Cardinal Crimes

Cardinal Crimes

Cardinal Crimes is a true crime podcast that explores cold and unsolved cases, criminal behavior, and crime prevention.  The host, Becca, is a former Intelligence Analyst interested in the "why" behind crime, the systems that shape it, and the ways we can prevent it. 

  1. MURDERED: Joe Rapini

    5D AGO

    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 UnionPhillips, Kate & Martelle, Scott, Extortion victim eulogized; ransom drop site revealed, April 19, 1983, The Times UnionMeade, Laura, Trail is cold but search goes on for man’s killer, June 1, 1983, The Democrat and ChronicleMeade, Laura, Gunman wanted 3rd hostage, April 20, 1983, The Democrat and ChronicleMeade, LauraHostage slaying baffles police, April 16, 1983, The Democrat and ChronicleRedmond, Jim, Body found after Greece extortion try, April 15, 1983, The Democrat and ChronicleSearch for leads in slaying, April 19, 1983, The Democrat and ChroniclePhillips, Kate, Witnesses sought in extortion and slaying, April 18, 1983, The Democrat and ChronicleMonroe slaying brings in FBI, April 16, 1983, Press and Sun BulletinPolice hunt clues in extortion murder, April 16, 1983, The Ithaca JournalPhillips, Kate & Mandelaro, Doug, $25,000 ransom drop, 1 dead in bank drama, April 15, 1983, The Times UnionMichaud, Stephen, Beyond Cruel: The Chilling True Story of America’s Most Sadistic Killer, May 1994, St. Martin’s PaperbacksSupport the show 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 You can follow Cardinal Crimes on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube @CardinalCrimes. The best way to support the podcast is to follow/like/subscribe, share with friends and family, and write us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! 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

    18 min
  2. MISSING: Mary "Bo Bo" Shinn

    FEB 9

    MISSING: Mary "Bo Bo" Shinn

    If you have information on this case, contact the Arkansas State Police at 870-777-8944. On July 20, 1978, Mary "Bo Bo" Shinn left to show a client a home she had flipped, but never returned. Her final words to a friend over the phone were "If I don't come back, send someone to look for me". Hours later, her vehicle was found abandoned behind a grocery store. All signs pointed to foul play. To this day, she has never been found.  In this episode, we discuss the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, the timeline of her last known movements, the various tips that came in, and recent developments in the case.  We also talk about Mike DeBardeleben as a possible suspect, and the similarities between Bobo, Terry, and Jean's cases.  Listen to the Trace Evidence episode on this case: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trace-evidence/id1239217007?i=1000694217709 SOURCES: Monae, Chelsea, 44-year-old mystery of “Bobo Shinn” still haunts small Arkansas city, August 18, 2022, KTVE/KARDReward offered for woman’s return, July 25, 1978, The Batesville GuardFamily of missing Magnolia woman increases reward offer to $35,000, July 31, 1978, The Batesville GuardBocklage, Judy, One Officer continues to work on Shinn Case, October 27, 1978, The Batesville GuardSuspect might be questioned in disappearance, February 2, 1984, The Batesville GuardMonae, Chelsea, Haunting disappearance: woman vanished in South Arkansas 47 years ago, July 24, 2025, KTVE/KARDWoman missing, July 23, 1978, The Daily WorldDetective says he has prime suspect in disappearance of Magnolia woman, November 22, 1979, The Shreveport JournalMartin, Phil, The 6-year search for Bo Bo Shinn, October 30, 1984, The Shreveport JournalFoul play is feared, July 22, 1978, The SunReward offered in search for missing woman, July 25, 1978, The SunSecond Reward is Now Offered, July 30, 1978, The SunBocklage, Judy, Another Dead-End in Search, October 27, 1978, The SunNew search for woman launched, July 25, 1978, The Southwest Times RecordMagnolia woman believed abducted, July 26, 1978, The Southwest Times RecordInvestigation of disappearance develops baffling dead ends, October 27, 1978, The Southwest Times Recordhttps://dps.arkansas.gov/law-enforcement/arkansas-state-police/divisions/criminal-investigations/cold-cases/mary-jimmie-bobo-shinn/Trace Evidence: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trace-evidence/id1239217007?i=1000694217709Support the show 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 You can follow Cardinal Crimes on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube @CardinalCrimes. The best way to support the podcast is to follow/like/subscribe, share with friends and family, and write us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! 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

