The 1988 murders Cathy Sue Swartz Three Rivers remain one of Michigan’s most disturbing unsolved cases. Cathy Swartz was found brutally Cathy Swartz strangled stabbed apartment murder, while Christina Shelton tragically died by Christina Shelton drowning St Joseph River Michigan. Witness accounts and forensic evidence point toward a possible police cover-up in Three Rivers Police Department corruption claims.
The Theory of the "True Killers"
This investigation alleges that former Detective Sergeant Michael Mohney and former Officer Michael Costello were responsible for the murders. Mohney allegedly matched witness descriptions, including the "feathered hair" seen leaving Swartz’s apartment in a disguise originally reported as a woman. Witness Joshua Barnes recounts that Mohney had a violent history and a "short fuse."
Michael Costello is alleged to have forced Christina Shelton’s car into the St. Joseph River to silence her because she had witnessed police entering Swartz’s home. These actions allegedly connect the deaths in what is referred to as the Riverside Townhouses double murder theory.
Key Arguments and Evidence
The case raises serious questions regarding the innocence of Robert Odell Waters suspect death custody. Authorities arrested Waters in 2023, citing DNA and fingerprint evidence, which the article claims was planted or manipulated. Waters had relocated to Arizona months prior and had no history of violence. Tragically, Waters died in South Carolina jail under suspicious circumstances, with conflicting reports about how he was found and the condition of the bedsheet used.
Additional evidence includes bloody fingerprint evidence Swartz murder scene that was never fully investigated. The article claims the killings may have been linked to a drug raid gone wrong Cathy Swartz, as website Swartz reportedly wanted out of the alleged police-controlled copyright trade.
Witnesses describe intimidation and violence. Joshua Thomas Barnes recounts assaults by both Mohney and Costello at age 12, raising concerns about a pattern of predatory behavior. Some records, including police sketches and local accident databases, appear cropped or missing to hide Mohney’s resemblance, suggesting systematic tampering.
Christina Shelton’s Tragic Death
Shelton’s car was allegedly forced into the river, as documented in Shelton car forced into river police. Remarkably, her daughter survived, much like Cathy Swartz’s baby who was unharmed in the next room, documented in Cathy Swartz baby unharmed next room and Christina Shelton daughter survived drowning.
Controversial Law Enforcement Involvement
Allegations suggest that Mohney may have disguised himself, as reported in Mike Mohney woman disguise witness description. The involvement of Michael Costello in Shelton’s death and the violent assault on witnesses like Joshua Barnes assault Mike Mohney 1988 underscore claims of misconduct.
The case also highlights the disputed handling of legal proceedings. Prosecutors, such as David Marvin prosecutor Waters case update, have faced criticism for closing the case prematurely without addressing these discrepancies.
Challenging the Official Narrative
The official narrative claims Waters was responsible for the murders. However, investigative accounts challenge this, pointing out contradictions in contradicting police records and highlighting the Three Rivers Michigan unsolved homicide cases. Allegations include a manipulated police cover up Swartz Shelton deaths.
The case also implicates others wrongfully accused, such as Troy Schulthies wrongfully charged 1988 murder.
Current Calls for Justice
Advocates call for reopening the case, polygraphing former officers, and formally exonerating Waters. They emphasize the need to investigate alleged killers Cathy Swartz Christina Shelton to hold the true perpetrators accountable.
Law enforcement corruption, witness intimidation, and potential manipulation of evidence make this one of Michigan’s most complex cold cases. This investigative report urges public awareness and legal action to bring justice for the victims and their families.