MURDERED: Leota Camp

MURDERED: Leota Camp

When a 25-year-old mother is stabbed to death in her bedroom in broad daylight, shock ripples through her quiet neighborhood. Witnesses reported seeing a man leaving the scene in a Mustang, but despite investigators’ efforts, both the suspect and the vehicle seem to vanish without a trace. Nearly 60 years later, the case remains unsolved. In this episode, we examine the 1967 murder of Leota Camp in Des Moines, Iowa. From the crime scene and autopsy findings to the puzzling lack of a clear motive, we break down the details of a case that continues to raise more questions than answers. SOURCES:  * Woman, 25, Is Slain Here, July 10, 1967, The Des Moines Tribune * Hatfield, Richard, Searching For Motive in Slaying, July 11, 1967, The Des Moines Tribune * Brewer, Norman, 2 Knives Used in Slaying: Handle of One Not Found, July 12, 1967, The Des Moines Tribune * Detective at Rites of Mrs. Camp, July 13, 1967, The Des Moines Tribune * Brewer, Norman, Two Months Later, Camp Looks Back, September 13, 1967, The Des Moines Tribune * Police Press Investigation Into Slaying in Des Moines, July 11, 1967, Iowa City Press Citizen * Kilen, Mike, Who Killed Leota Camp? 48 Years Later, and Still No Answer, July 27, 2015, Iowa City Press Citizen, The Des Moines Register * Des Moines Hunts Housewife’s Killer, July 11, 1967, Quad City Times * DM Woman Found Slain, July 11, 1967, Quad City Times * Hunt Killer of Young Mother of 3 at Des Moines, July 11, 1967, The Courier * Think ‘Kook’ Killed Mom of Three, July 12, 1967, The Courier * Seek killer of Des Moines housewife stabbed to death, July 12, 1967, The Denison Bulletin * Beaumont, James, HUNT SLAYER OF D.M. WOMAN: A YOUNG MAN IN BLACK CAR SEEN AT HOME, July 11, 1967, The Des Moines Register * Lamberto, Nick, Doctor Feels ‘Kook’ Killed D.M. Woman, July 12, 1967, The Des Moines Register * Lamberto, Nick, Reveal Slain Woman Got Obscene Call, July 14, 1967, The Des Moines Register * Zelenka, Julie, Seek Suspect in D.M. Slaying, July 21, 1967, The Des Moines Register * Doak, Dick, Camp Reward in D.M. Killing, August 17, 1967, The Des Moines Register * Zelenka, Julie, Police Ask Aid in Tracing Car, August 20, 1967, The Des Moines Register * Lamberto, Nick, House Prowlings Rise, Police Vow ‘War’, January 23, 1974, The Des Moines Register * List of ‘case open’ slayings in Iowa, September 8, 1974, The Des Moines Register * Lloyd “Ray” Camp Obituary, June 30, 2024, The Des Moines Sunday Register * Mendiola, Jose, Iowa Cold Case: Four unsolved cases in Des Moines share July 10 date * Driver seen near murder site sought, July 11, 1967, The Gazette * https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/leota-camp/ [https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/leota-camp/] Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/CardinalCrimes?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator] If you have any information on any of the cold cases covered, you can submit a tip here: https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-crime-victims/iowa-cold-case/cold-case-tip-form If you liked the show and are interested in supporting my work, check out my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/CardinalCrimes?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Save $20 on a Buzzsprout paid plan using this referral link!: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2372693 Theme Song: Shrouded Lament by james.lfo, William Claeson

