Going West: True Crime - Episode 475: Malvina Krutz

Release Date: February 7, 2025
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman
Production: Dark West Productions

1. Background of Malvina Krutz and Her Family

Malvina Sanders Krutz, born on August 4, 1916, in Brooks, Kentucky, was a dedicated mother and active community member in Indianapolis, Indiana. In 1939, at age 23, she married Charles Krutz, a second lieutenant in the Army Air Corps. The couple initially resided in Miami Beach, Florida, where Charles worked at the Air Force Officer Training School, before returning to the Midwest. Charles later became the sales manager for the Southern Transportation Corporation, a trucking company. In 1947, they welcomed their son, Charles Jr., affectionately known as Buddy.

The Krutz family settled into a modest home on Guilford Avenue in northern Indianapolis. Malvina was deeply involved in the local church and the PTA at Buddy's school. Neighbors described Malvina as "typically southern, of warm and friendly nature" ([00:43] B), embodying the image of a devoted housewife and mother. Her friend Mildred Warning further characterized her as a "forceful, friendly person, a woman who loved her home" ([03:00] B).

2. The Day of the Murder: Timeline and Events

On Wednesday, January 29, 1958, Malvina Krutz disappeared under mysterious circumstances. The day began typically as Malvina sent her 10-year-old son, Buddy, off to school and her 48-year-old husband, Charles, to work. This routine left Malvina alone at home to manage household affairs, including overseeing the repairs from a recent house fire that had occurred a month prior on December 16, 1957 ([04:36] B).

Afternoon Developments:

• 3:30 PM: Buddy returns from school to find the house unusually quiet. He decides to watch TV, specifically "The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok," until his mother returns ([05:38] A).

• 5:00 PM: Charles arrives home to find Buddy still watching TV. When questioned about his mother's whereabouts, Buddy mentions, “I don't like the looks of the bedroom” ([07:03] B). Concerned, Charles inspects Buddy's room and discovers it disheveled with toys scattered and drawers pulled out ([09:52] A).

Shortly after, Charles goes to the only bathroom to wash his hands. Noticing that the shower curtain, which was always left open, was now closed, he cautiously draws it back to find Malvina submerged in the bathtub. She had endured blunt force trauma before drowning, indicating signs of homicide ([10:06] A).

3. Crime Scene and Evidence

Malvina was found lifeless in the bathtub, still mostly clothed. Details of the scene included:

• Physical Condition: Her body was partially clad in a white sweater with a tear, tennis shoes, and underwear pulled down to her knees. Her pants were soaked and discarded inside out in Buddy's bedroom ([12:06] A).

• Signs of Struggle: Cuts on her lips, face, legs, elbows, and significant bruising to her left eye suggested a violent confrontation ([11:07] A).

• Additional Clues: A blood-stained towel was found behind a basement door. Two pillows with blood and mucus were scattered in Buddy's bedroom, possibly indicating Malvina was moved or struggling prior to her death ([12:30] B).

• Unique Evidence: A yellow pencil labeled “White County, REMC Monticello, Indiana” with strands of unidentified hair was discovered in one of the bedrooms. Investigators believed the pencil might have been in the killer's pocket but could not trace its owner due to widespread distribution by the Rural Electric Membership Corporation ([22:07] A).

• Vehicle Evidence: Malvina's white and gray 1955 Buick was initially seen at her home during the milkman's visit but was later found abandoned nearby with the keys missing. Friends Mildred Warning and Florence Kubert reported witnessing the car being driven away by an unidentified man, described as a black man ([23:19] B).

4. Investigation and Suspects

The Indianapolis Police launched an extensive investigation, questioning over 250 individuals, including repairmen and contractors who had worked on the house after the fire. Despite the thorough search, key pieces of evidence remained elusive.

Primary Suspects:

• Charles Krutz (Husband): Malvina had filed for divorce twice before her death, citing fears for Buddy's safety and marital misconduct by Charles. On the day of the murder, Charles provided an account of running errands and visiting a boarding house around the time Malvina's car was seen leaving the driveway. However, discrepancies in his timeline and his motivation made him a suspect ([36:40] B).

• Robert Smith (Wallpaper Hanger): Seen with Malvina eight days before the murder, Smith was arrested but denied involvement, maintaining an alibi and passing a polygraph test ([45:27] A).

• James Rogers (Financial Fraudster): Rogers confessed to the murder but later recanted, leading investigators to dismiss his testimony as attention-seeking ([46:02] A).

