48 Hours: Murder Near The Boardwalk – Detailed Summary
Release Date: July 17, 2025
Host/Author: CBS News
Introduction
The "48 Hours" episode titled "Murder Near The Boardwalk" delves into the harrowing case of four women whose lives were brutally cut short near the iconic Atlantic City Boardwalk. This detailed investigation uncovers the personal histories of the victims, the complexities surrounding the investigation, and the profound impact on their families and the broader community.
Discovery of the Bodies
On November 20, 2006, a distressing 911 call led police to a secluded drainage ditch near a strip of low-rent motels in Egg Harbor Township, Atlantic City. There, they uncovered the bodies of four women: Barbara Brider, Kim Raffo, Tracy Ann Roberts, and Molly Jean Diltz.
John Kelly, a criminal profiler, explains the significance of the discovery:
"The bodies of four women floating in a ditch." [03:05]
Hugh Oslander, a retired police captain, adds:
"Nothing like that has ever happened." [03:28]
The manner in which the victims were found—barefoot and all facing east—suggested a chilling signature of the killer:
"All facing east, all with no shoes on, no purse, no cell phone, no personal belongings. It appears that these women were killed just for the sake of being killed." [05:25]
Victims' Personal Stories
Barbara Brider
Barbara was a loving mother struggling with heroin addiction and an abusive relationship. Her sister, Valerie Ann Stay, shares the emotional toll of her loss:
"I went numb. I just went numb and in shock." [02:32]
Despite her challenges, Barbara was deeply affectionate with her nine-year-old daughter, Dominique:
"She was very affectionate and loving." [07:05]
Kim Raffo
Kim moved to Atlantic City in 2003 with her husband, Hugh Oslander, seeking a fresh start. Initially, life seemed promising as they both held steady jobs. However, addiction took hold, leading Kim to engage in prostitution to support her habit.
Hugh Oslander reflects on Kim's descent:
"We started drinking and fell into the crack scene, you know, and started smoking it." [16:38]
Tracy Ann Roberts
Tracy, a 23-year-old medical assistant from Delaware, had recently moved to Atlantic City. Her friends describe her as kind and full of potential:
"Tracy came from a small town in Delaware, went to a good school, went on to be trained as a medical assistant." [09:40]
Unfortunately, her battle with addiction led her into the dangerous streets of Atlantic City.
Molly Jean Diltz
At just 20 years old, Molly's life was marred by personal tragedies, including the loss of her mother and brother during her teenage years. Despite these hardships, she endeavored to build a better future, moving to Atlantic City to escape her past.
John Kelly poignantly states:
"She had a lot of good to spread to the world, and it's just a shame that she won't be able to do that now." [11:02]
The Investigation
The discovery of the four bodies initiated a massive investigation led by Atlantic City prosecutor Jeffrey Blitz, who formed a special task force to solve the case. Despite their efforts, the investigation faced numerous challenges:
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Lack of Clear Motive:
As Hugh Oslander notes:"Not that we could determine at this point." [27:32]
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Contaminated Crime Scene:
An FBI source revealed that initial responders had contaminated the scene, limiting forensic evidence:"Decomposition occurred, which made it very difficult for investigators to take fingerprints or any other kind of forensic evidence." [27:48]
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Delayed Involvement of Street Experts:
Retired Captain Jim Hutchins criticizes the delayed involvement of vice cops familiar with the streets:"I would have gave them whoever they asked for to help, to knock on doors, to interview witnesses..." [26:53]
These obstacles hindered the ability to pinpoint the exact location of the crimes and establish a connection between the victims and the perpetrator.
Profiling and Suspects
With the investigation stalling, criminal profiler John Kelly stepped in to create a profile of the suspected serial killer. His analysis provided both conventional and unconventional insights:
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Artistic Traits:
Kelly suggested the killer might have an artistic side, referencing serial killers like John Wayne Gacy:"What we've seen is this underlying artistic nature." [31:05]
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Social Isolation:
Described as a loner, the killer likely frequented areas where drug-addicted prostitutes operated:"A man on a mission. And his mission is to eliminate prostitutes." [32:39]
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Possible Religious Motives:
The victims facing east could indicate a connection to holy lands, hinting at a possible religious obsession:"Whatever the demented message is that he's sending has something to do with the East." [32:46]
Several suspects emerged based on Kelly's profile:
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Bill Schloo
Known for organizing wild parties, Schloo was questioned but never arrested. John Kelly remarks:"It was one party that never stopped." [32:23]
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Charles Coles
A convicted drug abuser with possible religious motives, Coles was also cleared of involvement. -
Mark Hesse
An aspiring minister with a known foot fetish, Hesse became a suspect after a prostitute reported his obsession:"He's taken their shoes and he's taken their socks. I have to believe we're looking at a serial killer with a foot fetish here." [33:27]
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Terry Oleson
A later suspect, Oleson became a focus after a surveillance camera linked him to the area. Despite his involvement in unrelated crimes, DNA evidence did not connect him to the murders:"I wish I had some information for everybody. I just have no idea how I got involved in any of this." [41:04]
Timeline of Events
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September 9, 2006:
Kim Raffo agrees to leave Atlantic City with her ex-husband Hugh Oslander to recover from addiction. -
October 7, 2006:
Molly Diltz contacts her family from Atlantic City but never returns. -
October 17, 2006:
Barbara Brider departs on a bus to Atlantic City, marking her last known whereabouts. -
November 19, 2006:
Kim Raffo is last seen with a man fitting the killer's profile before the bodies are discovered the following day.
Impact on Families and Community
The unsolved murders left deep scars on the victims' families and the Atlantic City community. Valerie Ann Stay shared her anguish:
"Today was my sister Barbara's funeral... I will always love you if you are in heaven." [42:19]
Dominique, Barbara's daughter, found solace after being adopted by Valerie and her husband, showcasing a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy:
"Dominique's future is very bright. This isn't the end for her at all." [44:25]
Meanwhile, Kristen Press, a survivor and streetwalker, articulates the perpetual struggle and bleak outlook for those trapped in Atlantic City's dark underbelly:
"I'm not going to lie to myself. I'm not going to lie to people. Jail and death." [43:35]
Current Status and Ongoing Efforts
As of the episode's release, the case remained unsolved, with no definitive evidence pointing to the killer. Prosecutor Jeffrey Blitz maintained that crucial evidence had been recovered, though skepticism remained among retired officers like Jim Hutchins.
The episode concludes without closure, highlighting the enduring pain of the victims' families and the hopeful yet uncertain pursuit of justice:
"There will be no Hollywood endings or cliches about closure for the families of the victims. Precious memories and heartfelt tears will have to suffice." [42:05]
Conclusion
"Murder Near The Boardwalk" paints a poignant and unsettling picture of a community grappling with senseless violence and the challenges of a stalled investigation. Through personal stories, expert profiling, and a critical examination of the investigative process, the episode underscores the profound human impact of unresolved crimes and the relentless quest for truth and justice.
Notable Quotes:
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John Kelly:
"He's local, he's from the area." [30:36] -
Valerie Ann Stay:
"Today was my sister Barbara's funeral. Dominique is holding up well, considering." [42:19] -
Kristen Press:
"It's hard. I'm not going to lie to myself. I'm not going to lie to people. Jail and death." [43:35]
For more information or tips related to this case, listeners are encouraged to contact the Atlantic County Major Crime Unit at 609-909-7666.