Cold Case Files: "The Smoking Gun" Episode Summary
Hosted by Paula Barros, "The Smoking Gun" delves into the harrowing and ultimately resolved cold case of Audrey Giannotti, a young mother whose murder remained unsolved for nearly six years until a breakthrough in forensic technology led to justice.
1. Introduction
In this gripping episode of Cold Case Files, Paula Barros explores the tragic and complex murder of Audrey Giannotti. The case, which remained unsolved for almost six years, highlights the challenges faced by investigators and the enduring hope of a family seeking closure.
2. Victim Background
Audrey Giannotti, born on August 19, 1986, was remembered by her family as vibrant and full of life. "Audrey's personality was big. She had a signature laugh. She was amazing. Amazing soul, beautiful soul," recalls her Aunt Jackie (06:28). Audrey's early life was marred by tragedy when her father committed suicide, leading to depression and struggles in her academic performance. Despite these challenges, she maintained a strong social circle and entered a serious relationship with Bobby Haines, whom she supported wholeheartedly as a young mother.
3. The Murder
On the cold night of January 13, 2007, in Laureldale, Pennsylvania, tragedy struck the Hollenbach household. As Aunt Jackie (00:00) and Uncle Terry (02:56) lay asleep, Jackie was awakened by the smell of something burning. Investigating, she discovered that the front and patio doors were open. She called their friend Cory Van Kuren (03:05) and Uncle Terry to assist. Upon descending to the basement, they found Audrey lying unresponsive on her bed, bloodied by what appeared to be a gunshot wound to her head. "The fact that this young mother was shot and killed in front of her two young daughters in the same bedroom, that's about as terrible as it gets," says Uncle Terry (01:53).
4. Initial Investigation
Detective Jason Wink, a former Laureldale police officer, responded to the scene. "This was my first homicide working in Laureldale. I did see the aunt, uncle, and Corey standing by the sidewalk, and the aunt and uncle were visibly shaken," he recounts (04:41). Initial evidence included a 9-millimeter shell casing, but no immediate leads emerged. Audrey's boyfriend, Bobby Haines, became a person of interest. Bobby claimed an alibi of being out with friends, though tensions were noted prior to his departure (12:14). Investigators also discovered a baffling array of live rounds in the bathroom toilet, an unusual and perplexing find (09:58).
5. Cold Case Period
As months turned into years, the Giannotti case fell into the vast pool of America’s 100,000 cold cases, with a mere 1% ever being solved (02:20). The family grappled with the loss and uncertainty. "It was really upsetting to them, especially for Terry. Discovering her body and then when you factor in that the children were in the same bedroom at the time when her mother was murdered is pretty disturbing," explains Uncle Terry (13:09). The lack of progress led to deep emotional scars, particularly for Audrey's daughter, Jaleah, who "never understood in depth what a case going cold meant, but I was scared," (26:48).
6. Reopening the Case
In October 2010, nearly four years after the murder, retired Berks County DA investigator Detective Harold Schenck took on the case (27:10). With fresh eyes and renewed determination, Schenck revisited every piece of evidence. "Somebody did that to make it appear as though somebody broke into the home and that this was some sort of random act. And I concluded that it was a staged crime scene," Schenck theorizes (29:00).
7. Breakthrough
A pivotal breakthrough came when Schenck focused on the 9-millimeter firearm initially linked to Bobby Haines. Through meticulous investigation, it was revealed that Corey Van Kuren, a close family friend with a criminal background, owned an Intratec 9-millimeter handgun—the same type found at the crime scene (22:46). Despite previous restrictions preventing Corey from legally possessing firearms, evidence pointed directly to him. "The day before Thanksgiving, I received a phone call from the ballistics examiner. I know it was Audrey's case. And I was speechless," recounts Uncle Terry (32:38).
8. Arrest and Confession
Corey Van Kuren was arrested and eventually confessed to the murder. "Corey admitted and told me that he went down to the basement to have sex with Audrey. He was aware that Audrey really didn't care for him. But Corey had his Intratec 9 millimeter. Audrey flat out pretty much told him absolutely not and get lost. Corey admitted striking her in the head and ultimately shooting her," details Uncle Terry (39:05). The trial concluded with Corey being convicted and sentenced to life in prison, ensuring he would never harm anyone again. "I was completely satisfied with that. He will never, never get out of jail. Never," states Aunt Jackie (41:45).
9. Aftermath
The resolution of Audrey's murder provided a semblance of closure for the family, though the emotional wounds remained. Jaleah expressed mixed emotions upon learning the truth: "I was relieved. I thought that meant I would get my dad back. When it didn't turn out that way, I was angry. Corey took away my childhood. He took away my innocence," she shares (42:11). Aunt Jackie and Uncle Terry found peace in moving away from Laureldale, enabling them to heal while keeping Audrey’s memory alive. "I always talked about her and my memories with her. I talk to Audrey every single day. Every day, I let her know how her girls are doing," Jackie affirms (44:15).
10. Conclusion
"The Smoking Gun" underscores the relentless pursuit of justice by dedicated investigators and the profound impact unsolved crimes have on families. Audrey Giannotti's case, though initially a part of the overwhelming landscape of cold cases, stands out as a testament to perseverance and the advancements in forensic science that can bring even the most elusive perpetrators to account.
This episode highlights not only the intricate processes involved in solving cold cases but also the enduring strength of those left behind, forever marked by tragedy yet seeking justice and closure.