More than a decade apart, two Spokane women vanished under hauntingly similar circumstances—one disappeared without a trace, the other was found dismembered in a wooded area outside the city. What followed was not just a search for a killer, but a slow unraveling of a justice system strained by delay, disputed decisions, and institutional fear.
In this episode of The Spokane Show, host Eric Walker examines the connected cases of Heather Higgins and Kala Williams. Despite DNA evidence, a clear suspect, and years of investigative work, neither case ever made it to trial. A controversial medical examiner ruling labeled one death “undetermined,” effectively stopping charges before they could begin—and casting a shadow over both investigations.
Through interviews with retired Major Crimes Detective Mark Burbridge and a careful review of public records, this episode traces how evidence accumulated, why accountability stalled, and what happens when cases don’t fail all at once—but erode over time. It’s a story about missed opportunities, professional consequences, and families left without answers.
In 2022, Kala Williams’ death was reclassified as a homicide, reopening the door to prosecution. But before charges could be filed, the suspect died—bringing any possibility of courtroom accountability to an end.
This is not just a story about violence. It’s about what happens when truth is delayed, decisions compound, and time ultimately runs out.
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