Cold Case Files: "REOPENED: The Widow and the Wolf"

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "REOPENED: The Widow and the Wolf" from the Cold Case Files podcast, host Paula Barros delves deep into a haunting unsolved murder that remained a cold case for over a decade. Released on April 3, 2025, this episode meticulously unpacks the tragic story of Jane Alexander, her manipulative partner Tom O'Donnell, and the murder of Jane's elderly aunt, Gertrude McCabe. Through a combination of thorough investigation, breakthroughs in forensic technology, and relentless determination, this case exemplifies the rare success in solving cold cases.

Background

Jane Alexander, a 58-year-old widow in July 1980, found solace in companionship after the loss of her spouse. Her loneliness was alleviated when she met Tom O'Donnell, a charming and comforting individual who seemed to promise a bright future together.

Jane Alexander [01:20]: "He was very charming and he was very comforting and really a great companion and we fell in love and planned to spend the rest of our lives together."

Tom shared tales of his adventurous past, including mining for precious metals in Africa, which purportedly earned him a small fortune. However, Tom revealed that his assets were tied up in a Swiss trust fund, expected to mature in two to three years, entailing a $1.2 million payout.

Jane Alexander [01:49]: "He told me that he had put his assets into a trust fund in Switzerland. It was going to take about two or three years for the trust to mature, and when it did, he would get $1.2 million."

Tom swiftly integrated himself into Jane's affluent lifestyle by moving into her home and persuading her to secure a mortgage to cover their expenses. This arrangement allowed them to live comfortably, with Jane content in her newfound love, unaware of Tom's ulterior motives.

The Crime

On October 23, 1983, three years into their relationship, Jane received devastating news from the San Jose police: her 88-year-old aunt, Gertrude McCabe, had been murdered. Gertrude had been a reclusive resident, and her sudden disappearance alarmed neighbors, prompting a police investigation.

Jane Alexander [02:50]: "Has she been shot?"
Police [02:50]: "No."

Sergeant Jo Brockman led the investigation, discovering Gertrude's body in her den, brutally stabbed and strangled with a bicycle lock. The house exhibited signs of a ransacking, suggesting a possible burglary motive. However, the absence of stolen items and forced entry led Sergeant Brockman to suspect a setup aimed at concealing the true motive: murder.

Sergeant Jo Brockman [03:48]: "It appeared that the place had been ransacked by a murder."

Investigation

Brockman initiated interviews with Gertrude's acquaintances, including handymen, gardeners, and household helpers. Despite thorough vetting, all external suspects were eliminated, directing suspicion toward Gertrude's immediate family, particularly Jane and her elderly cousin in San Francisco, who stood to benefit financially from Gertrude's demise.

A critical breakthrough occurred when investigators uncovered Jane and Tom's financial strain, highlighted by a missed mortgage payment just before Gertrude's death. This financial distress, combined with the proximity of Jane to the victim, positioned her as a primary suspect.

Sergeant Jo Brockman [05:50]: "You're not jumping to conclusions... it was time to begin looking at friends and family."

When police questioned Jane and Tom, Tom perpetuated his fabricated story about the Swiss trust, which Jane willingly accepted without skepticism.

Jane Alexander [07:08]: "I never in any way thought my house was in jeopardy or that I was in jeopardy because we had this million trust sitting out there. It was just a question of time."

Despite initial suspicion, Jane and Tom were only revisited a month later for fingerprints and identification of a lipstick-stained tissue found at the crime scene. Unbeknownst to Jane, the tissue was pivotal evidence linking her directly to the murder.

Jane Alexander [08:07]: "Oh, that's not Gertrude's lipstick. That's my lipstick. That's the color of my lipstick."

Unraveling the Truth

Suspicion intensified when Sergeant Jeff Wimette highlighted Tom's history of similar manipulations—establishing relationships with vulnerable individuals to exploit them financially.

Sergeant Jeff Wimette [10:54]: "They were under the impression that Gertrude McCabe was going to leave Jane Alexander a lot of money and that would get them out of debt."

Tom's disappearance following his supposed involvement in a fraudulent diamond transaction raised further red flags. His letter to Jane, filled with fabricated threats of danger, mirrored tactics typical of con artists attempting to disappear after their schemes unravel.

Jane Alexander [11:41]: "My dearest love... they know our routines and habits."

Despite accumulating evidence, direct proof of Tom's involvement in Gertrude's murder remained elusive, keeping the case cold. It wasn't until 1995 that investigator Joyce Allegro revisited the case, uncovering overlooked phone records that provided the missing link.

Jane Alexander [22:05]: "There were loan documents, bank records, things like that that were in the records."

These records revealed Tom's call to his nephew on the day before Gertrude's body was discovered and another call to Jane's son detailing the murder with specific knowledge of Gertrude's method of strangulation.

Jane Alexander [23:22]: "Tom came on the phone and described for us, the murder of my mom's aunt in some detail... he used the term that she was garrotted during the murder."

Trial and Aftermath

Armed with substantial circumstantial evidence, including reliable alibi discrepancies and exclusive knowledge of the murder method, authorities issued an arrest warrant for Tom O'Donnell in December 1995. The prolonged legal battle culminated in a 25-year-to-life sentence after a two-decade-long pursuit of justice.

Jane Alexander [24:58]: "Guilty, first degree murder. ... Justice was served."

Jane's relentless quest for truth transformed her into an advocate for other families affected by violent crimes. She co-founded Citizens Against Homicide, a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting families of murder victims and ensuring persistent police efforts in cold cases. Her dedication was recognized in 2006 when she received the Minerva Award for her extraordinary achievements.

Conclusion

"REOPENED: The Widow and the Wolf" serves as a testament to the enduring power of determination and the advancements in forensic investigation. Jane Alexander's journey from victim to advocate highlights the profound impact one individual can have on seeking justice and aiding others in similar circumstances. The episode underscores the intricate interplay between personal tragedy and systemic perseverance in solving cold cases, offering listeners both a compelling narrative and a beacon of hope for unresolved mysteries.

Key Takeaways:

• Manipulation and Trust: Tom O'Donnell's deceit underscores the vulnerability of individuals seeking companionship after loss.

• Forensic Advancements: Revisiting cold cases with new technology can uncover pivotal evidence previously overlooked.

• Advocacy and Support: Jane Alexander's transformation into an advocate highlights the importance of support systems for victims' families.

Notable Quotes:

• Sergeant Jeff Wimette [14:44]: "He'd done this kind of thing before. He basically would try to establish a relationship with a single woman or a widowed woman or something along those lines and use her to live on."

• Jane Alexander [16:43]: "And not only had he killed her, I mean, he killed part of me when he killed her."

• Sergeant Jeff Wimette [20:05]: "You're sure?"
  Jane Alexander [20:06]: "Absolutely."

These quotes encapsulate the core of the investigation and Jane's emotional turmoil, providing depth to the narrative and illustrating the multifaceted nature of cold case resolutions.