The disappearance of some video tapes might be key in unraveling the enigma surrounding one of America’s infamous serial killers.
During the early 1990s, Herb Baumeister is suspected of murdering 25 young men. He allegedly met his victims at gay bars in Indianapolis and then brought them to his residence where he committed the murders.
In 1996, authorities started to find human remains at the 18-acre Fox Hollow Farm in Westfield. This was after the accomplished businessman and father of three had relocated to the property with his family in 1988.
In 1994, Baumeister’s 15-year-old son stumbled upon a human skull in the woods behind their home. This coincided with police investigations into a serial killer preying on gay men.
Julie, Baumeister’s wife, questioned him about the skull. Detectives reported that he initially explained it away as something leftover from his father’s medical practice.
Following Julie’s divorce filing in 1996, a police search of the property led to the discovery of a skull, teeth, and other bone fragments.
This investigation unearthed more than 10,000 bone fragments or pieces, which were described as ‘burnt and crushed’. These discoveries resulted in an arrest warrant being issued for Baumeister.
However, he escaped to Ontario, Canada, and took his life before any charges were brought against him.
Years later, the tactics employed by the serial killer remain elusive, although some recordings might offer clues to officials.
It is believed that Baumeister documented the murders on film, which was captured with a concealed camera in the basement.
When he absconded to Canada, it is thought that Baumeister took the incriminating tapes. Julie confirmed that a substantial collection of tapes was missing from their home.
Mark Goodyear, who is believed to be the only survivor of Baumeister, shared with ABC News Studios his experience of being forced by the killer to watch some of these disturbing videos.
He recounted: “It was bad, bad. You couldn’t make it out. It was like having a camera right up against something. You’re not going to be able to tell what’s going on but the minute you got a flash of what was going on, it made you scream.”
Recalling his encounter with Baumeister, Goodyear described how the killer “put his hands inside my mouth” after he screamed from viewing the tapes.
“He grabbed my tongue, he held my tongue,” Goodyear recounted.
“For somebody to put themselves inside your mouth and grab your tongue. You’re scared to death, you’re just scared, you’re terrified… I begged to die. Begged to die.”