True Crime Obsessed - Episode 410: Keith Morrison Presents: Who is Donnie Rudd?

Release Date: January 14, 2025

Introduction

In episode 410 of True Crime Obsessed, hosts Jillian Benzavalli and Patrick Hines delve into the enigmatic and dark history of Donnie Rudd, a figure whose life is marred by manipulation, abuse, and multiple murders. Presented alongside insights from investigative journalist Keith Morrison, this episode uncovers the layers of Donnie's deceitful actions and the profound impact on his family and victims.

Background on Donnie Rudd

Donnie Rudd, a once-prominent patent attorney from Chicago, is depicted as a highly intelligent but deeply flawed individual. Born in 1942 in a small Texas town, Donnie's early life was characterized by academic competitiveness with his twin brother, Ronnie. Their parents, both educators, played significant roles in shaping their competitive nature, but as they grew older, the brothers drifted apart, leading to a strained relationship.

Notable Quote:

“They were very competitive. I think that was a plus, not a minus, because we played off of each other in the competition. We both had our IQ tested a number of times.” —Noreen Rudd [03:59]

Timeline of Events

1973: The Tragic Car Accident

The episode begins on September 14, 1973, detailing a night when Donnie and his wife, Noreen, were involved in a seemingly accidental car crash. Donnie was driving a 1972 Ford Pinto, a model later recalled for safety issues, including doors that jammed shut during accidents.

Key Points:

• Accident Details: Donnie claims he swerved to avoid an oncoming car, causing Noreen to be thrown from the vehicle. “And he says that he runs over to her where she... had banged a rock.” —Loretta Bakke [04:07]

• Suspicious Circumstances: The Ford Pinto's known defects raise questions about the legitimacy of Donnie's account. Moreover, police later became skeptical of his story, suggesting potential foul play.

Notable Quote:

“Donnie didn’t even know the bullshit lie he was telling. But we know now.” —Patrick Hines [05:37]

Formation of the School Board and Family Dynamics

Post-accident, Donnie's involvement in the school board led to a close-knit friendship between his family and Diane Bakke's family. This bond, however, sowed the seeds for future conflicts as both Donnie and Diane left their respective families to marry each other, creating a toxic environment for their children.

Key Points:

• Marriage Dynamics: Donnie and Diane swap families, leading to a confusing and abusive living arrangement for the children.

• Abusive Behavior: Donnie exhibits childish yet abusive behaviors, such as gluing windows shut and smashing TVs with a sledgehammer, escalating the tension within the household.

Notable Quote:

“They’re very intertwined. Imagine you’re a couple, and you have four kids, and your best friend is another couple with four kids... and then suddenly there’s a literal wife swap.” —Patrick Hines [19:04]

1991: Murder of Loretta Bakke

The narrative takes a dark turn in April 1991 with the brutal murder of Loretta Bakke, Diane's daughter. Found shot multiple times, Loretta was Donnie's client in a legal dispute, raising immediate suspicions about his involvement.

Key Points:

• Murder Scene: Loretta was discovered with four gunshot wounds to the head. Witnesses reported seeing Donnie's car at the scene, marked with his distinctive "Mr. Condo" vanity plates.

• Donnie's Defense: As a lawyer, Donnie adeptly manipulates the situation, presenting himself as a victim of an assassination attempt. However, inconsistencies in his story and lack of evidence point towards his culpability.

Notable Quote:

“It was a total insurance scam. Diane knew about it, and she was completely in on it.” —Jillian Benzavalli [21:02]

Investigation and Exhumation

Years later, in 2012, renewed interest in Loretta's case leads to the exhumation of Noreen Rudd's body. The autopsy reveals blunt force trauma, contradicting the initial cause of death as an accident. This pivotal discovery shifts the investigation towards homicide, implicating Donnie directly.

Key Points:

• Changed Autopsy Results: The re-examination of Noreen's death classified it as homicide, providing substantial evidence against Donnie.

• Financial Motive: Donnie received a significant life insurance payout following Noreen's death, further suggesting a financial motive for murder.

Notable Quote:

“Now, the cops are tailing Donnie. They're trying to figure out how to get him.” —Patrick Hines [42:10]

Conviction and Death

Despite his attempts to evade justice, including fleeing to Texas and manipulating legal systems, Donnie is eventually arrested for Loretta's murder. In 2013, at the age of 73, Donnie is convicted and sentenced to 75 to 150 years in prison. Four years later, he dies in custody, bringing an end to his reign of terror.

Key Points:

• Final Arrest: Subpoenas and mounting evidence lead to his arrest. However, Donnie's tactics delay his conviction.

• Legacy of Abuse: The episode highlights the lasting trauma inflicted on his children and victims, emphasizing the destructive nature of Donnie's actions.

Notable Quote:

“Donnie’s a lawyer, okay? So the cops are at his house within an hour of finding Loretta’s body.” —Patrick Hines [43:30]

Discussion on Donnie's Personality and Actions

Throughout the episode, Donnie Rudd is portrayed as a master manipulator who uses his intelligence and legal expertise to deceive those around him. His pattern of creating false narratives, abusing those in his life, and evading accountability paints a picture of a deeply troubled and dangerous individual.

Notable Quotes:

“You want to tell people what your IQ is to be an insufferable asshole at the cocktail party.” —Patrick Hines [14:56]

“He’s been doing the same shit he always said, being like, I don’t actually have the $800,000, but how’s like, 10 grand? Like, from his own money.” —Jillian Benzavalli [44:31]

Family Impact and Reactions

Donnie's actions have a profound and devastating impact on his family. His abusive behavior and manipulative tactics create an environment of fear and mistrust. The children, caught in the crossfire, struggle to reconcile their perceptions of their parents with the harsh realities of Donnie's deceit.

Key Points:

• Children's Stand: The daughters, particularly Lori and Cindy, become vocal opponents of Donnie, seeking justice for Loretta and questioning their mother's complicity.

• Emotional Toll: Diane's diagnosis and subsequent actions reflect the emotional and psychological strain imposed by Donnie's abusive behavior.

Notable Quote:

“It makes me so sad for the kids because she's taking the sleeping pills and then, like, hanging out with her daughter, hoping that her daughter's gonna notice that something is wrong.” —Patrick Hines [38:32]

Conclusion and Updates

The episode concludes with the conviction of Donnie Rudd, providing closure to the harrowing tale of manipulation and murder. The hosts celebrate justice served, emphasizing the resilience of the victims' families and the importance of perseverance in true crime investigations.

Notable Quote:

“Honestly, the world is a better place without him because every. He left disaster and death and horrifying shit in his wake. So good.” —Patrick Hines [64:16]

Final Thoughts

True Crime Obsessed Episode 410 offers a comprehensive and gripping exploration of Donnie Rudd's life of deceit and violence. Through detailed storytelling and the inclusion of investigative insights from Keith Morrison, the hosts shed light on how intelligence can be twisted into a tool for manipulation and harm. This episode serves as a sobering reminder of the depths of human depravity and the enduring quest for justice.

Disclaimer: The events and characters described in this summary are based on the provided transcript for the podcast episode and are intended for informational purposes only.