#505 - Murder Mansion Mystery - Libertyville, Illinois

Update: 2024-07-04

Digest

This episode of Small Town Murder delves into the shocking murder of Bruce and Darlene Rouse in Libertyville, Illinois, a town known for its affluence and low crime rate. The episode begins with a description of Libertyville, highlighting its history, demographics, and cost of living. The town's affluent nature is evident in its median household income of $153,674, but the high cost of living, particularly housing, is also a significant factor. The episode then shifts to the murder itself, which occurred in the Rouse family's 13-room mansion on seven and a half acres. The police discovered the bodies of Bruce and Darlene covered in a red, white, and blue sheet, with Bruce's lower jaw completely shot off and the top of Darlene's head missing. The episode explores the Rouse family dynamics, revealing a seemingly perfect family from the outside but with underlying tensions and dysfunction. Bruce, a successful businessman who owned several gas stations and invested in various ventures, was a workaholic who was rarely home. Darlene, on the other hand, had an active social life, playing bridge and bowling regularly. The episode also delves into the personalities of the Rouse children: Kurt, a 20-year-old musician who lived in a guesthouse on the property; Robin, a 16-year-old daughter who discovered the bodies; and Billy, a 15-year-old son who was described as a troublemaker from a young age. The episode concludes with a discussion of the investigation, which initially focused on robbery as a possible motive but later shifted to other possibilities, including family conflicts and potential involvement of the children. The episode leaves the audience with a sense of mystery and intrigue, prompting them to consider the complex dynamics of the Rouse family and the potential motives behind the brutal murders. This chapter focuses on the Rouse children, particularly Billy, who was described as a troublemaker from a young age. The episode details several incidents involving Billy, including setting off a false fire alarm at school, being fake arrested by his father, and setting his own bed on fire. The episode also discusses Billy's learning difficulties and his eventual placement in a correctional school. The chapter then shifts to Kurt, who initially excelled in high school but became unmotivated and lazy after graduation. His parents attempted to encourage him to join the army, but he refused and eventually moved into the guesthouse on the property. The chapter concludes with a discussion of Robin, who was described as the apple of her father's eye. The episode highlights the close relationship between Robin and her father, as well as the tensions between Robin and her brother Kurt. The chapter also mentions rumors of domestic abuse between Bruce and Darlene. The episode then delves into the aftermath of the murders, focusing on the Rouse children's inheritance and the subsequent sale of the mansion. The episode reveals that the mansion was purchased by individuals associated with the Chicago mafia, who transformed it into a gambling casino with cocktail lounges and valet parking. The episode then details a murder that occurred at the mansion, involving a bookmaker named Robert Plummer who was strangled and beaten to death. The episode explores the involvement of mob figures in the casino and their eventual acquittal of the murder charges. The episode also discusses the subsequent sale of the mansion and its reputation as a cursed house. The episode then shifts to the investigation into the murders, highlighting the police's focus on Robin as a potential witness and their attempts to secure her testimony. The episode details Robin's tragic death in a car accident, which further complicates the investigation. The episode then explores the lives of the remaining Rouse children, Kurt and Billy, after the murders. Kurt moves to Northern California and lives a reclusive life on a large plot of land, while Billy becomes a big spender in Key West, Florida. The episode details Billy's arrest for stabbing a man during a chess game and his subsequent conviction for the murders of his parents. The episode concludes with a discussion of Billy's confession and his sentencing to 80 years in prison. The episode also discusses the ongoing debate about Billy's guilt, with some people believing that he is innocent and others believing that he is guilty. The episode ends with a discussion of Billy's projected parole date, which is February 24th, 2027.

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