In a compelling episode aired on February 7, 2025, ABC’s true-crime series ’20/20′ revisited the perplexing murder of Bob Eidman, a well-known insurance salesman from St. Charles, Missouri.
This case, marked by unexpected twists, a concealed double life, and a breakthrough in DNA evidence, captivated audiences nationwide.
The Tragic Incident
On June 8, 2007, the St. Charles community was shaken when Robert “Bob” Eidman was discovered lifeless in his office, the Brooke Auto Insurance Company.
The 48-year-old had been fatally shot in broad daylight, a crime that was both shocking and confounding. Given that his business catered to clients with poor credit, transactions often involved substantial cash amounts, leading investigators to initially consider robbery as the primary motive.
Initial Investigations and Suspicions
Early in the investigation, surveillance footage from a nearby grocery store revealed a white Ford Focus circling Eidman’s office multiple times before the murder.
This vehicle became a focal point for detectives. Their attention soon turned to Travis Endsley, the owner of a similar car found abandoned with one of Eidman’s business cards inside. However, Endsley provided a credible alibi, and subsequent inquiries cleared him of any involvement.
Attention then shifted to Diane Eidman, Bob’s wife. Investigators uncovered that Diane’s father had been murdered years earlier under suspicious circumstances, and her mother had been accused, though later acquitted, of the crime.
Additionally, Diane stood to receive a $300,000 life insurance payout upon Bob’s death. These factors, combined with inconsistencies in her statements, led authorities to consider her a person of interest. Despite undergoing a polygraph test, there was insufficient evidence to link her directly to the crime.
Revelation of a Double Life
As the investigation progressed, detectives uncovered a startling aspect of Bob’s personal life. Phone records indicated that he was engaged in a romantic relationship with another man from out of town.
This revelation added complexity to the case, suggesting potential motives rooted in personal relationships. However, the individual in question cooperated with authorities, passed a polygraph test, and was ultimately ruled out as a suspect.
The Breakthrough: DNA Evidence
The case remained unsolved for nearly three years until a pivotal development in 2010. DNA analysis from a sample taken from Eidman’s back pocket matched Paul White, a man already incarcerated for an unrelated offense.
Further investigation revealed that, weeks after the murder, White had been a passenger in a white Ford Focus driven by Cleo Hines.
Confronted with this evidence, Hines confessed to his involvement, stating that he had driven White to Eidman’s office with the intent to commit robbery, during which White fatally shot Eidman.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Despite the DNA evidence and Hines’ confession, Paul White consistently denied any involvement in the murder.
Nevertheless, in 2012, he was convicted of first-degree murder and first-degree robbery, receiving two life sentences without the possibility of parole.
Cleo Hines entered an Alford plea, acknowledging that the prosecution had sufficient evidence for a conviction while not admitting guilt.
He was convicted of second-degree murder and first-degree robbery, resulting in a life sentence with the possibility of parole.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event Description |
|---|---|
| June 8, 2007 | Bob Eidman is found shot to death in his office in St. Charles, Missouri. |
| 2007-2010 | Investigations focus on various suspects, including Eidman’s wife and secret lover, but yield no conclusive evidence. |
| 2010 | DNA evidence links Paul White to the crime scene; subsequent investigation implicates Cleo Hines. |
| 2012 | Paul White and Cleo Hines are convicted and sentenced for their roles in Eidman’s murder. |
The murder of Bob Eidman is a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in criminal investigations. Initial assumptions about motives and suspects can be misleading, and it often requires time, advanced forensic techniques, and unwavering determination to uncover the truth.
The ’20/20′ episode not only sheds light on this tragic event but also underscores the importance of perseverance in the pursuit of justice.