MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories – Episode: Unsolved (April 3, 2025)

In this gripping episode of the MrBallen Podcast, hosted by Ballen Studios, listeners are immersed in two perplexing and haunting unsolved cases that continue to baffle investigators and intrigue true crime enthusiasts alike. Titled "Unsolved," the episode delves deep into the mysterious disappearances and deaths of Cullen Finnerty and Cindy Hack, presenting detailed narratives filled with eerie coincidences, unanswered questions, and lingering suspicions.

1. The Quarterback: The Mysterious Disappearance of Cullen Finnerty

Initial Success and Unfulfilled Promises

Cullen Finnerty, a towering figure at 6 foot 2 and 240 pounds, was celebrated as one of the most formidable college quarterbacks in history. From 2002 to 2006, Cullen led his team to three national championships and earned the title of Division 2 Player of the Decade. His relentless determination and willingness to endure pain made him both a hero to his teammates and a source of frustration for his coaches.

Transition to a Fractured Professional Career

Despite his collegiate prowess, Cullen's professional career was short-lived. After brief stints with the Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos, he ventured to Europe to continue playing football. However, his success waned, leading him to join a minor indoor arena football league. It was during this period, around 2009, that Cullen met Jennifer, an all-state volleyball player, and began building a seemingly stable life together in Michigan.

The Fateful Fishing Trip

On May 26, 2013, Cullen, Jennifer, and their two children embarked on a Memorial Day weekend fishing trip along the Baldwin River in Michigan. The weekend was idyllic until Cullen decided to go fishing alone on his newly acquired pontoon boat for an additional 30 to 45 minutes. Before departing, he assured his family he'd call when he needed to be picked up.

The Mysterious Phone Call and Subsequent Disappearance

At 09:27pm, Jennifer received a frantic call from Cullen:

"I'm being followed by two men in the tree line. I'm out on the water on my pontoon..."
(07:27)

Cullen's distressed voice was uncharacteristic of the tough quarterback, prompting Jennifer to call 911. Attempts to reach Cullen by other family members only added to the confusion, as Cullen's movements, as triangulated by his cell phone, were erratic and inconsistent. The pontoon boat was later found beached with an oar missing, but Cullen was nowhere to be seen.

Discovery and Unanswered Questions

Forty-eight hours after his disappearance, Cullen's body was found less than half a mile from a paved road, seated in a peculiar position with minimal physical trauma. The autopsy revealed he died of pneumonia caused by inhaling his vomit, leading many to speculate about his mental state:

"Many people believe Cullen's death was the result of a traumatic brain injury caused by all the years of playing football and getting hit in the head..."
(12:50)

The inconsistencies in his final moments—such as his unusual statement about removing his clothes and the absence of signs indicating self-harm—left the case shrouded in mystery. Questions lingered about the possibility of foul play versus a tragic end brought on by mental instability.

2. Waking Nightmare: Cindy Hack's Ordeal with a Violent Stalker

Escaping an Abusive Marriage

In 1982, Cindy Hack divorced her husband Roy, a psychiatrist, and began a new life in Vancouver, Canada. Initially, Cindy felt a sense of relief and happiness, but this was short-lived as her waking nightmare began.

The Onslaught of Haunting Incidents

Starting with a threatening phone call on October 7, 1982, Cindy received multiple calls from an unknown assailant who explicitly threatened her. The harassment escalated with broken windows, feathers scattered throughout her home, dead cats, and ominous notes made from newspaper clippings. Cindy's attempts to seek help were met with skepticism from the police, who doubted the legitimacy of her claims.

Developing Relationship with Officer Pat McBride

An officer named Pat McBride took an interest in Cindy's case, offering daily check-ins and eventually moving into her home to provide protection. However, shortly after his arrival, Cindy's phone lines were cut, and more unsettling events unfolded:

"Because this house is on fire."
(22:15)

Despite Pat's presence, the harassment continued whenever the police officers were not monitoring her property.

Investigation and Theories

Cindy hired a private detective, Ozzy Caban, who installed advanced security measures in her home. In January 1984, Cindy was found in a distressing state, tied up with a black nylon stocking around her neck, and later died from an overdose of morphine and other drugs. The police concluded it was a suicide, citing that Cindy had staged the events based on knot-tying analysis and the absence of evidence tying her to the injection:

"The police brought in a knot expert who concluded… it had to have been self-inflicted."
(35:10)

Discrepancies and Unresolved Mysteries

Several inconsistencies cast doubt on the official ruling:

• Absence of the Needle: No needle was found near Cindy's body or her car, despite the presence of an injection mark.
• Clean Feet and Missing Footwear: Cindy's bare feet showed no signs of walking a mile and a half to her discovery site.
• Delayed Discovery: It took two weeks to locate Cindy's body near an abandoned property, despite the area being frequented.

Alternative Theories

Some believe Cindy was indeed stalked and that her death was the result of foul play, potentially involving her ex-husband or the police officer Pat McBride. Others speculate about Cindy suffering from Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), where one of her personalities might have been responsible for the attacks and her eventual demise.

"The most bizarre and fascinating theory… one of Cindy's personalities was effectively stalking herself."
(34:50)

Final Outcome

To this day, Cindy Hack's death remains officially classified as a suicide, but the numerous unanswered questions and conflicting evidence continue to fuel debate and suspicion among true crime aficionados.

Conclusion

The "Unsolved" episode of the MrBallen Podcast masterfully weaves two intricate and haunting narratives, leaving listeners both captivated and contemplative. Cullen Finnerty's tragic end and Cindy Hack's mysterious death underscore the profound complexities and often unresolved nature of unsolved cases. Through detailed storytelling and thoughtful analysis, the episode invites listeners to ponder the thin line between reality and mystery, making it a must-listen for those fascinated by the strange, dark, and mysterious.

Notable Quotes from the Episode:

• Cullen Finnerty's Teary Wedding Moment:

  "He was shaking and crying at the altar because he was so nervous and excited about marrying Jennifer."
  (05:30)

• Jennifer on Cullen's Fear:

  "This beast of a man, this tough football player, he didn't get scared."
  (10:15)

• Police Officer's Dismissive Attitude:

  "They continue to believe Cindy was staging these events because of her delusions."
  (30:45)

• Private Investigator Ozzy Caban's Determination:

  "I didn't believe Cindy was physically capable of injecting herself in the area where the needle had entered her body."
  (36:10)

Author's Note: The stories presented in this episode are based on true events. To protect the privacy of those involved, pseudonyms are used, and some details have been fictionalized for dramatic effect.

Stay tuned for more intriguing and spine-chilling episodes of the MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories. Follow us on Amazon Music or your preferred podcast platform to delve deeper into the unknown.