Crime Junkie (audiochuck) - Episode Summary
Episode Title: MURDERED: Linda Sherman
Release Date: November 24, 2025
Host(s): Ashley Flowers (A), Brit Prawat (D)
Case: The suspicious 1985 disappearance and subsequent discovery of the remains of Linda Sherman, an underreported but haunting cold case from St. Louis County, Missouri.
Episode Overview
Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat examine the decades-old mystery surrounding Linda Sherman, a young mother who vanished in 1985. Initially treated as a missing persons case, chilling revelations—including the discovery of Linda’s skull years later and an anonymous tip—slowly reshaped the investigation into a presumed homicide. The episode scrutinizes the evidence, the behavior of her husband Don, systemic investigative failures, and the enduring fight for justice by Linda’s family, especially her daughter Patty.
Key Discussion Points & Timeline
1. Linda Sherman’s Disappearance (03:47–20:11)
- Background: Linda, 27, lived in St. Louis County with her husband Don and their 9-year-old daughter, Patty.
- Timeline According to Don:
- Last saw Linda on Monday, April 22, 1985.
- Linda worked nights, came home late, and after an argument slept on the couch.
- Linda allegedly drove Patty to school; Don later claims he did.
- Don says Linda left for work in the evening, and he sees her car drive down the street again at 8pm.
- Linda never shows up at work; Don checks at her workplace, finds nothing, and notices some of her belongings gone.
- Investigation:
- Days pass; police slow to act, family begins own search.
- Linda’s car found by sister Fran and her husband at airport short-term parking (08:30).
- “Finding the beetle does seem to light a fire under the Venita Park PD.” – Ashley (10:35)
- Don oddly suggests checking the airport at the same time the car is located.
- Potential Staged Scene: “A telltale sign of a staged scene is someone leading you to the evidence they want you to find.” – Ashley (10:33)
2. Emerging Suspicions & Marriage Troubles (17:20–22:15)
- Affair & Marital Abuse:
- Linda was planning to leave Don, her family says.
- Randy, a coworker, admits to an affair with Linda but says he wasn’t leaving his wife.
- Linda takes steps to prepare a separation—divorce papers, moving documents, personal items out of reach.
- Don described as controlling and abusive; Linda had previously filed for protection orders against him.
- Evidence of surveillance: Don admits to bugging Linda’s phones and shares “the setup” with police.
- “He just straight up admits it.” – Ashley (22:15)
3. Unreliable Alibis & Questions about Don (22:15–28:52)
- Dubious Timeline:
- Don’s story about dropping Patty at school is contradicted by Patty herself; she remembers Don taking her, not Linda.
- Patty recalls seeing her mother unresponsive on the couch the last morning she was seen alive.
- “Her mom’s face was turned toward the back cushions. She didn’t stir, she didn’t say goodbye.” – Ashley (25:02)
- Don refuses a polygraph. Lawyers get involved early (Don’s lawyer is a known criminal defense attorney previously connected to Don’s family).
4. Case Stagnates & Unusual Connections (28:52–32:31)
- Don Moves On:
- Don files for his own divorce, citing abandonment.
- His lawyer, Frank Anzalone, had represented Don’s mother after she killed Don’s father—chilling family history revealed.
- “Anzalone had represented Don's mother, Audrey, when she killed his father.” – Ashley (30:12)
- Don soon begins dating Vicky, a neighbor whose “sighting” of Linda after her disappearance becomes even more suspicious.
- Pattern of Avoidance:
- Authorities fail to secure evidence—neither the house nor Linda’s car is thoroughly searched.
5. The Discovery of Linda’s Skull (32:31–40:25)
- The Skull Under the Bush:
- In June 1992, a skull is found at Casa Gallardo restaurant, a spot frequented by Don.
- Initially dismissed as unrelated—attributed to local cemetery disturbances or even a prank.
- “The restaurant manager calls the Bridgeton PD, but...he also moves the skull.” – Ashley (33:28)
- Anonymous Letter:
- More than a year later, in September 1991, an unsealed, unsigned letter arrives:
- “‘THE BRIDGETON POLICE HAVE L. SHERMAN'S SKULL’” – (39:39)
- The police compare dental records; the remains are confirmed as Linda.
6. Aftermath, Family Impact & Unanswered Questions (41:11–58:25)
- Family Trauma:
- Patty learns the truth from police, not her father.
