Summary of "The Receipt" – MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories

Episode Title: The Receipt (Podcast Exclusive Episode)
Release Date: August 11, 2025
Host/Author: Ballen Studios
Description: The Strange, Dark & Mysterious stories delivered in podcast format, with new episodes released twice a week.

Introduction to the Story

The episode titled "The Receipt" revolves around the brutal and mysterious murder of Karen and Jim Divelbliss in Lancaster, Ohio, and the subsequent investigation that unravels the dark motives behind the crime. The story is meticulously narrated by Mr. Ballin, who takes listeners through the events leading up to the murders, the discovery of the crime scene, and the intricate police investigation that follows.

Background: The Divelbliss Family

[00:00 – 02:30]

Karen Divelbliss, a 50-year-old woman, and her 71-year-old husband, Jim Divelbliss, were prominent figures in their small Ohio suburb of Lancaster, a friendly blue-collar town with a population of around 36,000. They were well-respected and known for their multiple rental properties and an electronics and hobby supplies store, DND Sales. Despite their wealth and generosity, Karen and Jim were perceived by many as an odd couple due to their significant age difference and contrasting personalities—Jim was reserved and quiet, while Karen was outgoing and talkative.

A Day in the Life

[02:30 – 12:00]

On the evening of Thursday, March 9, 2006, Karen and Jim were preparing for their routine evening activities. After ensuring their store was in order, Karen met her son, Jeremy Moore, an employee at DND Sales who had recently fallen into troubled behavior after an arrest for theft. Despite their strained relationship following Jeremy's issues, Karen maintained her support for him.

The couple then proceeded to their favorite bowling alley, Tiki Lanes, where they regularly participated in multiple bowling leagues and even employed a coach. They spent the evening enjoying casual games with friends, a testament to their active social life. By the end of the night, they were exhausted and headed home to their large brick house in a quiet, scenic rural area north of town.

The Discovery of the Crime

[12:00 – 19:00]

Roughly ten minutes after arriving home, Karen felt a presence behind her. A mysterious voice called out to her, prompting her to turn around. Simultaneously, Fred Pearafter Our first notable disturbance occurred at the moving truck rental company in Ohio on March 24, 2006, when an employee discovered cash tainted with blood—an unusual and alarming find.

Initial Investigation

[19:00 – 35:00]

A few days later, on Monday, March 13, Jeremy Moore, Karen’s son, grew concerned when he couldn't reach his mother over the weekend—a departure from their usual daily communications. Upon arriving at home, Jeremy found the front door unlocked, an unusual occurrence given their security systems. Inside, the house was in disarray: furniture overturned, papers scattered, and valuables missing. Most horrifyingly, in the bedroom, Jeremy discovered a bloodstained pool and the lifeless feet of his mother, indicating a brutal murder. Shortly after, another body was found in the basement—Jim Divelbliss had also been murdered.

Detective Scott Jones, a seasoned investigator with four years at the county sheriff's office, took charge of the case alongside his partner, Detective Andy Roberts. The initial assessment suggested a violent robbery gone wrong, but the lack of forced entry hinted at an insider or someone with access to the home.

Suspects on the Horizon

[35:00 – 55:00]

The investigation quickly focused on two primary suspects: Jeremy Moore and Deanna Smith, Karen’s former sister-in-law. Jeremy had a history of theft and stood to inherit a significant sum from his mother's will, presenting a clear motive. Deanna, who had been living in one of Karen's rental properties, had recently faced a rent increase due to her failure to fulfill cleaning obligations—an arrangement that had soured over time.

Detective Jones delved into Jeremy's background, uncovering his prior thefts and his suspicious behavior following the murders. An interview with Jeremy revealed his alibi was weak, but without concrete evidence, he remained a person of interest rather than a suspect. Concurrently, Deanna emerged as another person of interest due to her strained relationship with Karen and her affinity for jewelry, raising questions about potential motives tied to theft.

