The Dardeen family comprised Keith and Elaine Dardeen, aged 29 and 30, respectively, along with their 2-year-old son, Peter. They resided in Ina, Illinois, within a trailer they acquired in 1986. Keith held the position of a treatment plant operator at a nearby facility, while Elaine worked at an office supply store. Beyond their professional lives, the couple actively participated in a small Baptist church.
In 1987, Elaine, anticipating the arrival of the couple's second child, influenced the Dardeens' choice to relocate. This decision stemmed not only from the impending addition to their family but also from apprehensions about the unusually high crime rate in the area. Specifically, there had been 15 homicides in Jefferson County over the past two years.
Due to Keith's concerns for his family's safety, one evening, when a woman requested the use of their phone, he declined. This detail serves to underscore Keith's protective nature. Regardless, by late 1987, the Dardeens had officially listed their trailer home for sale, signaling their intent to move.
Discovery of Bodies:
On November 18, 1987, Keith failed to report to work at the treatment plant, causing concern due to his consistent reliability. Numerous attempts to reach Keith proved futile, prompting his supervisor to contact Keith's parents.
Don Dardeen, Keith's father, engaged the police and agreed to meet them at the trailer for a wellness check that evening. What awaited them inside the trailer was beyond comprehension.
Within the confines of the trailer, on the same bed, lay the lifeless bodies of Elaine, Peter, and a newborn girl. Elaine had been bound and gagged with duct tape, and all three had been brutally beaten to death with Peter's baseball bat—a gift from Keith for his birthday. The severity of Elaine's beating led to her going into labor and delivering her daughter, who, too, met a tragic end at the hands of the same bat.
The perpetrator(s) exhibited a lack of urgency, investing considerable time in cleaning the crime scene and placing the victims in bed. Notably, there was no sign of forced entry into the residence.
The only absence from the scene was Keith and his red 1981 Plymouth. Initially suspecting Keith, who was missing, the police initiated a manhunt. This pursuit concluded the following day when hunters discovered Keith's lifeless body in a wheatfield near the trailer. He had suffered three gunshot wounds, and his penis had been severed.
Furthermore, his car was found conspicuously parked outside a police station in Benton, as if the perpetrator(s) intended for it to be discovered.
The Investigation:
The crime scene left investigators perplexed, as no discernible motive was identified. Valuables such as a portable camera and a VCR player remained untouched, dismissing robbery as a likely motive. Although a small amount of marijuana was found, it appears more as a diversion, as there is no evidence to suggest Keith's involvement in drug-related activities.
Additionally, a sexual motive seemed improbable, given that Elaine was not sexually assaulted. However, speculation arose that the interruption caused by the delivery of her daughter might have thwarted such intentions. Despite this, the possibility of a sexual sadist deriving satisfaction solely from the act of killing cannot be dismissed.
The Investigation:
The crime scene left investigators perplexed, as no discernible motive was identified. Valuables such as a portable camera and a VCR player remained untouched, dismissing robbery as a likely motive. Although a small amount of marijuana was found, it appears more as a diversion, as there is no evidence to suggest Keith's involvement in drug-related activities.
Additionally, a sexual motive seemed improbable, given that Elaine was not sexually assaulted. However, speculation arose that the interruption caused by the delivery of her daughter might have thwarted such intentions. Despite this, the possibility of a sexual sadist deriving satisfaction solely from the act of killing cannot be dismissed.
Serial Killer Tommy Lynn Sells is unfortunately forever connected to this case, and I must express my frustration. I personally believe him to be a big red herring and I do not trust his confession. After playing 21 guesses, Sells guessed a few details of the crime scene. He also claimed the Dardeen’s approached him for a threesome which I just find completely laughable. To me, Sells simply serves as a distraction in this case, and he has only muddled the investigation in my opinion.
This case is just so perplexing to me. The brutality of this crime often strikes many as being very personal. This makes sense because whoever committed the crime must have had a lot of rage towards the family. If this is the case, I’m not sure the perp/perps would have had to know of them directly, maybe just tangentially. Perhaps, even a stalker who simply noticed them around.
But then again, it could also just be a random sexual sadist at the same time. Having no connection to the victims might be why this has gone unsolved.
Additionally, the separation of Keith from his family is also perplexing. Does this mean there was more than one perpetrator? Or were the murders just carried out at different times and locations?
Essentially, I am left with more questions than answers. Please let me know what your thoughts and opinions are on this case. I would love to discuss this more.
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