True Crime All The Time – Episode 485: Linda Slaten
April 2, 2026
Hosts: Mike Ferguson & Mike Gibson

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the 1981 murder of Linda Slaten, a devoted single mother found sexually assaulted and strangled in her Lakeland, Florida apartment while her sons slept nearby. The hosts, Mike Ferguson and Mike Gibson (“Gibby”), detail the decades-long search for her killer, how the case went cold, and the incredible breakthrough made nearly 40 years later through genetic genealogy. The episode explores themes of family trauma, the transformative role of DNA in solving cold cases, and the shocking revelation of a trusted figure as the perpetrator.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introducing the Case & Context

• The hosts quickly dive into the case, skipping their typical Sunday intro rituals.
• Linda Slaten, born in 1950, married young and endured an abusive relationship before becoming a single mother, raising two sons, Jeff and Tim.
• Linda struggled financially but was remembered as a selfless, loving parent.

"The only thing on her mind all the time was just me and my brother and taking care of us." — Tim (07:59)

2. Linda’s Personality and Vulnerability

• Linda was described as sociable and “way too trusting,” sometimes picking up hitchhikers, reflecting a more innocent (but dangerous) time.
• She was in a healthier relationship right before her death.

3. Events Leading Up to the Murder

• September 3, 1981: The day before her murder, Linda argued with her son Jeff, who left home upset but reconciled with her by midnight.
• Linda enjoyed an evening card party with Tim and neighbors; a striking moment surfaced when someone's palm reading warned her she’d “live a short life.” (16:16)

4. The Crime

• On the morning of September 4, 1981, Linda was found strangled with a wire coat hanger; her sister Judy discovered the body via the bedroom window after Linda failed to answer the door.
• DNA and a palm print were collected, but 1981 technology limited their use.

"Judy recalled to 48 Hours: 'She was laying crossways on the bed... at first I thought maybe she was asleep, and then I just started screaming.'" (21:37)

5. The Aftermath and Impact on the Family

• Immediate suspicion fell on Linda’s ex-husband, her current boyfriend, her sons, and Jeff’s football coach, but no evidence was forthcoming.
• Jeff and Tim, traumatized and stigmatized by police suspicion, endured intense interviews and polygraph tests.
• The brothers’ grief and survivor’s guilt were lifelong struggles.

"Jeff told 48 Hours: 'I would have died that night trying to save my mom... How could you not hear something like that?'" (37:09)

6. Investigation Stalls and Cold Case Realities

• Police ran out of leads, and the case went cold for decades.
• The hosts discuss the emotional toll on both families and law enforcement.

"How hard are some of these cold cases to work on?... Some of these cold case detectives end up retiring with a large number of them still unsolved. And that has to be frustrating." — Mike Ferguson (47:51)

7. DNA Advances & Genetic Genealogy Breakthrough

• In the late ‘90s, detective Brad Grice persisted, sending evidence for updated DNA analysis.
• Despite regular database searches and a promising (but false) lead involving another criminal, no match was found for years.

2019 – The Turning Point

• Genetic genealogist CeCe Moore uploaded the DNA to GEDmatch, narrowed it to one family, and—stunningly—in a weekend, identified the killer as Joseph Mills, Tim’s former football coach.
• Mills’ palm print matched the crime scene.

"CeCe Moore got involved... After decades of no answers, Moore identified the suspect in just one weekend." — Mike Ferguson (51:05)

8. The Arrest and Shocking Confession

• Mills, now 58, had lived quietly with a family and business, maintaining ties to the community.
• Police retrieved his DNA from discarded medical tape; it matched the crime scene.
• When confronted, Mills claimed Linda had invited him for “a good time” and described a consensual encounter—contradicted by all evidence.

"He claimed that Linda asked him to engage in wild sex... But that's the whole thing, right? People changing their stories." — Mike Ferguson (58:12)

• Investigators believed he snuck in through the window while the boys were out, hid in the closet, and attacked when Linda returned.

9. Revelation and Family Response

• The shock was profound: Tim had continued interacting with Mills—his coach/father figure—even after the murder.
• At Mills’ sentencing, the family confronted him, expressing deep hatred, pain, and a desire for true justice.

"I hate you. You can't die and burn in hell fast enough for me." — Jeff, to Mills (62:54)

"I trusted this man. He was the last person in my brain I thought was gonna do it." — Tim (61:14)

• Mills offered no remorse, still claiming he wasn’t “that person.”

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On trauma and survivor’s guilt:
  “I would have died that night trying to save my mom. I mean, we’re right there in the house. How could you not hear something like that?” — Jeff (37:09)

• First hint from genetic genealogy:
  “CeCe Moore got involved… Moore identified the suspect in just one weekend.” — Mike Ferguson (51:05)

• On the family’s confrontation in court: “I hate you. You can’t die and burn in hell fast enough for me.” — Jeff to Mills (62:54)
  “I hope when you’re in prison, things happen to you. Bad things. I saw the crime scene. I saw what you did. And then you act like my friend. I rode in the car with you.” — Tim (63:08)

• On betrayal:
  “Tim noted that Mills continued driving him home from football after the murder, saying, ‘I trusted this man. He was the last person in my brain I thought was gonna do it.’” (61:14)

• Mills’ lack of accountability:
  “I’m a good person. I’m not that person that they’re painting me out to be.” — Joseph Mills, in court (65:11)

Important Segments & Timestamps

• Case introduction & family background: 02:28 – 09:49
• Events before the murder: 13:38 – 20:10
• Discovery & initial investigation: 20:10 – 27:20
• Cold case challenges: 31:40 – 47:29
• Genetic genealogy breakthrough: 50:39 – 55:01
• Arrest, confrontation, and sentencing: 56:17 – 64:41

Conclusion & Final Reflections

The episode underscores both the terror and resilience of surviving family members as they waited decades for answers. The hosts praise advances in forensic science, particularly genetic genealogy, as transformative for justice in cold cases, while lamenting the pain caused by a perpetrator hidden in plain sight. The emotional testimony of Linda’s sons and the chilling lack of remorse from Mills leave a lasting impact.

“The fact that he spent, what. Whatever it was, 40 years living his life and having kids and grandkids and all that while, you know, their life went sideways.” — Mike Ferguson (67:17)

The episode is a stark reminder that behind every cold case lies a trail of shattered lives—and that sometimes, the murderer is the last person anyone would suspect.