Episode Summary: "Swap Meet" (PODCAST EXCLUSIVE EPISODE) MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
Release Date: October 28, 2024
Host: Ballen Studios

Introduction to the Mystery

In this exclusive episode, Mr. Ballin delves into a chilling true crime story set in the suburban landscape of Snellville, Georgia. The narrative unfolds on a seemingly ordinary spring night in 2009, where a routine custody exchange at a busy Target parking lot becomes the backdrop for a horrifying murder.

The Victim: Heather Strube

Heather Strube, a 25-year-old woman, is introduced as a dedicated mother and devout churchgoer. Her life, though marred by a tumultuous divorce from her husband Stephen, centers around her family and community. On the evening of April 26, 2009, Heather plans to attend church, handle household chores, and then pick up her 19-month-old son, Carson, from his father.

The Fateful Custody Swap

At approximately 6:00 PM ([16:18]), Heather arrives at the Target parking lot to meet her estranged husband, Stephen, for the custody exchange. Despite their strained relationship, Heather approaches the situation with a smile, eager to collect her son. However, this ordinary meeting takes a sinister turn when a mysterious man with a "big mustache and wild black hair" ([00:10]) emerges amidst the chaos.

The Murder

As Heather secures Carson in her SUV, the unidentified man approaches her. According to Mr. Ballin, Heather hears the man's footsteps and turns to face him, leading to a tragic confrontation:

"The killer immediately pushed themselves between Heather and her SUV. Before Heather could even call out for help, the killer reached into their bag, pulled out a revolver, pressed the muzzle right against Heather's forehead, and squeezed the trigger."
— Mr. Ballin [12:30]

A loud gunshot echoes through the parking lot, and Heather collapses, mortally wounded. Shoppers either freeze in terror or flee, but some witness the killer calmly walking away towards the woods.

The Investigation Begins

Officer Neil Carter, patrolling nearby, arrives at the scene to find chaos and a lifeless Heather. Among the witnesses, a mother urgently informs Carter:

"There's a baby in the backseat."
— Witness [13:15]

Carter rescues Carson, ensuring the child's safety, while the investigation kicks into high gear. Lt. Trey Downs soon takes over, assessing evidence and gathering witness testimonies to identify the shooter.

Primary Suspects

1. Stephen Strube (Heather's Ex-Husband):

   • Background: Separated from Heather due to Stephen's infidelity and custody disputes.
   • Alibi: Claims to have been at home with his probation officer (later revealed to be untrue).
   • Investigation: Lt. Downs initially considers Stephen a prime suspect but finds inconsistencies in his alibi.

2. Mike Vickers (Heather's Boyfriend):

   • Profile: Described as 5'7" and slender, matching the suspect's appearance in surveillance footage.
   • Relationship: Presents a seemingly stable and loving relationship with Heather.
   • Interview Insights ([20:45]):

     "Their relationship was awesome. They almost never fought, and they had been talking about having kids and buying a house together."
     — Mike Vickers

Despite matching certain physical descriptions, Mike's demeanor and alibi provide him with an alibi, though Lt. Downs remains cautious.

3. Joanna Strube (Stephen's Mother):
   • Initial Struggle: Joanna wasn't immediately on the suspect list, as the focus was on a male figure.
   • Breakthrough ([32:10]): Forensic evidence links Joanna to the crime scene through a white Ford F150 with distinctive black trim.
   • Revelation: Enhanced surveillance images reveal that the "strange man" was actually Joanna in disguise, wearing a wig and fake mustache.

Unraveling the Truth

Lt. Downs, piecing together forensic evidence and witness accounts, uncovers that Joanna harbored resentment towards Heather, believing she was an unfit mother. The breakthrough comes when fiber analysis from Joanna's truck matches synthetic hair from the disguise, and ballistics tests link a .38 caliber revolver to the murder.

"It turned out Steven's mother Joanna did not like Heather at all."
— Mr. Ballin [34:50]

Conclusion and Aftermath

Joanna Strube is apprehended and subsequently convicted of Heather's murder. She receives a life sentence with the possibility of parole in 30 years, ensuring she remains separated from Heather's family, including her grandson Carson. The episode concludes with Heather's parents obtaining full custody of Carson, allowing him to maintain a healthy relationship with both parents.

Notable Quotes

• Mr. Ballin on the Calmness of the Killer:

  "The killer did not panic. Instead, they turned and calmly walked across the Target parking lot, through the surrounding woods, and into the nearby hotel parking lot."
  — Mr. Ballin [12:50]

• Lt. Downs on Stephen's Involvement:

  "He did not think Stephen was the shooter."
  — Lt. Trey Downs [28:30]

• Officer Neil Carter on Securing Carson:

  "Carter opened the door of the SUV, lifted up the boy still in the car seat, and carried him to his police cruiser."
  — Mr. Ballin [15:20]

Insights and Themes

• Hidden Agendas in Close Relationships: The story underscores how personal vendettas can lurk beneath the surface of familial and romantic relationships, leading to tragic outcomes.

• The Role of Forensic Evidence: Advanced forensic techniques play a pivotal role in unraveling the truth, demonstrating the importance of meticulous evidence gathering in criminal investigations.

• Impact of Domestic Strife on Personal Safety: The narrative highlights how divorces and custody battles can escalate tensions, sometimes culminating in violence.

Conclusion

"Swap Meet" is a gripping exploration of a seemingly mundane event that unravels into a dark tale of betrayal and vengeance. Through detailed storytelling and meticulous presentation of evidence, Mr. Ballin crafts a narrative that keeps listeners engaged until the very end.