Digest

The chilling La Salle Street murders, a triple homicide that shook Indianapolis in 1971, began with the discovery of the bodies of Bob Gears, Bob Hinson, and Jim Barker in their home by their friend, John Carnes. The scene was gruesome, with blood splattered everywhere and the victims bound and gagged. Despite the horrific nature of the crime, the police dispatcher initially dismissed John's call as a prank. Homicide detectives Popchef and Strode arrived at the scene and realized they had been to this house six months earlier for the death of John Terrorhorse. The lack of forced entry, undisturbed valuables, and the victims' positions suggested a personal attack. The investigation revealed a long list of potential suspects, including jealous husbands, business rivals, and individuals involved in the victims' romantic pursuits. The victims' involvement in the microfilm industry and their questionable business practices added another layer of complexity. Investigators delved into the victims' microfilm business, B&B Microfilm Service Company, which had experienced rapid growth and lucrative contracts, raising questions about their financial dealings and potential connections to organized crime. Ted Uland, the former employer of the victims, emerged as a suspect, as he stood to gain a significant financial benefit from their deaths through life insurance policies. However, he had a solid alibi for the night of the murders. The case was reassigned to new detectives who revisited the possibility of a robbery gone wrong. Ted Uland remained a suspect, but he refused to take a polygraph test despite multiple attempts by investigators. Journalist Carol Schultz became obsessed with the case and tracked down Carol Horton, the jealous ex-husband of Bob Gears' girlfriend. Horton claimed to have been at the crime scene but insisted he had nothing to do with the murders. Schultz's investigation took a bizarre turn when Floyd Chastain, a convicted killer, claimed to have been the getaway driver for the murders. He alleged that the murders were ordered by Richard Nixon and Jimmy Hoffa. However, the case finally closed in 2003 when Angel Palmer, the daughter of Fred Harbison, discovered a letter from her deceased father confessing to the murders. He claimed to have been hired by Ted Uland to kill the victims. The letter provided crucial evidence that led to the case's closure.

Outlines

00:00:00

The La Salle Street Murders: A Twisted Case

This episode delves into the chilling La Salle Street murders, a triple homicide that shook Indianapolis in 1971. The story begins with John Carnes, a friend of the victims, discovering the gruesome scene at their house.

00:00:36

The Discovery and Initial Response

John Carnes, a friend of the victims, discovers the bodies of Bob Gears, Bob Hinson, and Jim Barker in their home. The scene is horrific, with blood splattered everywhere and the victims bound and gagged. John calls the police, but the dispatcher initially dismisses his call as a prank.

00:10:32

A Familiar Scene and Suspicious Circumstances

Homicide detectives Popchef and Strode arrive at the scene and realize they had been to this house six months earlier for the death of John Terrorhorse. The lack of forced entry, undisturbed valuables, and the victims' positions suggest a personal attack.

00:13:34

The Investigation Begins: Who Hates These Guys?

Investigators begin to explore the victims' relationships and potential enemies. They uncover a web of romantic entanglements, business rivalries, and past confrontations. The victims' lifestyle and their involvement in the microfilm industry raise further questions.

00:17:30

Narrowing Down the Timeline and Suspects

Investigators interview witnesses and establish a timeline for the murders, likely occurring between 8 p.m. on November 30th and 2 a.m. on December 1st. The victims' coats and the lack of activity at their house by 1 a.m. point towards an earlier timeframe. The investigation reveals a long list of potential suspects, including jealous husbands, business rivals, and individuals involved in the victims' romantic pursuits. The victims' involvement in the microfilm industry and their questionable business practices add another layer of complexity.

00:23:34

The Microfilm Mystery and Ted Uland

Investigators delve into the victims' microfilm business, B&B Microfilm Service Company. The company's rapid growth and lucrative contracts raise questions about their financial dealings and potential connections to organized crime. Ted Uland, the former employer of the victims, emerges as a suspect. He stands to gain a significant financial benefit from their deaths through life insurance policies. However, he has a solid alibi for the night of the murders.

00:33:30

A Deathbed Confession and the Case's Resolution

Angel Palmer, the daughter of Fred Harbison, discovers a letter from her deceased father confessing to the murders. He claims to have been hired by Ted Uland to kill the victims. The letter provides crucial evidence that leads to the case's closure.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was the main motive behind the La Salle Street murders?

  The murders were likely motivated by a combination of factors, including financial gain, business rivalry, and personal vendettas. Ted Uland, the former employer of the victims, stood to gain a significant financial benefit from their deaths through life insurance policies.

• How did the investigation into the La Salle Street murders unfold?

  The investigation was complex and multifaceted, involving numerous suspects, conflicting theories, and a significant amount of evidence. The case remained unsolved for many years before being closed in 2003 based on Fred Harbison's deathbed confession.

• What role did Carol Schultz play in the La Salle Street murders investigation?

  Carol Schultz, a journalist, became obsessed with the case and played a crucial role in reopening it. Her investigation led to the discovery of Fred Harbison's confession letter, which ultimately provided the evidence needed to close the case.

• What was the significance of the microfilm industry in the La Salle Street murders?

  The victims' involvement in the microfilm industry, a lucrative and rapidly growing business at the time, raised questions about their financial dealings and potential connections to organized crime. The industry's unique nature and the victims' questionable business practices added another layer of complexity to the investigation.

• What was the outcome of the La Salle Street murders investigation?

  The case was finally closed in 2003 based on Fred Harbison's deathbed confession, which implicated Ted Uland as the mastermind behind the murders. However, the murders of John Tehrhorst and Bobby Lee Atkinson, which may have been connected to the La Salle Street murders, remain unsolved.

Show Notes