#559 - Be My Baby - Keokuk, Iowa - Small Town Murder

Transcript

James Petregallo (0:02)

Hey everybody. Just gonna take a quick break from the show and tell you a little bit about Rocket Money. You want to save money?

Jimmy Wissman (0:08)

Always.

James Petregallo (0:09)

This is what it's about. They found a subscription of mine that I paid for for years. You know how angry I was? I was equally as angry at that as I was happy that Rocket Money found it. Like it was. Like, thank you for saving me. It was. It's excellent. And that's what Rocket Money is. It's awesome. Rocket Money is a personal finance app that helps find and cancel your unwanted subscriptions, monitors your spending and helps lower your bills so you can grow your savings. You can't beat it. See all of your subscriptions in one place. You know where all your money's going. Create a personalized budget you can do too. It tracks all your expenses. You get alerts if bills increase in price. Rocket Money has over 5 million users and has saved a total of $500 million in canceled subscriptions, saving members up to $740 a year when using all the app's premium features. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money. Go to RocketMoney.com SmallTown Murder today. That's RocketMoney.com SmallTown Murder RocketMoney.com SmallTownMurder.

Jimmy Wissman (1:18)

Now back to the show. Thumbtack presents the ins and outs of caring for your home. Out uncertainties, self doubt, stressing about not knowing where to start.

James Petregallo (1:29)

In plans and guides that make it.

Jimmy Wissman (1:31)

Easy to get home projects done.

James Petregallo (1:34)

Out word art.

Jimmy Wissman (1:35)

Sorry. Live laugh lovers in knowing what to.

James Petregallo (1:39)

Do, when to do it and who to hire.

Jimmy Wissman (1:41)

Start caring for your home with confidence.

James Petregallo (1:44)

Download Thumbtack today. What if you could learn from the world's best all in one place? You can with Masterclass. With Masterclass you can learn from the best to become your best. Masterclass is the only streaming platform where you can learn and grow with over 200 plus of the world's best. And you can access Masterclass on your phone, computer, smart TV or even in audio mode. Confidently navigate the media with influential intellectual Noam Chomsky. Use science to solve your problems with Bill Nye or or learn from the past with Pulitzer Prize winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. And the classes really do make a difference. 88% of members feel that Masterclass has made a positive impact on their lives. Plus every new membership comes with a 30 day money back guarantee. Don't wait another moment to start your learning journey with Masterclass. Masterclass always has great offers during the holidays, sometimes up to as much as 50% off, head over to Masterclass.com Wondery for the current offer. That's up to 50% off at@masterclass.com Wondery this week in Keokuk, Iowa, an insane plot is uncovered after a man smells something coming from his basement and his wife has quite the tale to tell. Welcome to Small Town Murder. Hello everybody and welcome back to Small Town Murder.

Summary

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.

If you enjoyed this summary, consider subscribing to Small Town Murder on your favorite podcast platform and support the hosts on Patreon for exclusive bonus content.