Keddie Cabin Murders Part 1
Forensic Tales
Deep Dive
Why did the Keddie Cabin Murders remain unsolved for 40 years?
Despite forensic evidence and viable suspects, the case remained unsolved due to a combination of factors, including a lack of DNA evidence, poor handling of the investigation by the Plumas County Sheriff's Office, and the disappearance of a key witness, Tina Sharp. The investigation was also criticized for not following up on leads and ignoring critical forensic evidence.
Why did the Sharp family move to Keddie, California?
The Sharp family moved to Keddie, California, in July 1979 after Sue Sharp divorced her abusive husband, James Sharp. She wanted to start a new life away from him and closer to her brother, Don Davis, who lived in California.
Why did the police initially fail to realize that Tina Sharp was missing?
The police failed to realize that Tina Sharp was missing for several hours into the investigation, which was later criticized as a significant mistake. This delay gave potential abductors a head start, complicating efforts to find her.
What were the key pieces of forensic evidence found at the Keddie Cabin Murders scene?
Key forensic evidence included a bent steak knife, a butcher knife, a claw hammer, and blood spatter patterns. The walls had bloody stab marks, and an unknown fingerprint was found in the blood. The phone cord was cut, and the lights and drapes were turned off, suggesting the killers tried to cover their tracks.
Why did Justin Smart give conflicting stories about the night of the murders?
Justin Smart gave conflicting stories about the night of the murders, initially claiming he was asleep and heard nothing, then saying he dreamed about the murders, and later stating he witnessed them. Under hypnosis, he described two men who entered the cabin, leading to a fight and Tina being taken away.
Why did the police suspect that multiple people were involved in the Keddie Cabin Murders?
The police suspected multiple people were involved due to the brutal nature of the attacks and the strength of the victims, particularly the two teenage boys, John and Dana. It was considered unlikely that a single person could overpower and kill all three victims without a struggle.
Why did the neighbors hear muffled screams but the boys in the cabin did not?
Neighbors reported hearing muffled screams from the cabin at around 1:30 AM, but the boys inside the cabin claimed they slept through the entire night and heard nothing. This discrepancy raised questions about the boys' accounts and the timeline of the murders.
Why did the Plumas County Sheriff's Office face criticism for their handling of the Keddie Cabin Murders?
The Plumas County Sheriff's Office faced criticism for several reasons, including failing to realize Tina Sharp was missing, not following up on leads, ignoring critical forensic evidence, and not enlisting the help of qualified forensic experts. The investigation was described as poorly managed and lacking in thoroughness.
Why did the discovery of Tina Sharp's remains three years later raise suspicions?
The discovery of Tina Sharp's remains exactly three years after the murders raised suspicions about whether someone knew more about the case. The timing was seen as potentially significant, leading to questions about the motives and actions of those involved.
Why did Sue Sharp cover herself with a blanket while the boys were left uncovered?
Sue Sharp was the only victim partially covered with a blanket, possibly because she was visible through the bedroom door and the killer wanted to hide her from the other children. Another theory suggests this was done out of respect or to avoid looking at her during the murder.
- Unsolved quadruple murder in Keddie, California
- Case remains unsolved after 40 years
- Involves the Sharp family and a friend