Cold Case Files: REOPENED – Rumors of Murder
Hosted by Paula Barros and produced by A&E / PodcastOne, the “Cold Case Files” podcast delves into some of America’s most perplexing unsolved murders. In the episode titled “REOPENED: Rumors of Murder,” released on May 15, 2025, host Brooke Giddings explores the haunting disappearance of Julie Hill and the investigative breakthroughs that attempted to bring closure to her case.
1. Introduction to Julie Hill’s Disappearance
On July 18, 1980, two days before her 21st birthday, Julie Hill vanished from her apartment in Duluth, Minnesota. Julie left behind her two dogs, personal belongings, and even meals in the process of cooking, sparking immediate concern among her family members.
Brooke Giddings introduces the case:
“[...] Julie’s mom reported her daughter missing. Some members of her family believed that Julie had left town and become a sex worker. But Julia had left her dogs, purse, clothes, and essential belongings behind.” [01:08]
2. Family Theories and Christine Hickman’s Doubts
While some family members speculated that Julie had intentionally left to work as a sex worker in Nevada, her cousin, Christine Hickman, harbored suspicions of foul play. Christine noted that Julie's sudden departure, leaving behind personal items and pets, contradicted the idea of her willingly starting a new life elsewhere.
Christine Hickman reflects:
“I believe it was likely that Julie had been murdered.” [01:08]
3. Christine’s Pursuit of the Truth
Fourteen years after Julie’s disappearance, in February 2004, Christine revisits the case after watching an episode of “Cold Case Files” about the Green River Killer. The discussion of murder even among vulnerable populations, such as prostitutes, ignites Christine’s determination to uncover the truth about Julie.
Christine Hickman shares her realization:
“Families have rumors, okay, is she alive or is she dead? It's time to get down to the bottom of it.” [03:16]
4. Involvement of Duluth Police Department
Christine contacts the Las Vegas Metro Police Department to seek guidance. A detective advises her to approach the Duluth Police Department directly to advocate for a thorough investigation, emphasizing persistence.
Law Enforcement Advice:
“By all means, you contact the Duluth police. You tell them you want an investigation. And she stressed, and you don't take no for an answer.” [03:39]
Detective Bob Ursbaumer of the Duluth Police initiates a review of the case, gathering his homicide team to reassess the evidence and family testimonies.
5. Uncovering Suspicious Circumstances
The investigation brings Laura Marquardt, a detective assigned to the case, to delve into Julie’s relationship with her boyfriend, Donald Bloomer. Historical reports indicated that Donald had been excavating his property around the time of Julie’s disappearance, raising red flags.
Laura Marquardt notes:
“He had been excavating in his yard just prior to Julie going missing.” [06:00]
6. Interrogation of Donald Bloomer
Detectives confront Donald Bloomer, who exhibits signs of nervousness and avoids direct answers during the interrogation. Over several hours, Bloomer initially claims that Julie ran away to Las Vegas but later recounts a night where he accidentally shot her with a newly acquired revolver.
Detective Laura Marquardt asserts:
“Don, you're gonna need to sit and listen to me, okay?” [11:12]
Donald Bloomer responds defensively:
“It could have been an accident. Maybe it wasn't. I don't know.” [12:30]
Despite Bloomer’s account of an accidental shooting, Detective Ursbaumer remains skeptical, viewing the scenario as implausible and indicative of intentional harm.
Detective Bob Ursbaumer expresses doubt:
“That's not a real accidental gunshot. That's where somebody's aiming.” [21:52]
7. The Search for Julie’s Body
With suspicions mounting, detectives decide to search Bloomer’s property for Julie’s remains. However, the search is thwarted when the city building commissioner orders the demolition of Bloomer’s condemned house, hindering any possibility of uncovering physical evidence.
Detective Bob Ursbaumer explains:
“We started to think that there's a high likelihood he buried her right back here.” [18:38]
The excavation yields no conclusive evidence, leaving the case unresolved and Julie’s body undiscovered.
8. Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Unable to find the body, authorities proceed with charging Donald Bloomer with second-degree manslaughter. In 2006, Bloomer is released from prison after serving three years. Subsequently, the Hill family files a wrongful death lawsuit, which is settled confidentially in 2007.
Detective Laura Marquardt shares her sentiments:
“I would like to see him receive the same sentence Julie got, but obviously that won't happen.” [22:44]
9. Lingering Questions and Unresolved Grief
Despite the guilty plea, the absence of Julie’s body leaves the case officially cold. Detectives and the family grapple with unresolved grief and unanswered questions, yearning for definitive closure.
Detective Laura Marquardt reflects:
“My fervent hope that they would find her body. One thing that really bothers me is that any person of faith [...] has a right to have that final prayer said over their remains.” [23:17]
10. Conclusion: The Quest for Justice Continues
“REOPENED: Rumors of Murder” underscores the challenges faced by cold case investigators in securing justice without concrete evidence. Julie Hill’s disappearance remains a poignant reminder of the many unresolved cases that linger within the cold files, awaiting breakthroughs that may one day bring closure to the affected families.
This episode highlights the intricate dance between family suspicions, police investigations, and the elusive nature of cold cases. Through dedicated individuals like Christine Hickman and persistent detectives, the pursuit of truth and justice continues against the odds.