Podcast Summary: Small Town Murder - Episode #543: "Baby Faced Killer - Menoken, North Dakota"

Hosts: James Pietragallo and Jimmy Whisman
Release Date: [Not Provided]

Introduction

In Episode #543 of Small Town Murder, hosts James Pietragallo and Jimmy Whisman delve into the tragic and perplexing case of Ronald Neugebauer and his family's brutal murder in Menoken, North Dakota. This episode combines meticulous research, chilling storytelling, and the hosts' signature comedic flair to explore the complexities of small-town dynamics and the horrifying events that unfolded.

Background of Menoken, North Dakota

Menoken, a diminutive town in Burleigh County, North Dakota, boasts a population of approximately 72 residents. The town's history is marked by numerous name changes, reflecting its evolving identity:

• 1873: Founded as 17th Siding, a name quickly deemed the worst imaginable.
• Renamed to Blaine: In honor of James G. Blaine, a U.S. Senator from Maine.
• Later renamed Clark's Farm: After local farmer C.J. Clark, following community disapproval of the previous name.
• Final Renaming to Menoken: Derived from an Indigenous name in 1883, despite the Northern Pacific Railroad's preference for non-Indigenous names, leading to the station being named Burley.

Demographics and Community Life:

• Population: 72 residents, predominantly white (96.3%) with minimal racial diversity.
• Median Age: 47.8 years, indicating an older population with few young residents.
• Economic Indicators:
  • Median Household Income: $86,250 annually, significantly higher than the national average of 69%.
  • Unemployment Rate: Low at 4%, aligning with national figures.
  • Cost of Living: Slightly below the national average at 95.2.
• Community Features: Limited but includes a variety of restaurants, bars, and community events like the annual Apple Fest, which features local foods, live music, and family-friendly activities.

The Neugebauer Family

Ronald Neugebauer (Born 1948):
A 44-year-old farmer who has lived on the family homestead for three generations. Ronald serves as an elected member of the local school board, making him a well-known figure in the tightly-knit community.

Maureen Sherman (Ronald’s Wife):
Maureen, born to Ivan and Gladys Sherman, is four years Ronald’s junior. She works as a secretary at the University of Mary in Bismarck. The couple has three children:

• Michelle (16): A junior at Century High School and member of the prep choir.
• Michael David Neugebauer (15): A sophomore at Bismarck High School, responsible and involved in school activities like football.
• Ryan (12): A seventh grader at Monacn Grade School, known for his cheerful demeanor and love for sports.

Family Dynamics and Abuse

The Neugebauer household is portrayed as having underlying tensions:

• Ronald’s Temperament: Ronald is described as having a notorious temper, leading to frequent family conflicts. His inability to manage anger results in domestic strife, particularly over household chores and farm responsibilities.
• Maureen’s Struggles: Maureen attempts to gain independence by renting an apartment in 1991 but eventually reconciles with Ronald by Christmas of the same year, only for tensions to resurface shortly thereafter.

Allegations of Abuse:

• Michael’s Abuse: Michael is reported to have suffered physical abuse from Ronald and sexual abuse from his sister, Michelle. These traumatic experiences contribute to his deteriorating mental state.
• Impact on Children: Michael’s abuse profoundly affects his behavior, leading to isolation and eventual confrontation with his father.

The Murder Event

On January 26, 1992, at approximately 11:30 PM, Michael Neugebauer perpetrates a gruesome massacre within the Neugebauer family home:

• Victims:
  • Ronald Neugebauer: Shot three times (neck, back, thigh).
  • Maureen Neugebauer: Shot twice in the back while assisting Ronald.
  • Michelle Neugebauer: Two gunshot wounds in the back of the head while attempting to escape.
  • Ryan Neugebauer: Shot twice in the back while hiding in his room.
• Method: Michael used a .35 caliber Remington automatic rifle, allegedly part of Ronald’s extensive gun collection. Approximately 11 rounds were fired, with meticulous lethality indicative of premeditation.
• Aftermath: Michael fled the scene in his mother's 1981 Pontiac Grand Prix but was apprehended shortly thereafter in Sarasota, Florida.

