Episode Summary: "The Late Shift" – MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories

Introduction to Karen and Steve Strom

On the night of June 5, 1980, Karen Strom, a 25-year-old woman from Woods Cross, Utah, confronted a pivotal moment in her life. Karen and her husband, Steve Strom, appeared to be the quintessential high school sweethearts who had married shortly after graduation in 1973. Living in a charming two-story yellow house, their relationship had been the envy of many in their small, quiet suburb. However, beneath the surface, cracks were beginning to show.

“Karen and Steve had been high school sweethearts, so they'd been together since they were teenagers,” [00:00] says Mr. Ballen, setting the stage for the unfolding drama.

The Night of the Murder

Karen and Steve had celebrated Steve’s 27th birthday and their seventh anniversary with a dinner out. While Steve had a late shift at a local factory from midnight to 7:30 AM, tensions at home were high. Steve's increasing alcohol consumption had led to aggressive behavior, straining their marriage. Three months before their anniversary, Karen had requested a divorce due to Steve’s heavy drinking and mood swings, seeking solace at her stepmother’s house while still maintaining some contact with Steve.

“Karen didn't want to even be in the house with her husband anymore,” [03:15] Mr. Ballen explains, highlighting Karen’s internal conflict and desire for independence.

After consenting to sleep in the same bed one last time, Steve left for his overnight shift. Around 7:30 AM on June 6, Steve returned home, only to discover the horrifying scene: Karen lay motionless on the floor, the room in disarray, with deep purple bruises on her neck and throat.

“He froze right there in the doorway,” [15:45] captures the immediate shock of discovering Karen's lifeless body.

Initial Investigation and Suspicions

Detective Clarence Montgomery, a seasoned officer in Woods Cross, arrived at the scene. The town, renowned for its safety and lack of prior homicides, was shaken by this unprecedented event. Initial observations suggested a violent struggle, leading Montgomery to suspect foul play.

“Montgomery believed someone had come into this bedroom with the sole intent to kill Karen,” [20:30] emphasizes the gravity of the situation.

Steve became the primary suspect, given the lack of forced entry and his troubled relationship with Karen. Interviews with friends and coworkers revealed Steve's history of alcoholism and occasional violence, strengthening the case against him. Additionally, it emerged that Karen had been dating another man, Buff Bangetter, which introduced an alternative suspect.

“Karen had genuinely been ready to end the marriage,” [35:50] Mr. Ballen notes, adding complexity to the investigation.

The Case Goes Cold

Despite accumulating circumstantial evidence, Detective Montgomery struggled to secure a conviction. Steve maintained his innocence and voluntarily took a polygraph test, which he failed. However, polygraph results were inadmissible in court, leaving the case without sufficient legal footing. As time passed, whispers of Steve's potential involvement dwindled, and the case eventually went cold by early 1981.

“Without concrete evidence, there was little Montgomery could do to propel the case forward,” [58:20] underscores the investigative impasse.

Reopening the Cold Case

Decades later, in 2006, Detective Brad Benson took up the cold case, utilizing advancements in DNA technology unavailable in 1980. Upon re-examining evidence, including Karen’s fingernail clippings and blood-stained underwear, DNA tests linked the evidence directly to Ed Owens, a friend and coworker of Karen and Steve.

“Based on DNA test results, evidence found at the crime scene, and interviews conducted over the course of 27 years,” [1:24:10] Mr. Ballen reveals the breakthrough that finally unraveled the mystery.

Ed Owens Confesses

Further investigation uncovered Ed Owens' motive rooted in unreciprocated romantic interest in Karen. On the night of her murder, Owens, intoxicated and desiring a sexual relationship with Karen, forcibly entered her home. Karen fought valiantly against Owens, sustaining fatal injuries in the struggle. DNA evidence conclusively proved Owens’ guilt, leading to his confession and subsequent conviction.

“Ed was sentenced to five years to life in prison,” [1:35:45] concludes the story, marking justice finally served after decades of uncertainty.

Conclusion

"The Late Shift" presents a gripping narrative of love, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of justice. It highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in piecing together evidence and the significant impact technological advancements can have on solving cold cases. Karen Strom's tragic story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of perseverance in seeking the truth.

“This was not the case against Steve, but instead brought closure to Karen's family and community,” [1:40:30] Mr. Ballen reflects, encapsulating the episode’s emotional and investigative journey.

Notable Quotes:

• “Karen didn't want to even be in the house with her husband anymore.” – Mr. Ballen [03:15]
• “He froze right there in the doorway.” – Mr. Ballen [15:45]
• “Karen had genuinely been ready to end the marriage.” – Mr. Ballen [35:50]
• “Without concrete evidence, there was little Montgomery could do to propel the case forward.” – Mr. Ballen [58:20]
• “Based on DNA test results, evidence found at the crime scene, and interviews conducted over the course of 27 years.” – Mr. Ballen [1:24:10]
• “Ed was sentenced to five years to life in prison.” – Mr. Ballen [1:35:45]
• “This was not the case against Steve, but instead brought closure to Karen's family and community.” – Mr. Ballen [1:40:30]

Final Thoughts

"The Late Shift" expertly weaves a tale of suspense and mystery, underscoring the complexities of human relationships and the evolving nature of criminal investigations. For listeners intrigued by true crime stories that span decades and reveal the profound effects of time and technology, this episode is a compelling addition to MrBallen’s repertoire of strange, dark, and mysterious narratives.