MURDERED: Dorothy “Toby” Tate

In short

This episode details the decades-long investigation into the murder of Toby Tate, a free-spirited traveler found dead in her camper van in 1983. Initially treated as a traffic accident, the discovery of a gunshot wound shifted the investigation to homicide. Despite a lack of immediate leads, advancements in DNA technology, including familial DNA searching, eventually led investigators to Steven Hardy, who was identified as the killer. The case highlights the persistence required to solve cold cases and the impact of technological advancements in forensic science.

Key takeaways

• A 1983 cold case involving the murder of Toby Tate was reopened and eventually solved due to advancements in DNA technology.
• The investigation involved tracing stolen items, analyzing crime scene evidence, and utilizing familial DNA searching to identify a suspect.
• Steven Hardy was identified as the perpetrator, bringing closure to the Tate family after 40 years.
• The case underscores the importance of preserving evidence and the potential for cold cases to be solved years or even decades later.

Chapters

1. 00:00

   The Unsolved Case of 1983

   The episode begins by introducing a cold case from 1983 that had been gathering dust for decades in the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office, with no leads or assigned detectives until two officers decided to re-examine it.

2. 00:45

   Discovery of the Van

   Deputies are dispatched to a scene resembling a car accident, only to find a 1980s Chevy camper van with significant damage, including shattered windows and blood evidence, but no occupants.

3. 01:30

   A Fatal Discovery

   Upon opening the van's rear door, deputies discover the body of a woman, later identified as Toby Tate, who died from a single gunshot wound to the head, ruling out the initial accident theory.

4. 02:15

   Toby Tate's Life

   Investigators learn about Toby Tate, a 41-year-old free spirit who traveled the country in her van, 'Esmeralda,' taking on various jobs and making friends along the way.

5. 03:00

   The Crime Scene Details

   Evidence suggests Toby was shot while in the driver's seat, and her body was moved to the cargo area. A cigarette butt, not belonging to Toby, is found, hinting at the perpetrator.

6. 04:00

   The Suspect Vehicle

   The California Highway Patrol's accident investigation team provides a detailed description of the suspect's vehicle: a half or three-quarter ton pickup truck, possibly with a camper shell, damaged on the driver's side rear.

7. 05:00

   The Camera's Journey

   Toby's stolen camera is eventually pawned, leading investigators through a chain of owners, ultimately to a gas station owner in Bakersfield who bought it from two unidentified men.

8. 06:00

   The DNA Breakthrough

   After years of investigation, a DNA profile is obtained from the crime scene, but it doesn't match anyone in the CODIS database, leading to a familial DNA search.

9. 07:00

   Identifying a Suspect

   The familial DNA search points to a man named Steven Hardy, who lived in Texas and had a criminal record, including a DUI and a history of violence, but no prior murder charges.

10. 08:00

    The Final Piece

    Through further investigation and DNA comparison, Steven Hardy is identified as the killer. The episode concludes with the resolution of the 40-year-old cold case.

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