Murder: True Crime Stories Episode: UNSOLVED: The Library Murder Pt. 2
Host: Carter Roy
Release Date: February 11, 2025

Introduction to the Case

In this gripping second installment of the series on the unsolved murder of Betsy Aardsma, host Carter Roy delves deeper into the haunting case that has lingered for decades. Betsy, a 22-year-old graduate student, was brutally stabbed to death at Penn State University's Petit Library in November 1969. Her murder sent shockwaves through the community, leaving investigators and loved ones desperate for answers.

Original Investigation

Initially, the police focused on two primary suspects: Bill Spencer and Larry Moorer. Bill Spencer, a disgraced former art instructor, had made unsettling comments about how easy it would have been to murder Betsy, claiming, "I knew Betsy and that she had even posed nude for one of my sculptures. It would have been so easy to murder her" (00:06). However, it was soon revealed that Spencer didn't actually know Betsy, dismissing him as a serious contender.

Larry Moorer, a classmate of Betsy, was also scrutinized. Despite knowing Betsy and one of the key witnesses, Merrilee Erdley, Moorer was ultimately cleared when Merrilee identified that the assailant did not resemble him (05:03). These premature conclusions allowed another potential murderer to remain undetected.

Richard Hefner: A Potential Suspect

Decades later, citizen detectives Derek Sherwood and David De Kock reignited interest in the case, honing in on Richard Hefner as a prime suspect. Richard, born on December 13, 1943, was a gifted geology student with a promising academic career. Despite his accomplishments, Richard harbored dark tendencies that raised suspicions over time.

Richard's obsession with Betsy became evident through his persistent yet unreciprocated advances. Unlike Mary Kelling, who was repelled by Richard (14:08), Betsy was more accommodating, albeit clearly committed to her boyfriend, David Wright. Despite Betsy's attempts to maintain a platonic relationship, Richard's delusions led him to believe Betsy desired more.

Subsequent Behavior and Legal Troubles

Richard's behavior became increasingly erratic following Betsy's murder. On the night of November 28, 1969, Richard was seen at Professor Loren Wright's house shortly after Betsy was declared dead. Despite alibis provided by his mother, inconsistencies in his statements raised red flags. Richard's subsequent actions—from returning to the crime scene with a geology student in 1970 to multiple legal troubles involving allegations of molestation and assault—painted a troubling picture (16:21; 15:18).

One particularly disturbing incident occurred in 1975 when Richard's mother accused him directly of Betsy's murder during an argument overheard by his nephew, Chris. Despite these serious accusations, no formal charges were brought against Richard, allowing him to continue his unsettling behavior unchecked.

Richard's Death and Posthumous Investigation

Richard Hefner died in 2002 from a congenital heart defect while on a geology trip. His death, coupled with the discovery of disturbing items in his home by his nephew, only deepened the mystery surrounding Betsy's murder. Derek and David's investigation unearthed previously overlooked evidence, including the conversations Richard had and his suspicious presence at key locations related to the crime (16:55).

By 2005, Derek and David presented their findings to the authorities, solidifying Richard as the likely perpetrator. However, Richard's demise meant the case remained officially unsolved, with the hope that their investigation provides some form of closure for Betsy's family.

Conclusion and Community Impact

Mike Much, a state trooper who worked on the case in 1970, later acknowledged Richard as the probable murderer, stating, "I think you've got your man" (14:08). Despite the passage of time and the lack of official resolution, the efforts of Derek and David underscore the relentless pursuit of justice by true crime enthusiasts and citizen detectives.

The Aardsma family's silence speaks volumes about the enduring pain caused by the unresolved nature of the case. As Carter Roy concludes, while Betsy can never be brought back, the hope remains that acknowledgment of Richard's probable guilt offers some solace.

Notable Quotes

• Carter Roy (00:06): "People's lives are like a story. There's a beginning, a middle, and an end. But you don't always know which part you're on."
• Richard Hefner (15:18): "I was in love with her."
• Mike Much (14:08): "I think you've got your man."

Final Thoughts

This episode masterfully intertwines the historical investigation with modern-day detective work, highlighting the impact of technology and dedicated individuals in uncovering long-buried truths. For those intrigued by the complexities of unsolved crimes and the human stories behind them, "UNSOLVED: The Library Murder Pt. 2" offers a compelling narrative that underscores the enduring quest for justice.