Forensic Files 11x28 If I Were You

Summary

In rural Idaho, the mysterious disappearance of retired schoolteacher Paul Gruber baffled investigators when his bills were paid and family correspondence continued, despite his absence. After Gruber's daughter noticed discrepancies in his handwriting, a forensic analysis and DNA evidence eventually linked local handyman Darryl Kuehl to Gruber's murder, revealing a complex plot of identity theft and financial fraud. Kuehl was convicted and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.

Takeaways

• 🏡 Paul Gruber, a retired schoolteacher and popular teacher at Incline High School, moved to Sandpoint, Idaho, after inheriting some money.
• 🎉 His daughter noticed a significant difference in a birthday card he sent, raising suspicion about his well-being.
• 🚔 Local police found his house empty but with no signs of a break-in, and all personal items were missing.
• 💳 Paul's bills were still being paid on time, and he was using his ATM card, but no cameras captured his image.
• 💌 Shellie, his daughter, set a trap by leaving a fake message on his answering machine, which led to a suspicious birthday card and check.
• 📜 A forensic document examiner initially thought the handwriting on the check matched Paul's, but his family disagreed.
• 🏢 Darryl Kuehl, a local handyman, admitted to picking up Paul's mail and handling his finances, but claimed Paul had asked him to do so before a trip.
• 🔍 Investigators found evidence of blood and a bullet mark in Paul's house, suggesting foul play.
• 🔎 A second forensic document examiner concluded that the handwriting on the birthday cards was not Paul's, implicating Darryl Kuehl.
• 🔪 Investigators found incriminating items at Kuehl's property, including camouflage clothing, throwing stars, a katana, and a 22 caliber handgun with a silencer.
• 💔 Paul Gruber's body was eventually found in a crawlspace under his house, shot four times, but the bullets did not match Kuehl's gun.

Q & A

Who was Paul Gruber and what was his profession?

Paul Gruber was a retired schoolteacher who was passionate about travel and foreign languages. He was the most popular teacher at Incline High School near Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

Why did Paul Gruber retire early?

Paul Gruber retired early in his 50s after inheriting some money, which allowed him to move to Sand Point, Idaho, and enjoy a slower pace of life.

What was unusual about the birthday card Paul Gruber sent to his grandson after Christmas in 1993?

The birthday card was unusually brief and lacked affection, which was not characteristic of Paul. It raised suspicions for his daughter, Shellie, who noticed differences in the handwriting compared to previous cards.

Why did Shellie contact the local police about her father?

Shellie contacted the local police because her father did not return her phone messages, which was uncharacteristic of him, and she was concerned for his welfare.

What did the police find when they checked Paul Gruber's home?

The police found that Paul Gruber's home was virtually empty of personal items, with no evidence of a break-in. Valuable items like TVs and stereos were still there, but all personal items like clothing and toothbrushes were gone.

How did Shellie attempt to confirm her suspicions about her father's disappearance?

Shellie set a trap by leaving a bogus message on her father's answering machine about her husband's birthday, hoping for a response that would indicate whether her father was indeed missing.

What was the significance of the handwriting analysis on the birthday card and check sent to Shellie's husband?

The handwriting analysis was initially inconclusive, with some believing it was Paul's handwriting and others, including his family, believing it was not. This discrepancy led to further investigation.

How did the police discover that someone was using Paul Gruber's ATM card?

The police checked Paul's financial transactions and found that his bills were being paid on time and his ATM card was being used for cash withdrawals around town.

What role did Darryl Kuehl play in the case, and what was his initial claim?

Darryl Kuehl was a local handyman who had been doing work for Paul. He was suspected of picking up Paul's mail and was later found to have deposited a large sum of money into his account from Paul's account. Kuehl initially claimed that Paul had asked him to take care of his mail and finances before leaving for a trip.

What evidence eventually led to Darryl Kuehl being charged with the murder of Paul Gruber?

Investigators found incriminating evidence at Kuehl's property, including items belonging to Paul Gruber, a 22 caliber handgun with a homemade silencer, and a DNA match on a stamp from the birthday cards to Kuehl's saliva. Additionally, a forensic document examiner concluded that Kuehl was the writer of the forged checks and birthday cards.

What was the outcome of Darryl Kuehl's trial, and what sentence did he receive?

Darryl Kuehl was convicted of first-degree murder, grand theft, and forgery. He was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.