Summary
Overview
Crime Junkie investigates the 1989 disappearance of Carrie O'Brien Kruger, a 32-year-old Wisconsin PR professional who vanished after allegedly leaving for a work trip that never existed. Her husband Tracy's suspicious behavior, convenient amnesia, and constantly changing story made him the prime suspect, but Carrie's body has never been found. Investigator Tommy Sherritt needs help from listeners to solve two crucial mysteries: identifying a basement where concrete work was done around the time of her disappearance, and deciphering old Wisconsin Bell phone records that could prove Tracy's story false.
The Disappearance of Carrie O'Brien Kruger
In December 1989, 19-year-old Molly O'Brien received a troubling call from her brother-in-law Tracy Kruger asking if her sister Carrie was with her. Tracy claimed Carrie left early that morning for a last-minute work trip to Wyoming, but her manager Jim had no idea what he was talking about—there was no trade show. When Carrie failed to return and never showed up for work, her family knew immediately something was terribly wrong because Carrie would never leave her 3-year-old daughter Megan.
- Tracy Kruger called Molly on December 6, 1989, asking if Carrie was with her, claiming she left for a work trip to Wyoming
- Carrie allegedly received a call around 8:30 PM on December 5th about filling in for someone at a trade show
- Carrie's manager Jim revealed there was no trade show in Wyoming—she had pulled a no-call, no-show at work
- Molly was certain something bad happened because Carrie would never leave her daughter
- Tracy filed a missing persons report on Thursday after being instructed by Carrie's sister Kathy, a prosecutor
" The story I have for you today is one I can't believe I'd never heard of. But it came to us straight from the investigator who's trying to solve this mystery. And he needs your help. "
Tracy's Inconsistent Story and Suspicious Behavior
As investigators searched for Carrie, Tracy's story began unraveling. When her family searched the house, they discovered that nearly everything Tracy claimed Carrie took with her was still there—her briefcase, wedding ring, curling iron, makeup, stomach medication, and all her suitcases. Tracy's timeline kept changing, and he couldn't keep straight who called Carrie or what they said. Most damning was that Tracy's own father said Tracy mentioned Carrie's Wyoming trip on December 4th—a full day before she supposedly received the late-night call about it.
- Carrie's purse and ID were gone, but her briefcase, wedding ring, curling iron, new makeup, stomach medication, and winter coat lining were all at home
- The brown suitcase Tracy said Carrie packed was in the attic with all her other luggage
- The only money missing was $500 that Tracy claimed they kept in a basement air duct—but there was no air duct
- Tracy mentioned Carrie's Wyoming trip to his father on December 4th, before she allegedly received the call about it
- Tracy couldn't keep his story straight about who called, what they said, or when Carrie was due home
" There are like little white lies. And then there are big like life lies. If you can lie about a brain tumor, like you're willing to do anything but the right thing. "
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