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AFTER DARK | The Ghost of Mary Jane Reed : Haunted Roadhouses, Cold Case Murders | Creepy Stories

·21 min·2 clips

Mary Jane's body is found shot in the head, her slacks folded neatly in a chilling, ritualistic manner.

This episode of The Whispering Woods After Dark details the unsolved 1948 murder of Mary Jane Reed and the subsequent paranormal activity at a roadhouse in Oregon, Illinois. Host Sarah narrates this single, lengthy story. The tale centers on Mary Jane Reed, a headstrong teenager, and her date, Stanley Squires, a Navy veteran, who were both shot and killed on June 24th, 1948. Their bodies were discovered separately, with Stanley found in a ditch on County Farm Road and Mary Jane located five days later on what is now called Devil's Backbone Road. The investigation was stymied by a lack of clear motive, as robbery was ruled out. In the decades following the tragedy, local ghost stories emerged, often focusing on the old Stenhouse Restaurant, the last place the couple was seen alive. New owners who renovated the building in the 1990s reported early encounters, including a young woman in period clothing who watched construction before vanishing. Once reopened as the Roadhouse Restaurant, staff and patrons documented persistent phenomena, most notably a jukebox that autonomously plays "After Sunrise" by Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66, identified as Mary Jane's favorite song. Apparitions of a young woman, sudden cold spots, and the unexplained scent of fresh flowers are commonly reported. The kitchen has experienced poltergeist-like activity, with objects moving on their own. Strange coincidences include the restaurant being renamed M and J's Roadhouse, matching Mary Jane's initials, and the receipt of mail and a handwritten birthday card addressed to or from Mary Jane Reed. The former owner and town mayor, Mike Arians, became a believer in the haunting. The murder case has been reopened several times, including an exhumation of Mary Jane's body in 2005, but it remains unsolved. The host suggests the ghost stories may be linked to Mary Jane's spirit seeking justice. The narrative is delivered in a solemn, atmospheric, and storytelling tone, designed to be creepy and immersive. Listeners who enjoy detailed historical true crime intertwined with local ghost lore and first-hand paranormal accounts will be captivated by this episode. Those seeking skeptical analysis or conclusive answers about the murders or hauntings may find the episode less satisfying.

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