Omaha Double Murder #2

[ShowerSinger]

This case has taken way too long to be solved.
I pray for the people in Omaha.
You still have a woman, and CHILD-Killer on the loose.
For reasons I don't understand, America's Most Wanted was willing to spotlight this case, yet your local police turned them down.
Bumping this case to the top!
Praying for swifter justice.

 

[waltzingmatilda]

Many humble thanks, for missing me. I really feel for you locals, and just shake my head when I think about this tragedy. It's unbelievable that it's being "swept under the rug." I'd be parked outside the detective's office if this were a loved one of mine. Their phone number would be on speed dial, so would America's Most Wanted, Nancy Grace, Geraldo, and yes, even the President of the United States! I seriously don't get how they turned down America's Most Wanted. Why??? That's something they need to answer for. Perhaps they could at least say we are confident in our "person of interest." However, we still lack enough evidence to seal the deal, so please come forward anyone who knows anything. Does make ya really question is there some sort of cover up, and if so, for whom? I dunno. Isn't there some gumshoe who could get on this, and at least assure the public they have someone specific in mind who did these crimes? Well, to shake things up, I hope they check the whereabouts of this killer:
www.thetimesherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/201008270635/NEWS01/8270310

This story made me wonder if there weren't some info that police were holding back on...like an accelerant, or hopefully DNA. Have the police even said if they have any DNA? I don't see how that could hurt the case if they confirmed just that little bit of info. Sure would make me feel better if they did.

These two victims deserve better than this. So does your community. Why the silence??? Where's the public push to get this solved?

Hello ShowerSinger! It is good reading you again. This perp in your link certainly fits the description of the dark skinned man. I am so grateful that you posted this link because we never know whether there could be a connection or not. Similar crimes, even though in a different city, should be investigated because as I have learned from following WS, many of these perps travel around from state to state.

I also wanted to address your questions regarding family members possible involvement. WS TOS does not allow sleuthing of family members as they are considered crime victims. Unless a family member is named as a POI or suspect in the case by LE. However, we can discuss matters of public record....ie, media interviews, matters of public record, etc. For instance, public records show that a 'quit claim deed' was filed (in Dec. '08, IIRC) which removed Dr. William Hunter's name from the deed on the Dundee home.
I hope this helps clarify some things and why we have not been able to sleuth the families in this disturbing case.

I just hope OPD still working diligently to solve the murders of Tom and Shirlee.

Hello to everyone! I've been taking a break fro the holiday and am just catching up. I hope you all had a nice labor day weekend. I am glad to see return posters and renewed interest in this case.

MOO

wm

 

[Sin City]

Karla & Robert Anderson : Dundee murder suicide
www.action3news.com/global/story.asp?s=10092164

I don't know if this case has been referenced to on this thread, but I just found it, and LE findings seem very hinky to me. Is LE stating that a robbery at their home occurred shortly after Mr. Anderson shot his wife, and then himself?

Would any locals give their take on this, or what LE actually ruled this case as?

I was born & raised in Omaha, and my Aunt & Uncle live a few blocks away from the Dundee neighborhood. I was visiting them a month after the Omaha Double Murders, and my Aunt & Uncle were telling me that one of their friends had been murdered a few blocks away. They had very kind things to say about Shirlee. And, at the time the neighborhood was still thinking the killer was a traveling salesman.

I continue to follow this case on Websleuths, but I don't usually post to this thread, as I don't have anything to contribute usually.

 

[Blondie in Spokane]

Karla & Robert Anderson : Dundee murder suicide
www.action3news.com/global/story.asp?s=10092164

I don't know if this case has been referenced to on this thread, but I just found it, and LE findings seem very hinky to me. Is LE stating that a robbery at their home occurred shortly after Mr. Anderson shot his wife, and then himself?

Would any locals give their take on this, or what LE actually ruled this case as?

I was born & raised in Omaha, and my Aunt & Uncle live a few blocks away from the Dundee neighborhood. I was visiting them a month after the Omaha Double Murders, and my Aunt & Uncle were telling me that one of their friends had been murdered a few blocks away. They had very kind things to say about Shirlee. And, at the time the neighborhood was still thinking the killer was a traveling salesman.

I continue to follow this case on Websleuths, but I don't usually post to this thread, as I don't have anything to contribute usually.

Hi Sin City....

Thanks for the link to the Anderson story.