    25 min
  3. MURDERED: Edna "Terry" Macdonald

    FEB 2

    MURDERED: Edna "Terry" Macdonald

    Eleven years before the brutal murder of Jean McPhaul in Bossier City, Louisiana, Edna Terry Macdonald was killed in Barrington, Rhode Island. After the arrest of Mike DeBardeleben, Bossier City investigators began to notice chilling similarities between the two crimes. The cases were nearly identical. From the victims’ professions and victimology to the offender’s MO and the manner of death, this couldn’t be a coincidence. This week, we dive into another murder that DeBardeleben was ultimately indicted for but was never brought to trial. We walk through the timeline of Edna Terry Macdonald’s last known movements, the crime and investigation, and the striking parallels between her case, Jean McPhaul’s, and Dorothy Miller’s. Purchase Stephen Michaud’s book “Beyond Cruel” - https://books.apple.com/us/book/beyond-cruel/id6503722963 SOURCES: Michaud, Stephen, Beyond Cruel: The Chilling True Story of America’s Most Sadistic Killer, May 1994, St. Martin’s PaperbacksWoman’s body roped, May 2, 1971, The Democrat and Chronicle Ex-Island legislator’s wife slain, May 2, 1971, Staten Island AdvanceFind murder victim’s car, May 3, 1971, Staten Island AdvanceCustomer suspect, Seek real estate agent’s killer, May 2, 1971, Syracuse Herald JournalR.I. slaying suspect sentenced 100 years, August 3, 1984, The Boston GlobeAccused of killings, torture, ‘Sadomasochist’ draws 100-year term, August 3, 1984, The Morning UnionSentencing due for poison ‘lifer’, May 4, 1985, The Morning Union Support the show 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 You can follow Cardinal Crimes on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube @CardinalCrimes. The best way to support the podcast is to follow/like/subscribe, share with friends and family, and write us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! 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

    27 min
  4. MURDERED: Jean McPhaul

    JAN 26

    MURDERED: Jean McPhaul

    On Tuesday, April 27, 1982, a Bossier City, Louisiana realtor, Jean McPhaul, was brutally murdered by a client who called himself "Dr. Zack". Despite a thorough investigation, the client was able to evade authorities. That is, until the U.S. Secret Service caught James "Mike" DeBardeleben, a notorious counterfeiter.  The similarities between Jean's case and that of Dorothy Miller's are ones I can't ignore. This week's episode is the first in a series examining the suspected and known victims of Mike DeBardeleben, and will conclude with a look at his life and crimes.  Could Mike DeBardeleben be the man responsible for Burlington, Iowa's oldest cold case?  Listen to Dorothy’s episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cardinal-crimes/id1781462994?i=1000743012634 Purchase Stephen Michaud’s book “Beyond Cruel” - https://books.apple.com/us/book/beyond-cruel/id6503722963 SOURCES:  Reward Offered For Realtor Murdered, May 13, 1982, Bossier PressDebardeleben indicted in McPhaul case, June 7, 1984, UPI ArchivesReal Estate Saleswoman Murdered By ‘Customer’, April 29, 1982, The Daily AdvertiserFull-Time Investigation Off, November 5, 1982, The Daily AdvertiserEx-Alabamian found slain in Louisiana, April 29, 1982, The Mobile PressHines, Gary, No arrests in murder of local real estate woman, April 29, 1982, The Shreveport JournalLarsen, Dick, Murder probe shatters peace of neighborhood, April 29, 1982, The Shreveport JournalLarsen, Dick, Mysterious ‘Dr. Zack’ sought in real estate agent’s brutal murder, April 30, 1982, The Shreveport JournalLarsen, Dick, Detectives see no arrest looming in Mrs. McPhaul murder case, May 5, 1982, The Shreveport JournalAuthorities no closer to arrest in McPhaul murder, May 17, 1982, The Shreveport JournalLarsen, Dick, Public asked to aid search, May 18, 1982, The Shreveport JournalHines, Gary, McPhaul suspect Police find ‘solid’ lead in murder, June 14, 1982, The Shreveport JournalHines, Gary, Police eye suspect in McPhaul murder, June 14, 1982, The Shreveport JournalLarsen, Dick, Despite many dead ends, detectives haven’t quit on McPhaul case, July 23, 1982, The Shreveport JournalHines, Gary, Hunt for McPhaul killer fails, November 4, 1982, The Shreveport JournalWaddle, Ray, Realtor found slain in vacant Bossier home, April 29, 1982, The TimesWaddle, Ray, Police get slaying suspect’s description, April 30, 1982, The TimesIvory, Lee, Tuesday began as usual day for realty firm, April 30, 1982, The TimesGingles, Keenan, ‘I guess I was last to see her alSupport the show 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 You can follow Cardinal Crimes on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube @CardinalCrimes. The best way to support the podcast is to follow/like/subscribe, share with friends and family, and write us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! 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

