A brutal murder leads to a decades-long mystery

Case 277: Linda Slaten
** Content warnings: Sexual assault, domestic violence **
Jeff and Tim Slaten woke on the morning of Friday, September 4 1981, to find their home teeming with police. Their mother, Linda, had been raped and murdered during the night.
Neither brother heard a thing, and despite the killer having left pivotal evidence behind, it quickly became clear that this wasn’t an open-and-shut case.
CREDITS
Narration - Anonymous Host
Research & writing - Milly Raso
Creative direction - Milly Raso
Production and music - Mike Migas
Music - Andrew D.B. Joslyn
SOCIAL LINKS
Website
www.casefilepodcast.com
Facebook
/ casefile
Twitter
/ case_file
Instagram
/ casefilepodcast
Patreon
/ casefile
Casefile Presents
casefilepresents.com
RESOURCES
For all credits and sources, please visit casefilepodcast.com/case-277-...
#casefilepodcast #truecrime #truecrimepodcast #podcast

[@yeos_angel_]

Men who blame the death of a woman on the victim herself by "sex gone wrong" fucking infuriate me to no end

[@PaulRudd1941]

"But she was asking for it." -some dirtbag

[@_HimToo]

How could cops be so careless with the victim's kids at the scene? The image of his mother on that bed has to haunt him even now. Wtf were they thinking?!?

[@jennifermaddy2442]

Exactly they allowed a little boy see his poor mum like that

[@MadamHoneyB]

😢😢😢

[@TheWanderingFinnegan]

#ThugsInCostume "thinking"? 😆 That's funny shit right there!

[@PatTurcotte-xe2jw]

How? The narcissistic cops don't care about anyone but themselves. If other people are upset that means absolutely nothing to the gang of hoods.

[@ChicaG-vg7pj]

WTH would people judge those poor boys for not crying? Until you've walked in those shoes, you don't know what it's like.

[@LeanneFowler-ms5xc]

You are right. I have a very flat affact and is quite difficult for me to show my emotions. So, not necessarily true.

[@ChicaG-vg7pj]

@@LeanneFowler-ms5xc I didn't cry for my beloved father until years later. And then, only when I was by myself. Grief and loss affect everyone differently. It's not something you get over, you just learn to live with how it is now, some days better, some days a lot worse.

[@socaldeb]

Sometimes it takes time, even years to cry over a trauma. Then once you start, it all downloads.

[@ChicaG-vg7pj]

@@socaldeb so true

[@lyanneroberts7936]

I witnessed my mothers body at 11. She died from suicide, I didn’t cry until the funeral because I think then it really sunk in.

[@libbypeace68]

EDIT: Thanks for the comments. I wasn't aware of people being able to access the content on other platforms. I only use KZbin 🙂 - I don't understand how this channel isn't growing. I began listening to Casefile Presents at the same time as a couple of other channels who have grown enormously. How can we help Casefile Presents grow?

[@SashaUK-tl9nl]

Casefile has been going for many years and has masses of listeners. It’s just that most people are used to listening to it elsewhere.

[@RuminatingWizard]

Most of it's listeners aren't listening to it on yooutube

[@cmc2550]

Exactly! Casefile is more of a Podcast than a KZbin channel. His voice is all you need!

[@Aozziegamer99]

Totally agree.

[@ixizn]

It’s one of the most recommended podcasts whenever you see someone asking about true crime ones, people just aren’t watching it on KZbin since there’s no video to go with it. 🙂

[@robyn874]

How sad that the brothers have had in effect a life sentence, the eldest being blamed, living with the loss & grieving all these years not knowing. I hope they eventually received counselling to learn how to cope. As it's something you never get over through 'closure'.

[@southphillylilly]

Lakeland is about 40 minutes from me. It's a rough town. Not the kind of people that get counseling.

[@natalieh4354]

This channel just keeps getting classier and solid in reporting the story each episode instead of selling out and egotistical like other channels, thankyou

[@redflorian4672]

I took a break from them because of All the ads, they really toned it down, so now I am back.