I'm in agreement that the findings just don't make sense.

LE stated several items were missing from the home and there was evidence of a break-in, the couples' Mountaineer was found parked 3 miles away from their home with the keys in it...

I'm glad their daughter has written OPD for proof of any gunshot residue present on her father. I doubt any was ever found. This just doesn't fit at all, IMO.

This crime was inflicted on a member of the medical field. It certainly sounds like it could be related to Tom and Shirlee's murders, IMO


**Anyway, I'm glad you chimed in here. I usually just "lurk" because I am fascinated by the minds that are working on this case here. All of the sleuthing so far is so impressive to say the least!**

It sure sounds like Shirlee was a terrific person. It doesn't seem fair that this crime has gone unsolved for her sake and for Tom's. They both deserved much better than for their murders to be left unsolved in some cold-case file.

 

[waltzingmatilda]

Good morning all!

Welcome SinCity! Blondie it is good hearing from you again.

I am so glad that you brought up the Anderson case. Snick started a thread for them here but it never really took off with discussion since LE so quickly claimed murder/suicide. I don't remember the thread title but you could search their names and find it easily I would think.

I am glad the Anderson's daughter is questioning OPD regarding the gunshot residue on her father. I just feel LE was in a hurry to 'solve' the case and it seems hinky to me.

According to some Omaha posters, there were breakins in the area prior to Tom and Shirlee's murders. And then there is the Dr. connection which makes me wonder if Drs' homes were being targeted for some reason.

SinCity, thanks for sharing your knowledge about Shirlee. I've always thought she has very kind eyes when I look at her picture.

I wish OPD would start over at the beginning, reinterview, get some fresh eyes on the evidence and solve this case. It's been 2 and a half years. It's time.

MOO

wm

 

[YellowDog]

Karla & Robert Anderson : Dundee murder suicide
www.action3news.com/global/story.asp?s=10092164

I don't know if this case has been referenced to on this thread, but I just found it, and LE findings seem very hinky to me. Is LE stating that a robbery at their home occurred shortly after Mr. Anderson shot his wife, and then himself?

Would any locals give their take on this, or what LE actually ruled this case as?

I was born & raised in Omaha, and my Aunt & Uncle live a few blocks away from the Dundee neighborhood. I was visiting them a month after the Omaha Double Murders, and my Aunt & Uncle were telling me that one of their friends had been murdered a few blocks away. They had very kind things to say about Shirlee. And, at the time the neighborhood was still thinking the killer was a traveling salesman.

I continue to follow this case on Websleuths, but I don't usually post to this thread, as I don't have anything to contribute usually.

I certainly have wondered about that case, too. It was just a little over a year after the Hunter/Sherman murders. Is it just coincidence that both familes were in the medical field and lived in the same area of Omaha?

I believe items such as a checkbook were taken from the Anderson home and their SUV was found several blocks from the house. Why would Dr. Anderson park his vehicle blocks away, walk home and kill his wife? Doesn't make any sense to me.

No motive has ever been given for any of these murders. Is this all part of a "giant" coverup? It's so strange.

I wonder if the Hunters and the Andersons were connected in anyway professionally?

 

[waltzingmatilda]

I certainly have wondered about that case, too. It was just a little over a year after the Hunter/Sherman murders. Is it just coincidence that both familes were in the medical field and lived in the same area of Omaha?

I believe items such as a checkbook were taken from the Anderson home and their SUV was found several blocks from the house. Why would Dr. Anderson park his vehicle blocks away, walk home and kill his wife? Doesn't make any sense to me.

No motive has ever been given for any of these murders. Is this all part of a "giant" coverup? It's so strange.

I wonder if the Hunters and the Andersons were connected in anyway professionally?

Hmmm YD, I don't recall the checkbook story but am not refreshed on the facts of the case as the above link no longer works.

I do have the same questons as you do! IDK why, but it seems the Anderson case was closed quickly. I wonder why? It seems that it could have easily been a crime staged to look like a M/S considering the age of the victims. Perps nowadays have so much information at their disposal via the internet, I think modern day crooks are much more savvy about committing their devious doings. JMO.

