True Crime Garage: "Stolen: The Angie Houseman Story /// Part 1 ///" – Detailed Summary

Introduction

In this gripping first part of the two-part series, hosts Nic and the Captain delve into the harrowing true crime case of Angie Houseman, a nine-year-old girl whose disappearance in 1993 sent shockwaves through the St. Louis community. The episode meticulously outlines the timeline of events, the investigation's complexities, and the lingering questions that continue to haunt the case.

Background of Angie Houseman

Angie Houseman was a bright and outgoing fourth-grader at Butter Elementary School in St. Ann, Missouri, a quiet suburb of St. Louis. Known for her cheerful demeanor and quick ability to make friends, Angie was considered a beloved member of her community. On November 18, 1993, Angie embarked on her usual routine of walking home from school, unaware that her life was about to take a tragic turn.

Timeline of Events

The day Angie disappeared began like any other. On a typical Thursday afternoon, Angie packed her backpack and boarded the school bus. She was dropped off at the usual bus stop on Wright Avenue around 3:50 to 3:52 PM. Normally, parents would watch the children walk home, but unusually, two parents were preoccupied and failed to supervise that day.

At approximately 5 PM, Angie's stepfather, Ron Bone, returned home from work to find Angie missing along with her backpack. According to Nick, "Kids in the neighborhood did not recall seeing where Angie went. And one thing they do recall when being asked that, I mean, she wasn't with anybody" (05:58).

Ron and Angie's mother, Diana, immediately began searching the neighborhood, knocking on doors and asking neighbors if they had seen her. By around 6 PM, after finding no trace of Angie, they flagged down a St. Ann patrol officer to report her missing. This swift response was crucial, but as Nick points out, "This was a small amount of time, but the abductor had some time to move" (14:29).

Details of the Crime Scene

Two days later, on November 27, 1993, Angie’s body was tragically discovered in the August Anheuser Busch Wildlife Area. A deer hunter found Angie tied to a tree about 90 feet from the road. Her body showed signs of severe abuse, including being handcuffed with duct tape covering most of her face, and she had a deep cut on her thigh and multiple cuts on her wrists. Notably, the duct tape was not her own, and the handcuffs were identified as novelty items, not standard police restraints.

The detective involved explained, “She was in bad shape when she was placed there,” emphasizing the brutality Angie endured (48:40). The autopsy revealed that Angie likely died of hypothermia, with additional injuries from sexual assault, beatings, and starvation.

Investigation Efforts

The investigation swiftly became a major case, involving local law enforcement and the FBI. Nick elaborates, “This was only the second time in history that the major case squad came in to work a case without a body. So this is all hands on deck situation” (35:13). The police canvassed the area, questioned neighbors, and followed up on numerous leads, including a prior attempted abduction in Maryland Heights a week before Angie’s disappearance.

Despite intensive efforts, the case remained unsolved for years. The presence of handcuffs and duct tape suggested that Angie was likely still alive when she was moved, but reconstruction of her injuries indicated prolonged abuse. Investigators explored various theories, including the possibility of the abductor following the bus route, given the brief window of time between her being dropped off and her disappearance.

Theories and Lingering Questions

One of the perplexing aspects discussed is the unusual nature of Angie's restraints. The use of novelty handcuffs and duct tape indicated a level of premeditation and cruelty. Nic pondered, “They wouldn't tie the jeans to the handcuffs like that. I think that that is more of an indicator that the person or persons knew that she was still alive” (52:33).

Another point of discussion was a 13-year-old boy who, during a Thanksgiving parade broadcast, claimed in a dream to have seen Angie tied to a tree. While this account was dismissed as a mere coincidence, it added another layer of mystery to the case.

Community Impact and Emotional Toll

The community’s reaction was one of fear and disbelief. Nick remarked on the tight-knit nature of the St. Ann neighborhood, highlighting how suddenly everything changed, transforming a place of safety into one marred by tragedy. The emotional toll on Angie’s family was palpable, with her parents enduring sleepless nights and relentless anguish over their missing daughter.

Conclusion

Part one of "Stolen: The Angie Houseman Story" sets the stage for a deep and disturbing exploration of a case that remains unsolved decades later. The hosts effectively convey the fear, frustration, and relentless pursuit of justice by those closest to Angie. With detailed timelines, investigative insights, and poignant quotes, the episode leaves listeners eager for part two, where they hope to uncover more clues and perhaps shed light on the mysterious disappearance and death of Angie Houseman.

Notable Quotes

• Investigator: “[04:06] I can't tell you where I was, but I can remember being just sick, just sick...”

• Nick: “[05:58] Kids in the neighborhood did not recall seeing where Angie went...”

• Detective: “[48:40] She was in bad shape when she was placed there...”

• Nic: “[52:33] They wouldn't tie the jeans to the handcuffs like that...”

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the first part of the Angie Houseman case as discussed in the "True Crime Garage" podcast, providing listeners with a clear and engaging overview of the tragic events and ongoing mystery surrounding her disappearance.