"The only people who really know what happened are whoever killed Linda and anyone else who helped them. And the investigator who basically devoted his life to trying to solve this Lieutenant Web, he died of pancreatic cancer in 2009, while Don maintained his innocence until his own death in 2015." — Ashley Flowers
"The world can be incredibly scary, but through my programs, my Edgyjitsu Gym, and the community of crime junkies, I've learned that there is so much good to counteract the bad." — Fan submission
"If he's trying to get away with murder, why leave her skull somewhere that points directly back to him? I mean, that's practically gift wrapping an arrest, right?" — Britt
The episode recounts the disappearance of Linda Sherman in April 1985, initiated by her husband Don's report. Initially suspected of leaving voluntarily due to marital issues and an alleged affair, the investigation quickly grew complicated. Key events included the discovery of Linda's car at the airport, conflicting witness accounts, and the wife's prior attempts to leave Don due to alleged abuse and controlling behavior, including recording phone calls. Despite Don's suspicious demeanor and the discovery of Linda's skull years later, the case remained officially unsolved, with a lack of clear forensic evidence and jurisdictional disputes hindering progress.
The narrative highlights the persistent efforts of investigators, particularly Lieutenant Webb, and Linda's family, especially her daughter Patty, in seeking resolution. The discovery of Linda's skull at a restaurant Don frequented, coupled with an anonymous note, shifted the case towards homicide, but the exact cause of death and the location of the rest of her remains remained elusive. The episode emphasizes the systemic challenges in solving such cases, including the death of the primary suspect and lead investigator, and the bureaucratic hurdles in determining official responsibility for the cold case.
Ultimately, the episode underscores the enduring pain of unresolved loss for Linda's family, particularly her daughter Patty, who is convinced of her father's guilt. The lack of definitive answers and the shifting responsibility among law enforcement agencies leave Linda Sherman's story as a poignant example of a cold case with significant unanswered questions, urging for continued attention and potential breakthroughs.