Is there some way to find out more about Dr Anderson's practice and his specialty at this late date? Maybe some of our posters from Omaha will chime in here...

all MOO,

wm

 

[Snick1946]

Link to the thread from 2009 about the Anderson alleged M/S:

http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84735&highlight=anderson+omaha

Without getting specific, I have had doubt expressed to me by a reliable source that this was as claimed by OPD. It always seemed odd to me that Dr Anderson withdrew money from an ATM for a trip they were planning the next day, then went home and allegedly murdered his wife. Such things happen- but it just seemed to me that OPD was real anxious to close the book on this one. I recall their first reaction in the hours following discovery of the bodies- they had LE all over the Dundee area and a helicopter with searchlight that appeared to be searching for someone specific. At the risk of sounding cynical I have wondered if they were faced with a crime scene that could go either way and decided to take to easier course- especially as a lot of nerves were on edge from the Hunter murders. This took place almost exactly a year from those.
From all accounts, Shirlee was a fine person with a sense of humor and loved her family. She apparently was a friend of the lady who cleans at my inlaws home, also in Dundee. That's how I started on this journey.

 

[waltzingmatilda]

Link to the thread from 2009 about the Anderson alleged M/S:

http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84735&highlight=anderson+omaha

Without getting specific, I have had doubt expressed to me by a reliable source that this was as claimed by OPD. It always seemed odd to me that Dr Anderson withdrew money from an ATM for a trip they were planning the next day, then went home and allegedly murdered his wife. Such things happen- but it just seemed to me that OPD was real anxious to close the book on this one. I recall their first reaction in the hours following discovery of the bodies- they had LE all over the Dundee area and a helicopter with searchlight that appeared to be searching for someone specific. At the risk of sounding cynical I have wondered if they were faced with a crime scene that could go either way and decided to take to easier course- especially as a lot of nerves were on edge from the Hunter murders. This took place almost exactly a year from those.
From all accounts, Shirlee was a fine person with a sense of humor and loved her family. She apparently was a friend of the lady who cleans at my inlaws home, also in Dundee. That's how I started on this journey.

Thanks for refreshing us on the details of the Anderson case and providing the link, Snick. I had a thought while reading you post. Do you kow if there was any similar crime during March 2010? I recall reading about bodies being found around the zoo. (at least I think it was in Omaha) Does anyone remember when this occurred? I am just wondering if there is some crazed and enraged person with anger management issues running around in Omaha and for some reason the rage manifests itself in March.

TIA for all your help. All MOO.

wm

 

[Snick1946]

Thanks for refreshing us on the details of the Anderson case and providing the link, Snick. I had a thought while reading you post. Do you kow if there was any similar crime during March 2010? I recall reading about bodies being found around the zoo. (at least I think it was in Omaha) Does anyone remember when this occurred? I am just wondering if there is some crazed and enraged person with anger management issues running around in Omaha and for some reason the rage manifests itself in March.

TIA for all your help. All MOO.

wm

The 'Zoo Murders" took place in July- as in so many cases here there was a media flurry, then nothing. Here is a link to the post I made on it,

http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?t=110019&highlight=omaha+zoo

I don't know if this is typical these days, it does seem that so many murders are going unsolved in Omaha.

 

[YellowDog]

I have two questions.

1. Why won't they disclose how the two victims at the zoo were killed? Were they stabbed?

2. Was Dr. Anderson's SUV a 2008 model or older? Just curious. Wonder what color it was.

 

[Sin City]

I have two questions.

1. Why won't they disclose how the two victims at the zoo were killed? Were they stabbed?

2. Was Dr. Anderson's SUV a 2008 model or older? Just curious. Wonder what color it was.

According to a news article the stolen Anderson vehicle was a Mercury Mountaineer. Article indicated that the keys were in the ignition when it was found, and there wasn't a scratch on the vehicle.

 

[Sin City]

On another note: murders were occurring in the 1960s & 1970s in Omaha, and OPD didn't investigate the few I'm aware of well enough, as locals wouldn't talk to the OPD. However, word passed around among the locals, and the criminals are still free. They may have done time in prison for other crimes, but not for the murders that I'm aware of.

Locals keep the information among family members, and because the victims and criminals are local the families take the information to the grave.

It's insane, and some of the secrets pass on to the next generation. Families are afraid of retaliation, threats, and intimidation, if they speak.

 

[waltzingmatilda]

Sin City, I am grateful for your contributions regarding the mindset of both Omaha locals and OPD. I have visited almost evey state in our union but have never been to Nebraska or Kansas so it's nice to hear a lttle bit of local flavor. I have a question. Is OPD reputed to be corrupt, like Cook County, IL? This is the impression I am getting from different posters here but nobody has came right out and said it. Your insight is interesting. Thank you. MOO

wm

 

[skywalker]

Always found it odd that Tom's family hasn't offered much of (or even any?) reward.

