Podcast Summary: "File M For Murder" – 20/20 by ABC News

Introduction

"File M For Murder," an episode of ABC News' "20/20," delves into the harrowing true crime case of Bob Eidman, an insurance agent brutally murdered in his own office in St. Charles, Missouri. This detailed investigation uncovers layers of deceit, hidden relationships, and the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement.

The Crime

June 8, 2007 – A Peaceful Community Shattered

St. Charles, Missouri, known for its tranquil suburban life, was jolted by a chilling murder. Bob Eidman, a 48-year-old insurance agent, was found dead in his Brook Auto Insurance agency located in a busy strip mall near Interstate 70.

• Discovery of the Body:

  • [02:04] A family member recounts the chaotic scene: "There were just floods and floods of police cars coming in and just total chaos."
  • [05:52] Homicide Detective Don Stepp describes the fatal attack: "Bob Aidman was shot three times. The first shot was superficial... The third and fatal shot had been fired through Bob Aidman's left eye as the assailant stood over his prone body."

• Scene Details:

  • No forced entry was evident, raising questions about the motive.
  • Bob's wallet was missing, and the office drawers, typically used for storing cash, showed minimal signs of disturbance.

Initial Investigation

Law Enforcement Scrambles for Clues

The immediate response involved a massive police presence, with over 30 detectives from the Major Case Squad deployed to assist in the investigation.

• Key Evidence Collected:

  • Bullet casings, fragments, and DNA evidence from Bob's back pocket were meticulously gathered.
  • [09:56] "Police believe Eidman was working alone when someone walked inside his business, fatally shot him, then took off."

• Primary Leads:

  • Surveillance footage from a nearby grocery store captured a white Ford Focus passing by twice on the morning of the murder, leading investigators to search extensively for the vehicle and its occupants.

Introduction of Diane Eidman

The Enigmatic Widow

Diane Eidman, Bob's wife of over two decades, became a central figure in the investigation. Her demeanor and responses raised suspicions among detectives.

• Diane's Background:

  • Diane managed the kitchen at a local hospital and appeared reserved and quiet.
  • Family members described her as "not very outgoing" and "pretty quiet."

• Suspicious Behavior:

  • [22:24] Diane submitted to a polygraph test, which returned inconclusive results.
  • [25:19] She revealed a haunting family history: "Don't take this as a confession or anything, but this happened to my dad too," hinting at previous unresolved murders in her family.

Discovery of Bob's Secret Life

A Double Life Unveiled

As the investigation progressed, shocking revelations emerged about Bob Eidman's personal life, complicating the case further.

• Hidden Relationships:

  • Secret LGBTQ+ Relationship:
    • [37:14] "We discovered that Bob was having an affair with another man."
    • Bob's interactions with male partners were uncovered through his computer and phone records, indicating visits to gay websites and communication with a man from out of town.

• Impact on the Investigation:

  • This newfound knowledge introduced potential motives, including blackmail or jealousy, complicating the initial robbery theory.

DNA Evidence and Breakthrough

The Golden Ticket

A pivotal moment in the investigation came with advancements in forensic science, particularly with touch DNA analysis.

• Touch DNA Analysis:

  • [44:17] Police cut out the back pockets of Bob's pants to collect skin cells, hoping to find traces of the assailant's DNA.
  • After processing, the DNA analysis revealed a mixture from Bob and an unknown male.

• Identifying the Suspect:

  • [59:40] The DNA matched Paul White, a name previously not on the investigators' radar.
  • Paul White, serving time for forgery, became the prime suspect after his DNA linked directly to the crime scene.

Suspects and Interrogations

Paul White and Cleo Hines

The investigation spotlighted two individuals: Paul White and Cleo Hines, both of whom provided conflicting accounts of the murder.

• Paul White:

  • Initially denied any involvement with Bob Eidman.
  • [66:25] Paul insisted, "It's impossible," when confronted with DNA evidence linking him to Bob's pocket.
  • After persistent interrogation, Paul eventually confessed to his role in the murder, detailing the events leading up to Bob's death.

• Cleo Hines:

  • A smooth-talker, Cleo implicated Paul White in the crime.
  • [73:44] Cleo claimed that Paul orchestrated the murder, attempting to shift blame away from himself.
  • His testimony contradicted Paul's account, leaving investigators with conflicting narratives.

Trial and Verdict

Justice Served

The courtroom became the battleground where the truth behind Bob Eidman's murder was fought over by the accused and the prosecuting team.

• Paul White:

  • [79:08] Faced with insurmountable evidence, Paul was convicted of first-degree murder and robbery.
  • He received a life sentence without the possibility of parole, ensuring he would never regain his freedom.

• Cleo Hines:

  • Opted for an Alford plea, acknowledging sufficient evidence for conviction while maintaining his innocence.
  • He was sentenced to two life terms, with eligibility for parole beginning in 2034.

Conclusion and Aftermath

Closure and Reflection

The resolution of Bob Eidman's murder brought mixed emotions to those involved. While justice was served, the scars of the tragedy lingered.

• Diane Eidman's Statement:

  • [80:42] Diane expressed profound loss: "I took my best friend, I took my husband away from me."
  • She grappled with the dual trauma of her father's and husband's murders, emphasizing the lasting impact on her life.

• Detective Don Stepp's Commitment:

  • [54:23] Detective Stepp remained dedicated to uncovering the truth, driven by the need for closure for Bob's family.

• Family Reflections:

  • Family members mourned Bob's vibrant personality and the senseless loss of his life for a mere $300.
  • [77:33] "It's hard to think about a man's life being taken for $300."

Notable Quotes

• Detective Stepp:
  "We found several calls that were coming in and coming out pretty much the same time each day. We discovered that Bob was having an affair."
  [38:09]

• Diane Eidman:
  "He told me intimate things that he hasn't told me. I felt hurt because he wasn't speaking to me that way."
  [50:13]

• Paul White:
  "It's no way in the world. It's impossible."
  [71:13]

• Cleo Hines:
  "I never robbed a guy. I've been in there one time and to get insurance."
  [73:20]

Final Thoughts

"File M For Murder" masterfully chronicles the intricate details of a murder investigation that spans over three years, highlighting the challenges of solving crimes in small communities. Through meticulous forensic work, unwavering detective work, and the unraveling of personal secrets, the case of Bob Eidman serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in true crime mysteries.

Note: Advertisements and non-content sections from the transcript have been omitted to focus solely on the core narrative of the investigation and its resolution.