Digest

This episode of the Mr. Ballen Podcast delves into the chilling true story of the Salt Lake City bombings of 1985. The narrative begins with the tragic death of Steve Christensen, a financial consultant, who was killed by a bomb planted in his office. The investigation quickly expands as a second bomb explodes at the home of Gary Sheetz, Steve's former business partner, killing his wife, Kathleen. Prosecutor Jerry DeLia, an arson and bombing expert, takes charge of the case, suspecting a connection between the two incidents. As the investigation unfolds, detectives uncover a web of deceit and intrigue involving the Mormon Church and the lucrative trade of rare historical documents. The focus shifts to Mark Hoffman, a charismatic antiques dealer known for his expertise in finding valuable artifacts. Hoffman, who had a troubled relationship with the Mormon Church, had been forging documents for years, including the controversial "Salamander Letter," which challenged the church's founding narrative. The investigation reveals that Hoffman had forged the Oath of a Freeman, a significant historical document, and was attempting to sell it to the Library of Congress for a million dollars. When his scheme began to unravel, Hoffman resorted to violence, killing Steve Christensen and planting a bomb at Gary Sheetz's house to divert suspicion. The episode culminates with Hoffman's arrest and confession, exposing his elaborate web of lies and the devastating consequences of his actions.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the podcast and its focus on strange, dark, and mysterious stories. It also mentions the podcast's upload schedule and encourages listeners to follow the podcast.

00:00:10

The Bombings Begin

This Chapter details the first bombing incident, which occurred in the lobby of a high-rise building in Salt Lake City. Steve Christensen, a financial consultant, was killed by a bomb planted in his office. The investigation begins, and detectives quickly realize the bomb was sophisticated and likely the work of a professional.

00:12:05

The Second Bombing

This Chapter describes the second bombing, which occurred at the home of Gary Sheetz, Steve Christensen's former business partner. The bomb killed Sheetz's wife, Kathleen, and investigators begin to suspect a connection between the two bombings.

00:15:51

Investigating the Victims

This Chapter focuses on the interviews conducted by detectives with Gary Sheetz and Steve Christensen's widow, Terry. Gary reveals that he and Steve had a falling out after their business failed, and Terry mentions Steve's generous donations to the Mormon Church, including a controversial document called the "Salamander Letter."

00:21:09

The Third Bombing

This Chapter details the third bombing, which occurred in downtown Salt Lake City. The victim was Mark Hoffman, a skilled antiques dealer who had discovered the "Salamander Letter" and sold it to Steve Christensen. Hoffman's car was destroyed in the explosion, and he was seriously injured.

00:23:31

The Suspect Emerges

This Chapter describes the interview with Mark Hoffman, who is recovering in the hospital. Hoffman claims to have no memory of the events leading up to the explosion, but he mentions seeing a brown pickup truck following him. The investigation focuses on Hoffman's involvement in the rare document trade and his financial troubles.

00:31:18

The Truth Unfolds

This Chapter presents a reconstruction of the events leading up to the bombings, based on the evidence gathered by investigators. It reveals that Mark Hoffman was the perpetrator, and he orchestrated the attacks to cover up his fraudulent activities and undermine the Mormon Church's history.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were the motives behind the Salt Lake City bombings?

  Mark Hoffman, the perpetrator of the bombings, had two primary motives: to cover up his fraudulent activities and to undermine the Mormon Church's history. He had been forging documents for years, including the controversial "Salamander Letter," and was attempting to sell a forged copy of the "Oath of a Freeman" to the Library of Congress for a million dollars. When his schemes began to unravel, he resorted to violence to protect himself and to further his vendetta against the church.

• How did investigators uncover Mark Hoffman's involvement in the bombings?

  The investigation began with the deaths of Steve Christensen and Kathleen Sheetz, both of whom were connected to the Mormon Church and the rare document trade. As detectives interviewed witnesses and gathered evidence, they focused on Mark Hoffman, a skilled antiques dealer who had a troubled relationship with the church. Hoffman's involvement in the document trade, his financial troubles, and his possession of a green letterman jacket, similar to the one worn by the bomber, led investigators to suspect him. The discovery of forged documents, including the "Oath of a Freeman," and the evidence found during searches of Hoffman's home and storage unit ultimately confirmed his guilt.

• What was the significance of the "Salamander Letter" in the Salt Lake City bombings case?

  The "Salamander Letter" was a controversial document that challenged the Mormon Church's founding narrative. It was later revealed to be a forgery created by Mark Hoffman. The letter's discovery caused a stir within the Mormon community, and Hoffman's involvement in its creation and sale played a significant role in the investigation into the bombings. The letter served as a symbol of Hoffman's vendetta against the church and his desire to undermine its history.

• What were the consequences of Mark Hoffman's actions?

  Mark Hoffman's actions had devastating consequences for himself and those around him. He was convicted of the bombings and sentenced to life in prison. His wife divorced him, and he was excommunicated from the Mormon Church. Hoffman's crimes also had a lasting impact on the Mormon community, shaking the faith of many members and raising questions about the church's history and teachings.

Show Notes