An unusual duo solves a 1985 cold case murder mystery

A 1985 cold case murder mystery was solved by an unusual pair: a Tennessee stay-at-home mom and a civilian staffer watching a suburban Georgia police department’s Facebook page. Donald Boardman was reported missing to the Chamber Police Department in November 1985, which covers the city in northern DeKalb County, roughly 14 miles northeast of Atlanta.

For decades, his fate remained unknown to friends and family until stay-at-home mom Barbara King Ladd saw a story about a murder victim whose corpse was discovered in 1985 not far from where she resides in Marion County, Tennessee. Larry B. Davis, of the 12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, spoke to the Chattanooga Times Free Press for a newspaper story about a case he worked on as a young investigator that still haunted him 37 years later about partial skeletal remains found by a fisherman in a creek off I-24 that had not been identified.

King Ladd began examining missing people sites in Tennessee and nearby states out of curiosity. Donald Boardman was reported missing to the Chambee Police Department in November 1985.

“I reasoned that it would be worthwhile to cross state boundaries to dispose of a body. So I narrowed my search to Georgia because it was near Marion County “Ladd, King

“I knew it was Donald when I discovered him. It is startling to compare the forensic drawing done on Marion County John Doe to Donald Boardman.”

The woman sent a comment on the Chambee Police Department’s Facebook page, and crime analyst Lori Bradburn was the first to read it and reply. Boardman’s sister was found in Florida by the civilian employee, and her DNA sample matched the Marion County John Doe.

“It just caught my attention and I ran with it,” Bradburn explained to the site.

Boardman vanished shortly after purchasing a new Camaro in 1985. Weeks later, law police discovered the identical car in East Point, Tennessee, with two men and a woman inside. Investigators believe Boardman was slain in a botched carjacking and his corpse was discarded across state borders. The two males have already died, but authorities are seeking contact information from the woman.

“From what I’ve gathered, it appears to be a botched heist,” Bradburn added. “Hopefully she has answers, or at the very least something that can bring some closure.”

The two ladies who solved the case aim to solve more in the future and potentially work together again.

“I’d love to tackle more cold cases; this appears to be my thing!” Bradburn explained.

“I’d like to work on another cold case, maybe with Lori, at some time. I’d love to work with you again “King Ladd elaborated.