The Deck Investigates: Episode 14 – "If Not Him, Then Who?"

Host: Audiochuck
Description: Season 2 continues to unravel the mysterious disappearance of Ada Haradine from her Elkhart, Indiana home in May 1985. Episode 14, titled "If Not Him, Then Who?", delves into the labyrinth of suspects and leads that have emerged over decades, striving to bring clarity to this enduring cold case.

Introduction

Episode 14 focuses on exploring alternative suspects in Ada Haradine's disappearance after the initial suspect was seemingly cleared. Host Ashley Flowers collaborates with retired Detective Dave Gizzi to examine overlooked leads and question the thoroughness of the original investigation.

Revisiting Initial Suspects: Gene and Doug

Gene, a 51-year-old neighbor with a direct view of the Harrodynes' home, became a person of interest following a tip from a church member who observed him acting suspiciously on the day Ada disappeared.

• Gene's Behavior:
  “Gene seemed nervous and evasive and that he was unusually inquisitive about the case,” (03:45) Flowers notes, highlighting inconsistencies in his initial statements.

• Doug’s Testimony:
  Years later, Gene’s son, Doug, vehemently denied any involvement, stating, “Gene was the most caring, loving, honest man you would ever meet” (04:10).

Despite suspicions, the investigation into Gene and Doug did not yield substantial evidence linking them to Ada's disappearance.

Exploring New Leads: Daniel Real and James

Daniel Real remains a peripheral figure with scant information available. The podcast shifts focus to James, another potential suspect introduced by Connie, the former housekeeper.

• Criminogenic Behavior:
  James had a history of attempted sexual assault ("James had been accused of trying to sexually assault a young woman," 07:30).

• Interviews and Statements:
  Despite his troubling background, James consistently denied any connection to the Harrodynes, claiming ignorance about Ada and dismissing links to the family (09:15).

• Closure:
  James passed away in 2018, leaving unresolved questions and limiting further investigation (09:45).

The Danny Riehl (Bob Handshu) Connection

Danny Riehl, also known as Bob Handshu, emerges as a significant suspect due to his extensive criminal history, including burglary and allegations of child molestation.

• Criminal Record:
  “Bob had been arrested and/or convicted on everything from rape to assault and battery,” (12:00) Flowers summarizes his extensive and troubling background.

• Connection to Ada:
  Bob worked at Camp Belleau Wood, near the area where Ada's remains were found. Additionally, Ada used to take her son horseback riding at the camp (14:30).

• Final Years and Death:
  In 1990, Bob was killed during a scuffle with law enforcement, further complicating the investigation as he could not be interrogated about Ada's case (17:00).

Dean Letterman: A Mysterious Figure

Dean Letterman appears in Ada's handwriting with an address that investigators could not verify.

• Investigation Difficulties:
  The name and address linked to Dean did not correspond to any known individual or location, rendering this lead dead-end (19:05).

• Potential Identities:
  Two possible Deans were identified posthumously, neither of whom had violent crime histories that would directly connect them to Ada's disappearance (20:30).

Terry: The Overlooked Suspect

Terry, initially the primary suspect, presented inconsistent statements throughout the investigation.

• Inconsistencies Noted:
  “Terry's wildly inconsistent statements... are troubling,” (26:00) Flowers points out, questioning the reliance on polygraph results that ultimately dismissed him as a suspect.

• Recent Attempts to Reconnect:
  In efforts to gain more insight, Flowers and her team reached out to Terry, who remained hesitant to share information, further obscuring his potential involvement (38:00).

Steve Haradine: The Primary Suspect Re-examined

Steve Haradine, Ada's husband, has long been under suspicion due to his proximity to the crime scene and contradictory alibis.

• Family Defense:
  Steve's children vehemently defend his innocence, emphasizing his character and devotion to the family (52:00).

• Stakeout and Observations:
  Flowers and Detective Gizzi conducted a stakeout on the anniversary of Ada's disappearance, reacquainting themselves with the crime scene and reaffirming suspicions surrounding Steve's alibi (45:00).

Investigation Challenges and Family Dynamics

The podcast highlights several systemic issues that hindered the investigation:

• Conflict of Interest:
  Detective Larry Sarhat, family member by marriage, was deeply involved in the investigation, potentially compromising impartiality (55:00).

• Resource Limitations:
  Cass County's law enforcement faced significant staffing and funding challenges, lacking a dedicated cold case unit, which impeded the progression of the investigation (56:30).

Family Statements and Community Impact

Ada's family and extended community have been deeply affected by her disappearance:

• Written Statements:
  Steve's children provided heartfelt statements defending their father, asserting his innocence and character, which underscores the emotional toll on the family (53:00).

• Community Rumors:
  Persistent rumors and unverified claims about Steve’s involvement have perpetuated community distrust and hindered resolution (58:00).

Conclusion and Current Status

Nearly four decades later, Ada Haradine's case remains unsolved, burdened by unresolved leads, deceased suspects, and institutional shortcomings. Despite the challenges, renewed interest and recent tips—though scant—offer a glimmer of hope for eventual closure.

• Final Reflections:
  “Someone stepped up to the plate, but whether it will lead to answers remains to be seen,” (67:00) Flowers reflects, emphasizing the importance of continued community engagement and investigative perseverance.

• Ongoing Efforts:
  Detective Gizzi, even in retirement, remains committed to the case, symbolizing unwavering dedication to justice for Ada Haradine (68:00).

Notable Quotes

• Detective Dave Gizzi (03:45):
  “Gene seemed nervous and evasive and that he was unusually inquisitive about the case.”

• Doug Haradine (04:10):
  “Gene was the most caring, loving, honest man you would ever meet.”

• Kelly from Camp Belleau Wood (31:13):
  “She probably got what she deserved.”

• Detective Dave Gizzi (36:02):
  “He took it very, very personal. I know that.”

• Steve Haradine's Children (52:00):
  “We believe a person's true character is revealed in their darkest times.”

• Detective Dave Gizzi (59:16):
  “Every witness has some amount of bias, you know, and some of it's a lot, some of it's minimal, but that's just part of the mix.”

Final Thoughts

Episode 14 of "The Deck Investigates" meticulously dissects the tangled web surrounding Ada Haradine's disappearance, presenting a compelling narrative of perseverance amidst procedural flaws and emotional turmoil. As the search for truth continues, the podcast underscores the enduring quest for justice and the profound impact of unsolved cases on families and communities alike.

For more detailed insights and updates on this case, listeners are encouraged to follow "The Deck Investigates" and contribute any newfound information to the Michiana Crime Stoppers.