Theory #1: Was Mike Finch Involved? #joycelepage #crimejunkies #truecrimestories #podcast | Forensic Files

Joyce LePage's murder has been investigated for more than five decades. Most theories have been ruled out. But
these seven haven't. This is theory number one, Mike Finch. And if you ask investigators today who the primary
suspect was for like decades, one name comes up over and over again, Mike Finch.
And after reading his interviews, I understand why. Mike Finch wasn't Joyce LePage's boyfriend, but he definitely
seems like he wanted to spend time with her. He had known Joyce for about two years. They had gone on dates before.
And on July 22nd, 1971, the last day that Joyce was seen alive, Mike invited her to spend the weekend with him. First
to chaperone a dance with him, and then to go to the water folly, this like boat
race in Pasco. And then he planned to continue on to this agriculture teachers conference. Sounds simple enough until
you start reading his interview statements because they don't stay the same. In his first interview, Mike tells
police that the dance was Friday night. Except school officials later tell investigators that the dance was always
held on Saturday, like all dances were. Then years later after Joyce's remains are found, Mike gives a much longer
interview. Now his story changes and he remembers different conversations, different travel plans, and different
timing. And one detail really jumps out at me. Mike says that before driving to Pasco, he drove through Pullman to check
Joyce's apartment. Then there's the fact that Mike basically has no alibi for Thursday night, the night that we
believe Joyce went missing. Like he can remember everything on Friday and Saturday, but when detectives ask him
what he was doing Thursday night, he can't remember. Now to be fair, 40 years later memories fade. And in 2013,
Mike finally agreed to take a polygraph and he passed. Today's investigators largely consider him eliminated.
But when I read these interviews, I don't know, I still find myself asking questions about Mike Finch.

Theory #1 of 7

For decades, Mike Finch was considered the primary suspect in Joyce LePage's murder. His interview statements changed over time, parts of his timeline raised questions, and investigators spent years examining his account. Today, detectives largely consider him eliminated, but this remains one of the six theories that survived decades of investigation.

Watch the full investigation on @CrimeJunkie and tagged below. -------- Follow Crime Junkie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crimejunkiepodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrimeJunkiePodcast/ Crime Junkie is created and hosted by Ashley Flowers.

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Brief Summary

Mike Finch's inconsistent statements raise questions in Joyce LePage's murder case.

Key points

Theories on Joyce LePage's Murder. After decades of investigation, only seven theories remain. Mike Finch is a key suspect.
Mike Finch's Changing Story. Mike Finch's alibi and story change over the years, raising suspicions.

Episode highlights

Mike Finch's Changing StoryMike Finch's alibi and story change over the years, raising suspicions.“In his first interview, Mike tells police that the dance was Friday night.”0:48Jul 28, 2026

Episode quotes

I still find myself asking questions about Mike Finch.

Reflecting on the investigation of Mike Finch.

1:45WatchJul 28, 2026

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