The Deck Investigates S1 | Part 1
4Digest
This episode of "The Deck Investigates" delves into the chilling case of Darlene Hulse, a woman who vanished from her Indiana home in 1984. The episode begins with Ashley Flowers introducing the case and explaining its complexity, leading to the creation of a dedicated series. The episode then chronologically recounts the events of Darlene's disappearance, starting with her abduction witnessed by her daughters, Marie and Melissa. The investigation unfolds, revealing a trail of blood, a missing fireplace poker, and the discovery of Darlene's body in the woods. The autopsy reveals the cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head. The episode then explores various suspects, including Danny Bender, Robert Zabrowski, and Ricky Mock, each with their own alibis and connections to the case. The investigation delves into their backgrounds, polygraph tests, and potential motives. The episode also highlights the impact of Darlene's murder on the community, particularly the artist's community, and the fear that permeated the area. The investigation takes a turn when police uncover a previously unsolved break-in and attempted sexual assault case involving a woman named Pam, occurring in close proximity to Darlene's murder. The episode then explores the shocking similarities between Darlene's murder and the murder of 11-year-old Brandy Peltz, leading police to consider a possible connection and seek assistance from the FBI. The episode concludes with the investigation remaining open, leaving the killer unidentified and the case unsolved.
Outlines
The Unsolved Murder of Darlene Hulse
This episode of "The Deck Investigates" delves into the chilling case of Darlene Hulse, a woman who vanished from her Indiana home in 1984. The episode begins with Ashley Flowers introducing the case and explaining its complexity, leading to the creation of a dedicated series. The episode then chronologically recounts the events of Darlene's disappearance, starting with her abduction witnessed by her daughters, Marie and Melissa. The investigation unfolds, revealing a trail of blood, a missing fireplace poker, and the discovery of Darlene's body in the woods. The autopsy reveals the cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head.
The Investigation Begins
The episode then explores various suspects, including Danny Bender, Robert Zabrowski, and Ricky Mock, each with their own alibis and connections to the case. The investigation delves into their backgrounds, polygraph tests, and potential motives. The episode also highlights the impact of Darlene's murder on the community, particularly the artist's community, and the fear that permeated the area.
The Search for the Killer
The investigation takes a turn when police uncover a previously unsolved break-in and attempted sexual assault case involving a woman named Pam, occurring in close proximity to Darlene's murder. The episode then explores the shocking similarities between Darlene's murder and the murder of 11-year-old Brandy Peltz, leading police to consider a possible connection and seek assistance from the FBI. The episode concludes with the investigation remaining open, leaving the killer unidentified and the case unsolved.
Keywords
Cold Case
A criminal investigation that has not been solved after a significant period of time. These cases often remain open for years or even decades, with investigators continuing to pursue leads and evidence.
Abduction
The act of taking someone away by force or deception, often with the intent to hold them captive or for other criminal purposes. Abduction can involve a variety of motives, including ransom, sexual assault, or other forms of exploitation.
Polygraph Test
A test that measures physiological responses, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, to assess a person's truthfulness. Polygraph tests are often used in criminal investigations to determine if a suspect is being truthful about their involvement in a crime.
Circumstantial Evidence
Evidence that suggests a connection between a suspect and a crime, but does not directly prove their guilt. This type of evidence can include things like the suspect's presence at the crime scene, their possession of items related to the crime, or their motive for committing the crime.
Forensic Evidence
Evidence that is obtained through scientific analysis, such as DNA testing, blood analysis, or fingerprint analysis. Forensic evidence can be used to identify suspects, link them to a crime scene, or establish the cause of death.
Timeline
A chronological sequence of events that helps investigators understand the order in which events occurred during a crime. Timelines are often used to establish alibis, identify potential suspects, and determine the time of death.
Suspect
A person who is suspected of committing a crime. Suspects are often identified based on circumstantial evidence, witness statements, or other investigative leads.
Motive
The reason why a person commits a crime. Motive can be difficult to establish, but it can be a key factor in identifying a suspect and understanding the circumstances surrounding a crime.
Homicide
The unlawful killing of another human being. Homicide can be classified as murder, manslaughter, or negligent homicide, depending on the circumstances surrounding the death.
Q&A
What happened to Darlene Hulse?
Darlene Hulse was abducted from her home in Indiana in 1984. Her body was later found in the woods, and the cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma to the head.
Who are the main suspects in Darlene's murder?
The main suspects in Darlene's murder are Danny Bender, Robert Zabrowski, and Ricky Mock. All three men had criminal records and were known to be involved in shady activities in the area.
What evidence was found at the crime scene?
Evidence found at the crime scene included a trail of blood, a missing fireplace poker, a Nike tennis shoe, and a piece of duct tape.
What was the impact of Darlene's murder on the community?
Darlene's murder shook the community of Argus, Indiana, and the artist's community was particularly fearful. The case remained unsolved for many years, and the community was left wondering if the killer was someone they knew.
What was the outcome of the investigation?
The investigation into Darlene's murder was ultimately unsuccessful. Despite numerous leads and suspects, the killer was never identified or apprehended. The case remains unsolved to this day.
What similarities were found between Darlene's murder and the attempted sexual assault of Pam?
Both incidents occurred in close proximity to each other, and the attacker in Pam's case also asked about her husband's whereabouts, similar to the phone calls received by other residents.
Why did police decide to involve the FBI in the investigation?
The similarities between Darlene's murder and Brandy's murder, along with the reports of peeping toms and harassing phone calls, led police to believe that a serial killer might be operating in the area. They sought the FBI's expertise to investigate the possibility of a connection between the cases.
Show Notes
This is The Deck Investigates Season One, episodes 1-6.
- Click HERE to sign the petition and demand justice for Darlene Hulse.
- If you believe you have information about Darlene Hulse’s 1984 abduction and murder in Argos, Indiana, please email thedeck@audiochuck.com.
To view information and photos referenced in these episodes, visit: https://thedeckpodcast.com/the-deck-investigates/.
Find more of The Deck Investigates on social media.
- Instagram: @thedeckpodcast | @audiochuck
- Twitter: @thedeckpodcast_ | @audiochuck
- Facebook: /TheDeckPodcast | /audiochuckllc
The Deck Investigates is hosted by Ashley Flowers.
- Instagram: @ashleyflowers
- TikTok: @ashleyflowerscrimejunkie
- Twitter: @Ash_Flowers
- Facebook: /AshleyFlowers.AF
Text Ashley at +1 (317) 733-7485 to share your thoughts about the case, discuss all things true crime, get behind the scenes updates, and more!
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