Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield
Episode: Lane Bryant Bloodbath & The Killer Who’s STILL Out There | Tinley Park Five
Date: November 24, 2025
Overview
In this somber and deeply engaging episode, Ashleigh Banfield revisits the harrowing and still-unsolved Lane Bryant massacre from February 2, 2008, in Tinley Park, Illinois. A man posing as a delivery driver forced six women into the back of a Lane Bryant store, bound and shot them execution-style. Remarkably, one clerk survived. As the 17th anniversary approaches and a new documentary is set for release, Ashley explores the lingering trauma for first responders and the desperate push for fresh leads, emphasizing the importance of renewed public attention.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Personal Loss and Setting the Tone (00:00–02:10)
- Ashleigh Banfield opens with personal news:
She shares the loss of her beloved dog, Atlas, a frequent presence in her studio, setting a tone of empathy and vulnerability.- Quote:
"I've just never loved anything as much in my life as that little dog... I'm so sorry he's not going to be on the podcast anymore." — Ashleigh Banfield (01:22)
- Quote:
2. The Lane Bryant Tragedy: Recap of Events (02:11–05:45)
- Recounts the 2008 Lane Bryant massacre:
- An unidentified man entered a Lane Bryant store outside Chicago, claiming to be a delivery driver.
- Six women (store staff and shoppers) were bound in the back room with duct tape.
- The store manager surreptitiously called 911 during the ordeal.
- The gunman executed the women; five died, one miraculously survived.
- Only key clues: the survivor’s description and the attacker’s voice on the 911 call.
- Quote:
"Within minutes of that 911 call, the gunman started shooting and he shot all six of these women execution style... All of those women died. But the clerk managed to move her head at the very last moment, and...miraculously, that clerk survived." — Ashleigh Banfield (03:41)
- Quote:
- Suspect profile:
- African American male, 5'9"–6'0", stocky build, black ski cap with braids protruding.
3. Firsthand Account: Paramedic Kevin Collins (05:46–08:27)
- Kevin Collins, the first paramedic on the scene, gives his first national interview:
- Initially responded to what he thought was a single victim.
- Realized upon arrival it was an active shooter situation with multiple casualties.
- Describes a dark, quiet, almost surreal scene inside the store, coming upon the aftermath.
- Quote:
"It just was dark and quiet. You couldn't hear anything...They were all face down, their hands were restrained...One survivor was just inconsolable. Her voice still rings in my head pretty clear to this day." — Kevin Collins (07:17)
- Quote:
- Emotional toll: The trauma still affects him and his partner 17 years later.
- "That's part of the reason why my partner isn't here right now. You just can't get it out of your head." — Kevin Collins (08:08)
4. Documentary Investigation & The Importance of the Survivor (08:28–09:41)
- Guest: Charlie Minn, filmmaker
- His documentary, “Who Killed These Women? The Tinley Park 5,” aims to reignite interest and encourage new leads.
- Urgent call to reach the lone survivor, Marty, who remains mostly anonymous. Charlie believes her voice could be pivotal in solving the case.
- Quote:
"This case needs a spark and I think the lone survivor can deliver that spark. I think she needs to be re-interviewed. A new set of eyes should go on this thing." — Charlie Minn (08:47)
- Quote:
- Expresses deep frustration at the police's progress and hopes media attention will rejuvenate the stalled investigation.
- "This is the largest unsolved mass shooting in modern day America. I have no confidence in Tinley Park PD to solve this. It's been 18 years of garbage. It's not solved." — Charlie Minn (09:27)
5. Call to Action and Hope for Resolution (09:42–End)
- Banfield’s appeal for public help:
- Encourages listeners who may have information to contact law enforcement.
- Maintains cautious optimism that renewed exposure, the survivor’s story, and the documentary might finally bring answers.
- Quote:
"I've seen these cases solved, even two decades later... With all of this renewed attention...that could generate a lot of tips." — Ashleigh Banfield (09:45)
- Quote:
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On personal grief:
"I've just never loved anything as much in my life as that little dog." — Ashleigh Banfield (01:22) -
On the crime’s brutality:
"Within minutes of that 911 call, the gunman started shooting and he shot all six of these women execution style." — Ashleigh Banfield (03:38) -
On the emotional aftermath:
"Her [the survivor's] voice still rings in my head pretty clear to this day." — Kevin Collins (07:55) -
On the case’s dormancy:
"I think the lone survivor can deliver that spark... She needs to be re-interviewed. A new set of eyes should go on this thing." — Charlie Minn (08:50) -
On hope for resolution:
"With all of this renewed attention, with the documentary coming out and now with this paramedic speaking for the first time, that could generate a lot of tips." — Ashleigh Banfield (09:46)
Important Timestamps
- 00:00–02:10 – Ashleigh’s personal tribute to Atlas
- 02:11–03:41 – Recap of the Lane Bryant massacre and 911 call
- 03:42–05:45 – The aftermath and the surviving clerk
- 06:24–08:27 – Kevin Collins recounts his first response
- 08:28–09:41 – Charlie Minn discusses the documentary and search for the survivor
- 09:42–End – Ashleigh’s call to action and hope for renewed interest in solving the case
Tone & Style
Ashleigh Banfield combines journalistic gravitas, raw empathy, and determination to see justice served. The episode is somber but hopeful, balancing the horror of the crime with faith in the power of renewed public attention and investigative persistence.
For Listeners
This episode is essential for anyone interested in cold cases, investigative journalism, and the personal toll of unresolved crimes. It is a call both to remember the victims and to shine a spotlight on a case that still urgently needs answers.