[@jacindahalcrow3291]

Narration is far superior to other podcasts. Thanks Casefile 🎉

[@brandyjean7015]

How callous to let a 12 year old child, view his Mother's dead & brutalized body.

[@wildflower0619]

Careless and unprofessional

[@daynasafranek7807]

I thought it was accidental, at the start? Still, very awful!

[@tonysansom]

@@daynasafranek7807 It was accidental. Some people only need half a reason to be judgemental though.

[@brandyjean7015]

​​@@tonysansom most accidents are caused by inattention, and carelessness. As someone who has attended more than one crime/domestic violence scene for the sole purpose of escorting surviving victims to safety: everyone needs to be on their A game. Failure to conduct your operation with that level of professionalism can traumatize a child for a lifetime. These officers appeared to be more concerned with expressing their racist beliefs, than protecting the children.

[@tonysansom]

@@brandyjean7015 So you were on your A game 100% of the time?

[@bandanas597]

love this channel so much. thank you so much for every minute of content, going back way over 5 years strong. keep up the terrific work!

[@heyitssarah7545]

I was so impacted by hearing about the grandfather guarding the boys with his shotgun as they slept in the grandparents’ bed. That’s such a kind, sweet thing for him to do for his family. Those boys needed to feel safe in order to rest, and he made sure they knew that nobody would hurt them with him there. Idk, that really got to me.

[@MiracleFound]

This case is so disgusting. What a horrible thing for a coach to do to a young boy.

[@danmac73]

Perfect Narrative as always.

[@icequeen9417]

First class narrator

[@jennam9226]

This is my favorite channel!!! Nobody does it like CASEFILE!

[@orlandomota6685]

I know my Saturdays will always be good because of a new Casefile episode. Such a great channel 🙌🏾

[@themythicalprocrastinator]

I just stumbled upon your channel and am now bidge listening. The story’s you are sharing are thoroughly researched, the narration is easy to listen to and unbiased which a lot of true crime stories lack. Thanks, keep them coming 😊

[@thisisme3238]

Glad this is not AI voice narrative.

[@missmaggie2620]

I subscribed after listening to a few of your presentations. I had to make sure you were NOT AI. You're presenting stories I never heard of & I appreciate the sound of your voice & the steady uniformity of the story you are telling. So smooth & even keeled. Thank you for doing the hard work. Let's get your numbers up.

[@danrobinson572]

Documentary on this case is really good 👍

[@texastea5686]

Aarrghhhh so so sad.... "I loved my momma. We were happy," 😢 Also, I'm amazed to hear the story of the lottlr girl who survived that 23-foot drop!

[@candyrain09able]

CaseFile is The Best. Bravo to Every Episode 🙏🏼

[@willnill7946]

All that trouble and the cops barely talked to the last guy to see her. Let’s talk to everyone else but him

[@naomiledger1374]

BTW the opening commentary on this story was gold. Well done Casefile! 👍

[@nekogirl1012]

Only channel i can honestly say is right up there with Mr. Ballen you and him are the only podcasters I listen to keep up the amazing work!!!!!

[@Bree-df6dd]

You cured my insomnia ❤

[@BDBee81]

Thanks again to the casefile crew, 10% of us ALL ❤ you >8-D

[@Lara-xc1mf]

First time listening to casefile. What an awful and sad story. All my love and best hopes for Tim, Geoff and their family x

[@bigbadbubba099]

So many people say they use these stories to go to sleep. And that a good narrator can relax them and they doze off quickly. But it's the same thing as reading a story to a child at bedtime. The sound of a parents voice is the most relaxing from the moment a baby hears it. And this is a great channel with a soothing voice.

[@lisas8244]

The voice I have been waiting to hear. Thank you, Casefile!

[@jamieholtsclaw2305]

Another excellent Casefile.

[@user-gu1jk4qn6b]

Those poor children needed therapy. I know when my sister passed, and took custody of the children, to get them out of foster care, from Alabama, in 1985, they had no therapy, and offered nothing, in the way of help. My state of Virginia paid for some, but it was too little too late.

