Cold Case Files: "A Killer Confession" Release Date: February 18, 2025
Host: Paula Barros

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "A Killer Confession," host Paula Barros delves into the harrowing 25-year-old cold case of Frank McAllister, a young man whose mysterious disappearance and subsequent murder baffled investigators for decades. The episode meticulously unpacks the timeline, the investigation's evolution, and the eventual breakthrough that brought justice to Frank and his grieving family.

The Disappearance of Frank McAllister

Background and Initial Disappearance (00:10 - 04:07)
Frank McAllister, a 19-year-old cook from Reading, California, was reported missing on May 7, 1993, by his fiancée, Donnelle Tadich. Donnelle had last heard from Frank the previous evening, the day he cashed a $5,000 insurance settlement from a prior vehicle accident.

Detective Rusty Bishop (02:10): "Frank was supposed to return the previous night, had cash on his person and did not return. So obviously our concern there is, okay, has something happened to him or has he voluntarily left, returned?"

Frank's mother, Cindy Tolmacoff, along with her husband, became increasingly worried when Frank failed to return home, prompting them to travel to Redding in search of him.

Cindy Tolmacoff (02:40): "I just kept thinking of he's going to be there when we get there. Then when he still wasn't, then I started worrying, something's wrong with him."

The Initial Investigation and Clues

Discovery at Costco (05:37 - 07:39)
The investigation took a pivotal turn when an abandoned vehicle belonging to Donnelle Tadich was found at a Costco parking lot in Redding two nights after Frank's disappearance. Blood stains were discovered both inside and outside the vehicle, suggesting foul play.

Detective Eric Garnero (06:46): "A white t-shirt that was on the floorboard behind the driver's side seat. It had a significant amount of blood on it."

These findings shifted the case's focus from a simple missing person to a potential homicide, prompting detectives to explore possible connections to the local drug community.

Suspicions and Leads

Potential Drug Involvement (07:39 - 14:11)
Frank had expressed intentions to invest his insurance money into purchasing methamphetamine to sell for profit, a plan that raised suspicions about his entanglement with dangerous individuals.

Detective Eric Garnero (07:39): "The dots are starting to be connected that Frank maybe got hooked up with some wrong people."

The investigation then expanded to include Frank's social circle, including his fiancée Donnelle, their friends Shawna and Curtis Culver, and Brian Hawkins, Shawna's on-and-off boyfriend.

The Breakthrough: Brian Hawkins' Confession

Courtney Kreider's Interview and Hawkins' Admission (21:56 - 24:22)
Nearly 25 years after Frank's murder, a significant breakthrough occurred when Brian Hawkins reached out to Courtney Kreider, a reporter at KRCR news. Hawkins confessed to his involvement in Frank's death, a revelation that stunned both the investigators and the McAllister family.

Brian Hawkins (23:27): "I'm going to turn myself in next door at the sheriff's department for a crime I was involved in years ago, and somebody lost their life. It was murder."

Kreider's decision to delay airing the confession allowed law enforcement to act swiftly, leading to the arrest of Hawkins and eventually implicating the Culver siblings.

Unraveling the Truth

Interviews and Confessions (25:16 - 36:42)
Detectives re-interviewed Curtis and Shawna Culver, alongside Brian Hawkins. While Shawna initially denied involvement, Curtis's polygraph test failed, compelling him to confess his role in the murder. The detailed confession revealed a coordinated effort to kill Frank, driven by financial motives and personal conflicts.

Curtis Culver (35:17): "I have nowhere to go. This thing is over. I had to tell him what really happened."

Frank was brutally attacked in a remote area, where both Brian and Curtis participated in the assault, ultimately leading to his death.

Legal Proceedings and Justice Served

Prosecutions and Sentencing (38:15 - 38:36)
In the aftermath of the confession, all three individuals—Brian Hawkins, Shawna Culver, and Curtis Culver—faced legal consequences. Hawkins pled guilty to first-degree murder and robbery, receiving a sentence of 25 years to life. Shawna and Curtis also entered pleas, with Shawna receiving 20 years and Curtis 35 years in state prison for their respective roles in the crime.

Cindy Tolmacoff (38:32): "I wanted justice, but truthfully, nothing will bring back your child."

Impact on the McAllister Family

Emotional Aftermath (39:24 - 37:33)
The resolution of the case brought a sense of closure to the McAllister family, though it couldn't alleviate the profound loss of Frank. Cindy Tolmacoff shared her enduring grief and the lingering questions about why Frank waited so long to confess.

Cindy Tolmacoff (37:33): "I don't have him with me no more. Because of him. But why? Just because your girlfriend told you to do it?"

The family grappled with the reality of their son's absence, finding solace in finally knowing the truth while mourning the years lost in uncertainty.

Conclusion

"A Killer Confession" underscores the relentless pursuit of justice by investigators and the enduring hope of families seeking answers. The case of Frank McAllister serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact unresolved crimes have on loved ones and the importance of advancements in forensic technology and investigative persistence in solving cold cases.

Notable Quotes

• Frankie's Brother (00:33): "Frankie made friends with everybody. There was no stranger in his life."

• Cindy Tolmacoff (00:51): "I realized he was gone. I'd never see him again. It was an emptiness. My heart broke."

• Brian Hawkins (08:45): "Bottom line is you did not pass the test, not even close. But I need you to start being honest with me and I need you to start doing that right now." ([08:45])

• Cindy Tolmacoff (09:21): "I realized then that I don't think Frank was coming back and he was gone and I'd never see him again." ([09:21])

• Courtney Kreider (23:38): "And right there, I'm like, wait, what?" ([23:38])

• Brian Hawkins (36:56): "I know the wrong can't be changed, but this is as close as I can come to doing the right thing." ([36:56])

Key Takeaways

• Persistence Pays Off: The relentless efforts of investigators over decades highlight the importance of perseverance in solving cold cases.

• Technology and Forensics: Advances in forensic technology can break barriers in long-standing investigations, providing new avenues for evidence.

• Emotional Toll: Unresolved cases have lasting psychological impacts on families, underscoring the need for closure.

• Human Complexity: The confession reveals the intricate human motivations behind crimes, blending personal relationships with criminal actions.

A Killer Confession is a testament to the intricate dance between investigation, technology, and human emotion, offering listeners a comprehensive look into one of America's elusive cold cases finally being brought to light.