48 Hours · Podcast summary
Who Killed the Prosecutor?
This episode delves into the shocking murder of Assistant District Attorney Steve Towser, exploring the investigation, the complex relationships surrounding him, and the eventual confession of his killer, Chris Hillis.
Listen on the show ↗Key takeaways
- ❤️Towser was known for his compassionate nature, often helping family members and others, and was described as having a 'big heart' and a 'mandate to become a savior in the world.'00:27
- 🔪Steve Towser was found brutally murdered in his garage, having been stabbed repeatedly in the head, indicating a personal motive behind the crime.00:47
- 🕵️The investigation shifted focus to Chris Hillis due to the absence of forced entry and the presence of beer bottles, suggesting Towser knew his killer and may have socialized with them.07:15
- 💔Chris Hillis's son, Lance, struggled with methamphetamine addiction, leading to a feud between Hillis and Towser over how to best help Lance.13:06
- 🚗Lance Hillis died in a violent car crash while high on meth, an event that devastated Chris Hillis and led him to blame Steve Towser.22:22
- ❌Despite Chris Hillis's claims, investigators found no evidence of a sexual relationship or abuse between Steve Towser and Lance Hillis.26:19
Chapters
- 0:00Introduction to the Murder Mystery
- 0:37The Discovery of Steve Towser's Body
- 3:45Steve Towser: A Man of Compassion and Dedication
- 7:13The Investigation Shifts Focus to Chris Hillis
- 20:31The Friendship Turned Feud: Lance Hillis's Addiction
- 30:02The Breaking Point: Lance's Death and Towser's Murder
- 39:07Chris Hillis's Arrest, Trial, and Confession
- 47:21The Aftermath and Lingering Questions
The digest
The podcast episode, "Who Killed the Prosecutor?" delves into the shocking murder of Assistant District Attorney Steve Towser, a man described as an "extraordinary guy" with a "big heart." The narrative unfolds through interviews with law enforcement, friends, and family, painting a picture of a dedicated prosecutor whose life was tragically cut short.
The Discovery of a Murder
On September 15, 2002, a calm voice called 911 to report a man possibly dead. This call led Bakersfield, California investigators to the home of Steve Towser, where they made a grim discovery. Sheriff Carl Sparks and the entire legal community were stunned by the murder of Towser, a Kern County Assistant District Attorney for almost 20 years. Homicide Detective John Saliste, upon arriving at the scene, immediately recognized that this was no ordinary investigation. Towser's body was found face down in his garage, having been stabbed repeatedly in the head. The brutality of the murder suggested a personal motive, leading investigators to suspect revenge. They considered the possibility of an enemy Towser had made fighting crime, or even a "madman that was full of hate."
Keep reading in The Digest
The full 7-minute article, 6 more sections, and every new episode from 48 Hours and the creators you follow.
- Steve Towser: A Man of Compassion
- The Investigation Shifts Focus
- The Troubled Relationship with Chris Hillis
- The Friendship and the Feud
- The Breaking Point
- The Trial and Confession
More from 48 Hours
Dead Again | The Woman in the Woods
Erin Moriarty explores the mysterious disappearance and deaths surrounding Mindy Kasotis, revealing a tangled web of secrets and suspicion.
What Happened to Mamta Kafle Bhatt?
Naresh Bhatt faces trial for the 2024 disappearance and presumed murder of his wife, pediatric nurse Mamta Kafle Bhatt, in a complex no-body case fueled by digital evidence and community grief.
The Toll of Jury Duty: The Lindsay Clancy Trial
Dr. Michelle DeBlasi, Chief of Inpatient Psychiatry at Tufts Medical Center, discusses the mental and emotional toll of jury duty, particularly in high-profile cases like the Lindsay Clancy trial.
Gone
In a gripping 48 Hours investigation, Tracy Smith delves into the disappearance and murder of Michelle Warner, a young mother whose life took a tragic turn. The episode uncovers the shocking details of her relationship with Mark Castellano, the subsequent police investigation, and the dramatic trial that brought justice for Michelle.
Post Mortem | Tracker Dakota Black On The Hunt
48 Hours correspondent Peter Van Sant discusses the tragic murder of Michaela MacAfee and the investigation led by Lieutenant Dakota Black, a tracker whose unique skills were crucial in solving the case.
Tracker Dakota Black On The Hunt
Lieutenant Dakota Black, a tracker and detective with the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office, recounts her most heart-wrenching case: the murder of Michaela Mayave.