Investigation and Capture

Initial Absence and Search:

• Ronald reports hearing gunshots and screams from the trailer, prompting concern when Michael does not return from school.
• Search Efforts: Maureen and her daughter Michelle, along with an 18-year-old friend, conduct a search and eventually locate Michael at Prairie Public Bingo. However, Michael's erratic behavior leads to his immediate restraint by police upon arrival.

Runaway and Manhunt:

• Michael, accompanied by his girlfriend Jackie, attempts to escape, leading to a nationwide manhunt.
• Location of Capture: Michael is found in a motel in Sarasota, Florida, where discrepancies in registration details and suspicious behavior (e.g., carrying cash) raise red flags. Upon police intervention, Michael is apprehended without violent resistance but remains a high-risk individual due to the nature of his crimes.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Trial and Plea Deal:

• Age and Jurisdiction: At 15, Michael’s case sparked debate over whether he should be tried as an adult or within the juvenile system.
• Plea Bargain: Eventually, Michael pled guilty to avoid the possibility of multiple life sentences. The plea deal resulted in a life sentence with eligibility for parole after 30 years, a controversial outcome given the severity of his crimes.

Prosecutorial Perspective:

• Burden of Proof and Costs: Prosecutors justified the plea deal by highlighting the high costs of a potential trial and the uncertainty of achieving a guilty verdict, despite the strong evidence against Michael.
• Final Stance: Assistant State’s Attorney Patricia Burke expressed dissatisfaction with the plea arrangement, asserting that it undermined the gravity of the murders and the pursuit of full justice for the victims.

Psychological and Community Impact

Psychological Evaluation and Motives:

• Michael admitted to suffering physical and sexual abuse at the hands of his father and sister, though the prosecution contested the extent and impact of this abuse.
• Mental State: Experts debated whether Michael exhibited signs of PTSD or dissociative disorders, which could influence his culpability and sentencing.

Community Reaction:

• Grief and Shock: The murders shook the small community, leaving residents grappling with the loss of a family and the realization that such violence could occur even in the most tight-knit of settings.
• Memorial Services: Numerous community members attended memorials, underscoring the profound loss and the close-knit nature of Menoken.

Support and Rehabilitation Efforts:

• Jackie’s Role: Despite her involvement, Jackie was classified as a runaway and not charged, highlighting the complex interplay between victimization and culpability in the aftermath of the murders.
• Family Advocacy: Michael’s aunt advocated for his rehabilitation and sentence reduction, emphasizing his potential for change, though her efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.

Aftermath and Current Status

Life in Prison:

• Since his sentencing, Michael has made multiple attempts to escape, leading to his transfer to maximum-security facilities. His behavior in prison, including disciplinary issues and further escape attempts, has cemented his status as a high-risk inmate.
• Legal Challenges: Ongoing appeals and motions for sentence reduction continue to emerge, though with little success in altering his life sentence.

Legacy of the Case:

• The Neugebauer murders remain a haunting reminder of the fragility of familial bonds and the devastating impact of unchecked abuse and mental health issues within isolated communities.

Conclusion

Episode #543 of Small Town Murder offers a harrowing exploration of the Neugebauer family tragedy in Menoken, North Dakota. Through detailed narrative and incisive analysis, hosts James Pietragallo and Jimmy Whisman shed light on the intricate web of family dynamics, abuse, and the ensuing legal battles that define this dark chapter in small-town history. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the profound consequences that can arise from unresolved familial conflicts and the challenges faced by legal systems in addressing juvenile offenders involved in severe crimes.

Notable Quotes:

• James Pietragallo [07:31]: "Race in this town, 96.3% white and 3.8% two or more races. That's it. Okay."
• Jimmy Whisman [37:11]: "Maureen borrowed $2,500 from her parents not to buy a classic car, but instead to get an apartment in Bismarck."
• Patricia Burke [159:07]: "Any one of you $2,000 guys out there that would accept this money and see this guy, you just need better kids."
• Michael Neugebauer [148:35]: "I was abused physically and sexually for years, and I just never said anything about it to anybody. I know I did it."

Timestamp Highlight:

• [37:10]: Michael's girlfriend, Jackie, describes the abuse and her attempts to seek help, highlighting the depth of the family trauma that preceded the murders.
• [138:11]: Michael reflects on his actions: "I hate what I did and how it hurt so many people."

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