In the quiet, wooded enclave of Keddie, California, the night of April 11, 1981, shattered the town’s tranquility forever.
You can almost hear the eerie silence that followed the discovery of a brutal crime scene in Cabin 28. Inside, the bodies of Sue Sharp, her son John, and his friend Dana Wingate lay lifeless, victims of a horrifying massacre that left the small community reeling.
As you delve into the mystery, you’ll meet Sheila Sharp, Sue’s daughter, who stumbled upon the gruesome scene the next morning.
The chilling details and unanswered questions surrounding the Keddie Cabin Murders have haunted investigators and true crime enthusiasts alike for decades.
What dark secrets lurk in the shadows of this unsolved case? Prepare yourself for a journey into one of the most perplexing and bone-chilling mysteries in American criminal history.
Keddie Cabin Murders: Unsolved California Crime That Remains a Mystery
The Keddie Cabin Murders in scenic Plumas County, California, have haunted residents and true crime enthusiasts for over four decades.
On April 11, 1981, Cabin 28 turned from a vacation retreat into a macabre crime scene. Sheila Sharp, returning from a friend’s house, discovered the mutilated bodies of her mother, Sue, her brother John, and John’s friend Dana Wingate. The horrifying reality that these were not mere accidents but homicides struck the community hard.
Sue Sharp, the matriarch, moved her family to Keddie seeking a fresh start. A devoted mother, she aimed to provide a better life for her five children.
On that fateful night, the tranquil resort failed to shield them from the coming terror. The scene Sheila walked into could only be described as harrowing: bloodstains marred the walls, and the victims were bound with medical and electrical tape.
The brutality did not end there.
Tina Sharp, Sue’s 12-year-old daughter, was missing. Her disappearance added another layer of dread.
The community’s initial shock turned into frustration as the investigation dragged on without solid leads. Law enforcement scoured for clues but found little that pointed directly to the killers. Fragments of a knife, a bent but unexplained hammer, and Sue’s broken glasses were critical yet perplexing pieces of evidence.
Local law enforcement, despite their efforts, couldn’t break the case. Even with involvement from the FBI, the puzzle of Cabin 28 remained unsolved.
The suspects, musicians and townsfolk alike, were interrogated yet no conclusive evidence emerged.
The case’s complexity deepened when remnants of Tina’s skull were discovered three years later in a forest 50 miles away. This discovery intensified media coverage and public intrigue but did little to solve the mystery.
The emotional toll on the Sharp family and the community was immense. Residents grappled with fear and suspicion, worried the perpetrators were among them. Societal analyses suggested the heinous crime exposed darker, unfathomed undercurrents of their seemingly idyllic life.
Keddie’s aurora of serenity was forever shattered, leaving only one dominant question: Who committed the Keddie Cabin Murders?
What Happened at Cabin 28?
Imagine stumbling upon a scene so gruesome it leaves an indelible mark on your memory.
Cabin 28 at the Keddie Resort became the focal point of such a horrifying event on April 11, 1981, shattering the peace of this serene California town.
Details of the Keddie Murders on April 11
On this chilling evening, the lives of four individuals—Glenna ‘Sue’ Sharp (age 36), her son John Sharp (age 15), his friend Dana Wingate (age 17), and Sue’s daughter Tina Sharp (age 14)—were brutally cut short.
The perpetrators entered Cabin 28 with a sinister plan, executing a crime that would haunt Keddie forever. While the exact timeframe of the murders remains uncertain, investigators believe the assault occurred late at night.
The killers left no part of the cabin untouched, turning a cozy retreat into a house of horrors.
Discovery on the Morning of April 12
The morning after, Sue’s young son Greg (age 5) and daughter Sheila (age 18) made the discoveries that would change their family forever.
Greg, who had slept at a friend’s cabin, and Sheila, who had been out with her boyfriend, stumbled back to Cabin 28 to find the unimaginable. Sheila entered the cabin first, her heart stopping at the horrific sight of her mother, brother, and Dana.
The sight was devastating, and amid the chaos, they realized Tina was missing. The community quickly rallied, shocked and terrified by the ferocity of the crime.
The Scene at the Cabin
As authorities arrived, they encountered the scene in utter disarray. Blood stained the walls and furniture, painting a picture of the violence that had ensued.
The victims had been bound, beaten, and stabbed, a testament to the brutal nature of the crime. The absence of Tina Sharp added a chilling element to the crime scene.
The investigators scoured the cabin for clues, finding only fragmented evidence such as a knife fragment and broken glasses. The sheer savagery displayed left the community of Keddie reeling.
