MURDERED: Linda Sherman
In 1985, 27-year-old Linda Sherman vanished – just as she was making plans to leave her tumultuous marriage. For five long years, her family had no answers — until a human skull appeared beneath a restaurant window near a St. Louis, Missouri-area airport — where her husband was a regular. Decades later, Linda’s daughter is still searching for the truth about what really happened.
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Linda Sherman.
Courtesy: Patty Barton
Linda in her junior year at McCluer High School in Missouri, 1975.
Courtesy: Patty Barton
Donald Sherman in his senior year at McCluer High School in Missouri, 1975.
Linda in her junior year at McCluer High School in Missouri, 1975.
Linda in her senior year at McCluer High School and her diploma, 1976.
Courtesy: Patty Barton
Linda and Don at their wedding in February 1975
Courtesy: Patty Barton; enhanced by Audiochuck staff
Linda and Don at their wedding in February 1975.
Courtesy: Patty Barton
Linda and Don at their wedding in February 1975.
Courtesy: Patty Barton; enhanced by Audiochuck staff
Linda and Don at their wedding in February 1975.
Courtesy: Patty Barton; enhanced by Audiochuck staff
Don and Patty.
Courtesy: Patty Barton
Linda, Don and Patty.
Courtesy: Patty Barton
Linda, Don and Patty.
Courtesy: Patty Barton
Linda, Don and Patty.
Courtesy: Patty Barton
Linda, Don and Patty.
Courtesy: Patty Barton
Notes that Linda took, probably after a conversation with her lawyer.
Credit: Police records
Linda’s lawyer, Frank Vatterott.
Courtesy: Frank Vatterott
An entry from Don’s journal, which he kept for police.
Credit: Police records
An entry from Don’s journal, which he kept for police.
Credit: Police records
Timeline:
Don says Linda left for work around 6 PM, but there are no other witnesses. She never makes it to work.
Linda is reported missing by Don.
Linda’s car is found parked in the parking lot of the airport.
A human skull is found outside Casa Gallardo restaurant in Bridgeton, Missouri.
An anonymous, unsealed envelope arrives at Vinita Park police containing a Casa Gallardo flier stamped with the message that Bridgeton police have Linda Sherman’s skull.
Dental records confirm the skull is Linda Sherman’s.
Vinita Park, Missouri
The town where Linda and Don lived. Linda was last seen leaving here for work the night she disappeared.
St. Louis Lambert International Airport
Linda’s car was found here days after she vanished.
Casa Gallardo, Bridgeton, Missouri
The location where Linda’s skull was discovered in 1990.
Additional Info:
St. Louis Regional Crime Stoppers
If you have any information about the murder of Linda Sherman, please contact St. Louis Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-866-371-8477 or submit a tip online here.
North County Police Cooperative
You can also contact the North County Police Cooperative at 314-428-7374.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, help is available. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788.
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Episode Source Material
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Original reporting by Nina Schutzman
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Police records – St. Louis County Police, Bridgeton Police, Missouri State Highway Department, Vinita Park Police
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The Riverfront Times (11-17-1999, by Laura Higgins) Accessed 3-4-2025
Body of Evidence -
Unsolved Mysteries with Robert Stack (7-2-2001) Accessed 3-4-2025
Season 11, Episode 13 – “Skull Duggery” -
St. Louis Post-Dispatch (6-8-1989, by Yvonne Samuel Kirkwood) via newspapers.com, Accessed 10-20-2025
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Disturbed: Human Bones Found Exposed at Cemetery Still Unburied
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St. Louis Post-Dispatch (1-30-1991) via newspapers.com, Accessed 10-20-2025
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Cemetery Owner Dead; Suicide Suspected
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