Digest

This episode of Cold Case Files tells the story of Kim Basil, a 19-year-old who disappeared in 1982 and was found murdered 16 years later. The episode begins with the phone call that Kim made to her younger sister Michelle, where she was crying and begging to come home. The call was disconnected, but Michelle heard what sounded like an assault. Kim was never heard from or seen alive again. 16 years later, in 1998, Kim's body was discovered buried just outside friend Oregon. The episode follows the investigation, which led to the arrest of John Santmeyer and Esther Kehuit, who were both members of the Longoria crime family. The investigation was difficult, as the family was known for being tight-lipped and for killing people who could potentially betray them. However, detectives were eventually able to get enough evidence to arrest Santmeyer and Kehuit. Santmeyer was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison, while Kehuit pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to nine years. The episode ends with the victim's family expressing their relief that the case was finally solved and that they were able to bring Kim home.

Outlines

00:00:00

Kim Basil's Disappearance

This Chapter begins with the phone call that Kim Basil made to her younger sister Michelle, where she was crying and begging to come home. The call was disconnected, but Michelle heard what sounded like an assault. Kim was never heard from or seen alive again. 16 years later, in 1998, Kim's body was discovered buried just outside friend Oregon.

00:11:08

The Investigation Begins

This Chapter follows the investigation into Kim Basil's murder. Detectives interviewed members of the Longoria crime family, but no one was willing to talk. However, detectives were eventually able to get enough evidence to arrest John Santmeyer and Esther Kehuit, who were both members of the Longoria crime family.

00:21:30

The Arrest of John Santmeyer

This Chapter details the arrest of John Santmeyer for the murder of Kim Basil. Santmeyer was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.

00:22:22

The Arrest of Esther Kehuit

This Chapter details the arrest of Esther Kehuit for the murder of Kim Basil. Kehuit pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to nine years.

Keywords

Q&A

• What happened to Kim Basil?

  Kim Basil disappeared in 1982 and was found murdered 16 years later. She was killed by members of the Longoria crime family.

• Who were the people involved in Kim Basil's murder?

  The people involved in Kim Basil's murder were John Santmeyer and Esther Kehuit, both members of the Longoria crime family.

• Why was the investigation into Kim Basil's murder so difficult?

  The investigation was difficult because the Longoria crime family was known for being tight-lipped and for killing people who could potentially betray them.

• What happened to John Santmeyer and Esther Kehuit?

  John Santmeyer was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. Esther Kehuit pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to nine years.

• What was the significance of Detective Michael Gates' promise to the Basil family?

  Detective Michael Gates promised the Basil family that he would not shave until someone was charged for Kim's death. This promise helped him to stay focused on the case and to gain the trust of people in the criminal underworld.

Show Notes