ML Elrick and the crew dive deep into one of the most tragic, surreal, and downright chaotic chapters in Metro Detroit crime history: the 1987 Bungalow Motel shootout in Inkster.
Michigan Journalism Hall of Famer and former Detroit Free Press colleague Joe Swickard breaks down his firsthand coverage and rare jailhouse interviews with a family operating on a completely distorted wavelength.
STRAIGHT DOPE:
The Bungalow Motel Standoff (1987): What started as two police officers serving a routine warrant for a bad check exploded into a nightmare. Alberta Easter—a manipulative con woman in severe debt—and her three fiercely loyal sons (Roy, William, and George Lemons) ambushed the police. The encounter tragically claimed the lives of three officers: Sergeant Ira Parker, Daniel Dubiel, and Clay Hoover.
The Killer’s Perspective: Joe Swickard recalls sitting in a sweltering, steel-box jail cell with Roy Lemons, who spun a wild tale of “divine intervention,” bullets miraculously missing him, and the devil entering the room when the police sergeant arrived.
A Fatal Fantasy: Despite running out of ammo and starting a massive hours-long standoff amidst a raging thunderstorm, Alberta Easter spent her time trying to call celebrities, Motown executives, and even President Bush to negotiate her surrender. The family ultimately received natural life sentences without parole.
The Shaggy Dog Story: On a lighter note, Joe Swickard shows off his “Maxwell Medallion” for being named Dog Writer of the Year, explaining a heartwarming Michigan program where incarcerated women train shelter dogs for adoption.
GEEK OF THE WEEK:
The guys riff on the current state of college sports, taking aim at the chaos surrounding NIL and the transfer portal, and calling out the coaches and administrators making millions while complaining about the system.
ROOM 7609:
The show spins an ultra-rare vinyl track from 20 years before the massacre: “Fascinating Girl” by George Lemons, released on Alberta’s failed “Gold Soul” record label. ML details how Alberta tried to scam her way into taking over a Detroit recording studio, only to flee with the equipment when the deal collapsed.
Community Note:
ML highlights an upcoming candlelight vigil to honor the fallen officers of the Bungalow Motel incident, as well as Officer Kenneth Woodmore. The memorial takes place on Thursday, July 2nd at 8:00 PM at the Inkster Police Department.
Support the Soulmates: This episode is brought to you by our fantastic sponsors: Luke Nowacki at Pinnacle Wealth Strategies, the Cadieux Cafe (check out the summer music lineup in the beer garden!), Detroit City FC (use promo code SOUL for 15% off tickets), and Artisan Interiors.
Head over to mlsouldetroit.com to grab the extended merchandise swag sale before it’s gone!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