[@AutumnPearly01]

It’s free for anyone with state insurance now.

[@brigittebowman9113]

Tim should not have seen his mother like that. This scene was managed badly regarding the way the children were treated in the midst of this. I have only just started listening to this, so I don't know what the outcome was. ie who was responsible.

[@Crafty-One]

you are my absolute fave casefile. so nostalgic listening to your production.

[@cjbevilacqua]

This channel is Awesome!

[@ruthbeamish8849]

What really annoyed me was the Polce persecution of thr elder lad. So as he was in a state of deep distess and trying to process his grief, the incompetent numbskulls were snapping at his heels !!! Must be using the same training mamuel as the London Met !!!!!

[@MadamHoneyB]

Just found this channel and I’ve already subbed and liked! Narration is perfect for sleep or just relaxing. Depending on the case, I’ll sometimes put it on when I’m cleaning. 😊 Thanks for the hard work!! Take care and be good everybody!! ✌🏼🫶🏼Peace🫶🏼✌🏼

[@huntlife]

Captivating presentation, as usual. We need those genealogy databases. This story is proof.

[@LavaLahaie]

Great segment… totally watchable at 1.5 speed though.

[@Bella-gj6wc]

I’m very certain she was as quiet as possible, because he would have killed the boys. What a remarkable thing for her to have done. RIP dear Linda. 💔😢

[@pjay951]

Been listening on Apple Podcasts for 5 plus years. One of the best true crime podcasts imo.

[@quickchris10]

How dare these murderers sully the names of their victims in an evil coups de gratis of saying the victim had wanted to have the wild consensual sex that caused their death! That aside, that corner house does look pretty vulnerable for a single mom with children to move into. That should be a bachelor pad. Where was the father of the boys, I wonder. And,, too bad Linda's parents couldn't help her get a more secure dwelling for herself. It's the kind of place where someone alone in the world might live. When I lived in a crazy place like that, close friends told me I should move, and I took their advice. I mean, it was a bad neighborhood; criminal activity in the area confused the case. It remains blatant b.s. to blame police at all , when they're dealing with such a high-crime area!1111 Blame yourself for moving into a high-crime area, if you must blame someone other than the devil!111

[@Maligroot]

Thanks Matey 👍

[@tjfraire6952]

First time watching this channel & definitely a fan, thanks 4 everything you do & gods bless every1. Would be better with pic / videos of case & people involved. I know it’s a lot easier said than done also. Thanks again

[@jennifermaddy2442]

His narration of the story just flows perfectly.You can follow the story so easily

[@lindavonh131]

Is society that fearful they can’t handle truthful stories about strangers.

[@lilovs9952]

?

[@PatriciaGodboutArt]

What lovely boys linda raised.

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

Best true crime podcast, hands down.

[@estherbunny7069]

These poor boys, so glad they’ve been able to stay strong all these years. It’s simply so horrifying to think of losing your mother and also being blamed for it

[@cathyhaynes2700]

New subscriber here. I'm glad I found this channel.

[@raven6565]

I'm angry how some of the police bungled this investigation. One phone interview was spent on the actual perp. Meanwhile, they focused on African-American men for no good reason and focused on the woman's own son as suspects. What the fuck?

[@sidbobby3233]

Afternoon world frm the 🇬🇧 ✌❤

[@WhatTheColour]

Hats off to the detectives who refused to let go of this case.

[@romystumpy1197]

Casefile is exceptional,

[@Forenzenut5160]

I have been casefile addict since it started

[@jennifermaddy2442]

If he had his prints on file why didn't they catch him earlier

[@coreencasey5109]

Theres usually red flags in most cases but i guess some are so very good at deceit and can make people feel comfortable with them.

[@rhondamcewananderson3968]

Casefile ♥️👍

[@AbuAnisa]

Please make playlists for english learner. I am beginner in english and want to listen this podcast by level that shorted in a playlist.

[@verityowens9638]

They should do a family tree through genealogy.

