REOPENED: The Family
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
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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.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
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.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
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.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
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
Kim Basil
Kim Basil was a 19-year-old woman who disappeared in 1982 and was found murdered 16 years later. She was the victim of a crime committed by members of the Longoria crime family. Her case was featured on the Cold Case Files podcast.
Longoria crime family
The Longoria crime family was a notorious criminal organization in Portland, Oregon. They were known for their involvement in drug trafficking, theft, and violence. The family was also known for being tight-lipped and for killing people who could potentially betray them. The family was featured on the Cold Case Files podcast.
Cold Case Files
Cold Case Files is a podcast that tells the stories of unsolved crimes. The podcast is hosted by Brooke Gettings and produced by McKamie Lynn and Steve Delamater. The podcast is distributed by Podcast One. The podcast features real-life stories of crime and investigation, often focusing on cases that have been unsolved for many years. The podcast is known for its in-depth reporting and its ability to bring closure to families of victims.
John Santmeyer
John Santmeyer was a member of the Longoria crime family who was convicted of the murder of Kim Basil. He was sentenced to life in prison. He was featured on the Cold Case Files podcast.
Esther Kehuit
Esther Kehuit was a member of the Longoria crime family who was convicted of the manslaughter of Kim Basil. She was sentenced to nine years in prison. She was featured on the Cold Case Files podcast.
Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon is a city in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. It is the largest city in the state of Oregon and is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, its beautiful natural surroundings, and its progressive politics. The city was featured on the Cold Case Files podcast in connection with the murder of Kim Basil.
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
When a 19-year-old girl goes missing, her family suspects the mafia is involved...but it will take another 16 years for her body to surface and nearly 20 years to bring the killers to justice.
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