Summary of "The Crawlspace" – MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
Introduction
In the podcast-exclusive episode titled "The Crawlspace," released on March 31, 2025, MrBallen delves into the chilling and intricate true crime case of Barbara Howe, an 87-year-old resident of Mount Pleasant Retirement Village in Monroe, Ohio. This detailed narrative explores the mysterious disappearance, the subsequent investigation, and the eventual revelation of the perpetrator, weaving a tale of suspense, deceit, and relentless detective work.
Barbara Howe's Disappearance
The story begins on a cold winter day in 2013, where Barbara Howe is depicted as a vibrant and active elderly woman who cherished cooking, socializing, and driving her prized red Cadillac. On the evening of October 28, 2012, while enjoying dinner with a friend, Barbara received a routine call about maintenance for her Lifeline Medical Alert System. Shortly after, Barbara vanished without a trace.
"At 87 years old, Barbara made it a point to stay active and she loved cooking and having people over to her house as often as she could." ([03:23])
The Investigation Begins
Detective Greg Myers of the Monroe Police Department was tasked with conducting a wellness check after Barbara's daughter, Donna Wesselman, reported her missing. Upon arriving at Barbara's immaculate home, Myers found no signs of forced entry or struggle, which initially suggested an accidental disappearance, possibly a fall or a medical emergency.
"Barbara's husband had died about 14 years earlier and since then she'd lived on her own, but her family... made sure she was never by herself too often." ([03:23])
However, subtle inconsistencies, like a half-empty glass of iced tea in an otherwise spotless kitchen, raised red flags.
Expanding the Search
The plot thickened when Barbara's red Cadillac was discovered abandoned at an apartment complex in a neighboring town. Forensic evidence, including a strong smell of bleach and traces of human hair in the trunk, indicated an attempt to conceal the crime post-mortem. This revelation shifted the investigation from a possible accident to a premeditated murder.
"The killer had most likely poured bleach all over Barbara's body after she was dead." ([15:45])
Suspects and Red Herrings
Detective Myers and Agent Brian White of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation explored various leads. Initially, Barbara's granddaughter, Barbie, emerged as a suspect due to her financial struggles and unusually persistent inquiries about the investigation.
"Detective Myers knew Barbara's family was upset and panicked, of course, and they had every right to want answers from the police." ([45:12])
Another significant lead involved Danny French, a maintenance worker who had recently disappeared and was later found living in the woods with erratic behavior and strange beliefs about transformation and fantasy worlds.
"When he and Agent White walked towards the red car, they could smell something. It was the smell of bleach." ([01:23:45])
Breakthrough and Revelation
A pivotal breakthrough occurred when Barbara's cleaning woman provided a detailed schedule that contradicted Danny's alibi. Coupled with DNA evidence linking Danny to the crime scene—a link inexplicable by his role as a maintenance worker—the case against him solidified.
"Police knew that Barbara's house had been cleaned thoroughly many times since Danny had stopped working at Mount Pleasant. Which meant if his DNA was there now, he must have murdered Barbara." ([02:02:30])
Surveillance footage from a store near the apartment complex showed Danny purchasing a cab on the night of the murder, further cementing his connection to the crime.
The Arrest and Confession
Faced with overwhelming evidence, Danny French was arrested and eventually confessed to the brutal murder of Barbara Howe. His intimate knowledge of the house's layout, obtained through his role at Mount Pleasant, and his calculated actions post-murder revealed meticulous planning aimed at evading detection.
"He was as talkative as he'd been every time he'd called him about the investigation... but there was also something that Myers could not quite figure out." ([01:23:45])
Notable Quotes with Timings
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Detective Myers on Barbie's Suspicious Behavior:
"Some of her behavior just seemed off to me." ([45:12])
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Detective Myers Reflecting on Danny's Confession:
"In many cases, the truth is closer than you think." ([02:02:30])
Conclusion
"The Crawlspace" masterfully recounts the harrowing journey of uncovering the truth behind Barbara Howe's disappearance and murder. Through meticulous investigation, the podcast highlights the complexities of solving true crime cases, the impact of forensic evidence, and the psychological intricacies of suspects. MrBallen's storytelling ensures that listeners are both engaged and enlightened, offering a comprehensive look into a dark and mysterious case that underscores the relentless pursuit of justice.
Additional Insights
Throughout the episode, MrBallen emphasizes the importance of attention to detail and the role of forensic science in modern investigations. The narrative also touches upon the psychological aspects of the perpetrator, providing a deeper understanding of motivations behind such heinous acts.
"And so, played on their pad, drugs were being concocted to stop Jenner's cough."
(Note: This quote appears unrelated to the main story and may have been part of an advertisement or a different segment. It has been excluded from the primary summary to maintain coherence.)
Final Thoughts
"The Crawlspace" serves as a testament to the intricate dance between law enforcement and criminal minds. By navigating through false leads, understanding human behavior, and leveraging forensic advancements, Detective Myers and Agent White successfully brought a formidable killer to justice, providing closure to Barbara Howe's grieving family and the Monroe community.