Murder: True Crime Stories – A Crime House Holiday Episode

Case: MURDERED: Mary Ann Clibbery
Hosts: Morgan Absher & Kaelyn Moore (from Clues)
Release Date: December 22, 2025

Episode Overview

This special holiday episode explores the 2004 murder of Mary Ann Clibbery, co-owner of a cabinetry showroom in Loves Park, Illinois. Just days before Christmas, Marianne was found brutally slain in her workplace. What initially looked like a robbery soon pointed to something much closer to home, with evidence surfacing of financial betrayal, staged crime scenes, and even attempted poisoning. The episode meticulously dissects the investigation, forensics, and the personal drama behind the headlines.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mary Ann Clibbery’s Background (06:02–07:44)

• Born in 1935, Mary Ann overcame a challenging childhood in Chicago projects.
• Loyal, hardworking, and deeply involved with her cabinetry business, Al Zulo Remodeling Specialists.
• Described by her long-term boyfriend, Gene Sundeen, as "his life, his love."
• Gained a reputation as a generous boss and pillar of her local community.

2. Discovery of the Crime (07:44–09:53)

• Mary Ann was found dead by business partner George Hansen and employee Randy Baxter on December 22, 2004.
• Multiple severe blows to her head, blood-splattered office, but few valuables missing.
• No signs of forced entry suggested the killer may have been familiar with the premises.
• Blood analysis indicated the victim was attacked twice with some interval between.

3. Initial Suspects and Early Investigation (09:53–11:43)

• Authorities considered Kevin Doyle, a recently fired and disgruntled employee, as a primary suspect.
• Doyle had uncorroborated alibi but soon tried to insert himself back into the business, raising suspicions.
• Meanwhile, investigators received a crucial tip about items found in a black garbage bag near a bridge.

4. Crucial Breakthroughs – The Evidence Under the Bridge (11:43–16:46)

• Bag under Roscoe Road Bridge contained: Mary Ann's purse and ID, a bloody hammer (suspected murder weapon), cardigan, and gloves.
• Forensics: Blood on sweater and gloves matched Mary Ann’s, with DNA from multiple staffers—common due to shared office attire.
• Three fingerprints and a palm print on the bag identified as George Hansen’s, but not on the hammer.
• A witness saw a white SUV with vanity plates “ZULO 51” crossing the bridge—matching George’s vehicle.

Quote:

• Kaelyn Moore on connecting the evidence:
  “The idea of committing a crime using your car when you have vanity plates... is audacious. Come on, George.” (17:14)

5. Uncovering Motive – Financial Crimes (17:43–21:36)

• Mary Ann received complaints from suppliers; discovered payments hadn’t been made.
• She uncovered George was embezzling from the business, to the tune of $100,000 ($170,000 today).
• George’s additional scam: charging company for building supplies for personal use.
• George stood to gain $150,000 in life insurance upon Mary Ann’s death—a compelling financial motive.

6. The Poisoning Attempt (21:36–23:26)

• Mary Ann noticed symptoms (sleepiness, illness) after consuming food/drinks at work.
• She confided fears of being poisoned to her doctor and boyfriend after noticing pink substances in her coffee (prepared by George).
• Lab analysis after her death confirmed traces of Zolpidem (Ambien) in her mug.
• Investigation traced the pills to George’s sister, who supplied him monthly.

Quote:

• Morgan Absher reacting:
  “Marianne’s intuition was right. Coffee mug did get analyzed, and the toxicology report found that there were traces of Zolpidem.” (22:15)

7. The Fatal Confrontation and George's Arrest (23:26–25:20)

• Mary Ann confronted George with evidence, demanding restitution or threatening police action.
• Prosecutors believe George killed her that night, then fabricated an alibi involving his granddaughter and a tanning salon.
• George arrested at a local pub after police surveillance. Confessed to disposing of evidence over the bridge and appeared unemotional upon arrest.

