Murder With My Husband - Episode 269: A Body, A Wallet, and a Web of Lies - The Murder of Bob Eidman
Release Date: May 19, 2025
Hosts: Peyton Moreland & Garrett Moreland
Produced by: OH NO MEDIA
Introduction
In Episode 269 of Murder With My Husband, hosts Peyton and Garrett Moreland delve into the intriguing and tragic case of Bob Eidman, an insurance agent whose life was brutally cut short in his St. Charles, Missouri office. This episode meticulously examines the circumstances surrounding Bob's murder, the ensuing investigation, and the unraveling of secrets that ultimately led to justice.
The Murder of Bob Eidman
The episode begins by setting the scene in the tranquil suburban town of St. Charles, Missouri—a community where “everyone knows everyone” and violent crimes are rare. On a sunny Friday morning in June 2007, Bob Eidman, a 48-year-old insurance agent, faced a horrifying end.
[09:00] Peyton Moreland: “People have secrets, but sometimes those secrets become the key to unraveling a murder mystery.”
Bob arrived at his office as usual, only to be met by a mail carrier who later reported seeing an assailant and finding Bob lying motionless with multiple gunshot wounds. The precise nature of Bob's injuries—three close-range bullets, including a fatal shot through his eye—indicated a targeted attack rather than a random act of violence.
Initial Investigation and Suspicions
As the investigation commenced, several peculiarities emerged. Notably, Bob's wallet was missing—a rare occurrence since he always kept it in his back pocket. Moreover, the office drawer that typically held his cash contained a mere $200, much less than expected. These inconsistencies led detectives to ponder whether robbery was the motive. However, the absence of forced entry suggested otherwise.
[12:02] Garrett Moreland: “Could Bob have taken a hit out on his own life? Was suicide a possibility?”
The police also considered that Bob was three months away from potentially shutting down his struggling business, adding financial stress to the list of possible motives.
Diane Eidman: The Suspect
Diane Eidman, Bob's wife, naturally became a person of interest early in the investigation. Several factors contributed to this suspicion:
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Financial Struggles: Diane confirmed that their business was faltering, aligning with the police’s theory of a potential motive.
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Family History: Diane disclosed to a detective a dark family history—her mother, Lenore, was acquitted for the murder of Diane’s father under suspicious circumstances in 1984.
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Contradictory Behavior: Witnesses noted that Diane appeared unusually calm and unemotional upon learning of Bob’s murder.
[21:00] Garrett Moreland: “It's always Diane when it comes to suspects, but is that really fair?”
Despite these red flags, Diane passed a polygraph test inconclusively, leaving her guilt unresolved.
Unveiling Bob’s Secret Life
The investigation took a significant turn when police analyzed Bob’s computer, revealing his interactions on homosexual hookup websites. This discovery led to the revelation of Bob’s secret romantic relationship with Drew Smith, a man living three hours away. Their affair was more than just online communication; they had met in person multiple times, indicating a serious relationship that Bob intended to make public.
[27:05] Peyton Moreland: “Bob and Drew were deeply in love, but Drew had a solid alibi, eliminating him as a suspect.”
This revelation shifted the focus back to Diane, who had discovered Bob's affair by accessing his emails. Her knowledge of Bob's double life further intensified suspicions regarding her potential involvement in his murder.
Breakthrough: DNA Evidence
Two years following Bob's murder, a pivotal breakthrough occurred. DNA extracted from the area where Bob's wallet was missing matched Paul White, a client of Bob's insurance business. Further investigation linked Paul to Cleo Hines, the owner of a white Ford Focus seen near the crime scene on the morning of the murder.
[29:24] Peyton Moreland: “This DNA match was the break the police needed to identify the real culprits.”
Despite initial denials, Paul White’s criminal history and connection to Bob's business made him a prime suspect. However, it wasn’t until a crashed car revealed both Bob’s business card and linked Paul directly to Cleo that the case began to close.
Arrests and Confessions
Under mounting pressure, Cleo Hines eventually confessed to assisting in the robbery that led to Bob's murder, claiming he was coerced by Paul White. Paul himself confessed to the crime, detailing how financial desperation from gambling losses led him and Cleo to target Bob. They demanded cash from Bob, secured $300, and, feeling threatened when Bob couldn’t provide more, shot him multiple times.
[37:22] Peyton Moreland: “Paul and Cleo stole not just money, but Bob’s life and privacy.”
Their confessions provided a clear motive—financial desperation and the desire to exploit Bob’s business practices that involved keeping cash on hand.
Trial and Sentencing
Paul White and Cleo Hines were both charged with first-degree murder and first-degree robbery. Paul pled not guilty but was swiftly convicted and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Cleo opted for an Alford plea, acknowledging the evidence against him without admitting guilt, resulting in a lesser charge of second-degree murder with first-degree robbery and a life sentence with the possibility of parole.
[38:21] Garrett Moreland: “They figured out who did it thanks to diligent police work and that crucial touch DNA evidence.”
Conclusion: The True Motive
The case of Bob Eidman underscores how sometimes, the truth is buried in the most straightforward motives rather than the complex web of personal secrets that often distract investigations. While Diane Eidman initially stood as a suspect due to circumstantial evidence and family history, the reality was a desperate robbery gone fatally wrong.
[41:28] Peyton Moreland: “Bob and his family lost more than just money—they lost his privacy and, most tragically, his life.”
This episode highlights the importance of thorough and unbiased investigative work, reminding listeners that the most apparent suspects are not always the true culprits.
Final Thoughts
Murder With My Husband Episode 269 expertly navigates the intricacies of a true crime case, balancing the exploration of personal lives with the pursuit of factual evidence. Through detailed storytelling and insightful analysis, Peyton and Garrett Moreland provide a compelling narrative that both engages and informs, ensuring that justice, albeit delayed, was ultimately served for Bob Eidman.
Notable Quotes:
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[09:00] Peyton Moreland:
“People have secrets, but sometimes those secrets become the key to unraveling a murder mystery.” -
[21:00] Garrett Moreland:
“It's always Diane when it comes to suspects, but is that really fair?” -
[27:05] Peyton Moreland:
“Bob and Drew were deeply in love, but Drew had a solid alibi, eliminating him as a suspect.” -
[37:22] Peyton Moreland:
“Paul and Cleo stole not just money, but Bob’s life and privacy.” -
[41:28] Peyton Moreland:
“Bob and his family lost more than just money—they lost his privacy and, most tragically, his life.”
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Episode 269, providing listeners with a clear and engaging overview of the case, enriched with direct quotes and structured sections to facilitate understanding.