In April of 1973, the vibrant college town of Orno, Maine was shattered by a shocking

murder that sent tremors through the University of Maine community. The victim was Frederick

Ellen Spencer, a promising U-Maine graduate student with a bright future ahead.

When Frederick's roommate came forward and confessed to the killing, it seemed justice would be swiftly served and open and shut case.

But as the trial of Richard Westall Rogers Jr. unfolded, it was clear the case was far from simple.

Despite his admission of guilt, the proceedings took a surprising turn, leaving many puzzled

and questioning the very fabric of the justice system.

Nobody in that courtroom could have known at the time, but the unexpected decisions made in

the case of Frederick Spencer would set in motion a chilling and deadly ripple effect

that only grew with intensity and consequence

over the next few decades.

Years later, the same killer would resurface, leaving a trail of death and despair in his wake.

At least two more lives would be lost at the hands of this elusive murderer,

and evidence pointing to even more victims attributed to the man who

would be labeled the last call killer.

I'm going to tell you Frederick Allen Spencer's story, as well as the stories of Peter Stigny Anderson, Thomas Mulcahy, Anthony

Edward Marrero, and Michael Sechera.

Though these cases reach far beyond New England's six states.

It all begins right here in Maine.

I'm Kylie Lowe, and this is Dark Down East. In 1973, the town of Orno Main was on the verge of celebrating the bicentennial of its original settlement by American colonists.

The region of pines at the intersection of the Stillwater River and the Penobscot River

was originally occupied by the Penobscot Nation, an indigenous group native to Maine.

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