Cold Case Files: REOPENED – Unicorns and Alligators

Hosted by Paula Barros

Introduction to the Case

In the gripping episode titled "REOPENED: Unicorns and Alligators," Cold Case Files delves into the haunting disappearance of two young girls from the Pacific Northwest: Rima Traxler and Kara Rudd. Spanning over a decade, this case intertwines forensic breakthroughs, relentless investigative efforts, and chilling confessions, painting a vivid picture of a predator lurking in the shadows.

The Disappearance of Rima Traxler (1985)

May 15, 1985, marked a tragic turning point for the Traxler family in Longview, Washington. Eight-year-old Rima Traxler, beloved by her mother Dinelle, never returned home from school. Rima was described as a smart and independent girl, fond of unicorns and Barbies, which played a crucial role in her abduction.

At [00:54], the episode sets the stage:

Detective McDaniel: "Come 3:30 Rima didn't come home from school and that's she should have been home by three between 3:15 and 3:30. So I walked up to the school."

Rima's mother reported her missing promptly, and despite extensive searches and community efforts, she remained unfound. Rima's disappearance went cold, with her mother maintaining hope through public awareness campaigns, including billboards and birthday celebrations.

A Decade Later: The Case of Kara Rudd (1996)

Fast forward ten years to November 1996, and another young girl, Kara Rudd, vanishes under eerily similar circumstances. At twelve years old, Kara was improving academically and was described as strong and resilient. However, her truancy issues marked a shift in her otherwise commendable behavior.

On the morning of November 21, Kara was last seen getting into a Pontiac Firebird driven by Joseph Condro, a recently evicted tenant from her home. [07:15] Detective McDaniel recounts:

"They were waiting around outside for school, at which time Joe Condro had pulled up in his 1982 Firebird. The two girls then conversed with Joe. At that time, Kara Rudd had got in the car with Joe."

Despite initial theories of a runaway scenario, inconsistencies led detectives to suspect foul play. Condro's history of violent behavior and a grudge against Kara's family made him a prime suspect.

Investigative Breakthrough: Connecting the Dots

The investigation took a pivotal turn when Lieutenant Mike Parker discovered Kara's remains near Mount Solo. [15:01] Detective McDaniel describes the grim find:

"Inside the car was Kara's nearly naked body. Her torso had almost completely decomposed. The lower half of her body was intact."

Forensic analysis provided crucial evidence. Despite decomposition, DNA traces were recovered, linking Condro to Kara's murder. [16:50] Detective McDaniel emphasizes the significance:

"Very excited when I examined the One rectal swab that had been taken at autopsy. And I realized after doing microscopy that even though she had been out six weeks, that there was some sperm present on the swab."

Joe Condro's Confession and the Rima Connection

Faced with overwhelming evidence for Kara, Condro sought a plea deal to avoid the death penalty. In exchange, he was willing to disclose the truth about Rima Traxler's disappearance. During his confession, [19:28] Detective McDaniel shares:

"I pulled up and she seen me and she approached the truck. I rolled my window down, she goes, hi, Joe. And I said, hi, I'm here to pick you up. The password is unicorn. Get in. She gets in my truck, bang, closes the door."

Condro detailed his modus operandi, exploiting the code word "unicorn" taught to Rima for safety. His confession outlined the brutal nature of his crimes, including:

"I intended to kill her. That's when I hit her in the side of the head in the temple area... I choked Reema and crushed her head with a rock."

Further chilling was Condro's lack of remorse:

"The example I can give you is like an alligator. They eat and they sink to the bottom of the river and digest their food for weeks and then they're ready to do it again. That's how I am."

Unresolved Mysteries and Lingering Hope

Despite Condro's confession, the remains of Rima Traxler were never recovered. Searches led to a creek where Condro claimed to have disposed of her body yielded no evidence. Consequently, [24:26] Detective McDaniel reflects on the unresolved nature of Rima's case:

"There's no way in hell that you can get me to change the way I think about sex with younger people, there's just no way."

Condro's death in 2012 left many questions unanswered. Efforts to locate Rima continued, with a false lead in 1997 proving fruitless. Rima's mother, Dinelle, remains steadfast in her search, embodying the relentless pursuit for justice that defines cold case investigations.

Conclusion

"REOPENED: Unicorns and Alligators" masterfully intertwines the harrowing stories of Rima Traxler and Kara Rudd, illustrating the profound impact of persistent investigation and forensic advancements. While Condro's crimes shed light on the dark patterns of a serial predator, the absence of Rima's remains underscores the enduring pain for families and the relentless quest for closure.

Notable Quotes:

• Detective McDaniel (00:54):

  "Come 3:30 Rima didn't come home from school and that's she should have been home by three between 3:15 and 3:30. So I walked up to the school."

• Detective McDaniel (19:28):

  "I pulled up and she seen me and she approached the truck. I rolled my window down, she goes, hi, Joe. And I said, hi, I'm here to pick you up. The password is unicorn."

• Detective McDaniel (20:45):

  "The example I can give you is like an alligator. They eat and they sink to the bottom of the river and digest their food for weeks and then they're ready to do it again. That's how I am."

• Detective McDaniel (24:26):

  "There's no way in hell that you can get me to change the way I think about sex with younger people, there's just no way."

About Cold Case Files:

Cold Case Files is a riveting podcast hosted by Paula Barros, produced by a dedicated team, and distributed by PodcastOne. The show delves into some of America's most challenging unsolved murders, highlighting the persistence of investigators and the evolving role of forensic technology in solving cold cases.

For more information and to explore similar cases, visit aetv.com or follow Brooke Giddings on Twitter and Instagram.