The Serial Killer's Apprentice /// True Crime Garage
- May 31, 2025
- 59:02
- Full Episode
The Serial Killer's Apprentice ////// 54
TrueCrimeGarage.com
In the early 80's, someone was killing little girls in northern Ohio. Between October 1981 and June of 1983 the bodies of three young girls had turned up. In the first case, 12 year old victim Tina Harmon was seen with a man in his early 20's shortly before she went missing. The next victim 11 year old Krista Harrison was abducted right in front of her friend. The friend described the kidnapper as a white man who looked to be about 25 to 35 years old. In 1983 police connected the crimes to a local serial rapist 43 year old Robert Buell. Robert quickly admits to the rapes of several grown women. He would claim his innocence regarding the deaths of the young girls for the next 18 years, including his last words before his execution. Tonight we are joined again by long time garage friend James Renner to discuss the possiblity of the second killer theory known as the serial killer's apprentice.
Beer of the week: Lake Erie Monster by Great Lakes Brewing Company
Garage Grade: 3 and 3/4 bottle caps out of 5
Brief Summary
Robert Buell's connection to the abduction and murder of young girls in Ohio raises questions about his innocence and potential accomplices.
Key points
- The Serial Killer's Apprentice. A chilling exploration of Robert Buell, a suspected serial killer and rapist.
- The Abduction of Christa Harrison. 11-year-old Christa Harrison is abducted and found dead six days later.
- The Discovery of Debbie Smith. Debbie Smith disappears after a street fair, her body found days later.
- The Escape. A woman escapes Bule's house, revealing he had been holding her captive.
- The Boogeyman Revealed. Police link Bule to a series of abductions and murders, confirming their worst fears.
- A Shocking Last Meal. Bule's last meal request was a single unpitted olive, symbolizing eternal life.
Episode highlights
- The Serial Killer's ApprenticeA chilling exploration of Robert Buell, a suspected serial killer and rapist.“He is the captain. Thank you. Thank you.”1:00May 31, 2025
- The Abduction of Christa Harrison11-year-old Christa Harrison is abducted and found dead six days later.“Her body is found in a remote area.”14:26May 31, 2025
- The Discovery of Debbie SmithDebbie Smith disappears after a street fair, her body found days later.“A canoist found Debbie's body on the banks of the Tuscarora River.”16:32May 31, 2025
- The EscapeA woman escapes Bule's house, revealing he had been holding her captive.“Oh my god, I've been kept prisoner in that house.”23:51May 31, 2025
- The Boogeyman RevealedPolice link Bule to a series of abductions and murders, confirming their worst fears.“This is the boogeyman.”27:55May 31, 2025
- A Shocking Last MealBule's last meal request was a single unpitted olive, symbolizing eternal life.“He's probably right.”29:36May 31, 2025
- DNA Evidence Closes a CaseAfter years of uncertainty, DNA testing confirms Bule's involvement in another murder.“It was Bu after all. We're going to close the case.”42:56May 31, 2025
- The Odd Nature of Bule's CrimesBule's heinous acts raise questions about his criminal behavior and potential accomplices.“The acts that Bule did are strange in nature by far.”44:43May 31, 2025
