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Serial Killers

Who Killed Gertrude McCabe?

Serial Killers

Spotify Studios

True Crime, History, Education

4.630.3K Ratings

🗓️ 19 February 2024

⏱️ 41 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

In October 1983, police found Gertrude McCabe dead inside her San Jose home: Who would murder an 88-year-old woman in such a violent fashion? Keep up with us on Instagram @serialkillerspodcast! Have a story to share? Email us at [email protected] — This episode is sponsored by ABC’s Will Trent, last season’s most talked-about new crime series. Special agent Will Trent has an eye for the crucial clues that close even the toughest cases. He uses his amazing gift for reading crime scenes to catch kidnappers, murderers – even a serial killer. Watch Season 2 of Will Trent, at its new time, Tuesdays at 8/7c on ABC and stream on Hulu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0

Due to the graphic nature of this case, listener discretion is advised.

0:06.0

This episode includes discussions of assault and murder.

0:09.5

Consider this when deciding how and when you you listen.

0:19.2

The newspapers were the first sign that something wasn't right.

0:23.0

Gertrude McCabe always took them inside.

0:26.0

The 88-year-old California resident would read them herself

0:30.0

early every morning and then pass them over her back fence to her neighbor Juanita Lennon.

0:36.0

And yet there they were, two days worth sitting outside Gertrude's front door untouched. It's morning when Juanita first notices the

0:46.0

break in routine. She rings Gertrude's doorbell to check on her friend.

0:50.1

When no one answers, Juanita speaks to another neighbor who notices that the sliding door on the side of Gertrude's house is open.

0:58.0

And through a living room window, they can see open drawers and assorted items strewn about the room.

1:05.0

They call 911 and police arrive before 10 a.m.

1:09.0

The officers call out Gertrude's name to see if anyone's home, but there's no response.

1:15.0

So when they find the back entrance unlocked, they step inside.

1:19.8

They find Gertrude in the den.

1:22.1

Her body is lying on the carpet in a pool of blood.

1:25.7

Detectives begin documenting the crime scene immediately. There's a bike chain twisted around

1:31.4

Gertrude's neck. The wounds covering her body suggest someone

1:36.0

bludgeoned her in the head with a thin round object and stabbed her at least 20 times.

1:43.5

The state of the scene suggests she was killed less than 24 hours ago.

1:48.1

Authorities later estimate around 3 p.m. the day before.

1:52.3

Upstairs in the house, detectives find one of the two bedrooms in shambles.

...

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