The Deck: Ada Haradine (3 of Clubs, Indiana) - Episode Summary
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Deck
- Host/Author: audiochuck
- Episode: Ada Haradine (3 of Clubs, Indiana)
- Release Date: October 4, 2024
Introduction
In this gripping episode of The Deck, host audiochuck delves into the mysterious disappearance of Ada Haradine, a seemingly unassuming woman from Elkhart, Indiana. Through interviews with neighbors, family members, and investigators, the episode unpacks the eerie circumstances surrounding Ada’s vanishing and the subsequent quest for answers that remains unresolved to this day.
Background: A Quiet Life Interrupted
Ada Haradine was described by those who knew her as a quiet woman living a peaceful life in a serene neighborhood. A neighbor recalls, “Lived a quiet life in a quiet neighborhood with her family” (00:05). This tranquility was abruptly shattered on May Day in 1985.
The Disappearance: A Day Without Answers
On a warm May day, Ada’s life took a tragic turn. At 3:10 PM, as shared by Ada's family member, “she opened the mailbox and there was a ski magazine that had come” (00:41). Shortly after, by 3:20 PM, she was gone. A neighbor noted the oddness of Ada’s sudden absence: “I saw her in the backyard, I talked to her across the fence. Just seemed so out of whack” (00:57). The peaceful Elkhart neighborhood, known for its high property values and influential residents, was unprepared for such a disappearance.
Investigation: Seeking the Unseen
The initial investigation revealed little. An investigator pointed out, “Everything was as it's supposed to be. A purse was there, all of all of those things. Nothing to indicate that there had been any sort of a crime or struggle there” (01:19). Detective insights further complicated the case. One detective reflected, “We hadn't been there too long when the main detective from the Elkhart Police Department came in immediately... they probably had an argument and she just went off someplace” (01:31), a conclusion that the team found implausible about Ada's character.
The lack of direction was palpable. As the investigator admitted, “Our problem was we didn't have any idea what had happened to her other than she wasn't there” (02:13). Days into the investigation, a neighbor disclosed, “We don't have any good suspects in this case” (02:20), highlighting the frustration and uncertainty faced by those trying to uncover the truth.
Family and Community: Grief and Hope
Ada’s family grappled with the unknown. A family member poignantly shared, “I think part of you always thinks you're gonna see her again until somebody tells you you're not” (02:50). The community, too, was left in disbelief. A neighbor expressed, “Nobody's seen anything... it was a high dollar neighborhood. A lot of influential people lived there” (00:57), emphasizing the unexpected nature of the disappearance in such a well-off area.
Discovery and Lingering Questions
Three years later, Ada's remains were discovered 10 miles away in a densely wooded area. This finding, while providing closure, only deepened the mystery. Questions about Ada’s final moments remained unresolved. An investigator mused, “The noise in the house has always bothered me... whatever happened, happened” (03:10). Another neighbor raised critical observations about the state in which Ada was found: “Her, if she had clothing, where's her belt buckle, where's the eyelets on the shoes, where's the buttons?” (03:30), suggesting that Ada may have been found without any clothing.
The investigation uncovered unsettling realities about Ada's life and hinted at potential untold stories. A family member reflected, “I always thought we were a perfect family... Nobody's perfect. No family is perfect” (03:53), indicating that beneath the surface, there may have been underlying issues.
Unresolved Mysteries and Reflections
Despite the passage of years and continued investigation efforts, Ada Haradine’s case remains unsolved. An investigator bluntly stated, “Obviously, it's still unsolved, but again, all we can do is try” (04:09). This sentiment underscores the enduring mystery and the challenges faced by those seeking answers.
However, skepticism about the investigation's efficacy was voiced by a skeptic: “Well, I think it's wasted effort. Not ever” (04:16). In contrast, the host affirmed the importance of perseverance: “In my experience, digging in and asking questions has never been a wasted effort” (04:21).
Conclusion: A Call for Justice
The episode concludes by emphasizing the ongoing commitment to uncovering the truth behind Ada Haradine’s disappearance. Despite the lack of resolution, the collective efforts of investigators, family, and the community continue to strive for justice. Ada’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the unresolved cases that still linger, hoping that someone out there may hold the key to finally bringing her peace.
Stay Tuned: Season two of The Deck Investigates promises to delve deeper into other cold cases. Follow the show to ensure you don’t miss new episodes released every Friday.
Timecode References:
- 00:05: Witness/Neighbor about Ada’s quiet life
- 00:41: Ada’s family member describes the morning of her disappearance
- 00:57: Neighbor discusses the day Ada went missing
- 01:19: Investigator on the initial crime scene
- 01:31: Detective’s first impressions
- 02:13: Investigator on the lack of direction in the case
- 02:20: Neighbor on lack of suspects
- 02:50: Family member on receiving news of Ada’s remains
- 03:10: Investigator on lingering questions
- 03:30: Neighbor on the state Ada was found in
- 03:53: Family member reflects on family dynamics
- 04:09: Investigator on the case remaining unsolved
- 04:16: Skeptic’s viewpoint
- 04:21: Narrator’s response to skepticism
- 04:26: Host’s closing remarks
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting the emotional depth, investigative challenges, and enduring mystery surrounding Ada Haradine’s disappearance. Through firsthand accounts and expert insights, The Deck paints a vivid picture of a case that continues to haunt those connected to it.