Over the past few weeks, we’ve told the stories of the presumed victims of Mike DeBardeleben, those who were murdered or are believed to have lost their lives at his hands.

This week, we turn to the stories of several known survivors. Through their experiences, we see the breadth of DeBardeleben’s crimes, the brutality he inflicted, and the varying degrees of justice the survivors received.

The victims we’ve discussed, both those who were killed and those who survived, likely represent only a fraction of the true scope of Mike DeBardeleben’s crimes and depravity.

Purchase Stephen Michaud’s book “Beyond Cruel” - https://books.apple.com/us/book/beyond-cruel/id6503722963

Source:

• Michaud, Stephen, Beyond Cruel: The Chilling True Story of America’s Most Sadistic Killer, May 1994, St. Martin’s Paperbacks

Support the show

If you have any information on any of the cold cases covered, you can submit a tip here: https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-crime-victims/iowa-cold-case/cold-case-tip-form

You can follow Cardinal Crimes on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube @CardinalCrimes.

The best way to support the podcast is to follow/like/subscribe, share with friends and family, and write us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

If you liked the show and are interested in supporting my work, check out my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/CardinalCrimes?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator

Save $20 on a Buzzsprout paid plan using this referral link!: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2372693

Theme Song: Shrouded Lament by james.lfo, William Claeson

On July 12, 1979, a fire at the Hill Top Motel in Red Oak, Iowa, claimed the life of 3-year-old Keara Coshow. Despite known suspicions of child abuse from Keara's stepmother, Karen, and Keara being nearly blind from an injury many suspect was inflicted upon her by her stepmother, investigators ruled the fire and Keara's death a tragic accident.

The investigation was reopened in 2007 and closed in 2010 with the same conclusion: the fire and Keara's death were an accident.

But, in 2025, the Iowa Attorney General's Office released a deck of Iowa Cold Case cards, and I was surprised to find Keara's face among them, with her being labeled "homicide victim", and the card stating the fire was ruled arson.

I reached out to the Iowa Attorney General's Office and the Iowa Cold Case Unit to request clarification. The Iowa Cold Case Unit responded, and in this episode, I give an update on what they told me: they DON'T know why there is a discrepancy. But they are looking into this case, which I consider a win.

If you have ANY INFORMATION at all, please contact the Iowa Cold Case Unit:

Their email: coldcase@ag.iowa.gov

Listen to my previous episode on Keara Coshow: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cardinal-crimes/id1781462994?i=1000695493302

Or watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/WInjK111ydE?si=YW1dTfJ0UVzArgua

Sources:

• Voicemail & phone conversation with Iowa Cold Case Investigator Chad Lovig, November 2025
• Roy Marshall, Investigation Report Case #7907361, State of Iowa Department of Public Safety State Fire Marshal Division
• State of Iowa Death Certificate (certified reproduction of original record), Keara Coshow, Issued April 23, 2007.
• Jon Mathis, Closing and Disposition Record Case #0706806, Iowa Department of Public Safety Division of Criminal Investigation
• Iowa Cold Cases Playing Cards, 1st Edition, Iowa Office of the Attorney General, Department of Corrections, Sheriff's & Deputies Association, Iowa Police chiefs Association, Iowa County Attorneys Association, April 16, 2025
• Jody Ewing, Keara Coshow Case Summary, Iowa Cold Cases, https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/keara-coshow/
• Rossi, R., Lodise, M., Lancia, M., Bacci, M., De-Giorgio, F., & Cascini, F. (2014). Trigemino-cardiac reflex as lethal mechanism in a suicidal fire death case. Journal of forensic sciences, 59(3), 833–835. https://doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.12408

Support the show

If you have any information on any of the cold cases covered, you can submit a tip here: https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-crime-victims/iowa-cold-case/cold-case-tip-form

You can follow Cardinal Crimes on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube @CardinalCrimes.

