Digest

This podcast delves into the chilling case of Sharon Phyllis Bloom, a successful systems analyst for 3M who vanished from Woodbury, Minnesota in 1989. The episode meticulously reconstructs the events leading up to her disappearance, including the strange harassment she endured at work and the suspicious behavior of her co-worker, Stefan Zanter. The investigation, marked by twists and turns, reveals a complex web of evidence, including stolen photographs, a sock similar to one found on Sharon's body, and carpet fibers matching Zanter's home. Despite initial inconclusive DNA evidence, advanced testing years later provided a crucial match, leading to Zanter's arrest and eventual confession. The podcast explores the emotional toll on Sharon's family and friends, highlighting their struggle for justice and their frustration with the legal system's delays and setbacks. Ultimately, the episode offers a chilling glimpse into the complexities of a murder investigation, the enduring impact of a crime on a community, and the pursuit of justice in the face of adversity.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Case of Sharon Phyllis Bloom

This podcast investigates the 1989 murder of Sharon Phyllis Bloom in Woodbury, Minnesota, detailing the investigation, the suspect Stefan Zanter, and the eventual conviction and parole of the killer.

00:00:07

Sharon's Life and Disappearance

The podcast introduces Sharon Phyllis Bloom, a successful systems analyst for 3M, and details the strange harassment she experienced at work before her disappearance on November 2nd, 1989.

00:21:05

The Investigation and Suspect Emerges

The podcast recounts the police investigation into Sharon's disappearance, focusing on Stefan Zanter, a former co-worker with a suspicious alibi and unusual behavior during interrogation.

00:37:22

The Discovery of Sharon's Body and Evidence

The podcast reveals the discovery of Sharon's body and the evidence found at the crime scene, including signs of sexual assault and a sock similar to one found in Zanter's home.

00:50:35

Inconclusive Evidence and the Boyfriend's Perspective

The podcast discusses the inconclusive DNA evidence and the police's inability to arrest Zanter. Sharon's boyfriend, Dave, expresses his disbelief and pain over her murder.

00:58:21

The Bloodstained Carpet and the Search Warrant

The podcast delves into the investigation, revealing the discovery of bloodstains on the carpet in Zanter's home and the subsequent search warrant that uncovered a Honda key belonging to Sharon.

01:03:51

The Arrest, Suppression of Evidence, and Dismissal of Charges

The podcast details Zanter's arrest in 1992, the suppression of crucial evidence by the court, and the subsequent dismissal of murder charges in 1995 due to legal technicalities.

01:08:09

New DNA Evidence, Confession, and Sentencing

The podcast recounts the discovery of new DNA evidence in 2000 that linked Zanter to Sharon's murder, his subsequent arrest, confession, and sentencing to 25 years in prison.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were the strange and unsettling events that led to Sharon Phyllis Bloom's disappearance?

  Sharon experienced a series of harassing incidents at work, including pranks, theft of personal belongings, and even coffee being poured on her chair. These events made her feel unsafe and concerned for her well-being.

• Who was Stefan Zanter, and why did he become a suspect in Sharon's murder?

  Stefan was a former co-worker of Sharon's who had occupied her desk at 3M. He had a history of borrowing and returning items from her cubicle, and his alibi for the day of her disappearance was unclear. He also exhibited unusual behavior during police interrogation, including sobbing, moaning, and curling into a fetal position.

• What evidence did the police find during their search of Stefan's home?

  The police found stolen photographs of women, including a co-worker of Sharon's, a sock similar to one found on Sharon's body, and carpet fibers matching his home. However, they did not find any blood evidence.

• Why was Stefan never arrested for Sharon's murder?

  The DNA evidence was inconclusive, and the police were unable to find a murder weapon. The police chief suspected another man who knew Sharon, but lacked sufficient evidence for a conviction.

• What was the key piece of evidence that led to Xanter's arrest and conviction?

  Advanced DNA testing revealed a match between Xanter's DNA and DNA found on Sharon's body, providing the crucial evidence needed for his conviction.

• Why were the murder charges against Xanter initially dismissed?

  The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that some of the evidence, including the keys, was illegally seized, leading to the dismissal of charges against Xanter in 1995.

• What was Xanter's initial defense strategy?

  Xanter initially denied any involvement in Sharon's murder and claimed to have lost all memory of the events.

• How did the family and friends of Sharon Bloom react to Xanter's release on parole?

  Sharon's family and friends expressed outrage and concern over Xanter's release on parole, highlighting the injustice of his early release after such a heinous crime.

Show Notes