    28 min
  5. MURDERED: Michelle Steele

    JAN 19

    MURDERED: Michelle Steele

    Last week, we continued examining serial killer Charles Hatcher’s crimes, focusing on the murder of Eric Christgen and the wrongful conviction of Melvin Reynolds. So what was Hatcher doing while law enforcement pursued the wrong man? He was moving across the Midwest, committing additional crimes, and eventually returned to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he murdered another child, 11-year-old Michelle Steele, whose case we’ll be discussing today. In this episode, we look at Michelle’s disappearance and murder, how Hatcher was ultimately caught, and the confession that not only freed an innocent man but also exposed the full scope of his actions. And we ask: how did Hatcher manage to slip through so many cracks in the legal system? Purchase Terry Ganey's book Innocent Blood: https://a.co/d/6fE7rmD Sources:  Amber Keen, George Lewis, Kara Stone, Andrew Lucas, Charles Ray Hatcher, 2005, Department of Psychology, Radford UniversityKris Jensen, Terry Hughes, Kent Darr, Mike Anton, Gary Sawyer, Beverly Van Hook, The ugly odyssey of Charles Hatcher, May 15, 1983, The Quad City TimesTerry Ganey, Innocent Blood: A True Story of Obsession and Serial Murder, 2016Mathieu, Jordan, Melvin Lee Reynolds, March 13, 2018, National Registry of Exonerations, Michigan State University College of LawGordon, Jeff, Search ongoing for missing girl, July 30, 1982, St Joseph GazetteBurrowes, Mary Helen, Body of girl is found on river bank, July 30, 1982, St Joseph News-Press Support the show 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 You can follow Cardinal Crimes on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube @CardinalCrimes. The best way to support the podcast is to follow/like/subscribe, share with friends and family, and write us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! 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

    30 min
  6. MURDERED: Eric Christgen

    JAN 12

    MURDERED: Eric Christgen

    On Friday, May 26, 1978, the town of St. Joseph, Missouri, was shaken when word spread that four-year-old Eric Christgen had vanished. The search gripped the community, and when Eric was finally found, the relief quickly faded. He had been murdered, and in a way that proved to be one of the most heinous crimes in the town’s history.  With pressure mounting to identify the killer, investigators focused on Melvin Reynolds. He did not match witness descriptions of the older man last seen walking with Eric, his alibi was supported by witnesses, and his confession showed clear signs of being coerced. Even so, Reynolds was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. This episode continues where we left off last week, after exploring the early life of serial killer Charles Hatcher. Today, we turn to one of his known victims, Eric Christgen, and the wrongful conviction of Melvin Reynolds. Next week, we will examine another of Hatcher’s victims and the events that ultimately exposed his crimes, cleared Reynolds’ name, and revealed the full scope of the horror that had gone on for years.  Purchase Terry Ganey's book Innocent Blood: https://a.co/d/6fE7rmD Sources:  Amber Keen, George Lewis, Kara Stone, Andrew Lucas, Charles Ray Hatcher, 2005, Department of Psychology, Radford UniversityKris Jensen, Terry Hughes, Kent Darr, Mike Anton, Gary Sawyer, Beverly Van Hook, The ugly odyssey of Charles Hatcher, May 15, 1983, The Quad City TimesTerry Ganey, Innocent Blood: A True Story of Obsession and Serial Murder, 2016Mathieu, Jordan, Melvin Lee Reynolds, March 13, 2018, National Registry of Exonerations, Michigan State University College of LawFrederick Slater & Mary Hellen Burrowes, Body of Christgen boy found on bluff, May 28, 1978, St Joseph News-PressAtkison, Rick, Citizens try to Crack the Christgen Case, August 4, 1978, The Kansas City TimesSupport the show 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 You can follow Cardinal Crimes on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube @CardinalCrimes. The best way to support the podcast is to follow/like/subscribe, share with friends and family, and write us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! 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