The best way to support the podcast is to follow/like/subscribe, share with friends and family, and write us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

If you liked the show and are interested in supporting my work, check out my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/CardinalCrimes?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator

Save $20 on a Buzzsprout paid plan using this referral link!: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2372693

Theme Song: Shrouded Lament by james.lfo, William Claeson

This week, we continue our deep dive into the suspected victims of serial predator Mike DeBardeleben. The women we’ve discussed so far were all real estate agents targeted while showing homes to male clients. But today’s case breaks that pattern entirely.

In this episode, we examine the murder of Joe Rapini, who was taken hostage alongside his roommate, David Starr. What followed was a calculated and terrifying bank robbery and extortion scheme. Under explicit threats, David, a bank manager, was forced to withdraw nearly $38,000 from his own vault to satisfy the masked gunman’s demands.

But even after the money was delivered, Joe Rapini was killed.

The extortion money was never recovered. And although Mike DeBardeleben emerged as a prime suspect, he was never formally charged in the case.

Join us as we unpack the timeline, the unanswered questions, and what links this case to one of the most methodical criminals we’ve ever covered.

Purchase Stephen Michaud’s book “Beyond Cruel” - https://books.apple.com/us/book/beyond-cruel/id6503722963

Sources:

• Phillips, Kate & Mandelaro, Doug, Bank audit shows $37,000 ransom, April 20, 1983, The Times Union
• Phillips, Kate & Martelle, Scott, Extortion victim eulogized; ransom drop site revealed, April 19, 1983, The Times Union
• Meade, Laura, Trail is cold but search goes on for man’s killer, June 1, 1983, The Democrat and Chronicle
• Meade, Laura, Gunman wanted 3rd hostage, April 20, 1983, The Democrat and Chronicle
• Meade, LauraHostage slaying baffles police, April 16, 1983, The Democrat and Chronicle
• Redmond, Jim, Body found after Greece extortion try, April 15, 1983, The Democrat and Chronicle
• Search for leads in slaying, April 19, 1983, The Democrat and Chronicle
• Phillips, Kate, Witnesses sought in extortion and slaying, April 18, 1983, The Democrat and Chronicle
• Monroe slaying brings in FBI, April 16, 1983, Press and Sun Bulletin
• Police hunt clues in extortion murder, April 16, 1983, The Ithaca Journal
• Phillips, Kate & Mandelaro, Doug, $25,000 ransom drop, 1 dead in bank drama, April 15, 1983, The Times Union
• Michaud, Stephen, Beyond Cruel: The Chilling True Story of America’s Most Sadistic Killer, May 1994, St. Martin’s Paperbacks

Support the show

If you have any information on any of the cold cases covered, you can submit a tip here: https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-crime-victims/iowa-cold-case/cold-case-tip-form

You can follow Cardinal Crimes on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube @CardinalCrimes.

The best way to support the podcast is to follow/like/subscribe, share with friends and family, and write us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

If you liked the show and are interested in supporting my work, check out my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/CardinalCrimes?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator

Save $20 on a Buzzsprout paid plan using this referral link!: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2372693

Theme Song: Shrouded Lament by james.lfo, William Claeson

If you have information on this case, contact the Arkansas State Police at 870-777-8944.

On July 20, 1978, Mary "Bo Bo" Shinn left to show a client a home she had flipped, but never returned. Her final words to a friend over the phone were "If I don't come back, send someone to look for me". Hours later, her vehicle was found abandoned behind a grocery store. All signs pointed to foul play. To this day, she has never been found.

In this episode, we discuss the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, the timeline of her last known movements, the various tips that came in, and recent developments in the case.

We also talk about Mike DeBardeleben as a possible suspect, and the similarities between Bobo, Terry, and Jean's cases.

