Bloody, bare footprints lead to decadeslong search for woman's killer

On June 13, 1993, a tenant reported water seeping into their apartment in Minneapolis. Upon investigation, severed water pipes were discovered in apartment 2104. Inside, the body of 35-year-old Jeanie Childs was found partially under the bed. The crime scene was described as one of the bloodiest cases the forensic investigative team had encountered.

Blood stains and spatter provided crucial clues, indicating Jeanie had been brutally attacked in front of the bathroom door. She was stabbed and slashed multiple times before retreating to her bedroom, where she ultimately succumbed to her injuries. The sink faucet in the bathroom continued to drip even after the shower had been turned off, raising suspicions about the motive behind the attack.

Investigators collected various items from the crime scene, including a washcloth, T-shirt, bath towel, and a comforter, which underwent DNA testing. Additionally, bloody bare footprints were discovered under the bedroom window. Forensic scientist Bart Epstein identified these footprints as belonging to the perpetrator, further solidifying the case against the killer.

Jeanie's mother, Betty Eakman, had noticed a change in her daughter's behavior over the years, including instances of running away and potential abuse by a male relative. It wasn't until decades later that Jeanie confessed to the abuse. Betty, determined to find her daughter, tracked her down multiple times and even armed herself with a Great Dane and a gun.

The brutal murder of Jeanie Childs left the community devastated, with her sister Cindy Blumer reflecting on the deep loss and the unanswered questions surrounding the killer's motives.