The Dardeen Family Murders

This week’s episode we are covering one of this regions, as well as the nations, most horrific set of killings. We have spent weeks researching, locating, and retrieving archived information, being able to one-on-one interview some of the very close friends of the family. We also had the opportunity to sit down and personally discuss this case with one of the first (and longest) investigators on this case. With all this information, we have been able to give you an episode with the MOST ACCURATE facts and details about this horrible crime. Unlike a lot of the other versions of this story that exist out there, we have brought you more details and facts than any other. So, listen in on this episode and learn about the case or even details you may have never heard of before…

From 1985 to 1987 a region of Southern Illinois had been rocked by a series of homicides that could not be explained. From a 18-year-old who savagely murdered his entire family, to unidentified body being found in a rural area, as well as the unthinkable assault and murder of a 10-year-old girl, had this area on age. Everyone double checked to make sure doors were locked, strangers were closely watched as they passed through, and it seemed everyone one around was a suspect in the minds of the residents. Just as some began to feel safe again. A series of homicides of unbelievable and grotesque nature occurs in the sleepy little village town of less than 450 residents in a town called Ina located in Jefferson County Illinois. Investigators acting on request of a welfare check. Find the bodies of 30-year-old Elaine Dardeen, son Peter Dardeen age 3, and their infant daughter Casey Dardeen murdered in their home. All three of them had been brutally and viciously beaten to death. The patriarch of the family husband and father 29-year-old Keith Dardeen was also missing. Within 24 hours his body would be found in a very odd location and just as odd is the manner of his death. The entire Dardeen family is not only brutally and viciously murdered but the details of the crime are so gruesome and horrific, that National TV programs including the Oprah Show and even the top crime show on tv, Americas Most Wanted. A show that is strictly based around finding unknown killers, murders, and other criminals refuse to even air a single episode on the event because it was considered to graphic and vile to put on TV. An all-American Family, that was actively involved in their church, a hard-working father who did everything so his family could succeed in life, and a mother who loved her children and her family more than anything in the world, was suddenly gone. With no one known to have an ill thing to say about this family or no obvious motive in this horrible crime. The investigation begins to grind on and on, with only had full of clues found at the scenes, a very small handful of tips from family, friends, and the public. The case grows cold quickly. An investigation that started with multiple agencies from two local Sheriff’s Departments, the Illinois State Police, the Criminal Investigation Division of Illinois, the FBI, and several other law enforcement agencies within just a few years had dwindled down to just a hand full of detectives still searching for answers. It also left a family with decades of wondering why and who. 

               But just as mysterious and puzzling as the crimes had been. It’s not until 13 years later a lead is introduced that will turn investigators, family, and friend’s heads spinning and create just as much confusion and questions as the crime itself had.