Crime Junkie Podcast Summary
Episode Title: MURDERED: Stephanie Casberg
Host: Ashley Flowers (A), with co-host Brit Prawat (B)
Date: April 20, 2026
Overview of the Episode
This gripping episode dives into the haunting, decades-old murder case of 18-year-old Stephanie Casberg in Wisconsin, 1969. Host Ashley Flowers and co-host Brit Prawat painstakingly unravel the complex investigation, rumors, and family suspicions that have clouded the unresolved case. Spanning from the initial discovery of Stephanie’s mutilated remains to recent DNA developments, the episode is both a chilling recount and a testament to the endurance of those seeking justice.
Key Discussion Points & Timeline
1. Case Introduction and Discovery
- Stephanie’s Disappearance:
Stephanie Casberg, just graduated and working at Mark's Big Boy restaurant in Milwaukee, goes missing after a late-night shift in July 1969.
([00:32])
“The story I have for you today is one that’s hung over a corner of Wisconsin for decades...a teenage girl walked out of a restaurant after her waitressing shift and was never seen alive again.” — Ashley
- Disturbing Discovery:
Her dismembered remains are found by a family fishing near Root River, Racine County.
([01:18–04:18])
- Remains wrapped in Milwaukee Sentinel newspaper (dated June 24), various items like a brown leather shoe, cigarette butts, and a burned military jacket found nearby.
- Notably, her torso and left leg were missing.
“In several piles along the riverbank, half covered by mud...were the dismembered remains of a teenage girl, or at least most of her.” — Ashley ([01:59])
2. Victim Background and Last Known Movements
- Stephanie’s Life:
Described as hardworking, kind, and inclusive. Was secretly dating John, a 22-year-old Black serviceman, fearing her parents’ reaction. ([07:22])
- Timeline of Disappearance:
- Last seen leaving Mark’s Big Boy around 12:30am, July 7, 1969.
- John, who was meant to pick her up, fell asleep.
- She left with her purse, perhaps to catch a bus, but vanished.
([07:22–09:30])
“So the 12:30 a.m. departure from the restaurant becomes the last confirmed moment anyone had eyes on Stephanie.” — Ashley ([09:28])
3. Investigation and Early Theories
Key Physical Evidence & Crime Scene
- Discovery of Stephanie’s purse and belongings miles from the body ([10:42])
- Pathologist reports:
- Two puncture wounds under chin, large cut across back of neck.
- Skillful post-mortem dismemberment.
“Most of the cuts are precise, almost scalpel like.” — Ashley ([04:39])
Suspect Theories
- Boyfriend John: Ruled out, cooperative, does not fit physical description.
- Stephanie’s Father, Charles:
Interrogated due to rumors, but his alibi and dismissive response leaves police with little beyond talk.
“If I had, you never would have found her.” — Charles Kasberg, as quoted by Ashley ([15:10])
- Coworkers and Restaurant Staff:
A suspicious manager (with matching initials to a psychic’s “prediction”) and cook Michael Bartelt come under scrutiny.
- Bartelt provides inconsistent statements about his whereabouts and later leaves town, claiming to go to Hawaii. ([18:24])
- Unconnected Attacks & Other Suspects:
Reports surface about similar violent assaults in the area, but evidence is lacking. ([18:57–22:37])
4. Expansion of Investigation
- Widening the Search:
Similar MOs in other unsolved cases in Wisconsin and Michigan, but no direct links to Stephanie’s murder.
- Delayed Breaks:
Dog finds more of Stephanie’s remains weeks after initial discovery, confirming a second, deliberate disposal site.
“This is a second deliberate disposal site.” — Ashley ([25:11])
5. Family Accusations and Breakthroughs
Family Suspicions
- Bartelt Family:
In 1988, Michael Bartelt’s sister (Pam) calls detectives, alleging Michael (and possibly brother Dan) was the killer; she cites abusive behavior and lies the family told police. ([31:30–34:09])
“Pam says that their mother helped sell that story because they did go question his mom back in ’69...She lied to you about that, too.” — Ashley ([32:22])
- Michael’s Alibi Falls Apart:
Records later reveal Michael wasn’t even working on the night of Stephanie’s disappearance — a major discrepancy investigators missed for decades. ([48:42])
“He lied his way into the narrative and made himself one of the last people to have seen Stephanie alive.” — Ashley ([48:50])
Other Notable Suspects
- Wilbert Mackey:
Anonymous tip in 2015 links father with abuse history and proximity to dump site. Mackey’s daughter recounts being forced to help dispose of bags, but DNA evidence rules him out. ([41:09–41:59])
“She describes a father who was cruel and abusive, like, in every way...He would make the kids read what he called Root River Killer stories out loud and then tell them everything the stories got wrong, which he says he knew because he was the real killer.” — Ashley ([41:13])
6. Forensic and DNA Developments
-
DNA Testing:
Key evidence — pubic hairs from the towel found at a dump site — yields two partial male DNA profiles. Testing in 2009 and later is unable to identify suspects or tie the DNA to known individuals.
