As a former Des Moines resident and a former DMR paper carrier during the late 70's early 80's I have always thought a few things would gain more discussion. Maybe they have, and I have missed them.
-It should not be overlooked that the Des Moines Register had two young employees that disappeared and were likely murdered within a relatively very short period of time. This is a paper with a lot of influence in Iowa and one that carefully guards its reputation as a bell-weather source for America with the Iowa caucus attention etc. Let’s not forget that though unintentionally, the DMR was placing these boys in a situation where they met a terrible end. But let’s also not forget that the DMR greatly controlled the message being delivered here. They really avoided scrutiny pretty well.
- Gosch and Martin were both taken so geographically close to one another that I have always felt it was probably a quick kill after the abduction. Both abduction sites were very close by high speed travel to heavy woods, gravel pits and river area south and west of town. The Raccoon River valley provides flooding, heavy woods etc. Gosch’s neighborhood was a newer neighborhood and this area was quickly reachable then. Martin’s spot would easily reach Army Post Road… then west at highway speeds to reach that area. In those days, our culture did not enlist as much public participation as it does now. My hunch has always been that the person knew or lived in the south or west sides of DM, and probably had a reason for being out all night. I have always wondered if that river valley area was appropriately scoured. I imagine the flood of 93 probably wiped out any evidence if it was there.
- In that era, paper carriers were the easiest target imaginable. It was basically middle of the night or pre-dawn, and they are vulnerable in age and size. And they were for the most part alone. If they were both taken at the site where they pick up their papers, that would be a spot where they would be consistently seen. Once they get out on their route they would be more of a moving target. That pick up spot is usually where the paper boy would usually fold their papers, load the bag, wagon etc. before heading out on the route.
- I was young then, only 15 when Gosch was taken, but I clearly remember Noreen Gosch being viewed as odd. She was viewed as a pretty woman with too much eye makeup. I think she was unfairly portrayed as a nut case. Because she has carried the torch so consistently for so long, she is probably taken more seriously now than ever. That being said, I don’t believe her son visited her. I think she made a leap there to stay relevant. It’s hard to judge her.
- The Sam Soda thing merits great examination. If I remember right, Soda did have a reputation as a guy looking for relevance. I saw him once when I had a job at a Hy-Vee… I brought some groceries to his car at like 7 am. I remember thinking looking in his car that it looked like he had snacks or drinks and I assumed he was out all night. I always wondered if he had a family or kids. My understanding was that he was a south sider. It is tough to find information about him.
- I believe that whoever did this had a reason to be out and about at 4-5 am on a Sunday morning. That excludes 99% of people. A late or early job? Maybe they told their wife they were going fishing? I hope that any DMR circulation person near them was thoroughly searched.