Murder in the Heartland

Murder in the Heartland

Murder in the Heartland is your podcast for small-town American crime. Each episode is told through the collective point-of-view of a Middle American town and its residents, and every story documents a town and people in the heart of the country, and the provocative crime that tore through it. The townspeople are not only the storytellers, but they also hold the clues to the crimes that have forever changed their lives, and how they understand their home. 



Also, go back and listen to episodes of Hot & Deadly. Featuring some of ID’s most salacious stories against the backdrop of coast-to-coast wetlands, the open road, and the mysteries of the deep South, Hot & Deadly is direct audio from three hit ID series: Swamp Murders, Highway To Hell, and Southern Fried Homicide. 


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Episodes

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Killer in the Casino

17 Sep 2026
85-

The Gravel Pit Murders

This episode explores the tragic double murder of Bob and Norma Bean, successful trucking company owners in Howard City, Michigan. After their bodies were discovered in a local gravel pit, the community was left in shock as investigators worked to uncover the motives behind the violent crime. The investigation followed the elimination of the victims' daughter as a suspect and led to a manhunt for individuals matching a specific description. The search eventually resulted in the identification and arrest of Tim Steffen and Bobby Fisk, whose conflicting confessions and eventual guilty pleas brought a close to the case, though the emotional impact on the family and community remains profound.

10 Sep 2026
83-

Last Shift at Pirates Cove

This episode explores the disappearance of Emily Murray from Gambier, Ohio, and the subsequent investigation that uncovered a series of grim discoveries. Following her final shift at Pirate's Cove, investigators looked into various theories ranging from kidnapping to personal connections within the small college town. The search eventually led to the discovery of Emily's body and vehicle in a trailer, alongside a second set of human remains on the same property. The investigation into these findings, including the discovery of victim Gregory Julius in a cistern, shifted focus toward Greg McKnight, ultimately revealing the actions of a serial killer and leaving a lasting impact on the community.

03 Sep 2026
81-

An Unfaithful Truth

This episode explores the tragic murder of James Nibbe in Lake Crystal, Minnesota. Following a violent crime scene that left James dead and his wife Jennifer assaulted, investigators initially struggled to find a motive, as there was no evidence of forced entry or robbery. The investigation expanded to examine Jennifer's past relationships and financial motives, including the discovery of a new life insurance policy. The case reached a resolution when detectives arrested Jennifer, leading to her confession that she shot her husband and staged the crime scene.

27 Aug 2026
80-

Orders of Protection

This episode investigates the disappearance of Rusty and Becky Porter from Willard, Missouri, beginning with the unsettling discovery of a home smelling of bleach and showing signs of a struggle. Investigators initially explored various motives, including drug debts and conflicts with family members like Rusty's uncle, Bob Campbell. The investigation eventually led to a breakthrough via a jailhouse snitch, uncovering the couple's remains in an abandoned cabin. The case concluded with Philip Friend's confession regarding his father Tony's involvement in the execution-style murders, revealing that Robert Campbell orchestrated the killings for $100,000.

20 Aug 2026