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MURDERED: Charlotte Grabbe

After a woman goes missing, it’s up to law enforcement and her children to make sure justice is served. But listen closely, because we think there might be more crimes out there connected to this case that are yet to be solved…

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Timeline:

July 24, 1981
July 24, 1981
Afternoon

Fred Grabbe meets Vickie McCallister at a shed on his property.

4:15-4:30pm

A neighbor in the area sees Fred’s pickup truck, followed by Charlotte Grabbe’s car.

8pm

Jennie Grabbe gets a call from Cindy, her sister-in-law, saying that Charlotte never returned home.

November 1984
November 1984

Fred and Vickie are arrested. Vickie is offered immunity if she testified against Fred.

June 1985
June 1985

Fred is convicted of Charlotte’s murder.

July 1985
July 1985

Fred’s girlfriend attempts to break him out of the Clark County Jail.

September 4, 1985
September 4, 1985

Two buildings on the Grabbe family burn down.

September 12, 1985
September 12, 1985

Fred is sentenced to life in prison.

September 1986
September 1986

Fred’s conviction is overturned in an appeal.

March 1988
March 1988

Fred’s retrial begins. He is sentenced to 75 years.

March 22, 1988
March 22, 1988

Jeff Grabbe’s body is found in Seal Beach, CA.

July 15, 2022
July 15, 2022

Fred Grabbe is released from prison.

Marshall, IL

The location of the Grabbe family farm, near the Wabash River.

Terre Haute, IN

Where Vickie McCalister’s car is found, parked and locked at a local bar.

Seal Beach, CA

Where Jeff Grabbe’s body is found, murdered.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

If you or a loved one is experiencing domestic abuse of any kind, you are not alone. You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, or text START to 88788 for help.

 

We’d love to speak with you and see how we can support.

If you’re a law enforcement agency or family member of one of the people we mentioned in this episode, or if you’re looking for more coverage on a case, please reach out. You can email us at:

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