Listen to the Trace Evidence episode on this case: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trace-evidence/id1239217007?i=1000694217709

SOURCES:

• Monae, Chelsea, 44-year-old mystery of “Bobo Shinn” still haunts small Arkansas city, August 18, 2022, KTVE/KARD
• Reward offered for woman’s return, July 25, 1978, The Batesville Guard
• Family of missing Magnolia woman increases reward offer to $35,000, July 31, 1978, The Batesville Guard
• Bocklage, Judy, One Officer continues to work on Shinn Case, October 27, 1978, The Batesville Guard
• Suspect might be questioned in disappearance, February 2, 1984, The Batesville Guard
• Monae, Chelsea, Haunting disappearance: woman vanished in South Arkansas 47 years ago, July 24, 2025, KTVE/KARD
• Woman missing, July 23, 1978, The Daily World
• Detective says he has prime suspect in disappearance of Magnolia woman, November 22, 1979, The Shreveport Journal
• Martin, Phil, The 6-year search for Bo Bo Shinn, October 30, 1984, The Shreveport Journal
• Foul play is feared, July 22, 1978, The Sun
• Reward offered in search for missing woman, July 25, 1978, The Sun
• Second Reward is Now Offered, July 30, 1978, The Sun
• Bocklage, Judy, Another Dead-End in Search, October 27, 1978, The Sun
• New search for woman launched, July 25, 1978, The Southwest Times Record
• Magnolia woman believed abducted, July 26, 1978, The Southwest Times Record
• Investigation of disappearance develops baffling dead ends, October 27, 1978, The Southwest Times Record
• https://dps.arkansas.gov/law-enforcement/arkansas-state-police/divisions/criminal-investigations/cold-cases/mary-jimmie-bobo-shinn/
• Trace Evidence: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trace-evidence/id1239217007?i=1000694217709

Support the show

If you have any information on any of the cold cases covered, you can submit a tip here: https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-crime-victims/iowa-cold-case/cold-case-tip-form

You can follow Cardinal Crimes on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube @CardinalCrimes.

The best way to support the podcast is to follow/like/subscribe, share with friends and family, and write us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

If you liked the show and are interested in supporting my work, check out my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/CardinalCrimes?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator

Save $20 on a Buzzsprout paid plan using this referral link!: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2372693

Theme Song: Shrouded Lament by james.lfo, William Claeson

Eleven years before the brutal murder of Jean McPhaul in Bossier City, Louisiana, Edna Terry Macdonald was killed in Barrington, Rhode Island. After the arrest of Mike DeBardeleben, Bossier City investigators began to notice chilling similarities between the two crimes. The cases were nearly identical. From the victims’ professions and victimology to the offender’s MO and the manner of death, this couldn’t be a coincidence.

This week, we dive into another murder that DeBardeleben was ultimately indicted for but was never brought to trial. We walk through the timeline of Edna Terry Macdonald’s last known movements, the crime and investigation, and the striking parallels between her case, Jean McPhaul’s, and Dorothy Miller’s.

Purchase Stephen Michaud’s book “Beyond Cruel” - https://books.apple.com/us/book/beyond-cruel/id6503722963

SOURCES:

• Michaud, Stephen, Beyond Cruel: The Chilling True Story of America’s Most Sadistic Killer, May 1994, St. Martin’s Paperbacks
• Woman’s body roped, May 2, 1971, The Democrat and Chronicle
• Ex-Island legislator’s wife slain, May 2, 1971, Staten Island Advance
• Find murder victim’s car, May 3, 1971, Staten Island Advance
• Customer suspect, Seek real estate agent’s killer, May 2, 1971, Syracuse Herald Journal
• R.I. slaying suspect sentenced 100 years, August 3, 1984, The Boston Globe
• Accused of killings, torture, ‘Sadomasochist’ draws 100-year term, August 3, 1984, The Morning Union
• Sentencing due for poison ‘lifer’, May 4, 1985, The Morning Union

Support the show

If you have any information on any of the cold cases covered, you can submit a tip here: https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-crime-victims/iowa-cold-case/cold-case-tip-form

You can follow Cardinal Crimes on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube @CardinalCrimes.