The once-peaceful cabin now stood as a grim reminder of the darkness that had invaded their town.
Who Were the Victims?
Immerse yourself in the heart-wrenching details of the Keddie Cabin Murders by learning about the victims whose lives were brutally taken in this chilling crime.
The Sharp Family
The Sharp family moved to Keddie, California, in 1978. You’re introduced to Sue Sharp, the resilient mother of five, who worked tirelessly as a waitress to support her family. Her husband, Armagost “Armo” Sharp, was often away, working as a truck driver.
The family hoped to find solace and stability in this small town nestled in the Sierra Nevadas, but their dreams were shattered by unimaginable violence. Sue’s children—John, Tina, Sheila, Rick, and Greg—lived under her care in the rustic Cabin 28.
Imagine the warmth and chaos of a large family navigating life in a tight-knit community, only to face a nightmare that no one could predict.
John Sharp and Dana Wingate
Picture John Sharp, a Quincy High School student, full of life and potential, sharing an unbreakable bond with his best friend Dana Wingate. Both young men enjoyed the typical teenage pursuits, engaging in school activities and planning their futures.
On the fateful night of April 11, 1981, John and Dana met a gruesome end in Cabin 28. Their friendship, a beacon of youthful camaraderie, was violently torn apart.
Envision their final moments together, two lives intertwined not only in friendship but in tragedy. The brutality inflicted upon them left an indelible mark on their peers and the wider community, casting a shadow over Quincy High School that still lingers.
The Disappearance of Tina Sharp
Tina Sharp, only twelve years old, faced a fate different from her family. Her absence from the cabin added another layer to the horror. Weeks turned into months, then years, with no sign of Tina.
The agony of not knowing her fate tormented the community and her surviving family members. Your heart aches imagining the pain and uncertainty.
Nearly three years later, the discovery of her skull in a remote area near Camp Eighteen, 50 miles from Keddie, brought some, yet disturbing, answers. The revelation of her remains reignited the fear and sorrow, painting a grim picture of her final days and spotlighting the cold-blooded nature of the crime.
Why Do the Murders Remain Unsolved?
The Keddie Cabin Murders baffle many due to one key question: why do they remain unsolved?
Despite extensive efforts, the case has endured decades without resolution, fueling endless speculation.
Lack of Evidence and New DNA Evidence
Insufficient physical evidence posed a major challenge for investigators. The crime scene at Cabin 28 was contaminated, complicating efforts to gather concrete clues.
Witnesses were scarce, leaving authorities grasping at straws. Imagine a town gripped by fear, with residents eager for answers yet helpless in providing them.
In 2013, hope briefly ignited when new DNA evidence surfaced. Although this breakthrough seemed promising, it led nowhere. The DNA, still unmatched, left investigators frustrated.
Role of County Sheriff
The Plumas County Sheriff’s Office faced harsh criticism for mishandling the case.
Initial responders failed to secure the scene, allowing contamination. Key leads were overlooked, and crucial evidence likely slipped through the cracks. Under Sheriff Doug Thomas, investigative missteps left many wondering about potential missed opportunities.
You’d think a high-profile case like this would receive utmost care, yet the truth is, procedural mistakes hampered progress. Missteps like these eroded trust within the community.
Suspects and Their Alibis
Over the years, several suspects emerged, including Martin Smartt and John “Bo” Boubede.
Despite suspicions, each suspect had seemingly credible alibis. Smartt, a known figure in Keddie, claimed he was with Boubede all night. You might think that repeated questioning would break someone, but in this case, reliable stories prevailed.
The police couldn’t crack their alibis, and with limited evidence, no charges held. The suspects walked free, leaving a trail of unanswered questions behind them.
These factors combined to keep the mystery alive, perpetuating a cloud of uncertainty over Keddie, California.
Who Are the Suspects in the Keddie Cabin Murders?
In the unsolved mystery of the Keddie Cabin Murders, several suspects have emerged over the years. Let’s dive into the key individuals connected to this chilling case.
Marty and Marilyn Smartt
Marty and Marilyn Smartt, neighbors of the Sharp family, became central figures in the investigation.
Marty was known for his volatile relationship with Marilyn, leading to frequent domestic disputes. This turbulent relationship raised suspicions when the murders occurred.
Marty reportedly confessed to a therapist, saying he had even confessed to Marilyn, who later recanted her statement. Investigators found Marty’s erratic behavior suspicious, yet they never gathered enough evidence to charge him.
