MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories · Podcast summary
On Patrol (PODCAST EXCLUSIVE EPISODE)
Sergeant J.R. Howard investigates the 1997 murder of Officer Danny Longstreet in Higginson, Arkansas, uncovering a complex case of motives, suspects, and a hidden murder weapon.
MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
· September 28, 2026 · 29-min episode · 3-min read
Listen on the show ↗Key takeaways
- 🚓Danny Longstreet was one of only two full-time officers in a town of just over 300 people.2:19
- 🕵️♂️Sergeant J.R. Howard faced pressure to solve the case quickly due to the rarity of violent crime in Higginson.6:00
- 🔫The killer fired three shots from outside the patrol car, shattering the passenger window.7:05
- 🔍The license plate number written on Danny’s palm became a crucial clue linking suspects to the crime.8:45
- 🕰️Both primary suspects, Justin Swain and Tim Askins, initially had alibis that complicated the investigation.19:48
- 📞Community tips and rumors played a vital role in expanding the suspect list.20:18
Chapters
- 0:00🚔 Introduction to the Murder
- 2:19🌄 The Morning of the Murder
- 6:30🕵️ Investigation Begins
- 10:30🔢 The License Plate Clue
- 19:00❓ Suspect Alibis and Dead Ends
- 27:00🔫 Discovery of the Murder Weapon
- 28:10🚗 Reconstructing the Crime
- 30:30⚖️ Convictions and Closure
The digest
A Quiet Town Shattered
In March 1997, the small town of Higginson, Arkansas, with a population just over 300, was rocked by the murder of one of its two full-time police officers, Danny Longstreet. Danny, a 39-year-old former army veteran who had joined the force less than a year earlier, was found shot dead in his patrol car early one morning. The town, known for its low crime rate and close-knit community, was stunned by the violence.
Keep reading in The Digest
The full 3-minute article, 8 more sections, and every new episode from MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories and the creators you follow.
- The Morning of the Murder
- The Investigation Begins
- Following the Clues: The License Plate
- Expanding the Suspect List
- The Breakthrough: The Murder Weapon
- Unraveling the Alibi
- Convictions and Sentences
- Reflections on a Small-Town Tragedy
More from MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
Fan Favorite - "The Receipt"
Detective Scott Jones unravels the brutal double murder of Karen and Jim Divalbliss in Lancaster, Ohio, revealing a shocking betrayal by a trusted handyman.
No Way Out Vol. XII
Mr. Ballin recounts three harrowing true stories of people trapped with no way out, revealing fatal consequences of risky decisions and hidden dangers.
Murder In Marseilles (PODCAST EXCLUSIVE EPISODE)
In a city riddled with organized crime, two seemingly unrelated murders of prominent medical professionals lead Detective Richard Zardoumi down a rabbit hole of deceit, ambition, and unexpected connections. This is the story of the 'Clinic Wars' that gripped Marseilles.
Fan Favorite - "The Watercooler"
A seemingly ordinary morning at an insurance agency turns into a chilling murder investigation when a water cooler is found to be poisoned, leading Detective Palmer to uncover a web of betrayal and a calculated attempt to frame an innocent man.
Death In Disguise
This episode of MrBallen's podcast features three stories about hidden dangers and unexpected threats, from a mysterious summer snowstorm to a seemingly minor fall with deadly consequences, and a harrowing wartime train journey.
Meant to Be (PODCAST EXCLUSIVE EPISODE)
This episode of MrBallen's podcast features four incredible stories of people who experienced bizarre and inexplicable events, leading them to believe that everything happens for a reason.
All MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories summaries →