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Boys on the Tracks - Part 2
The Boys on the Tracks case refers to the deaths of two teenagers, Kevin Ives and Don Henry. A Union Pacific freight train ran over Kevin and Don near Alexander, Arkansas, in August 1987.
When bad men combine, the good must associate else they fall, one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle.
Edmund Burke
Foreword - Part 2
This is Part 2 and the final installment of the essay Boys on the Tracks. Part 1 focused on the Train Incident, Law Enforcement Coverup, Mena the Epicenter, FBI, and Missing Evident. This essay covers The Autopsies, Grand July, Mounting Deaths, and “Official” Corruption.
The Autopsies
Officials autopsied the bodies of Kevin and Don twice. The initial autopsies occurred shortly after the August 23, 1987, incident near the railroad tracks in Alexander, Arkansas. The first autopsies happened under the auspices of the Arkansas State Medical Examiner’s Office. It concluded that Kevin and Don had died from accidental means. As described above, Dr. Malack attributed their deaths to the train strike while in a drug-induced stupor.
Due to concerns and suspicions, the families and other individuals requested a second examination of the bodies. As a result, in April 1988, officials exhumed the bodies of Kevin and Don. Dr. Joseph Burton and Dr. Charles Kokes conducted these autopsies. The findings contradicted the initial conclusions. It indicated that Kevin and Don faced trauma before their placement on the railroad tracks. Don had a stab wound in his back, and Keven had a crushed skull. Furthermore, the test results found a significantly lower tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration in the tissue than Dr. Malack reported.
These findings fueled further speculation and conspiracy theories surrounding the case. Despite these conclusions, the official investigation into the deaths remains unresolved.
Grand Jury
Amid growing public scrutiny and demands for answers, a grand jury convened to investigate the deaths of Kevin and Don. The grand jury was Sworn in on April 27, 1988, and concluded on September 8.
The “jury” turned out to be a sinister scheme orchestrated by Judge John Cole. He appointed Dan Harmon, the corrupt head of a federally funded Drug Task Force, to lead the Saline County grand jury investigation into the murders of Kevin and Don. This combination of roles granted Harmon immense power, which he shamelessly abused.
As the grand jury’s investigation progressed, shocking revelations emerged. That challenged the initial narrative of an accidental death. Many witnesses came forward, implicating a potential coverup involving law enforcement officials. Startling testimonies indicated the presence of illegal drug activities. It suggested that Kevin and Don stumbled upon a drug drop zone, putting them in grave danger. The allegations of corruption and a potential conspiracy are at the heart of the case. That sent shockwaves throughout the community and beyond.
The Saline County Grand Jury’s inquiry encountered obstacles and controversies. Witnesses faced intimidation, coercion, and even mysterious deaths. That further deepened the sense of suspicion surrounding the case. The grand jury’s efforts to uncover the truth faced resistance from some key individuals. Those included institutions, creating an atmosphere of doubt and frustration.
Harmon’s exhaustive inquiry into the train deaths incident yielded no tangible outcome. Surprisingly, no individuals faced charges for the tragic homicides. While the grand jury members diligently compiled a five-page report, Judge Cole prohibited publication. Furthermore, Cole paradoxically commended the unproductive endeavor.
Cole felt frustrated with the possibility of the jury perceiving a coverup. He abruptly dismissed the jurors and asserted their requests were not within their jurisdiction. Such occurrences often occur in grand juries.
Upon the conclusion of the hearings, the grand jury failed to ascertain the killer’s or killers’ identity and a motive for the deaths. Instead, the foreman expressed their findings, stating, “We acknowledge the existence of a significant drug problem in Saline County.”
