In this podcast, the hosts discuss the Hendricks Family Murders, a chilling unsolved case from 1983. The family of five was brutally killed while the father was on a sales trip. The episode explores the behavior of the father, conflicting accounts of his emotional state, and the absence of blood evidence in various locations. With intriguing details about the crime and its aftermath, this podcast is a must-listen for true crime fans.
The Hendricks Family Murders in 1983 remained unsolved to this day.
David Hendricks was the prime suspect due to doubts about his behavior and recollection of events.
The lack of conclusive evidence and conflicting accounts complicated the investigation into the murders.
Deep dives
Hendrix family found murdered in their home
On November 8, 1983, the bodies of Susan Hendrix and her three children were discovered slain in their home in Bloomington, Illinois. They were all found bludgeoned to death in their beds. Susan's husband and father, David Hendrix, was out of state on a business trip at the time. The police arrived at the scene after receiving multiple calls from concerned family members and discovered the gruesome crime scene.
Doubts arise about David Hendrix's involvement
Due to being the surviving family member and his absence from the home at the time of the murders, David Hendrix immediately became the prime suspect. Police raised concerns about his behavior and emotional state, noting that he did not seem as shocked or upset as expected. They also questioned his recollection of locking the doors before leaving for his trip. Even though he cooperated with the investigation, offered access to his property, and was interviewed for hours, doubts about his involvement persisted.
Lack of conclusive evidence and conflicting accounts
The case presented challenges to investigators due to the lack of conclusive evidence and conflicting accounts. Witnesses offered varying opinions about David's emotional state after discovering his family's murders. The absence of videotaped interviews meant reliance on subjective testimonies. The case was further complicated by double-sided interpretations of his actions and statements, amplifying doubts and suspicions surrounding David's potential involvement in the crime.
David Hendricks' Business Trip
David Hendricks travels around different states to sell his back brace product directly to medical practices and hospitals. He networks, distributes business cards and pamphlets, and tests out his product during these trips. He often takes his family along, and on this specific trip, his family consisted of his wife, a stay-at-home mother, and their three young children.
The Discovery of the Murders
David Hendricks returns home from his business trip and finds his entire family brutally murdered. The police investigation reveals that there was no sign of forced entry into the home, with both the front door and the sliding glass door left unlocked. The victims were killed with multiple sharp objects, including an axe and a butcher knife, and their faces were struck repeatedly. Despite extensive searches, no victims' blood or any evidence connecting David to the crime scene is found in his car, hotel room, or on his clothing. There is no clear evidence indicating the exact time of death or pointing to a specific suspect, leading to continued investigation and questions surrounding David Hendricks' involvement.
In 1983 in the state of Illinois there were few stories bigger than that of the Hendricks Family Murders. The Hendricks family of five were very religious folks. The kids were young, and mom and dad were as well. Susie Hendricks was a stay at home mom who took care of the families big nice house, and even read the Bible to her two daughters and young son at breakfast time. David Hendricks was a successful businessman. He was both an inventor and great salesperson for his invention, a medical device, a very popular back brace that was selling quite well in the midwest. While away in the state of Wisconsin on a sales trip David’s family was killed in their beds. This case remains unsolved to this day. Join us in the Garage for the true chilling tale of a family killed in the night and the aftermath that followed.
Beer of the Week - Candy Corn Cheese Cake Sour Ale by the Weldwerks Brewing Company
Garage Grade - 3 and 3 quarter bottle caps out of 5
Follow True Crime Garage on X and on Instagram @TrueCrimeGarage / Follow Nic on X @TCGNIC / Follow The Captain on X @TCGCaptain
Listen to True Crime Garage Off The Record and get NASTY!!! Now available on Apple Podcast Subscriptions and to everyone everywhere on Patreon.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode