of a follower.

  • Implications Surrounding Joyces' Disappearance

    • Minutes after leaving the Pier 3, Joyce was followed by Doug Lovell in his red Mazda.

    • Potential motives behind the worsening relationship dynamics in Joyce's life revealed as the narrative unfolds.