• Leroy Pennock (Painter): A contractor with a criminal background, Pennock was questioned due to fingerprint evidence and suspicious behavior. Although initially arrested, lack of concrete evidence led to his release. Years later, Pennock was convicted of murdering his girlfriend, drawing parallels to Malvina's case due to his history of violence ([49:01] B).

Additional Evidence:

• Mysterious Phone Calls: Charles received three phone calls from a woman with a Southern drawl asking if he was the resident. Additionally, Mildred Warning reported an unidentified man with a similar accent answering the phone at Malvina's house, suggesting a possible accomplice ([33:56] A).

• Witness Testimony: Friends observed Malvina’s car being driven away by an unfamiliar black man, raising questions about racial biases and the credibility of the witness accounts ([23:19] B).

5. Lead Analysis and Theories

Sexual Assault Hypothesis: Although Malvina's underwear was pulled down, tests indicated no evidence of rape. However, the nature of her death suggested a possible sexual motive or an attempt to incapacitate her before drowning ([18:56] B).

Implications of the Crime Scene: The scattered items in Buddy's bedroom, the presence of Malvina's car, and the unique pencil suggested premeditation and an organized approach by the killer. The inability to connect the pencil's hair to a suspect hindered the investigation ([22:07] A).

Possible Scenarios:

1. Domestic Violence: Charles Krutz, amidst divorce proceedings and cited misconduct, might have confronted Malvina, leading to her murder. However, inconsistencies in his alibi and the mysterious phone calls pointed towards his potential involvement or an accomplice.

2. Accomplice Involvement: The presence of a secondary individual, possibly an employee like Leroy Pennock, who had access to the home and knew the family, could explain the complex nature of the crime scene.

3. False Confessions: Individuals like James Rogers confessed without substantial evidence, muddying the investigative waters.

6. Conclusion: Current Status of the Case

Despite extensive investigation efforts, the murder of Malvina Krutz remains unsolved after 67 years. Key suspects either failed to provide credible evidence or were later involved in other criminal activities without clear links to Malvina's death. The case highlights the challenges faced by investigators in the pre-DNA era, where limited forensic technology impeded conclusive evidence gathering.

Final Appeals:

Detective Randolph Schubert expressed frustration over the lack of witnesses and the absence of pivotal evidence. Sergeant Earl Booth lamented the dead-end investigation despite questioning numerous individuals ([55:16] A). The Krutz family continued to reside in their home for years, seeking closure that remains elusive.

Malvina is remembered by her family, with her son Buddy buried beside her. The case still invites calls for information, hoping that modern technology might one day shed light on this lingering mystery.

Contact: If you have any information about the murder of Malvina Krutz, please call Indiana Crime Stoppers at 317-262-8477.

Notable Quotes

• Daphne (Timestamp [00:18]): “Thank you so much for tuning in. Big thank you to Hannah for recommending today's case.”

• Daphne on Malvina's Nature ([03:00] B): “A neighbor of theirs named Mary Owen described Malvina as, quote, typically southern, of warm and friendly nature.”

• Heath on Buddy's Perception ([07:22] A): “Here he is watching TV. He's saying, yeah, I haven't seen mom. And, you know, I really don't like the look of my room.”

• Heath on the Crime Scene ([12:25] A): “You can really start to paint the picture of what possibly happened here.”

• Daphne on Investigative Challenges ([22:39] A): “Even though this clue hit a roadblock the day after the murder brought forth another clue.”

• Heath on Suspect Analysis ([39:01] A): “But knowing that she was in the bathroom with her killer, it's so unreal.”

• Daphne on Leroy Pennock ([49:21] A): “Kind of seems like a slam dunk.”

• Heath on Modern Solutions ([56:51] A): “With new technology, these types of cases are being solved nearly every day.”

Closing Thoughts

The tragic and perplexing murder of Malvina Krutz continues to baffle true crime enthusiasts and investigators alike. The combination of premeditated actions, conflicting testimonies, and insufficient forensic evidence creates a compelling yet unresolved case. Daphne and Heath encourage listeners to remain hopeful for justice and invite anyone with information to come forward, ensuring that Malvina's story is not forgotten.

Thank you for joining this detailed exploration of Episode 475 of Going West: True Crime. For more insights and discussions, follow us on Instagram @goingwestpodcast and join our community on Facebook.