Despite the intense scrutiny, Marty and Marilyn eventually left Keddie, with Marty passing away in 2000, taking his secrets, if any, to the grave.
Living Suspect: Justin Smartt
Justin Smartt, Marty and Marilyn’s son, was a teenager when the gruesome murders unfolded. He was present in Cabin 28 on that fateful night, making him an essential witness and a potential suspect.
Over the years, Justin has been interviewed by investigators multiple times. His recollections, sometimes shared under hypnosis, pointed to the involvement of two men, but his narrative remained inconsistent.
To this day, Justin lives with the haunting memories of that night, leaving his exact role in the mystery unresolved.
Other Persons of Interest
The list of potential suspects in the Keddie Cabin Murders also includes Bo Boubede, a known felon with a violent past.
Bo, a close friend of Marty Smartt’s, was in Keddie on the night of the murders. His criminal history and connection to Marty made him a prime suspect.
Additionally, reports surfaced of a group of unidentified men seen near Cabin 28 around the time of the killings. The identities of these men and their involvement remain shrouded in mystery, perpetuating endless speculation.
As authorities continue to piece together this dark puzzle, the cloud of doubt over these persons of interest persists, keeping the case alive in the collective memory of a community yearning for closure.
What Theories Exist About the Keddie Murders?
The Keddie Cabin Murders have spurred countless theories, each attempting to untangle the brutal events of 1981. These theories range from personal vendettas to complex criminal conspiracies.
Possible Motives for the Murders
The motives behind the Keddie Murders have confounded investigators for decades.
One theory suggests robbery as a motive, positing the presence of valuable items in Cabin 28. However, nothing of significant value was reported stolen.
Others believe drug-related violence played a role, given the era’s rampant drug issues. Community whispers hinted at Sue Sharp’s possible knowledge of local drug activities, making her a target.
Another compelling theory involves personal vendettas; Sue Sharp had recently divorced and relocated, potentially igniting unresolved conflicts.
Yet despite these theories, conclusive proof remains elusive. Your exploration into these possible motives reveals a chilling glimpse into the darker facets of 1981 Keddie.
Theories Involving True Crime Experts
True crime experts have dissected the Keddie Murders, each adding layers to the enigma.
Many suggest the presence of multiple perpetrators, citing the brutality and logistics of the crime. This theory hinges on the assumption that such violence would be challenging for one person to execute.
Some experts even entertain the possibility of a serial killer, given the violent nature and apparent planning. These discussions often reference similar unsolved cases where patterns emerge, implying a methodical killer.
Renowned criminologists have also weighed in, debating the involvement of known criminals like Martin Smartt and his associate John “Bo” Boubede. Despite their expertise, these theories remain speculative, keeping you on edge about which thread, if any, will unravel this decades-old mystery.
What Impact Did the Keddie Murders Have?
The Keddie Cabin Murders left an indelible mark on the small, close-knit community of Keddie.
This violent crime has resonated through the media and remains a hauntingly unsolved mystery, deeply affecting the families involved.
Effects on the Town of Keddie
When the crime occurred in 1981, it shattered the community’s sense of safety and tranquility.
The resort, once a vibrant vacation destination, faced a rapid decline. Visitors shunned the place, and the local economy suffered.
Businesses struggled, and many closed their doors permanently.
Residents, especially those who knew the Sharp family, were gripped by fear and anxiety, leading to a rise in community distrust.
The once lively town turned into a somber reminder of the tragedy, struggling to reclaim its former spirit.
Media Coverage and Popular Culture
Media coverage of the Keddie Murders has kept the case in the public eye for decades. Numerous articles, books, podcasts, and true crime television shows dissected the case, each attempting to uncover the truth behind the brutal killings.
The 2008 documentary “Cabin 28” brought renewed attention to the cold case, sparking discussions on social media platforms, forums, and true crime communities.
The case has inspired various works of fiction, embedding itself into popular culture. This continual media emphasis has ensured that the story of the Keddie Murders remains alive, maintaining public interest and fueling ongoing debates and theories.
Family and Friends’ Perspective
The families and friends of the victims have endured years of anguish due to the unresolved nature of the Keddie Murders.
Sue Sharp’s surviving children, particularly Sheila Sharp who discovered the bodies, have faced immense emotional trauma and frustration. They have relentlessly sought justice and closure, often feeling let down by the legal system’s inability to solve the case.
Each anniversary stirs painful memories and renews their plea for answers.
Community support and occasional media spotlights offer some solace, but the persistent mystery keeps their wounds open, reminding them of the justice yet to be served.