The Case of “NIKOLE’S CHRISTMAS FAREWELL” #MurderNoir
Weird Darkness: Stories of the Paranormal, Supernatural, Legends, Lore, Mysterious, Macabre, Unsolved
Deep Dive
Why did the Klingels hire a private investigator to find their granddaughter?
After their granddaughter Nikole vanished in 1978, the Klingels spent 20 years wondering about her fate and decided to take action by hiring a private investigator to uncover the truth.
What happened to Nikole's mother, Susan Klingel?
Susan Klingel died in a car accident in 1977 when her boyfriend Jarrett Betterson was driving. The accident occurred in Michigan, and marijuana was found in the car, but the investigation did not lead to any significant findings.
What happened to Nikole after her mother's death?
After Susan's death, Jarrett Betterson met Barbara, and they left Michigan with Nikole around Christmas 1977, promising the Klingels they would take care of her. However, Nikole seemingly vanished after early 1978.
How did Jarrett and Barbara Betterson die?
Jarrett and Barbara Betterson died by suicide in their Las Vegas apartment in 1997. Jarrett shot Barbara before turning the gun on himself. They left behind an apologetic letter and money for their cremation.
What were the possible fates of Nikole speculated by the police?
The police speculated that Nikole either died during the journey west, was given away, or possibly lives somewhere under a different identity. The case remains unsolved.
What evidence was found that suggested Nikole might still be alive?
Jarrett continued to collect Nikole's Social Security survivor benefits until she would have turned 18, which created a paper trail suggesting she might still be alive.
What was the role of Detective Jeff Rosgen in the case?
Detective Jeff Rosgen became involved in the case in 1997 when the Klingels hired a private investigator. Rosgen visited the Bettersons in Las Vegas, claiming he knew what happened to Nikole, which led to their eventual suicide.
What was found in the Bettersons' apartment after their death?
In the Bettersons' apartment, Barbara was found lying on a waterbed clutching a Bible and a red rose, with two .22-caliber slugs through her heart. Jarrett was found in the next room with a bullet through his brain.
What was the significance of the letter left by the Bettersons?
The Bettersons left a letter at Jarrett's mother's house in Georgia, stating, 'By the time you get this, we should be dead.' The letter also included $900 for their cremation and an apologetic message to the apartment manager.
What is the current status of Nikole's case?
The case of Nikole's disappearance remains unsolved. The Klingels hope for DNA testing to uncover the truth, but the only people who might have solved it are now dead, taking their secrets to their graves.
- Nikole Betterson disappeared around Christmas 1977.
- Her father collected her Social Security survivor benefits until she would have turned 18.
- The family moved from Michigan to Nevada around the time of her disappearance.
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