Crime House True Crime Stories: Unsolved Murders – The Robison Family & Frauke Liebs
Episode Release Date: June 23, 2025
Introduction
In this gripping episode of Crime House True Crime Stories, host Vanessa Richardson delves into two haunting unsolved murder cases that continue to perplex investigators and devastate families decades later. The theme for this episode centers on Unsolved Murders, highlighting the tragic demise of the Robison family in 1968 and the mysterious disappearance and death of Frauke Liebs in 2006.
The Robison Family Murders (1968)
Setting the Scene
Vanessa begins by setting the stage on the serene shores of Lake Michigan in late June 1968. The Robison family of six, comprising parents Richard (42) and Shirley (40) Robison, and their children Gary (16), Randall (12), Susan (7), and Richie (19), holidayed in their log and stone cabin named Somerset. The family had recently settled into Somerset, looking forward to a peaceful summer away from their bustling lives in Detroit.
The Night of the Tragedy
On the evening of June 25, 1968, tranquility was shattered when a rifle shot echoed through the cabin, followed by a bullet tearing through a window (00:06). The Robisons faced a merciless attack where all members were brutally murdered. Detectives initially believed they had identified the killer, but crucial evidence never materialized to bring the suspect to justice.
Investigation Unfolds
Vanessa recounts how the community reacted upon discovering the crime scene. Monty Bliss, the caretaker, found the horrifying scene after a neighbor reported a foul odor (04:05). The Robisons were discovered in various states of violence, indicating a meticulous and horrifying crime spree.
Detectives focused their investigation on possible suspects within the Lake Michigan area but soon expanded their search to Detroit, uncovering that Joseph Scolaro, a 30-year-old employee who had been embezzling funds from Richard Robison’s business, became the primary suspect (13:03). Scolaro's military training and access to firearms made him a plausible culprit.
Key Evidence and Suspect Profile
At [11:12], Ryan Reynolds' ad breaks briefly but soon Vanessa continues detailing the investigation. Detectives linked Scolaro to the crime through shell casings and a bloody footprint found at the scene, matching the boots Scolaro owned (09:00). However, a twist emerged when the boots matched but appeared brand new, complicating the evidence.
Legal Hurdles and Conclusion
Despite mounting circumstantial evidence, Prosecutor Don Noggle hesitated to press charges due to the lack of definitive proof, such as the murder weapon or eyewitness testimony (27:00). This led to frustration within the police force until a new prosecutor, L. Brooks Patterson, took over in Oakland County. Just as the case seemed ready for prosecution, Joseph Scolaro died by suicide, leaving behind a note denying involvement (35:20).
Notable Quote:
Vanessa Richardson [35:20]: "He left a note at the bottom. It says, ‘P.S. I had nothing to do with the Robison.’ But that wasn't enough to clear his name."
Frauke Liebs: A Modern Mystery (2006)
Disappearance and Last Contact
Fast forward to 2006 in Paderborn, Germany, where 21-year-old nursing student Frauke Liebs vanishes under perplexing circumstances. Initially seen at a local pub watching the World Cup on June 20, Frauke’s last known interactions were a series of cryptic texts and phone calls to her roommate, Chris Karaulis (13:03).
Day-by-Day Breakdown
Frauke’s disappearance became more concerning when she failed to return home after leaving the pub. Her sporadic communications raised red flags among her family and friends, leading to a missing person report after several days (23:05). Vanessa meticulously details how each call and message from Frauke grew increasingly mysterious, with phrases like "I'm in Potterborn" repeated without context.
Discovery of the Body and Investigation
On October 4, 2006, Frauke’s decomposed body is discovered in a nearby forest, confirming suspicions of foul play (35:20). The absence of a murder weapon and the missing personal items complicated the investigation, pushing detectives to re-examine earlier evidence and the mysterious phone calls.
Potential Connections and Leads
Investigators explored connections to other crimes, notably the Wagner couple's arrests in 2017 for similar abductions and murders. Although Angelika Wagner confessed to multiple killings, no concrete evidence linked her or her husband to Frauke’s case (34:47).
Continuing the Search for Answers
Despite these leads, Frauke’s case remains unsolved. Vanessa underscores the ongoing efforts to find closure for her family, reiterating the community's unwavering hope for justice.
Notable Quote:
Vanessa Richardson [35:20]: "Looking back at this week in crime history, we're reminded that not every story has a satisfying ending… as long as her killer is still out there, justice is possible and that's something we can all hope for."
Conclusion
This episode of Crime House True Crime Stories masterfully juxtaposes two unsolved murders separated by continents and decades, yet united by the tragic absence of closure. Vanessa Richardson's thorough exploration highlights the complexities and emotional toll of unsolved cases, leaving listeners contemplating the elusive nature of justice.
Call to Action
If you have any information regarding these cases, particularly Frauke Liebs' disappearance, Vanessa urges listeners to come forward to assist in bringing resolution to these haunting mysteries.
Contact Information:
In Germany, call the state police in Bela Field at 490-521-5450.
Listen to more true crime stories every Monday on Crime House True Crime Stories, where each episode uncovers the depths of human nature through meticulously detailed investigations.
This episode was produced by the Crime House the Show team, including Max Cutler, Ron Church Shapiro, Alex Benidon, Natalie Pertzovsky, Lori Marinelli, Sarah Camp, Alex Burns, Hania Saeed, and Michael Langsner. Special thanks to contributors and the loving families affected by these tragic events.