204. The USS Iowa Tragedy: An Investigative Failure

Forty-seven sailors were dead. The Navy had an answer that wasn't an accident but pointed to one dead man.

In 1989, the USS Iowa suffered a catastrophic turret explosion that killed everyone inside. Investigators soon focused on Clayton Hartwig, his life insurance policy, and rumors about his relationship with another sailor. As the case unfolded, an LGBTQ+ true crime story emerged alongside questions about military culture, homophobia, and whether a dead sailor had been turned into a convenient scapegoat. But independent investigators would later challenge key parts of the Navy’s case, raising a haunting question: was this a crime, an accident, or an investigative failure?

Hosted by Jordi and Brad, Beers With Queers explores true crime with a queer perspective, uncovering the darkest corners of LGBTQ+ history. Press play, grab a drink, and join us for one of the Navy’s most controversial mysteries.

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