Paper Ghosts: The Texas Teen Murders
Episode 5: “Grace Doe: Shauna Garber”
Date: March 20, 2024
Host: M. William Phelps
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts
Episode Overview
This gripping episode dives into the haunting case of "Grace Doe," whose murdered remains were discovered near Anderson, Missouri in 1990. M. William Phelps and Ozarks-area detectives revisit the scene, explore the decades-long quest for her identity, and link potential suspects—including a notorious serial killer and a troubling new lead. The episode also illustrates the transformative impact of forensic genealogy, which finally gave Grace Doe her true name: Shauna Garber. Through interviews, case details, and personal accounts, the episode highlights the human impact of unsolved murders and the tireless dedication of those who work to restore victims’ voices.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Discovery of the Remains and Crime Scene Details
- Eyewitness account: Randy and Linda Grohler describe stumbling upon a skull and remains near their home after their dog dragged home bones (03:10).
"The Skull was detached from the body... She had tennis shoes on. There was glass cable around her neck. But her hands... the hands were tied to the rope. Looked like clothesline rope." – Randy Grohler (03:16)
- The emotional toll on the Grohlers, especially Linda, was significant; she required medication and doctor support to sleep after the discovery (03:56).
- The remains exhibited elaborate, multi-material bindings—clothesline rope, binder twine, electrical cord, paracord—prompting theories of signature elements and possible links to serial predation (16:53).
Early Investigative Challenges and Dead Ends
- Despite the body’s extensive dental work, identification efforts stalled for over 30 years. The case’s only hope seemed to be “by the grace of God”—inspiring the nickname “Grace Doe” (38:23).
- For years, Detective Laurie Howard could not even locate basic evidence or reports, reflecting the common struggles with unclaimed remains cases (39:45).
Revisiting the Crime Scene & Local Theories
- Phelps joins Detectives Laurie Howard and Rhonda Wise at the original location in 2023.
- They validate the site’s isolation and note its proximity to local homes and a nearby park, suggesting both opportunity and risk for the perpetrator (07:04–10:01).
- Speculation arises about a local truck driver—rumored in the community but seen as unlikely by the current detectives (10:41).
The Critical Halloween Night Scream
- A new witness emerges during the taping, confirming persistent rumors: multiple teens at a Halloween night party in 1993 heard a woman's terrified scream and a loud departing truck, previously dismissed as folklore (14:29–16:53).
"So it was a terrifying scream. Yeah. It wasn't... like they're playing volleyball or something. It was a shriek." – M. William Phelps (16:30)
Binding Materials and the BTK (Dennis Rader) Link
- The peculiar multi-layered bindings echo BTK’s “bind, torture, kill” signature, prompting the Osage County sheriff’s interest in linking Dennis Rader to the case (18:58–20:53).
"Early on, I would have been remiss if I had not said I have to see Dennis Rader, AKA BTK, because of the bindings. They're massive. It's overkill." – Detective Rhonda Wise (20:53)
- After personal interviews, detectives doubt BTK’s involvement, citing the lack of Rader’s usual meticulous organization and his dismissive response to photos of the scene (25:32).
"He literally almost had a look of disgust on his face. And it was. What he said was, that's overkill. I don't know why anybody would do that." – Detective Laurie Howard (25:38)
Emerging Suspect: "Jack Linney"
- Focus shifts to a new suspect, Jack Linney, with military background, history of harassment, and access to paracord—a rare item at the time (25:55–28:16, 31:38).
"He would come into Phillips there, where Dana worked and other females that worked there and make those comments to them." – Lieutenant Hunter Petrae (28:45)
- Linney’s ex-wife provided chilling details about his behavior, recalling him thoroughly cleaning a blood-stained car and failing a polygraph regarding another connection (35:21–36:11).
Challenges in Identification and Forensic Breakthroughs
- With no missing persons report or familial DNA, the case languished until the involvement of cutting-edge forensic genealogy.
- Detective Howard’s relentless efforts included extracting a molar for DNA and orchestrating a clandestine hospital scan for facial reconstruction, enlisting a Canadian forensics artist for free (44:15–47:37).
"I want to bring a skull and mandible into you of a deceased person, a homicide victim, and I'm asking you to take MRI photos... and give me some images for free." – Detective Rhonda Wise, recounting her request to a local hospital (45:55)
- The reconstruction, when complete, provided a breakthrough:
"One day I cut in... and it says, 'Lori, meet Grace.' And there she was, there's her face." – Detective Rhonda Wise (48:23)
Grace Doe Named: Shauna Garber
- In 2020–2021, DNA processed by Othram led to a definitive match: Grace Doe was Shauna Garber.
- Yet, her disappearance from public record as a young teen generated new questions and investigative challenges (49:06–50:35).
Shauna’s Tragic Background Revealed
- The episode closes with haunting details about Shauna’s life in foster care and a horrific act of abuse by her mother (51:05–51:18).
"Our mother poured lighting fluid on her... And lit a match." – Family member (51:05)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On encountering the remains:
"I tell you what it looked like if somebody had set a skull off a museum shelf on the ground. It was just as shiny as could be. Just as bleached out." – Randy Grohler (02:58)
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On the emotional impact:
"The part that bothered me for years was why somebody didn't report her missing." – Randy Grohler (04:30)
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On overcoming decades of obstacles:
"Couldn't find her. I couldn't find the evidence. I couldn't find skeletal remains. I didn't have a report. So essentially, I still just had a story years later, driving people absolutely crazy." – Detective Laurie Howard (39:45)
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On BTK’s reaction and exclusion:
"He literally almost had a look of disgust on his face. And it was. What he said was, that's overkill. I don't know why anybody would do that." – Detective Laurie Howard (25:38)
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On identifying Shauna Garber:
"By January 2021, Othram called the McDonald County Sheriff's Office. They had a match. Grace Doe is Shauna Garber." – M. William Phelps (49:06)
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On Shauna's tragic childhood:
"Our mother poured lighting fluid on her... And lit a match." – Family member (51:05)
Timestamps for Significant Segments
- 02:34: Grohlers discover remains and describe the scene
- 10:41: Community suspicions about a local trucker
- 14:29–16:53: New witness confirms Halloween night scream
- 16:53–18:58: Discussion of crime scene bindings and initial BTK connection
- 20:53–25:32: Investigators interview BTK; his reaction to Jane Doe’s bindings
- 25:55–36:11: Emerging focus on suspect Jack Linney; ex-wife’s testimony
- 39:45–42:00: Detective Howard recounts challenges in even finding evidence or remains
- 44:15–48:23: Facial reconstruction process; pivotal “meet Grace” moment
- 49:06–50:35: DNA breakthrough—Grace Doe is Shauna Garber
- 51:05–51:18: Shauna’s shocking childhood abuse revealed
Tone & Approach
The episode balances procedural detail with deep empathy for victims and their families. Phelps and detectives speak candidly and respectfully, blending determination, frustration, and raw humanity. The tone is serious, investigative, and emotionally resonant throughout.
Summary for New Listeners
This episode offers a comprehensive, emotionally charged narrative about the investigation into a woman's murder, the decades-long search for her identity, and the relentless efforts of law enforcement and forensic experts. It provides crucial context for understanding not just Shauna Garber’s tragic life and death, but also the evolving landscape of cold case investigation.