Podcast Summary: Going West: True Crime Episode: The Keddie Cabin Murders // 511
Release Date: June 13, 2025
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman
Produced by: Dark West Productions

Introduction

In Episode 511 of Going West: True Crime, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve into one of California's most chilling unsolved cases: the Keddie Cabin Murders. This episode meticulously unpacks the horrifying events of April 11, 1981, exploring the brutal murders, the mysterious disappearance of Tina Sharp, and the ensuing investigation's numerous shortcomings.

Background of the Keddie Cabin Murders

Setting the Scene
The Keddie Cabin Murders occurred in the small, secluded town of Keddie, nestled within the Plumas National Forest in Northern California. Originally a bustling mountain retreat built in 1910 to attract railroad travelers, by the 1980s, Keddie had dwindled to a modest population of around 100 residents, plagued by economic hardships and converted into low-income housing (03:16).

The Sharp Family
Sue Sharp, a 34-year-old single mother of five, moved to Quincy, California, in July 1979 to escape an abusive marriage and start anew. In 1980, seeking better opportunities, she relocated her family to Keddie, settling into Cabin 28 at the Keddie Resort. Despite the cramped living conditions, Sue was lauded by her children for her dedication and love (05:30).

The Night of the Murders

Events Leading Up
On the morning of April 11, 1981, Sue Sharp, along with her daughters Sheila (14) and Tina (12), and son Greg (5), visited a friend's house to pick up Rick (10), who had just finished baseball tryouts. Later that day, John Sharp (15), Sue's eldest son, hitchhiked home with his friend Dana Wingate (17). That evening, both Dana and another friend, Justin Smart, spent the night at Cabin 28 (16:08).

The Discovery
The following morning, Sheila returned home from a sleepover to a gruesome scene: the living room of Cabin 28 was drenched in blood, and the bodies of Sue Sharp, John Sharp, and Dana Wingate were found brutally murdered. Tina Sharp was missing (17:53).

Heath Merryman [19:54]: "So 36-year-old Sue Sharp was found on her side near the living room sofa, partially covered with a blanket, but nude from the waist down. This suggests that the assailant might have known her, attempting to spare her some dignity."

The Investigation and Initial Shortcomings

Crime Scene Mishandling
The Keddie murders were marred by significant investigative errors. Police failed to secure the crime scene promptly, allowing neighbors and locals to contaminate vital evidence. Essential items that could have aided the investigation, such as cigarettes or beverage containers, were not preserved. However, DNA was later found on the electrical tape used to bind the victims (29:58).

Lack of Witnesses
Given the cabin's proximity to neighboring homes, the absence of immediate eyewitness accounts raised suspicions. One neighbor reported hearing a scream around 1:30 AM but saw nothing, while others noticed suspicious vehicles near the cabin in the hours leading up to the murders (32:17).

Suspects and Motives

Martin Smart and John "Bo" Babaid
Two primary suspects emerged: Martin Smart, a 32-year-old Vietnam veteran with a history of anger issues, and John Babaid (also known as Bo), a 49-year-old convicted felon with ties to organized crime. Both men lived in close proximity to Cabin 28, with Martin residing in Cabin 26 alongside his wife, Marilyn Smart, and Bo living with Martin (41:20).

Potential Motives
Investigators speculated that a possible love triangle involving Martin Smart could have provided a motive for targeting Sue Sharp. Additionally, conflicts between Martin and his wife Marilyn, who reportedly confided in Sue about her abusive marriage, further implicated Martin as a suspect (46:22).

Heath Merryman [55:20]:

"After the murders, Martin moved away to Reno, Nevada, and Marilyn filed for divorce soon after. Their departure from Keddie coincided suspiciously with the case going cold."

Breakthroughs and New Evidence

Reopened Investigation
Decades later, new leads prompted Sheriff Greg Hagwood and Detective Mike Gamberg to reopen the case. Their efforts unearthed previously ignored evidence, including an audio recording of a phone tip about Tina's remains and the discovery of a claw hammer near the crime scene (63:20).

Damning Letter
A handwritten letter by Martin Smart, found years later in police storage, referenced the murders ominously:

Letter Excerpt:
"I've paid the price of your love, and now that I've bought it with four people's lives, you tell me that we're through. Great. What else do you want?"
(63:20)

This letter, allegedly given by Marilyn Smart, suggested Martin's involvement, although Marilyn later claimed to have no recollection of it (64:14).

Additional Evidence
In 2016, a claw hammer matching descriptions linked to Martin was found near the cabin, along with a knife discovered amongst ash. These items, paired with the earlier audio tape, provided new avenues for forensic analysis (63:20).

Current Status and Ongoing Efforts

Despite advancements in DNA technology, the Keddie Cabin Murders remain unsolved. Detectives Hagwood and Gamberg believe multiple perpetrators may have been involved, potentially up to six individuals, complicating the investigation further (65:24).

Detective Mike Gamberg [68:20]:
"Most of the suspects wore gloves, and no identifiable footprints were recovered. The thoroughness of the original investigation leaves much to be desired."

The hosts commend the relentless efforts of the current investigators while emphasizing the need for continued community involvement to bring closure to the victims' families (70:18).

Conclusion

The Keddie Cabin Murders continue to haunt both the local community and true crime enthusiasts alike. With over four decades of unanswered questions, the dedication of new investigators keeps the hope for justice alive. Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman highlight the enduring resilience of the Sharp family, particularly Sheila, who has carried the trauma into adulthood, striving for strength amidst loss.

Final Quote:

Detective Mike Gamberg [67:56]:
"I believe in one way, shape or form, we are going to pull this together."

Going West: True Crime remains committed to shedding light on this dark chapter, urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in resolving this enduring mystery.

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