- The skull is found at Don’s hangout; Don denies involvement, suggests he’s being framed.
- Ashley and Brit discuss possible motives—arrogance, an attempt to “gift wrap” the body for legal closure, or further manipulation.
- Investigative letters show elements (purple stamp ink, pre-stamped envelopes) suspiciously similar to Don’s own habits.
- Ongoing Theories:
- An ex-girlfriend claims Don confessed to killing Linda and pointed out a supposed burial site.
- Multiple searches in rural Missouri, linked to Don’s family, turn up nothing.
- Ashley: “The only people who really know what happened are whoever killed Linda and anyone else who helped them.” (55:13)
- Patty suspects her father may have moved remains, planted the skull.
7. Institutional Failures & Jurisdiction Issues (56:41–59:00)
- No One Owns the Case:
- The original agency (Venita Park PD) no longer exists—merger with North County Police Cooperative leaves the case in limbo.
- “No one is claiming this case.” – Ashley (56:41)
- Call to Action:
- Information should be routed through St. Louis Regional Crime Stoppers (314-428-7374), though there’s uncertainty about who would act on new tips.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
On Staged Evidence:
- “A telltale sign of a staged scene is someone leading you to the evidence they want you to find.” – Ashley (10:33)
On Don’s Surveillance:
- “He just straight up admits it...Even brings Officer Webb down to the basement and, like, shows him his setup.” – Ashley (22:15)
On Don’s Odd Choice of Attorney:
- “Anzalone had represented Don's mother, Audrey, when she killed his father.” – Ashley (30:12)
- “Criminal defense attorneys don’t typically handle divorces unless there is some…crime involved.” – Ashley (29:44)
On Patty’s Last Memory:
- “Her mom’s face was turned toward the back cushions. She didn’t stir, she didn’t say goodbye.” – Ashley (25:02)
On the Contentious Family Dynamic:
- “Patty stayed connected with her mom's family, but it's, like, a complicated situation...She really had learned just to, like, keep her feelings to herself.” – Ashley (41:42)
On Institutional Apathy:
- “It's infuriating. Patty has even tried going to the Venita Park mayor, the Missouri Attorney General's office...everyone would meet with her and tell her they cared...then communication would just stop after that.” – Ashley (57:44)
Important Segment Timestamps
- 03:47 — Start of the case background, timeline of Linda’s disappearance
- 10:33 — Discussion of “staged” evidence and key suspicions
- 22:15 — Don’s admissions of recording and surveillance
- 25:02 — Patty’s last memory of her mother
- 30:12 — Revelation about Don’s family history and lawyer
- 32:31 — Don dates Vicky, the neighbor/sighting witness
- 33:27 — Discovery of Linda’s skull; police dismiss possible foul play
- 39:39 — The anonymous letter: “The Bridgeton police have L. Sherman’s skull”
- 40:23 — Skull confirmed as Linda’s; case becomes a homicide
- 41:42 — Patty’s emotional journey and interactions with her father
- 55:13 — “The only people who really know what happened…” (on the limits of the case)
- 56:41 — No police agency claims the case
- 58:25 — Call for public help and summary of next steps
Summary of Case Theories and Open Questions
- Prime Suspect: Don, Linda’s husband—controlling, documented surveillance, suspicious behavior, history of family violence, and questionable alibi/story.
- Possible Accomplice: Theorized, but not confirmed; questions about who moved the car, planted the skull, and sent the letter.
- Investigative Failures: Poor evidence preservation, lack of house/car search, jurisdictional confusion.
- Jurisdiction: Currently unclear; Venita Park PD absorbed into North County Police Cooperative with the case file “missing.”
- Family’s Ongoing Campaign: Linda’s daughter Patty continues to seek answers, hoping public pressure will revive the investigation.
Victim Advocacy
Ashley closes by highlighting the dangers victims face when leaving abusive relationships and provides contact information for the National Domestic Violence Hotline:
1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.
Final Call to Action
If you have information relevant to Linda Sherman’s case, contact St. Louis Regional Crime Stoppers at 314-428-7374. Listener involvement may help ensure that Linda’s story does not fade into obscurity.
The episode maintains a somber, persistent tone, blending investigative skepticism with profound empathy for victims and their families. The story is a haunting reminder of both the dangers within domestic relationships and the gaps that can exist in our justice system.