Plaza Lights, Plaza Shadows

In October 1978, the Phillips Petroleum attorney from Oklahoma was found dead in her hotel room—shot in one of the city’s most elegant addresses. Nearly half a century later, questions linger: Who wanted her silenced, and what disappeared with the evidence? Alex explores the Kansas City–Oklahoma connection, the power and secrecy behind the case, and why justice sometimes stalls in the glow of the Plaza lights. This episode was made possible in part by the detailed reporting in The Pitch: https://www.thepitchkc.com/the-icecold-case And be sure to check out Jamie’s “Killer Cocktail” inspired by this case—his blind interpretation of the cryptic clue Alex gave him before the show. Visit us at killingcitypod.com and on Substack at kilingcitypod.substack.com for bonus content, behind-the-scenes notes, and more true Kansas City stories. We’ve launched a new way for listeners and readers to go deeper into the world of Going to Killing City. Think of it as your backstage pass to Kansas City’s darker history—paired, of course, with a splash of cocktail culture. This isn’t just a fan club. It’s a community of people who love Kansas City, its history, and its strangest untold stories—seasoned with a little gin, rye, or whatever’s in your glass. Memberships are open now. Consider it your invitation into the shadows. All membership perks are available exclusively through our Substack page. This month's Killer Cocktail: Mt. Vesuvius: 2 oz Mezcal, Banhez 3⁄4 oz Bergamot liqueur, Italicus 1⁄2 oz Amaro, Cappelletti Sfumato Rabarbaro 1⁄2 oz Maraschino Liqueur, Luxardo 1 ds Chocolate bitters, Scrappy's Chocolate 1 twst Orange peel (Flamed) Instructions Stir, strain, up, chilled coupe, garnish with flamed orange peel Questions or comments? Email us at: [email protected]