8. Trial and Conviction (25:40–32:27)

• Bail denied; several witnesses expressed fear for their safety.
• Prosecution: George killed Mary Ann to silence her as a witness to his embezzlement.
• George’s defense: Claimed he found the body, panicked, and disposed of items because "they’d think I did it."
• Prosecution dismantled his story through cross-examination, highlighting his calculated actions (e.g., didn’t call police, let another employee ‘find’ body).
• Forensic testimony: Minimum four to five hammer blows. DNA and blood patterns linked key evidence to George and the crime scene.
• Witnesses placed George near the bridge at critical times.
• Jury conviction within three hours; George sentenced to 60 years in prison.

Notable Quotes:

• George Hansen in court:
  “My first thought was, who would do something like this? And then I thought, they're going to think I did it. I thought, I—I’ve got to get my stuff out of here.” (29:01)
• Prosecutor (during bail hearing):
  “This is a man who was interested in murdering her to eliminate her as a potential witness against him... It would be a concern that he would become desperate again.” (25:52)

9. Aftermath and Unanswered Questions (32:37–35:16)

• George serving sentence; few recent updates.
• New revelations: George previously linked to other fraud schemes and even a potential connection to an unsolved murder of a key witness in another case.
• George's son, Todd, also served prison time for related fraud.

10. Discussion: Poisoner Profile and Broader Themes (35:16–37:27)

• Hosts compare George’s actions to classic poisoners’ psychology—repeat offenders, manipulation, difficulty of detection.
• Note that men are most frequent poisoners in raw numbers, though poisoning is proportionally more common among female killers.
• Explores the insidiousness of poison as a murder weapon and the hurdles victims face advocating for themselves.

Quotes and Insights:

• Kaelyn on poisoners:
  “Poisoners often are repeat offenders. They're often people who poison someone once and get a total God complex over it and feel like they can just keep poisoning because a lot of times it's not detected...” (35:29)
• Morgan:
  “If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck...” (37:52)

11. Remembering Mary Ann Clibbery (38:07–39:44)

• Mary Ann was deeply loved and involved: Red Hat Society, local events, and charitable groups.
• Described as the “rock and glue of the family”—caring, dedicated, and ethical.
• Courageously pursued justice and honesty in her business—even at personal risk.

Quote:

• Morgan:
  “She really seemed like such an incredible person... She lit up a room and always wanted to be involved in the community.” (38:07)
• Kaelyn:
  “She was still no nonsense. She knew what was right and she was going to follow through with that 100%.” (39:19)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 06:02 – Mary Ann’s background and business history
• 07:44 – Crime discovery and initial reactions
• 09:53 – Early suspects and bag on the bridge
• 13:55 – Forensics of recovered items; fingerprints
• 17:14 – The white SUV and George’s connection
• 21:36 – Evidence of poisoning and drug trace
• 23:26 – The confrontation and George’s arrest
• 25:52 – The bail hearing and prosecution's address
• 29:01 – George’s testimony and defense
• 32:16 – Trial verdict and sentencing
• 34:45 – George's involvement in other crimes
• 35:16 – Discussion on poisonings and criminal patterns
• 38:07 – Mary Ann’s life, legacy, and character

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On Forensic Breakthrough:
  "They discovered three distinct fingerprints and one palm print... They belonged to George Hansen." – Morgan (14:46)

• On Financial Motive:
  “George had stolen up to $100,000… and also had a fraudulent side business… Al Zulos appears to be in danger of bankruptcy.” – Morgan (19:41)

• Reflecting on Mary Ann:
  “She was the rock and glue of the family. Our central point for contact.” – Morgan, on Mary Ann’s daughter’s court testimony (38:46)

Episode Tone & Style

• Conversational, empathetic, but investigative.
• Deep respect for the victim and her community role.
• Balanced attention to legal, forensic, and psychological aspects of the case.
• Hosts often interject personal reactions, audience questions, and true crime insights, fostering a sense of involvement and reflection.

Conclusion – Takeaways

The murder of Mary Ann Clibbery was a devastating betrayal rooted in greed and desperation. The investigation underscores the value of forensic science, community vigilance, and a victim’s own advocacy for herself. While justice was served, the case also spotlights the perils of financial crime, the dangers of workplace trust, and the darker nuances of poison as a murder weapon.

Mary Ann is remembered as a force of integrity and compassion—her legacy carried on by the community she so deeply touched.