Crime Junkie Episode Summary

Episode: MISSING: Bonnie Lee Schulz
Release Date: January 12, 2026
Host(s): Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat
Podcast Network: Audiochuck
Topic: The unsolved 1997 disappearance of Bonnie Lee Schulz in Indianapolis, IN

Overview:

Ashley and Brit delve into the mysterious disappearance of Bonnie Lee Schulz, a devoted mother of two who vanished over the July 4th weekend in 1997 after telling her husband, Rick, she wanted a divorce. The hosts challenge listeners to look beyond the “obvious” narrative and consider overlooked avenues in this cold case. The episode explores the emotional build-up, key relationships, the timeline of events, and long-standing suspicions—primarily revolving around Bonnie’s husband—while emphasizing the case’s enduring unanswered questions due to investigative shortcomings.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Bonnie’s Background and Marital Troubles

• Marriage and Family Life:

  • Bonnie married her high school sweetheart, Rick, at a young age, adopting the role of homemaker for 26 years and raising two children, Josh and Gretchen.
  • She later took a job at RGIS (Regis) for greater independence and financial flexibility.
  • Rick was controlling about the household and finances, which strained their relationship.

• Growing Unhappiness:

  • Bonnie’s dissatisfaction, compounded by her mother’s death (1995), led her to reevaluate her life and marriage ([05:05]).
  • Public marital conflict emerged in 1997 during a family event in Wisconsin.

2. Initiation of Divorce and Affair

• Seeking Advice:

  • Bonnie confided in her friend Diane about unhappiness and the contemplation of an affair ([06:41]).
  • Bonnie feared Rick’s reaction to a divorce and struggled with how to proceed logistically.

• The Affair:

  • Bonnie began seeing John Guy, a coworker, encouraged by her friend Anita ([08:15]).
  • John did not want a long-term relationship with a married woman; Bonnie was nonetheless empowered to make choices for herself.

3. Last Day Timeline (July 3-4, 1997)

• The Night Bonnie Disappeared ([10:59]):

  • Bonnie told Rick she wanted a divorce on the night of July 3.
  • She kissed her daughter and left for a party with Anita, wearing her signature "Number One Mom" necklace ([10:55]).
  • Her demeanor changed from composed at home to visibly upset at the restaurant where she met Anita.

• Evening Activities:

  • Bonnie met coworkers at Houlihan’s, then attended a fireworks party and ended up at the Timeout Lounge until about 3:30–4:00 a.m with John.
  • Last seen by John, talking and kissing in the parking lot before driving home. She was following John for a while before they parted ways ([23:19]).

4. Immediate Aftermath and Initial Investigation

• Morning After Bonnie’s Disappearance:

  • Rick acted as if nothing was wrong and told the kids Bonnie was at a friend's house ([12:30]).
  • Rick waited until 5:10 p.m on July 4 to report her missing; the initial police response was routine and dismissive.

• Family and Friends’ Reactions:

  • Rick did not immediately notify key friends or Bonnie’s family; Diane expressed immediate suspicion about Rick ([17:35]).
  • Rick’s behavior, such as not notifying people sooner and making odd comments, raised red flags:
    “You son of a b. You killed her. You did something to her.” — Diane ([17:35])
    "Nobody's going to find her car or anything until after the holiday. Every place will be closed till Monday... like, behind a doctor's office." — Rick ([19:39])

• Lack of Early Police Action:

  • No detective assigned until Monday, July 7.
  • Interviews and follow-ups were delayed; critical steps (e.g., searching for physical evidence, interviewing Rick and the kids promptly) were missed.

5. Police Theories and Suspicions

• Rick’s Statements:

  • Rick’s knowledge of Bonnie’s possible routes home, specifically mentioning the Timeout Lounge and 62nd Street, raised investigators' eyebrows ([36:35]).
  • Investigators speculate about whether Rick could have followed Bonnie after she left the bar.

• Polygraph Tests:

  • John: passes
  • Rick: fails ([44:15])

• Interviews with Children:

  • Police skirt Rick’s request to be present by interviewing Gretchen and Josh while Rick is away ([45:30]).
  • Gretchen gives detectives Bonnie’s “Number One Mom” necklace, stating it was not in its usual spot, which was considered potentially significant by police ([47:48]).

