The discovery of a human arm floating in Lake Mattoon shocked Central Illinois—but that was only the beginning.

When boaters first spotted what they believed was a dead fish drifting across the water, they had no idea they had stumbled upon one of Illinois' most disturbing criminal investigations in recent memory.

In this episode, we break down the entire Lake Mattoon murder case using court documents, investigative records, and official law enforcement information to reconstruct what investigators allege happened.

You'll hear how detectives:

• identified 38-year-old Dalewayne Turner using tattoos and jewelry,

• traced the investigation from Lake Mattoon to a home nearly 180 miles away in Plainfield, Illinois,

• uncovered surveillance footage, license plate reader evidence, Google searches, text messages, and search warrant findings,

• and ultimately arrested James Adams and Robin Turner.

We'll also explain what investigators know, what prosecutors allege, and the many questions that still remain unanswered as this case moves through the court system.

Please note: The allegations discussed in this episode come from publicly filed court documents and investigative records. James Adams and Robin Turner are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

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About the show

Kat Has Questions is a curiosity-driven podcast about real stories that sound unreal — from unsolved crimes and strange history to the quietly weird corners of human behavior.

New episodes every week.

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Support the Show

If you’re enjoying Kat Has Questions, follow the podcast, leave a review, or send in a weird historical mystery you want me to dig into next.

Support the show here! (Patreon)

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Sources & Further Reading

Primary Court Documents

Petition to Deny Pretrial Release – People of the State of Illinois v. James E. Adams, Case No. 2026-CF-1161 (Circuit Court of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Will County, Illinois).

Petition to Deny Pretrial Release – People of the State of Illinois v. Robin L. Turner, Case No. 2026-CF-1162 (Circuit Court of the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Will County, Illinois).

Law Enforcement

Illinois State Police News Release: Illinois State Police Arrest Suspects in Lake Mattoon Death Investigation

News Reporting

WCIA 3

WAND News

ABC 7 Chicago

CBS Chicago

NBC Chicago

WGN-TV

Journal Gazette & Times-Courier

The News-Gazette

Additional Research

Publicly available court records

Public statements released by family members during the investigation

Disclaimer: This episode is based on publicly available court records, law enforcement statements, and contemporaneous news reporting available at the time of recording. Court filings describe allegations made by prosecutors. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

🎵 Music: “Scrunchy” by Night Drift

Licensed by Uppbeat

License code: CAHWZR9T33BFXDNY

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Contact

📩 kathasquestionspod@gmail.com

Instagram: @KatHasQuestions