MURDERED: Ashley Okland

In this episode, we examine the 2011 killing of Ashley Okland, a real estate agent from West Des Moines who was shot while hosting an open house in a model townhome. What began as a routine workday became one of Iowa’s most closely followed unsolved cases. We cover Ashley’s life, the timeline of the investigation, and the major break in the case: the March 2026 arrest of 53-year-old Kristin Ramsey, charged with first-degree murder. We discuss how, despite little being released publicly over the last 15 years, recent filings suggest Ramsey may have been on investigators’ radar from the very beginning.  We *might* also have a bonus episode ahead with comments from her attorney, Alfredo Parrish.  Sources:  Terrell, Laura, West Des Moines police make arrest in 15-year-old cold case of murdered realtor Ashley Okland, KCCI, March 18, 2026 Probe continues in agent’s death, Iowa City Press Citizen, May 7, 2011 Elmer, Mackenzie, West Des Moines police are no closer to arrest in Okland case, July 30, 2015, Iowa City Press Citizen Wingert, Kelby, Prosecutors challenge motion to block cellphone search in Ashley Okland murder case, April 22, 2026, KCCI Real estate agent fatally shot, April 9, 2011, Quad City Times Iowa vs Kristin Ramsey, State’s r resistance to defendant’s motion for bond reduction, Criminal No. FECR051688, April 8, 2026, Dallas County Clerk of District Court Finney, Daniel, Elbert David, Stegmeir, Mary, Real estate agent killed on the job, April 9, 2011, Des Moines Register Belz, Adam, Bemann, Perry, No leads in agent’s shooting, April 10, 2011, Des Moines Register Ashley Okland Obituary, April 11, 2011, The Des Moines Register Stegmeir, Mary, Man seen with Okland is sought, April 12, 2011, The Des Moines Register Eller, Donnelle, Realtors group pushing safety, April 12, 2011, The Des Moines Register Stegmeir, Mary, 1,600 mourn death of agent, April 15, 2011, The Des Moines Register Stegmeir, Mary, Search warrant issued in murder, April 16, 2011, The Des Moines Register Pullman, Jason, Reward to $66,785 in Okland homicide, April 17, 2011, The Des Moines Register Stegmeir, Mary, Okland case reward sets tip-line mark, April 19, 2011, The Des Moines Register Stegmeir, Mary, Shooting of agent still mystifies, May 6, 2011, The Des Moines Register Search warrants sealed in Okland case, May 11, 2011, The Des Moines Register Stegmeir, Mary, Police probe link to agent who killed himself, June 25, 2011, The Des Moines Register Elmer, Mackenzie, West Des Moines police no closer to arrest in Okland case, August 26, 2015, The Des Moines Register Werner, Kyle, Jett, Tyler, Suspect arrested in cold-case shooting, March 19, 2026, The Des Moines Register Werner, Kyle, Ramsey maintains innocence, March 20, 2026, The Des Moines Register Werner, Kyle, Jett, Tyler, Ashley Okland suspect worked for townhome developer, March 20, 2026, The Tribune Email correspondence with Mr. Alfredo Parrish, April 24, 2026 https://www.courttv.com/news/woman-charged-with-realtors-2011-cold-case-murder-released-on-bond/ Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/CardinalCrimes?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator] If you have any information on any of the cold cases covered, you can submit a tip here: https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-crime-victims/iowa-cold-case/cold-case-tip-form If you liked the show and are interested in supporting my work, check out my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/CardinalCrimes?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Save $20 on a Buzzsprout paid plan using this referral link!: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2372693 Theme Song: Shrouded Lament by james.lfo, William Claeson

SURVIVED: The Victims of Mike DeBardeleben

Over the past few weeks, we’ve told the stories of the presumed victims of Mike DeBardeleben, those who were murdered or are believed to have lost their lives at his hands. This week, we turn to the stories of several known survivors. Through their experiences, we see the breadth of DeBardeleben’s crimes, the brutality he inflicted, and the varying degrees of justice the survivors received. The victims we’ve discussed, both those who were killed and those who survived, likely represent only a fraction of the true scope of Mike DeBardeleben’s crimes and depravity. Purchase Stephen Michaud’s book “Beyond Cruel” - https://books.apple.com/us/book/beyond-cruel/id6503722963 Source:  * Michaud, Stephen, Beyond Cruel: The Chilling True Story of America’s Most Sadistic Killer, May 1994, St. Martin’s Paperbacks Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/CardinalCrimes?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator] If you have any information on any of the cold cases covered, you can submit a tip here: https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-crime-victims/iowa-cold-case/cold-case-tip-form If you liked the show and are interested in supporting my work, check out my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/CardinalCrimes?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Save $20 on a Buzzsprout paid plan using this referral link!: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2372693 Theme Song: Shrouded Lament by james.lfo, William Claeson

