Hazel’s Last Hand — Episode 2: Hazel's Last Day

For thirty years, the official narrative of Hazel Martin’s final hours was set in stone. But in this episode, a sudden break in the case completely upends what we thought we knew about the night of May 17, 1996.

Host Kate Colvin reveals a game-changing new timeline that might finally explain a question that has haunted investigators for decades: If this was a robbery gone wrong, why didn't the intruder just leave?

• The Heart of Hazel: We hear from Hazel’s granddaughter, Paula, and great-granddaughter, Whitney, who share who Hazel truly was beyond the cold case file.

• The Princeton Grange: Step back into 1996 to Hazel's final evening—splitting a sandwich, playing pinochle with dear friends, and winning top female player of the night.

• The New Discovery: A social media tip leads Kate to the family of Alvin and Alice Cowger, Hazel's card partners. Their revelation completely rewrites her journey home.

• Scenario A vs. Scenario B: We break down the physics of that night. Did a generous ride home in a purple sedan accidentally trap an intruder inside Hazel's house?

• Major Case Updates: The Latah County Prosecutor has officially greenlit private cadaver dog searches and advanced DNA testing. Plus, a state cold case investigator is stepping in.

Key Detail to Remember: Hazel entered through the back porch, left her shoes and purse (with her $7 winnings) on her favorite catchall chair, changed in the guest room (where she kept her clothes), and went to sleep in the master bedroom.

This episode’s major step forward was made possible by the community. We are incredibly grateful to Ellie Helbing for her generous contribution to kickstart Hazel's reward fund.

• About Ellie: Ellie is a Potlatch native, mother of four, and a dedicated real estate agent with Latah Realty.

• Work with Ellie: If you are looking for a real estate agent in Latah County who truly cares about this community, connect with Ellie Helbing at Latah Realty.

We highly encourage our listeners to check out The Snake River Killer, a phenomenal true crime podcast covering unsolved cases in the Lewiston-Clarkston area.

• Host: Brandon Schrand

• Stay tuned—Brandon will be joining us on an upcoming episode of Hazel’s Last Hand!

• Written, Produced, and Hosted by: Kate Colvin

• Sound Design: John and Holly Boswell

• Research Assistance: Andrea Rourick, Bonnie Scoles, Cretia Bunny, Paula Frazier, Whitney Dixon, and Ellie Helbing

• Writing Assistance: Brian Potter

Disclaimer: This podcast follows an active, unsolved murder investigation in real time. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

For nearly 30 years, someone has known the truth.

On the night of May 17, 1996, 71-year-old Hazel Martin left a pinochle game at the Princeton Grange Hall in rural Latah County, Idaho, after winning just seven dollars. She drove the short distance home and vanished without a trace.

The following morning, her family discovered a house that appeared untouched. There were no signs of forced entry, no struggle, and no indication that anything was wrong… except Hazel was gone. Her bed had been stripped, and the sheets, pillows, and Hazel herself had disappeared.

Days later, searchers recovered pieces of evidence along the Palouse River. Nearly a year after Hazel vanished, mushroom hunters made a heartbreaking discovery hidden in the woods just off Highway 6. Hazel's remains were found, and her death was ruled a homicide.

Her killer or killers have never been identified.

In this trailer for Hazel's Last Hand, host Kate Colvin returns to the community where she grew up to reopen one of Idaho's longest-running unsolved murders. Through exclusive interviews, firsthand accounts, and a fresh examination of the evidence and timeline, this podcast explores not only what happened to Hazel, but who may still be keeping the answers.

This is more than a cold case. It's the story of a family still searching for justice, a community forever changed, and the hope that one forgotten memory could finally solve a murder.

We are also proud to announce our partnership with Break the Case, a veteran-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping law enforcement solve cold cases. Together, we have established an official reward fund for information leading to the resolution of Hazel Martin's murder. Every donation goes directly toward the reward, and information about contributing can be found on the show website: hazelslasthand.com

If you know something, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please come forward. One tip could change everything.

Subscribe to Hazel's Last Hand on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

A podcast for the community, by the community.

Disclaimer: Hazel's Last Hand investigates an active, unsolved homicide. This podcast documents an ongoing investigation. Any individuals discussed are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.