The best way to support the podcast is to follow/like/subscribe, share with friends and family, and write us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

If you liked the show and are interested in supporting my work, check out my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/CardinalCrimes?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator

Save $20 on a Buzzsprout paid plan using this referral link!: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2372693

Theme Song: Shrouded Lament by james.lfo, William Claeson

On Tuesday, April 27, 1982, a Bossier City, Louisiana realtor, Jean McPhaul, was brutally murdered by a client who called himself "Dr. Zack". Despite a thorough investigation, the client was able to evade authorities. That is, until the U.S. Secret Service caught James "Mike" DeBardeleben, a notorious counterfeiter.

The similarities between Jean's case and that of Dorothy Miller's are ones I can't ignore. This week's episode is the first in a series examining the suspected and known victims of Mike DeBardeleben, and will conclude with a look at his life and crimes.

Could Mike DeBardeleben be the man responsible for Burlington, Iowa's oldest cold case?

Listen to Dorothy’s episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cardinal-crimes/id1781462994?i=1000743012634

Purchase Stephen Michaud’s book “Beyond Cruel” - https://books.apple.com/us/book/beyond-cruel/id6503722963

SOURCES:

• Reward Offered For Realtor Murdered, May 13, 1982, Bossier Press
• Debardeleben indicted in McPhaul case, June 7, 1984, UPI Archives
• Real Estate Saleswoman Murdered By ‘Customer’, April 29, 1982, The Daily Advertiser
• Full-Time Investigation Off, November 5, 1982, The Daily Advertiser
• Ex-Alabamian found slain in Louisiana, April 29, 1982, The Mobile Press
• Hines, Gary, No arrests in murder of local real estate woman, April 29, 1982, The Shreveport Journal
• Larsen, Dick, Murder probe shatters peace of neighborhood, April 29, 1982, The Shreveport Journal
• Larsen, Dick, Mysterious ‘Dr. Zack’ sought in real estate agent’s brutal murder, April 30, 1982, The Shreveport Journal
• Larsen, Dick, Detectives see no arrest looming in Mrs. McPhaul murder case, May 5, 1982, The Shreveport Journal
• Authorities no closer to arrest in McPhaul murder, May 17, 1982, The Shreveport Journal
• Larsen, Dick, Public asked to aid search, May 18, 1982, The Shreveport Journal
• Hines, Gary, McPhaul suspect Police find ‘solid’ lead in murder, June 14, 1982, The Shreveport Journal
• Hines, Gary, Police eye suspect in McPhaul murder, June 14, 1982, The Shreveport Journal
• Larsen, Dick, Despite many dead ends, detectives haven’t quit on McPhaul case, July 23, 1982, The Shreveport Journal
• Hines, Gary, Hunt for McPhaul killer fails, November 4, 1982, The Shreveport Journal
• Waddle, Ray, Realtor found slain in vacant Bossier home, April 29, 1982, The Times
• Waddle, Ray, Police get slaying suspect’s description, April 30, 1982, The Times
• Ivory, Lee, Tuesday began as usual day for realty firm, April 30, 1982, The Times
• Gingles, Keenan, ‘I guess I was last to see her alive’,

Support the show

If you have any information on any of the cold cases covered, you can submit a tip here: https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-crime-victims/iowa-cold-case/cold-case-tip-form

You can follow Cardinal Crimes on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube @CardinalCrimes.

The best way to support the podcast is to follow/like/subscribe, share with friends and family, and write us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

If you liked the show and are interested in supporting my work, check out my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/CardinalCrimes?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator

Save $20 on a Buzzsprout paid plan using this referral link!: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2372693

Theme Song: Shrouded Lament by james.lfo, William Claeson

Last week, we continued examining serial killer Charles Hatcher’s crimes, focusing on the murder of Eric Christgen and the wrongful conviction of Melvin Reynolds.

So what was Hatcher doing while law enforcement pursued the wrong man? He was moving across the Midwest, committing additional crimes, and eventually returned to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he murdered another child, 11-year-old Michelle Steele, whose case we’ll be discussing today.