Breaking Leads and False Leads

[55:00 – 1:15:00]

As the investigation progressed, a significant lead emerged when an employee from a local moving company presented an itemized receipt for jewelry sold two days after the murders, attributed to Deanna Smith. However, upon verification by Karen's jeweler, the jewelry was confirmed not to belong to Karen, complicating the suspicion around Deanna. Despite the dismissal of this particular lead, Detective Jones remained convinced of a financial motive behind the murders.

The detectives continued to explore all avenues, including interviewing neighbors, friends, and employees of Karen and Jim. However, these interviews did not yield substantial new information, leading to a growing sense of frustration within the investigative team.

The Critical Breakthrough

[1:15:00 – 1:50:00]

Eleven days after the murders, Detective Jones received a pivotal tip from a moving company employee named Eric Hockman. During a routine cash count, Eric discovered cash payments from a customer that were smeared with blood—a direct link to the crime scene. The evidence pointed to Deanna Smith initially but was later dismissed when the jewelry was confirmed as not belonging to Karen.

This clue, however, redirected the investigation towards the handyman, Eric Hockman, who had a tumultuous relationship with Karen over unpaid work and perceived underpayment. Hockman, feeling betrayed by Karen and Jim's financial dealings, had a clear motive rooted in money and anger.

Resolution: The Culprits Revealed

[1:50:00 – End]

Further investigation uncovered that Eric Hockman had orchestrated the murders with his accomplice, Heidi Kidwell. Driven by financial grievances and the desire to seize valuable assets, Hockman meticulously planned the robbery. The critical mistake in the plan was the use of blood-tainted cash for purchasing a moving truck, which inadvertently led the police directly to their new address in Key Largo, Florida.

Upon arrest, Heidi pled guilty to conspiracy to commit murder and was sentenced to 15 years in prison, while Eric was convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to life without parole, alongside additional years for other related charges. The orchestrator who drove them to the crime scene was never identified or charged. Eric Hockman ultimately died by suicide in jail in 2019, while Heidi was released in 2020 and passed away two years later.

Conclusion and Reflections

[End – Closing Remarks]

Detective Jones and his team eventually pieced together the events leading to the tragic deaths of Karen and Jim Divelbliss. The case underscored the complexities of financial motives intertwined with personal grievances. Despite initial red herrings and false leads, persistent investigative work unearthed the truth behind the brutal crime.

Notable Quotes:

1. Mr. Ballin (Narrator) – [00:00]:
   "On the afternoon of March 24, 2006, an employee at a moving truck rental company in Ohio opened his desk drawer and grabbed a wad of cash."

2. Detective Jones – [35:00]:
   "If there's no forced entry, it means the killer had a key or was let in. Someone Karen or Jim trusted."

3. Detective Jones – [1:15:00]:
   "The undercover deal with Deanna almost led to a dead end, but then we found this blood-smeared cash. It was a turning point."

4. Mr. Ballin (Narrator) – [1:50:00]:
   "Eric and Heidi laid low for a few days after the murders, but their greed ultimately led to their downfall."

Key Takeaways

• Motive of Greed: The murders were driven by financial desperation and resentment over perceived financial injustices.

• Importance of Forensics: The blood-smeared cash was a critical piece of evidence that steered the investigation towards the true culprits.

• Persistence in Investigation: Detective Jones's relentless pursuit of truth, despite initial setbacks, was pivotal in solving the case.

Final Thoughts

"The Receipt" serves as a gripping tale of betrayal, greed, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Through meticulous storytelling, Mr. Ballin captures the intricate details of the investigation, highlighting the complexities law enforcement faces when unraveling such gruesome and personal crimes.

Listeners are left reflecting on the fragile nature of trust and the devastating consequences that can arise from unchecked greed and frustration.

For those intrigued by this chilling recount of real-life mystery and detective work, "The Receipt" offers an engrossing narrative that showcases the dark depths of human motivation and the unwavering dedication of those who seek the truth.