    35 min
  7. SERIAL KILLER: Charles Hatcher

    JAN 5

    SERIAL KILLER: Charles Hatcher

    Charles Hatcher was an American serial killer officially convicted of murdering two children, though investigators believe he was responsible for many more assaults and homicides. His life was defined by a revolving door of prisons and psychiatric institutions, where he became known for his repeated escapes and his ability to manipulate his documented mental health issues to feign insanity in pursuit of lighter sentences. In this episode, we’ll explore what is known about Hatcher’s early life and upbringing, trace the escalation of his crimes—from non-violent car thefts to attempted kidnappings and murder—and answer a question that has stuck with me: Was Charles Hatcher responsible for the 1969 murder of Dorothy Miller? Our coverage on Charles Hatcher and his crimes will continue in part two, where we highlight the victims of his horrible crimes.  Sources:  Amber Keen, George Lewis, Kara Stone, Andrew Lucas, Charles Ray Hatcher, 2005, Department of Psychology, Radford UniversityKris Jensen, Terry Hughes, Kent Darr, Mike Anton, Gary Sawyer, Beverly Van Hook, The ugly odyssey of Charles Hatcher, May 15, 1983, The Quad City TimesTerry Ganey, Innocent Blood: A True Story of Obsession and Serial Murder, 2016Support the show 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 You can follow Cardinal Crimes on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube @CardinalCrimes. The best way to support the podcast is to follow/like/subscribe, share with friends and family, and write us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! 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

    20 min
  8. REVISIT: Dorothy Miller

    12/29/2025

    REVISIT: Dorothy Miller

    This week, we are revisiting the murder of Dorothy Miller in preparation for a few episodes highlighting two men who I think are top contenders for the man responsible.  The murder of Dorothy Miller is Burlington, Iowa’s oldest cold case. Dorothy was a 48-year-old real estate agent who was brutally murdered while showing a prospective client a home in August of 1969. The man she showed the home to was never seen again, despite Dorothy’s own husband and many witnesses seeing him the day and evening of the murder.  This case is baffling, and the behavior exhibited by the assumed killer makes many believe Dorothy wasn’t his first victim… or last.  SOURCES (Character limit exceeded, if you'd like to see the full list of sources, send me an email!):  Find Saleswoman Dead in Closet, Quad City Times, August 19, 1969Real Estate Saleswoman Found Killed, The Gazette, August 19, 1969Burlington Killer Still At Large, Iowa Press Citizen, August 20, 1969Killer is Still At Large, Quad City Times, August 20, 1969Nick Lamberto, Find Body of Woman Lying Inside Closet, The Des Moines Register, August 20, 1969Burlington Killer Sought, The Gazette, August 20, 1969Sex-Killer Sought at Burlington, The Muscatine Journal, August 20, 1969Hunt Killer of Burlington Woman Stabbed Over 20 Times, The Sioux City Journal, August 20, 1969Suspect Seen in Bar?, Quad City Times, August 21, 1969Death Suspect Seen in Tavern, The Des Moines Register, August 21, 1969Seek Man Seen in Burlington Tavern Monday, The Gazette, August 21, 1969Report suspect in sex slaying seen in tavern, The Muscatine Journal, August 21, 1969Describe Man Sought in Iowa Slaying, The Sioux City Journal, August 21, 1969Support the show 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 You can follow Cardinal Crimes on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube @CardinalCrimes. The best way to support the podcast is to follow/like/subscribe, share with friends and family, and write us a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! 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

    27 min
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4.9
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Cardinal Crimes is a true crime podcast that explores cold and unsolved cases, criminal behavior, and crime prevention.  The host, Becca, is a former Intelligence Analyst interested in the "why" behind crime, the systems that shape it, and the ways we can prevent it. 

Information

  • Creator
    Cardinal Crimes
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Cardinal Crimes
  • Show Website
    Cardinal Crimes

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