In this episode, we look at Michelle’s disappearance and murder, how Hatcher was ultimately caught, and the confession that not only freed an innocent man but also exposed the full scope of his actions.

And we ask: how did Hatcher manage to slip through so many cracks in the legal system?

Purchase Terry Ganey's book Innocent Blood: https://a.co/d/6fE7rmD

Sources:

• Amber Keen, George Lewis, Kara Stone, Andrew Lucas, Charles Ray Hatcher, 2005, Department of Psychology, Radford University
• Kris Jensen, Terry Hughes, Kent Darr, Mike Anton, Gary Sawyer, Beverly Van Hook, The ugly odyssey of Charles Hatcher, May 15, 1983, The Quad City Times
• Terry Ganey, Innocent Blood: A True Story of Obsession and Serial Murder, 2016
• Mathieu, Jordan, Melvin Lee Reynolds, March 13, 2018, National Registry of Exonerations, Michigan State University College of Law
• Gordon, Jeff, Search ongoing for missing girl, July 30, 1982, St Joseph Gazette
• Burrowes, Mary Helen, Body of girl is found on river bank, July 30, 1982, St Joseph News-Press

Support the show

If you have any information on any of the cold cases covered, you can submit a tip here: https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-crime-victims/iowa-cold-case/cold-case-tip-form

You can follow Cardinal Crimes on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube @CardinalCrimes.

The best way to support the podcast is to follow/like/subscribe, share with friends and family, and write us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

If you liked the show and are interested in supporting my work, check out my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/CardinalCrimes?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator

Save $20 on a Buzzsprout paid plan using this referral link!: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2372693

Theme Song: Shrouded Lament by james.lfo, William Claeson

On Friday, May 26, 1978, the town of St. Joseph, Missouri, was shaken when word spread that four-year-old Eric Christgen had vanished. The search gripped the community, and when Eric was finally found, the relief quickly faded. He had been murdered, and in a way that proved to be one of the most heinous crimes in the town’s history.

With pressure mounting to identify the killer, investigators focused on Melvin Reynolds. He did not match witness descriptions of the older man last seen walking with Eric, his alibi was supported by witnesses, and his confession showed clear signs of being coerced. Even so, Reynolds was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

This episode continues where we left off last week, after exploring the early life of serial killer Charles Hatcher. Today, we turn to one of his known victims, Eric Christgen, and the wrongful conviction of Melvin Reynolds. Next week, we will examine another of Hatcher’s victims and the events that ultimately exposed his crimes, cleared Reynolds’ name, and revealed the full scope of the horror that had gone on for years.

Purchase Terry Ganey's book Innocent Blood: https://a.co/d/6fE7rmD

Sources:

• Amber Keen, George Lewis, Kara Stone, Andrew Lucas, Charles Ray Hatcher, 2005, Department of Psychology, Radford University
• Kris Jensen, Terry Hughes, Kent Darr, Mike Anton, Gary Sawyer, Beverly Van Hook, The ugly odyssey of Charles Hatcher, May 15, 1983, The Quad City Times
• Terry Ganey, Innocent Blood: A True Story of Obsession and Serial Murder, 2016
• Mathieu, Jordan, Melvin Lee Reynolds, March 13, 2018, National Registry of Exonerations, Michigan State University College of Law
• Frederick Slater & Mary Hellen Burrowes, Body of Christgen boy found on bluff, May 28, 1978, St Joseph News-Press
• Atkison, Rick, Citizens try to Crack the Christgen Case, August 4, 1978, The Kansas City Times

Support the show

If you have any information on any of the cold cases covered, you can submit a tip here: https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-crime-victims/iowa-cold-case/cold-case-tip-form

You can follow Cardinal Crimes on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube @CardinalCrimes.

The best way to support the podcast is to follow/like/subscribe, share with friends and family, and write us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

If you liked the show and are interested in supporting my work, check out my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/CardinalCrimes?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator

Save $20 on a Buzzsprout paid plan using this referral link!: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2372693

Theme Song: Shrouded Lament by james.lfo, William Claeson