A Teen’s Murder, Lying Eyewitnesses and the Wrong Man Arrested — But Killer’s Niece Knew the Truth for Decades

The chilling murder of Christie Mullins in Columbus, Ohio, nearly 50 years ago shook the entire community to its core. The 14-year-old girl was brutally beaten, raped, and bludgeoned to death in a wooded area behind a strip mall in the Clintonville neighborhood. The tragic events unfolded on August 23, 1975 when Christie and her friend Carol Reeves went to a cheerleading contest behind the Graceland shopping center. Reeves left briefly to check the time at a nearby store, and upon her return, Christie had vanished from where she was last seen sitting on a guardrail.

The investigation took a significant turn when Henry Newell Jr., along with his wife, reported seeing a suspicious man with a two-by-four in the woods behind the shopping center. This man fled upon noticing the couple. Subsequently, a composite sketch of the alleged killer was created with the help of the couple. Jack Carmen, a man with developmental disabilities, was swiftly identified as fitting the description and confessed to the crime. However, doubts lingered over the validity of Carmen’s confession, leading to the ACLU taking up his case due to concerns about his understanding of his rights during interrogation. Following a retrial, Carmen was acquitted in 1977.

For years, the case remained unsolved until a shocking revelation surfaced in 2014 when Pam Brown disclosed that her uncle, Henry Newell, had confessed to Christie’s murder to her when she was just 16 years old. Brown shared disturbing details of Newell spotting Christie at the shopping center, initiating a conversation that escalated into a fatal assault when she resisted his advances. Newell admitted to tying her up and fatally bludgeoning her with a two-by-four. Brown, burdened by this chilling secret, only came forward after Newell’s passing in 2013, expressing remorse for not revealing the truth earlier to Christie’s family.

In 2015, Columbus Police officially confirmed that Henry Newell was responsible for the heinous murder of Christie Mullins. This revelation finally brought closure to a case that had haunted the community for decades. The belated justice for Christie shed light on the complexities of the criminal justice system and the importance of uncovering the truth, no matter how long it takes. The bravery of Pam Brown in coming forward with vital information after years of silence served as a poignant reminder that sometimes, the key to resolving a mystery lies with those who hold hidden truths.

The tragic story of Christie Mullins serves as a somber reminder of the enduring impact of unresolved crimes on families and communities. The determination of law enforcement and the tenacity of individuals like Pam Brown are instrumental in ensuring that justice is served, even after many years have passed. The closure brought to Christie’s case highlights the importance of perseverance and the pursuit of truth in solving cold cases and delivering long-awaited answers to those affected by such tragedies.

The cold case of Christie Mullins’ murder stands as a testament to the perseverance of law enforcement and the significance of undisclosed information in solving long-standing mysteries. The ultimate resolution of the case, fueled by Pam Brown’s willingness to share crucial details, underscores the critical role that individuals can play in bringing closure to devastating crimes. As the Columbus community reflects on this heartbreaking chapter in its history, the memory of Christie Mullins serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and resolve required to seek justice, no matter how much time has passed.

This tragic tale of Christie Mullins’ murder and the untangling of the web of lies and deceit surrounding her case demonstrate the importance of truth and accountability in the pursuit of justice. The community’s unwavering commitment to seeking answers and uncovering the real story behind Christie’s death serves as a powerful example of the impact of collaboration and determination in solving even the most challenging cases. As the details of this decades-old crime come to light, the memory of Christie Mullins lives on as a symbol of resilience and the enduring quest for truth and justice.