6. Family Dynamics and Ongoing Tensions

• Bonnie’s Family:

  • Family was initially not suspicious; odd behavior by Rick made them reconsider (e.g., delayed phone calls, nonchalance at their arrival to help search) ([52:04]).
  • Detective Kelly stirred suspicion further, especially after recounting Rick’s cryptic words:
    “He will never figure this out.” — Rick to a detective ([55:41])

• Potential Evidence and Missed Opportunities:

  • Claims about Rick having a scratch and broken glasses after Bonnie’s disappearance, but no police report or photograph exists; this ambiguity has become a source of frustration ([57:47]).
  • The necklace was shown to a psychic, who believed it had been broken (though family said it was not), later returned to Rick.

7. The Case’s Legacy and Lingering Questions

• Investigation Shortcomings:

  • The hosts underscore that a half-hearted investigation failed to deliver closure or justice—harming both the accused (Rick) and the missing’s family.
  • Josh:
    "He said he is willing to accept that his dad did something if they can just show him that his dad did something. ... What's not fair to do is like a half-ass investigation and then point the finger at the only parent they have left." ([58:36])

• Tensions and Injury to Children:

  • The lack of answers leaves Rick’s children grappling with the possibility their father is a killer, but absent conclusive proof, they remain in limbo.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ashley’s Opening Challenge:
  "What if the reason this case hasn't been solved isn't because answers went with her husband to the grave? What if it’s because no one ever looked for answers in the right place?" ([01:20])

• Commentary on Womanhood & Expectations:
  "You pick a path at 19 and then all of a sudden that is your lot in life when you're 45." — Ashley ([05:05])

• Diane’s Immediate Suspicion:
  "You son of a b. You killed her. You did something to her." — Diane ([17:35])

• Rick’s Suspicious Statement:
  "Nobody's going to find her car or anything until after the holiday. Every place will be closed till Monday... like, behind a doctor's office." ([19:39])
  (Brit: "That feels like a weirdly specific example." Ashley: "Diane says she just looked at him, like, what the hell, man?")

• Ashley’s Emphasis on Investigation Gaps:
  "If he did have that cut, they missed their chance to take photos and to add that as evidence. If there wasn't a cut and this is just bad memories or whatever ... there's also no proof of that." ([58:21])

• Josh's Plea:
  "What's not fair to do is like a half-ass investigation and then point the finger at the only parent they have left." ([59:19])

Important Timestamps (MM:SS)

• 00:04 – Ashley sets the narrative tone: challenging assumptions about guilty husbands
• 06:41 – Bonnie’s confession to her friend Diane about wanting an affair/divorce
• 08:15 – Revelation of the affair with John Guy
• 10:55 – Bonnie’s last moments at home, kissing her daughter goodbye
• 14:56 – Rick’s minimal and delayed actions in reporting Bonnie missing
• 17:35 – Diane’s confrontation with Rick, growing suspicions
• 19:39 – Rick’s strange comment about Bonnie’s car being found “after the holiday”
• 23:13 – John’s account of the final goodbye and Bonnie’s drive home route
• 31:13 – Rick’s own words about the marital breakdown and divorce discussions
• 36:35 – The “Timeout Lounge” slip and police suspicion about Rick’s knowledge
• 44:15 – Polygraph results: John passes, Rick fails
• 47:48 – Gretchen’s presentation of the “Number One Mom” necklace to detectives
• 52:04 – Bonnie’s family’s initial nonchalance turning to suspicion
• 55:41 – Rick’s cryptic remark: “He will never figure this out.”
• 58:36 – Josh’s frustration with the incomplete investigation
• 59:40 – Ashley teases further revelations and alternate theories in Part Two

Tone & Style

• Tone: Empathetic, inquisitive, and analytical with conversational banter
• Style: Relatable, thoughtful, and thorough—encouraging listeners not to jump to conclusions without considering investigative failures and alternate possibilities

To Be Continued...

The episode ends with Ashley teasing a part two, promising "surprises, contradictions, and new theories" to explore whether Bonnie's case could be solved if approached differently. Fans can access the second part early via the Crime Junkie Fan Club; otherwise, Part Two releases the following week.