# They were Murdered Execution Style - for the Darkest Family Secret

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/murder-files-unsealed-6698983/they-were-murdered-execution-style-for-the-darkest-family-secret
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/murder-files-unsealed-6698983/they-were-murdered-execution-style-for-the-darkest-family-secret.md
Podcast: [Murder Files Unsealed](https://stenobird.com/podcast/murder-files-unsealed-6698983)
Published: 2026-07-11T23:17:34+00:00
Episode link: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/they-were-murdered-execution-style-for-the-darkest-family-secret--72933837
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/72933837/the_pillow_that_caught_ryan_windgard.mp3
Processing state: not_requested
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/murder-files-unsealed-6698983/episodes/they-were-murdered-execution-style-for-the-darkest-family-secret
Duration seconds: 3018

## Resource

The provided transcript details the investigation into the 1987 double homicide of newlyweds Rick and Gail Brink in Holland, Michigan. Initial inquiries explored motives involving jealousy from an ex-boyfriend and potential mistaken identity related to a local motorcycle gang, but the case eventually went cold for over two decades. In 2011, cold case detectives revisited the evidence, discovering that a pillow placed over Gail's face suggested an emotional connection between the killer and the victims. Their focus shifted to Gail’s brother, Ryan Windgard, whose history of sexual abuse toward his sister provided a motive for murder to keep his dark secret hidden. The investigation culminated in his wife’s confession, revealing that Ryan committed the execution-style killings to prevent exposure and maintain control. This breakthrough led to Windgard's first-degree murder conviction in 2014, finally bringing closure to a case that had remained unsolved for twenty-six years. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/murder-files-unsealed--6017387/support . This episode includes AI-generated content.

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## Transcript

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