Digest

This episode of Crime Junkie explores the case of Herb Baumeister, a serial killer from Indianapolis. The episode begins with the disappearance of Roger, a 32-year-old man who went missing after visiting a gay bar in 1993. His family faces a 30-day waiting period before police can investigate, hindering their efforts. They hire a private investigator who uncovers a disturbing pattern of missing gay men in the city. Tony, a man who frequented the same bars, recounts a chilling encounter with Brian Smart, who invites him to his mansion for drinks and a swim. The pool room is filled with mannequins, creating an unsettling atmosphere. Brian's behavior becomes increasingly strange, culminating in a near-fatal choking incident. Tony's account leads police to Fox Hollow Farms, the mansion owned by Herb and Julie Baumeister. Police suspect Herb's involvement in the disappearances, but face resistance from Hamilton County authorities who refuse to issue a search warrant. The episode explores Herb's troubled past, revealing a history of disturbing behavior and potential mental health issues. He displayed unusual tendencies as a child and was diagnosed with schizophrenia and multiple personalities. Despite his father's awareness of these issues, Herb received limited treatment. Herb marries Julia, a woman who shares his conservative views. They open a chain of thrift stores and purchase Fox Hollow Farms. Police note that the disappearances in Ohio cease after they acquire the property, suggesting a possible connection to the murders. Police confront Julie, who initially refuses to cooperate but later remembers a strange incident where her son found a skull on their property, which Herb dismissed as an anatomy skeleton. Police conduct an infrared search of Fox Hollow Farms, but the bodies have been buried too long to detect heat. Julie, reflecting on the police's investigation, realizes that their family vacations coincided with the disappearances, suggesting Herb's involvement. With Julie's permission, police excavate the property and uncover 11 bodies. They finally convince Hamilton County authorities to arrest Herb, but he is found dead by suicide on July 4th, 1996. He leaves behind a suicide note that makes no mention of the murders. The episode concludes with a discussion of the impact of the case on Herb's family, who are left with unanswered questions and a lack of closure. The episode highlights the chilling nature of the crimes and the enduring mystery surrounding the missing heads.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Case of Herb Baumeister: A Serial Killer's Legacy

This episode of Crime Junkie delves into the chilling case of Herb Baumeister, a serial killer from Indianapolis, who was suspected of murdering multiple gay men. The episode begins with the disappearance of Roger, a 32-year-old man who went missing after visiting a gay bar in 1993. His family faces a 30-day waiting period before police can investigate, hindering their efforts. They hire a private investigator who uncovers a disturbing pattern of missing gay men in the city.

00:01:37

A Disturbing Encounter and the Search for Answers

Tony, a man who frequented the same bars, recounts a chilling encounter with Brian Smart, who invites him to his mansion for drinks and a swim. The pool room is filled with mannequins, creating an unsettling atmosphere. Brian's behavior becomes increasingly strange, culminating in a near-fatal choking incident. Tony's account leads police to Fox Hollow Farms, the mansion owned by Herb and Julie Baumeister. Police suspect Herb's involvement in the disappearances, but face resistance from Hamilton County authorities who refuse to issue a search warrant.

00:08:29

Uncovering a Troubled Past

The episode explores Herb's troubled past, revealing a history of disturbing behavior and potential mental health issues. He displayed unusual tendencies as a child and was diagnosed with schizophrenia and multiple personalities. Despite his father's awareness of these issues, Herb received limited treatment. Herb marries Julia, a woman who shares his conservative views. They open a chain of thrift stores and purchase Fox Hollow Farms. Police note that the disappearances in Ohio cease after they acquire the property, suggesting a possible connection to the murders.

00:23:45

The Discovery of Bones and the Arrest

Police confront Julie, who initially refuses to cooperate but later remembers a strange incident where her son found a skull on their property, which Herb dismissed as an anatomy skeleton. Police conduct an infrared search of Fox Hollow Farms, but the bodies have been buried too long to detect heat. Julie, reflecting on the police's investigation, realizes that their family vacations coincided with the disappearances, suggesting Herb's involvement. With Julie's permission, police excavate the property and uncover 11 bodies. They finally convince Hamilton County authorities to arrest Herb, but he is found dead by suicide on July 4th, 1996. He leaves behind a suicide note that makes no mention of the murders.

00:36:22

Unanswered Questions and a Chilling Legacy

The episode concludes with a discussion of the impact of the case on Herb's family, who are left with unanswered questions and a lack of closure. The episode highlights the chilling nature of the crimes and the enduring mystery surrounding the missing heads.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was the initial obstacle faced by Roger's family in reporting his disappearance?

  In 1993, there was a 30-day waiting period before police could investigate a missing person case, which delayed the investigation into Roger's disappearance.

• What was the most disturbing detail about Brian Smart's home that Tony encountered?

  The pool room at Brian Smart's mansion was filled with mannequins dressed up and posed as if they were attending a party, creating a creepy and unsettling atmosphere.

• Why did Hamilton County authorities initially refuse to issue a search warrant for Fox Hollow Farms?

  They considered the information provided by Tony, the sole witness, to be unreliable and were hesitant to infringe on Herb Baumeister's rights as an \"upstanding businessman\" in the community.

• What was the significance of the discovery of bones on Fox Hollow Farms?

  The discovery of bones on the property confirmed police suspicions that Herb Baumeister was responsible for the murders. It also revealed the extent of his crimes, as 11 bodies were ultimately recovered.

• What unanswered questions remain about the case of Herb Baumeister?

  The whereabouts of the victims' heads remain a mystery, and there is speculation that there may be more victims yet to be discovered. The lack of a confession from Herb leaves his family with a sense of uncertainty and a lack of closure.

Show Notes