([37:45])
-
Samples tested:
Michael Bartelt, the manager, Dan Bartelt, and Wilbert Mackey are all excluded by these DNA results.
-
Limitations:
Other potential evidence (cigarette butts, paper, military jacket) fails to yield usable DNA. ([51:13–51:45])
7. Recent Leads and Ongoing Efforts
- 2020s Investigative Push:
A family rumor about an earring possibly found in Michael Bartelt’s car is probed but leads nowhere. ([45:13–47:30])
- New Suspect Inspired by Crime Junkie:
Current investigator Lt. Van Sock hears a Crime Junkie episode about a strikingly similar Idaho murder (Kristen David, 1981), raising the theory of a serial killer with military ties. He is “moving heaven and earth” to compare notes and pursue this lead. ([53:04–54:33])
“When he contacted us to compare notes and he learned that this man has major ties to the Midwest and possibly Wisconsin, he got…chills. Full body chills.” — Ashley ([53:57])
- Current Working Theory:
Lt. Van Sock now leans toward a stranger abduction theory, believing Stephanie may have encountered someone with medical or butchering skills after leaving work angry at her boyfriend. The case remains open and active. ([51:47–52:52])
Notable Quotes & Moments
- On Father’s Response:
“If I had, you never would have found her.” — Charles Kasberg ([15:10])
- On Restaurant Rumors:
“Managers hitting on waitresses, shifts that ended late, and a cast of men who knew Stephanie’s schedule and routine.” — Ashley ([16:25])
- On the Bartelt Family Accusations:
“Pam says it’s what he did to his own family…Michael sexually abused her and others.” — Ashley ([33:37])
- Ashley’s Frustration Over Missed Evidence:
“That’s the thing. They don’t have anything else around their area at the time that looks exactly like this case.” ([26:01])
- DNA Hope and Disappointment:
“Michael died of sepsis on June 3, 2024, before detectives could get to him. But…his DNA doesn’t match the hair.” — Ashley ([50:17])
- On Generational Trauma:
“This is the kind of loss that doesn’t stay in one generation. It ripples forward.” — Ashley ([55:30])
- Call to Action:
“If there is anyone out there who knows anything about what happened to Stephanie, the Racine County Sheriff’s Office wants to hear from you.” — Ashley ([55:53])
Important Timestamps
| Timestamp | Segment/Topic |
|-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 00:32 | Introduction to Stephanie Casberg’s case |
| 01:59 | Discovery of remains and scene details |
| 04:18 | Pathologist’s findings |
| 10:42 | Purse and belongings found; timeline established |
| 14:53 | Rumors implicating family members |
| 18:57 | Prior attacks and related suspects |
| 22:27 | Evidence scattered over 25 miles; significance of multiple dump sites |
| 31:30 | 1988: Bartelt family suspicion, Pam’s account |
| 35:55 | Michael’s 1988 police interview; changing stories |
| 37:45 | 2009: DNA testing on pubic hair evidence |
| 41:09 | Wilbert Mackey: DNA, family allegations, exclusion |
| 45:13 | Bartelt family rumors about a missing earring |
| 48:42 | Discovery that Michael lied about working the night Stephanie vanished|
| 51:13 | DNA dead ends and renewed hope for tech advances |
| 53:04 | New suspect and possible serial killer lead from other Crime Junkie episode |
| 55:30 | Reflection on generational trauma; appeal for public tips |
Conclusion & Legacy
Stephanie Casberg’s murder remains unsolved but far from forgotten. Through persistent detective work, evolving DNA technology, and renewed attention brought by podcasts and public interest, hope persists for a resolution. The emotional rawness, enduring rumors, and careful investigative breakdown in this episode underscore the importance of community vigilance and the tireless pursuit of justice.
Contact for Tips:
- Racine County Sheriff’s Office: 262-636-3225
- Crime Stoppers (Anonymous): 888-636-9330
For full source material and more, visit crimejunkie.com