25: The Unsolved Dardeen Family Murders | True Crime Sleep Stories

Welcome to True Crime Sleep Stories, where haunting tales of the past guide you into a restful night’s sleep. In this episode, we journey to Ina, Illinois, in November 1987, to unravel the chilling and unsolved Dardeen Family Murders—a case that shattered a small town and left a mystery that lingers like fog over the fields. Settle in, dim the lights, and let this story carry you into the shadows.

Episode Description
On a crisp autumn evening in 1987, the Dardeen family—Keith, Elaine, their son Peter, and their unborn daughter Casey—lived a quiet life in a mobile home in rural Ina, Illinois. Dreams of a fresh start in Mount Carmel were on the horizon, but a darkness descended on November 17, silencing their hopes. Found brutally murdered in their home, with Keith’s body discovered a mile away, the Dardeens’ deaths stunned a community already shaken by a wave of violence. No forced entry, no clear motive, and a killer who vanished like a ghost. Was it a trusted friend, a drifter like Tommy Lynn Sells, or something more sinister? Join us as we explore this heartbreaking case, told with care to honor the lives lost, in a narrative designed to soothe and intrigue as you drift toward sleep.

Content Warning: This episode contains descriptions of brutal violence. If you prefer lighter stories, check out our other episodes in the playlist below.

Resources & How to Help

• If you have information about the Dardeen Family Murders, contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at [phone].
• Share your thoughts on X or in the comments below. Do you believe Tommy Lynn Sells was involved, or does another theory resonate?

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Thank You
Thank you for joining us in the shadows of Ina, Illinois, to remember the Dardeen family. Their story is a reminder of love, loss, and the enduring quest for truth. If you’re drifting off, let the questions fade into the night. For those still awake, carry this tale lightly, and may your dreams be gentle. Sleep well, and we’ll meet again in the next mystery.
Goodnight.
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