[@rashone2879]

Government housing is cheaply constructed, no safety features, easy to break into.

[@DocsChannel]

Dude had a picture of his mom's killer on his wall

[@danrobinson572]

Great way to start a Saturday morning. Pittsburgh is in the house 🏠

[@Frenchblue8]

Good morning Pittsburgh, rainy coastal Connecticut in the house, as well

[@danrobinson572]

@@Frenchblue8 have a great day

[@Frenchblue8]

​@@danrobinson572you as well, Dan ☮️

[@kskssxoxskskss2189]

Hi from Cincinnati

[@danrobinson572]

@@kskssxoxskskss2189 hello 👋

[@Marsand100]

I'm interested to know if Joseph's wife and family stood by him. There's always a sense of justice when they don't. However one has to remember that they are innocent victims of his too . From this murder of one person the victim numbers are huge. It's just a shame that he had 40 years of freedom.

[@callmewaves1160]

All that energy spent trying to frame the eldest son that they could have spent trying to find the real killer.

[@hueparis1163]

❤

[@jamescosgrave626]

Thank god for modern DNA, the sons have turned out great men, may they try to have peace..

[@usefulusinguser]

They should be able to sue his family

[@scarproducion161]

3:58

[@jennifermaddy2442]

Seriously who the hell uses coat hanger wire in a sex game ffs

[@_saifr]

Thank you science

[@msbee5183]

God bless law enforcement ❤

[@trudy__taylorandjorjamummy]

So, neither boy heard the door knocking or the Aunt screaming, but the older boy woke up to the sound of the police coming in the window?!!

[@TheRight-handedStranger]

Youngsters typically sleep deeply. In certain cases, parents were shot in the adjacent room, and the kids were not aware of it. They must not have heard the police coming through the window because it was early in the morning and the kids were not sleeping as soundly, or because the officers were not making an effort to be quiet.

[@trudy__taylorandjorjamummy]

@@TheRight-handedStranger You have a point there! I'm sure my 2 slept like the dead lol, think it also said they went to bed in the early hours of the morning too

[@the-digital-idiot]

She didn't scream.

[@naomiledger1374]

@@the-digital-idiot I know the boys said she didn't scream in order to protect them, and maybe they're totally right, but I suspect with the wire around her neck, she probably couldn't scream. But maybe she did make some noise initially and the boys simply didn't hear anything. Also, despite being frightened she would have recognised him initially and perhaps confusion kept her silent before she realised what was happening and could scream, by which time she may have been incapacitated. Who knows? I recall one night when I was a teen and was asleep in my bedroom, which was at the front of the house, a massive car accident happened on the road outside our house in the wee hours. Apparently just about the whole neighbourhood turned out to help the occupants of the vehicle, along with police and ambulance sirens blaring etc. Me? I heard nada. Slept through it like a baby and only found out about it when I was told the next day. So, nothing would surprise me.

[@tonysansom]

@@the-digital-idiot Yes she did.

[@EnriqueVazquez-Prada]

How can people watch a static screen with a voiceover for 45 minutes????

[@Srose2131]

We don't watch it; we listen to it while doing other things.

[@verityowens9638]

If the murder was 20 years ago and you just said olma was 24?

[@staceymartens7042]

22:23

[@danrobinson572]

See karma never forgets. Sometimes it takes time but karma get you eventually!!!

[@RuminatingWizard]

Karma doesn't exist. You're saying something that is easily proven wrong by evidence. Lots of terrible people are never punished at least in this world. God will punish. Not "karma". Karma is a Hindu concept that you don't even understand

[@danrobinson572]

@@RuminatingWizard well that’s your opinion so have a good day or night

[@eedle.bendhaardt]

​@@RuminatingWizardI've got some bad news for you ...

[@the-digital-idiot]

@@RuminatingWizardI find is rather funny that both of your arguments are unprovable. To each there own.

[@naomiledger1374]

@@eedle.bendhaardt 🤣

[@user-sf8mu4pl2j]

Dumb cops, couldn't caught that guy the next day.