UPDATE: Keara Coshow

On July 12, 1979, a fire at the Hill Top Motel in Red Oak, Iowa, claimed the life of 3-year-old Keara Coshow. Despite known suspicions of child abuse from Keara's stepmother, Karen, and Keara being nearly blind from an injury many suspect was inflicted upon her by her stepmother, investigators ruled the fire and Keara's death a tragic accident.  The investigation was reopened in 2007 and closed in 2010 with the same conclusion: the fire and Keara's death were an accident.  But, in 2025, the Iowa Attorney General's Office released a deck of Iowa Cold Case cards, and I was surprised to find Keara's face among them, with her being labeled "homicide victim", and the card stating the fire was ruled arson.  I reached out to the Iowa Attorney General's Office and the Iowa Cold Case Unit to request clarification. The Iowa Cold Case Unit responded, and in this episode, I give an update on what they told me: they DON'T know why there is a discrepancy. But they are looking into this case, which I consider a win.  If you have ANY INFORMATION at all, please contact the Iowa Cold Case Unit: Their email: coldcase@ag.iowa.gov Listen to my previous episode on Keara Coshow: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cardinal-crimes/id1781462994?i=1000695493302 Or watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/WInjK111ydE?si=YW1dTfJ0UVzArgua Sources:  * Voicemail & phone conversation with Iowa Cold Case Investigator Chad Lovig, November 2025 * Roy Marshall, Investigation Report Case #7907361, State of Iowa Department of Public Safety State Fire Marshal Division * State of Iowa Death Certificate (certified reproduction of original record), Keara Coshow, Issued April 23, 2007.  * Jon Mathis, Closing and Disposition Record Case #0706806, Iowa Department of Public Safety Division of Criminal Investigation * Iowa Cold Cases Playing Cards, 1st Edition, Iowa Office of the Attorney General, Department of Corrections, Sheriff's & Deputies Association, Iowa Police chiefs Association, Iowa County Attorneys Association, April 16, 2025 * Jody Ewing, Keara Coshow Case Summary, Iowa Cold Cases, https://iowacoldcases.org/case-summaries/keara-coshow/ * Rossi, R., Lodise, M., Lancia, M., Bacci, M., De-Giorgio, F., & Cascini, F. (2014). Trigemino-cardiac reflex as lethal mechanism in a suicidal fire death case. Journal of forensic sciences, 59(3), 833–835. https://doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.12408 Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/CardinalCrimes?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator] If you have any information on any of the cold cases covered, you can submit a tip here: https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-crime-victims/iowa-cold-case/cold-case-tip-form If you liked the show and are interested in supporting my work, check out my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/CardinalCrimes?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Save $20 on a Buzzsprout paid plan using this referral link!: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2372693 Theme Song: Shrouded Lament by james.lfo, William Claeson

MURDERED: Joe Rapini

This week, we continue our deep dive into the suspected victims of serial predator Mike DeBardeleben. The women we’ve discussed so far were all real estate agents targeted while showing homes to male clients. But today’s case breaks that pattern entirely. In this episode, we examine the murder of Joe Rapini, who was taken hostage alongside his roommate, David Starr. What followed was a calculated and terrifying bank robbery and extortion scheme. Under explicit threats, David, a bank manager, was forced to withdraw nearly $38,000 from his own vault to satisfy the masked gunman’s demands. But even after the money was delivered, Joe Rapini was killed. The extortion money was never recovered. And although Mike DeBardeleben emerged as a prime suspect, he was never formally charged in the case. Join us as we unpack the timeline, the unanswered questions, and what links this case to one of the most methodical criminals we’ve ever covered. Purchase Stephen Michaud’s book “Beyond Cruel” - https://books.apple.com/us/book/beyond-cruel/id6503722963 Sources:  * Phillips, Kate & Mandelaro, Doug, Bank audit shows $37,000 ransom, April 20, 1983, The Times Union * Phillips, Kate & Martelle, Scott, Extortion victim eulogized; ransom drop site revealed, April 19, 1983, The Times Union * Meade, Laura, Trail is cold but search goes on for man’s killer, June 1, 1983, The Democrat and Chronicle * Meade, Laura, Gunman wanted 3rd hostage, April 20, 1983, The Democrat and Chronicle * Meade, LauraHostage slaying baffles police, April 16, 1983, The Democrat and Chronicle * Redmond, Jim, Body found after Greece extortion try, April 15, 1983, The Democrat and Chronicle * Search for leads in slaying, April 19, 1983, The Democrat and Chronicle * Phillips, Kate, Witnesses sought in extortion and slaying, April 18, 1983, The Democrat and Chronicle * Monroe slaying brings in FBI, April 16, 1983, Press and Sun Bulletin * Police hunt clues in extortion murder, April 16, 1983, The Ithaca Journal * Phillips, Kate & Mandelaro, Doug, $25,000 ransom drop, 1 dead in bank drama, April 15, 1983, The Times Union * Michaud, Stephen, Beyond Cruel: The Chilling True Story of America’s Most Sadistic Killer, May 1994, St. Martin’s Paperbacks Support the show [https://www.patreon.com/CardinalCrimes?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator] If you have any information on any of the cold cases covered, you can submit a tip here: https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-crime-victims/iowa-cold-case/cold-case-tip-form If you liked the show and are interested in supporting my work, check out my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/CardinalCrimes?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Save $20 on a Buzzsprout paid plan using this referral link!: https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2372693 Theme Song: Shrouded Lament by james.lfo, William Claeson