Doesn't seem like putting up whatever the difference between what Shirley's family is offering ($30,000?) and what is needed to push the published reward over $100K would be much of an issue for the double doctor family.

I believe the original reward money ($20,000 or $25,000) was from an anonymous donor or donors.

The Hunter's are reported to be very quiet, private people and it's unlikely that they would have announced putting up reward money.

All indications are that they find it most healing to focus on the positive memories, and ways in which they can commemorate Thomas' life while benefiting others (endowed scholarships, a peaceful, welcoming statute outside the Cardiac Center which embodies Thomas' spirit and love of nature).

I can't imagine their loss, but sense that perhaps focusing on the horrific crime and the pursuit of an elusive, cold-blooded murderer stirs up unbearable pain, and takes them further from the peace they need in order to carry on any sort of normal life in the aftermath of this tragedy.

How does any parent "recover" from the violent death of a child? Yet what other choice do they have but to carry on? Is their life forever after a hell-on-earth? It's simply too sad.

 

[waltzingmatilda]

I believe the original reward money ($20,000 or $25,000) was from an anonymous donor or donors.

The Hunter's are reported to be very quiet, private people and it's unlikely that they would have announced putting up reward money.

All indications are that they find it most healing to focus on the positive memories, and ways in which they can commemorate Thomas' life while benefiting others (endowed scholarships, a peaceful, welcoming statute outside the Cardiac Center which embodies Thomas' spirit and love of nature).

I can't imagine their loss, but sense that perhaps focusing on the horrific crime and the pursuit of an elusive, cold-blooded murderer stirs up unbearable pain, and takes them further from the peace they need in order to carry on any sort of normal life in the aftermath of this tragedy.

How does any parent "recover" from the violent death of a child? Yet what other choice do they have but to carry on? Is their life forever after a hell-on-earth? It's simply too sad.

Thank you for your insight into the Hunter family. I just cannot wrap my mind around the hurt and pain they must feel over losing Tom. Everyone grieves differently, time still ticks away in the absence of a loved one, but as a parent, I don't think the pain of losing one of your children ever goes away.

I have never lost a child but I almost did in 2006 and I am grateful every day that he lived thru it. I guess this is why I feel such passion for this case and empathy for both the Hunter and Sherman families...especially the Hunter's because Tom was just a kid and no parent expects for one of their children to pass before they do, especially brutally murdered by the hands of a fiend.

Life aint fair. I do hope Mr & Mrs. Hunter somehow find comfort in the fact that their 'baby' Tom has not been forgotten. This is why I try and keep the thread bumped up to page one on WS. Bless them for quietly using their available resources in productive ways to keep Tom's memory alive!

wm

 

[skywalker]

I do hope Mr & Mrs. Hunter somehow find comfort in the fact that their 'baby' Tom has not been forgotten. This is why I try and keep the thread bumped up to page one on WS. Bless them for quietly using their available resources in productive ways to keep Tom's memory alive!

wm

Your words really touched me. It helps to know that there are so many people who have not forgotten!

 

[waltzingmatilda]

Bumping up from page 3. wm

 

[YellowDog]

You know if the detectives in Omaha were held accountable to a certain percentage rate of solving murders, they might release a few clues to the public to solicit their help.

I don't understand their reasoning about releasing vitually no information regarding these crimes.

If only Nebraska had the Sunshine Law.

 

[Snick1946]

I wonder how many on this thread have also been following developments in the trial of the killers of Dr. William Petit's family in the news?
I was doing a bit of catch up research in this crime and while I don't think there was any connection I wonder if the same scenerio could have played out. Could someone have targeted the Hunter family from a chance encounter? Perhaps followed Tom's bus home from school? Nothing was apparently stolen in this crime but the killer might not have been there for money.
I did not think it wise to post this on the thread specificly for that crime but I wonder about some factors in it- Dr Petit's injuries were not that severe, he was the only person to escape, etc. Dr Petit was not rated well by some of his patients per what I could find. Probably that is way out there but again, that's another case.
Whenever I research a case of murder in a prominent family I find myself looking again and again. Some of these cases are very multi-faceted.