Mounting Deaths
The Kevin Ives and Don Henry story is notable for the deaths of two teenagers and later deaths. Mysterious circumstances surround individuals connected to the case. The mounting death toll contributed to the speculation of a coverup and a potential conspiracy. Here are some of the notable associated deaths:
November 1988. Keith McKaskle found himself on the tracks alongside Dan Harmon on that fateful train incident night.12 In his sincere pursuit of doing what he believed was right, McKaskle later talked to Assistant Prosecutor Richard Garrett. He told Garrett that he was a “witness in the train deaths.” He had already taken steps to prepare for his funeral, bidding farewell to loved ones. In a matter of days, he met a tragic end when he was brutally stabbed an astonishing one hundred thirteen times in what appeared to be a clear act of revenge. Regrettably, his murder never received the thorough investigation it deserved. Click here to see the video of Garrett smirking while talking about McKaskle’s death, saying, “Nobody else involved.”
January 1989. As per Dan Harmon’s request, Greg Collins, whom Judge John Cole had summoned to provide testimony before the Saline County grand jury, failed to appear as scheduled. Tragically, he met a grim fate, suffering a fatal shotgun blast to his face. This murder remains an unresolved mystery, lacking the closure it deserves.
May 1988. Keith Coney, who had been in the company of Kevin and Don shortly before their tragic deaths, narrowly escaped a similar fate. Subsequently, he disclosed to his father, other family members, and friends that two law enforcement officers were responsible for the killings of Kevin and Don. Shockingly, two days following his revelation, Keith met a gruesome end with a brutally slit throat. He tragically lost control and crashed as he attempted to flee the scene on his motorcycle.3 Only a fraction of these crucial details entered the official police report. Moreover, authorities overlooked this essential step, despite the coroner being responsible for ordering an autopsy.
April 1989. Following Jeff Rhodes’ revelation to his family that he possessed significant information regarding the murders of Kevin, Don, and McKaskle, he met a tragic demise. Rhodes got ruthlessly shot in the head with his remains callously set ablaze and found discarded in a dump.
July 1989. Richard Winters was allegedly one of four men who carried Kevin and Don’s bodies to the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. He was shot in an aborted gambling house robbery.
June 1990. Jorden Ketelsen, suspected of having ties to the McKaskle murder, suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Shockingly, no official police investigation occurred, and his body got cremated before the opportunity to conduct an autopsy.
June 1995. Mike Samples, another witness who appeared before the grand jury, met a tragic end through a fatal shooting. Sources suggest his involvement in the retrieval of drugs dropped from airplanes. However, authorities have vehemently denied any links between his case and the murders of Ives and Henry.
In March 1989, Daniel “Boonie” Bearden, a recipient of a subpoena to appear before the grand jury, disappeared. Boonie, a friend of both Coney and Collins, had vanished. Authorities discovered an article of Bearden’s clothing in the vicinity where an anonymous caller had alleged his murder took place. However, his body never turned up.
Unsurprisingly, authorities, including Dan Harmon, have consistently refuted any links between these murders and the case of Kevin and Don. Apart from the robbery setup involving Richard Winters, none of these killings have been resolved or subjected to thorough investigation. Curiously, the legacy media refrained from questioning Harmon’s assertions that these incidents remain disconnected from one another and the case involving Kevin and Don.
The above led to widespread speculation and conspiracy theories surrounding the Boys on the Tracks case. Many believe that these deaths were not mere coincidences. They are part of a more significant effort to cover up the truth and protect those involved in shocking illegal activities.
“Official” Corruption
As public skepticism grew, it became evident that the deaths of Kevin and Don were not tragic accidents. Witnesses and whistleblowers stepped forward, shedding light on a web of official corruption. These allegations implicated law enforcement officers in illegal drug activities. That further suggested Kevin and Don had stumbled upon a drug drop zone. That made them vulnerable targets for those involved in illicit activities.
The initial investigation into the deaths of Kevin and Don faced corruption and a lack of transparency. Evidence got mishandled, and officials overlooked witness testimonies and ignored potential. The failure to investigate the case raised suspicions. There was a deliberate attempt to obstruct justice and shield those responsible for the crime.
Public outrage and mounting evidence of official corruption fueled a new investigation. It attempted to address the allegations head-on. This inquiry aimed to uncover the truth and hold accountable those involved in the coverup. It involved re-examining existing evidence, reinterviewing witnesses, and seeking new leads. It aimed to untangle the complex web of corruption that enshrouded the case.
