Podcast Summary: Small Town Murder – Episode #559: "Be My Baby – Keokuk, Iowa"
Release Date: January 9, 2025
Hosts: James Pietragallo & Jimmie Whisman
Introduction
In episode #559 of Small Town Murder, hosts James Pietragallo and Jimmie Whisman delve into a perplexing and chilling case from Keokuk, Iowa. Celebrating their extensive repertoire of over a thousand true crime episodes, the duo combines meticulous research with their signature comedic flair to unpack a murder that has left a small community reeling.
Background on Keokuk, Iowa
Keokuk, Iowa, often dubbed the "Gate City" due to its strategic location by the Mississippi River, boasts a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. Founded by John Jacob Astor of the American Fur Company, the town grew amidst steamboat traffic and fur trading. Notable figures include Orion Clemens, Mark Twain's brother, and the eccentric Howard Hughes, who hails from Keokuk.
Despite its historical charm, Keokuk grapples with modern challenges. With a population of approximately 10,000, the town exhibits a higher-than-average crime rate:
- Property Crime: Nearly double the national average
- Violent Crime: Also almost double the national rate
Economic indicators paint a mixed picture:
- Median Household Income: $44,770 (significantly below the national average)
- Housing Costs: Exceptionally low, with median home prices around $81,800
James humorously critiques the local infrastructure, noting, “[...] when one of the features of your town is the Walmart, that says a lot there.”
The Disappearance of Teresa Lynn Lund
On August 28, 1996, Teresa Lynn Lund vanished under mysterious circumstances. Last seen dropping her three children off at school at 7:30 AM, Lund failed to return home. Her car was later discovered in a grocery store parking lot; curiously, her purse and checkbook were found inside, but her car seat was missing—a glaring inconsistency given her routine with a newborn.
Teresa’s mother, Velva Green, immediately reported her missing, activating an investigation that initially pointed suspicion toward Teresa’s husband, Terry Bell—a crane operator frequently traveling to Gary, Indiana. Despite an inconclusive polygraph test at [46:05], Terry provided a solid alibi, being confirmed at work during the time of Teresa's disappearance, thereby clearing him of immediate suspicion.
Introduction to Kimmy Hardy
Enter Kimmy Lynn Hardy, Teresa's acquaintance and the wife of Robert Hardy, Teresa’s baby's biological father. Kimmy's background is marred by deceit:
- Marital History: Five marriages by the age of 36
- Pattern of Faked Pregnancies: Allegedly concealed due to a prior tubal ligation in 1984 aimed at preventing further pregnancies
Kimmy's desperation to have another child seems to stem from an obsessive desire, especially after medical procedures rendered her infertile. Her manipulative tendencies are encapsulated in her interactions, such as convincing friends that her pregnancies were genuine despite her medical history.
The Investigation
As Terry Bell's alibi solidified, attention shifted to Kimmy Hardy. Police uncovered alarming evidence suggesting Kimmy had lured Teresa to her home:
- Gun Ownership: Kimmy possessed a .380 caliber handgun, later identified as the murder weapon
- Faked Baby Circumstances: Claims of purchasing Teresa's baby from a supposed drug dealer, Anthony Matrana, who was later revealed to be a nonexistent figure outside of loitering in Keokuk
Kimmy's intricate web of lies included:
- Alleged Arrangement: Purchasing the baby for $3,000, later altered to $1,500 plus firearms
- Inconsistent Testimonies: Varying accounts of how she acquired Teresa's baby and disposed of the body
At [122:02], James summarizes the oddity: “She stole a mother to take her child. That’s crazy.”
The Trial
The trial in Lee County, housed in a historic 1889 courthouse adorned with marble wainscoting, was a dramatic affair:
- Jury Selection: Challenging due to the small-town dynamics, with many jurors personally acquainted with Kimmy
- Prosecution’s Case: Presented overwhelming physical evidence, including:
- Matching Curtains: Bath and shower curtains linked to the crime scene
- DNA Evidence: Soil stains matching Teresa’s DNA characteristics
- Ballistics: The .380 handgun matched the bullets found in Teresa's skull
Kimmy's defense hinged on:
- Insanity Claims: Psychiatric evaluations deemed her sane
- Alleged Conspiracy: Claims that all testimonies against her were fabricated as part of a larger conspiracy involving Anthony Matrana
Noteworthy moment at [147:16]: Prosecutor Bruce McDonald states, “The idea of killing a mother to get the child is something that touches a universal nerve.”
Despite defense efforts to sow doubt, the consistency and weight of the prosecution’s evidence were insurmountable.
Verdict and Aftermath
After a grueling six-hour deliberation, the jury found Kimmy Hardy guilty on multiple counts:
- First-Degree Murder
- Second-Degree Kidnapping
- Child Stealing
At [156:59], James captures the gravity: “You couldn’t kill people and steal their babies. That's crazy.”
Sentencing:
- Kimmy Hardy: Life without parole plus 25 years
- Robert Hardy: Pled guilty to related charges, receiving 10 years in prison
The community of Keokuk grappled with the realization that beneath its quaint exterior lurked such heinous acts. The trial drew significant media attention, challenging the town's self-image and impacting local businesses and tourism.
At [162:03], James reflects, “She stole a mother to take her child. That’s crazy.”
Conclusion
Episode #559 of Small Town Murder masterfully intertwines the unsettling details of Teresa Lund’s disappearance with the tangled, deceptive actions of Kimmy Hardy. Hosts James and Jimmy navigate the complexities of small-town dynamics, legal intricacies, and human psychology, all while injecting moments of levity into an otherwise dark narrative.
For listeners seeking more gripping true crime tales with a comedic twist, this episode stands out as a testament to the often hidden horrors within seemingly peaceful communities.
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