[@PatTurcotte-xe2jw]

Americal Football.....invented in Canada. Baseball was invented here too.

[@compservink]

If you need counseling or support, then you shouldn’t watch these videos

[@SkitzoBenjamin]

I’m here cause if Chris Delia! 😂

[@patedwards8844]

😊

[@haydencooper_]

So Patreon subscribers are paying to hear content that gets released for free anyway. Got it.

[@tailsnclaws]

There are no photos of the persons involved in the case. No crime scene photos, nothing.

[@queva3062]

You're listening to a radio station

[@jackies961]

It's a podcast.

[@nancyleehampton8]

@@queva3062lollll I love this response hahahah 💀

[@Andrewwayne000]

Where are you?…..I miss the Russian girl, and her cat🙂😀

[@karaleeeaton8638]

Why is the narrater anonomous?

[@godfreypigott]

You have an English surname, yet you misspelled every word longer than three letters.

[@lilovs9952]

@@godfreypigottprobably middle eastern, using an English name

[@80AM.]

ffs its sound like you're reading from a book. terrible script

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

If they could get some basic and sensible ai animations, this channel would blow up

[@EnriqueVazquez-Prada]

Who wants to watch a static screen with a voiceover for 45 minutes. This show sucks.

[@roadwarrior528]

Awesome AI narrator.

[@donnablack6280]

Whew! Thank goodness waycism was mentioned before anything less important like a mother being murdered!

[@shawnwilkes]

Boring.

[@GrandPrixDecals]

It starts at 1:00 in after all the pandering but isn’t really worth it. Slow and some kinda weird forced accent. Australian pretending not to be?

[@vrijevoeten]

Of course the prejudice had to be mentioned, to keep the saga running.

[@lilovs9952]

What saga?

[@heidi2853]

Nah, this is boooring

[@imacarrot6570]

You know just because a black guy didn't do this doesn't mean that black people aren't guilty of crimes sometimes. Yes, black people are actually sometimes guilty of suspicious activity that is not linked to your fascination with racism.

[@jennyterrell6354]

Why do you have to make this statement? It’s not necessary, it doesn’t pertain to this case. The undercurrents to your point are obvious to all, not matter how you write it.

[@lisas8244]

@imacarrot6570 At no time did the narrator suggest that blacks don't commit crimes. He is simply reporting the facts of this case that prejudice and racism existed, as evidenced by some people not wanting the black expert, professional forensic finger printer to look at a white woman's naked body and that the police immediately assumed it was a black man who did this crime. If you possessed a modicum of intelligence, you would understand that it was ironic that the black finger printer's careful collection of the hand print helped to solidify this conviction and it was a very white football coach who killed Linda. The only "fascination" with racism is in your head.

[@imacarrot6570]

It said very specifically that there was a report of suspicious activity by black people. The insinuation being that merely saying something like that is racist, which is untrue. Why doesn't anyone ever care about the racism of the black people who are committing crimes against white victims? That is racism too, but no one gives a shit. They just blame all white people for things very few white people are doing. By the way, most of these racist cops are put in their positions by Democrats that the black people voted for.

[@jesuschrist7169]

OMG I cant believe the son did it!

[@RuminatingWizard]

What a twit you are for spoiling it

[@profnkb]

??

[@TheRight-handedStranger]

Did you really listen to the video? It seems like you missed a big portion of it, especially the ending. Poor sons, they went through hell since their mother was murdered, and on top of that, the guilt the son experienced when he realized that by accepting a ride from the coach, the murderer knew where he lived and that there was no father in the house.

[@naomiledger1374]

@@TheRight-handedStrangerseems like maybe JC7169 may have been having fun in the comments by deliberately giving ppl, who for some unknown reason read the comments before they listen to the podcast, a bum steer. For kicks.

[@michaelciccone2194]

Boring 😢

[@sidviciousness7469]

I strongly, under proper conditions such as DNA-support the Death Penalty as just punishment. Only, we mustn't allow so much time before its use! God save us all...

[@sadielevens1144]

❤