The investigators encountered many challenges and roadblocks. Witnesses faced intimidation and threats. That impeded their willingness to come forward with crucial information. Influential individuals with vested interests obstructed the investigation. They used their influence to derail the pursuit of justice. These obstacles hindered progress and prolonged the suffering of the victims’ families. That further eroded public trust in the system.
The investigations exposed systemic flaws within the criminal justice system and spurred calls for reform. But like other stories projected by lazy legacy media, we only get to hear select nibbles. Some things never change and get worse.
Fast forward to August 26, 2016, with this sarcastic and sadistic headline, The boys on the Tracks are back. The Arkansas Times published that article concerning a new lawsuit filed on behalf of Linda Ives. Here are some of the choice words by reporter Max Brantley (boldface added):
All of the tentacles of this sprawling saga are outlined in the lawsuit, filed for Ives by R. David Lewis of Little Rock. … The suit claims insufficient response to FOI requests — “stonewalling,” in the words of the complaint. It alleges a coverup of the story behind the death of Ives’ son. … I mean no disrespect in saying this lawsuit sounds like the whistle of an approaching crazy train. If it doesn’t morph in someone’s hands into a repeat of Clinton Chronicles-style conspiracy theories to inject into the final days of Hillary Clinton’s run for president, I’ll be surprised.
That is the quintessential example of disrespect and hubris by a lousy legacy media reporter. “Reporter” Max Brantley targeted a woman who likely lost her son due to corruption. I highly recommend reading the article and checking out the angry comments. In a strange twist of Karma, that article states, “Arkansas Times senior editor Mara Leveritt wrote a book on the case.” See the Resources section below.
Analysis
The following June 2022 video by “Mobile Instinct” summarizes this case well. I chose this video because it contains clear footage of the incident site. Of note, the narrator is trespassing on Union Pacific Railroad tracks. Not only is that illegal, but it is also dangerous.
In the above video, the narrator (Chris) states that the “conductor hit the brakes.” That conflicts with the reports indicating the engineer initiated the emergency brake application. Also, Chris mentions Billy Jack Hayes, an ex-pro-wrestler from Portland. Hayes contacted Linda Ives in late 2016 and told her he was on the tracks the night of the murder of Kevin and Don. Click here for an expose of the wrestler’s antics. My take? The Hayes narrative is just one of the many fabricated stories that distract people from hearing more salacious facts about this case.
For a contrasting view, here is a 2012 news report by Arkansas Tell-U-Vision station THV11:
In the above legacy media “reporting,” at 5:27 into the “show,” we get showered with a whitewashing treatment. The law enforcement investigator for Saline County claimed he had “been through the case files” but got lost for words. Curious, despite the copious information that abounds. Perhaps the officer needs to purchase a copy of the book The Boys on the Tracks.
Despite stonewalling by the authorities, the thriving illegal drug trade was at the heart of the Saline County underworld. The region served as a hub for drug trafficking, with various narcotics flowing through its veins. Allegations and evidence pointed to Kevin and Don stumbling upon a drug drop—a chain of events that led to their tragic deaths. The presence of drug-related activities within the county created a rancid atmosphere. Danger and lawlessness occurred, often shielded by a veil of corruption.
The case of Kevin Ives and Don Henry exposed alarming allegations of corruption and coverups. It involved law enforcement officials and other influential individuals. Those who were part of the drug trade maintained connections and influence. The alleged coverup was an attempt to protect those involved in the illicit activities. That reinforced the perception of an interconnected web of corruption.
The Saline County underworld thrived on fear, intimidation, and retaliation. Witnesses who came forward with information often faced threats, coercion, and violence. The power wielded by those implicated in the case instilled a sense of fear and hindered the pursuit of justice. The atmosphere of intimidation gave the Saline County underworld a sense of invincibility. It allowed criminal activities to persist while silencing those who sought to expose the truth.
One of the most disturbing aspects was the perception of impunity and a lack of accountability. The belief that specific individuals were above the law eroded public trust and cast doubt. The integrity of the entire criminal justice apparatus was in doubt. The Saline County underworld became synonymous with a system of power and connections.
Conclusion
This story is a sad reminder of the Saline County underworld and society’s enormous general corruption. It is an example of the devastating consequences of a compromised criminal justice system. The case highlights the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and impartiality. It underscores the importance of protecting witnesses and ensuring their safety. The Boys of the Tracks is a microcosm of the world at large today.
The case of Kevin Ives and Don Henry remains open, with no justice served. No convictions occurred despite investigations, inquiries, and public outcry. The case continues with allegations of corruption, coverups, and obstruction of justice. That makes it challenging to achieve a sense of closure for the victim’s families and the community at large.
Throughout the “Defund the Police” psychological operations, the Boys on the Tracks account tugged at my inner thoughts. It is a quantitative story to expose law enforcement (and more) corruption. But as usual, we get silence from lazy legacy media, or they jump on the juvenile Pavlovian conspiracy theory mantra—a convenient cover to avoid the reality of it all. Instead, they amplified sporadic police brutality to divide people rather than tackle deep-rooted corruption. We have been railroaded big time.
Afterword
This essay hardly scratches the surface of the story of “The Boys on the Tracks.” This nightmare of a true story is one of many tentacles of the “Octopus.” This “thing” reaches all levels of government, from local, county, state, and federal. “It” infects legacy media, education, academia, businesses, and religions. If so desired, much more awaits your review, particularly by reading the information listed below.
Linda Ives, Kevin’s mother, died on June 3, 2021, after months of severe health issues. Rest in peace, Linda. 📕
Resources
Principle resources that made this essay possible
The Boys on the Tracks: Death, Denial, and a Mother’s Crusade to Bring Her Son’s Killers to Justice ~ Mara Leveritt, 384 pages, Thomas Dumme Books, November 1999
ID Fies Murder on the Tracks a Crome of Mena ~ Ives Duffy files
Baz Dan Productions Murder on the Rails ~ Online video documentaries
Additional reading detailing the more giant “Octopus.”
Defrauding America: Encyclopedia of Secret Operations by the CIA, DEA, and Other Covert Agencies ~ Rodney Stich, 753 pages, Diablo Western Press, April 2001
Compromised: Clinton, Bush and the CIA ~ Terry Reed, 556 pages, SPI. Books, February 1994
One Nation Under Blackmail, Vol. 1: The Sordid Union Between Intelligence and Crime that Gave Rise to Jeffrey Epstein ~ Whitney Webb, 544 pages, Trine Day, September 2022
One Nation Under Blackmail, Vol. 2: The Sordid Union between Intelligence and Organized Crime That Gave Rise to Jeffrey Epstein ~ Whitney Webb, 432 pages, Trine Day, October 2022
Frederick R. Smith Speaks essays
The source claiming Dan Harmon was on the tracks the night of the murders: ID Fies Murder on the Tracks a Crime of Mena Ives-Duffy File ~ Bad Guys
The Boys on the Tracks: Death, Denial, and a Mother’s Crusade to Bring Her Son’s Killers to Justice ~ P 83:
…. McKaskle was a skilled photographer, he had been asked to take aerial photographs of the area where the boys had died. But there was more to McKaskle’s reputation than just his ability with a camera. He managed the Wagon Wheel Lounge, a private club on “the county line,” a stretch of liquor stores and bars along Interstate 30 where the highway crossed the north edge of "dry" Saline County into the southern edge of “wet” Pulaski County.
The slit throat is a puzzling element of the known story. It is difficult to comprehend how it is possible to operate a motorcycle after such a mortal injury. More partial fabrication? There is more we do not know, just like the other tentacles of the octopus.
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The Frederick R. Smith blog is the ramblings of an uncommon man in a post-modern world. As a master of few topics, your author desires to give readers a sense of the thoughts of a senior citizen who lived most of his life before the new normal.
An excellent read, with many questions unanswered.
Edwin
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