Relisten to The Girlfriends S1, Ep 4: Phone Calls from Manhattan
The Girlfriends: Our Lost Sister
Deep Dive
What significant event happened on July 8th, 1985, that marked the beginning of the search for Gail?
Gail's sister Elaine called her parents from a payphone in Manhattan to let them know she was headed back to law school in D.C., but her parents asked if she had spoken to Gail, who had gone out and never returned.
Why did Bob's behavior raise suspicions among Gail's family and friends?
Bob's behavior was suspicious because he refused to go on camera, was uncooperative with the police, and made odd statements about Gail, such as suggesting she was on a shopping spree or lying at the bottom of a reservoir. He also didn't want Elaine's help in finding Gail.
What did Detective O'Malley discover about Bob during their interviews?
Detective O'Malley discovered that Bob had a history of controlling behavior, including strangulation and a cat incident. Bob was also unforthcoming and refused to talk about these incidents when questioned.
How did Elaine's approach to the investigation change after the police dropped the case?
Elaine started writing letters to editors and journalists, and she also sent letters to every doctor Bob worked with and all residents in their apartment building. She continued to hound Bob and the police, determined to find evidence of Gail's murder.
What significant discovery was made four years after Gail went missing, and how was it identified?
A human torso washed up on the shores of Staten Island. The torso was identified as Gail's through x-rays of her coccyx bone injury, which matched the radiology report of the torso found on the beach.
Why did the Katz family have to wait four years for Gail's burial, and what did her gravestone read?
The Katz family had to wait four years because it took that long to identify the torso as Gail's. Her gravestone reads, 'Gail Beth, beloved daughter, granddaughter, and sister. March 8th, 1956 to July 7th, 1985. Forever in our hearts.'
What was Elaine's reaction to Bob after identifying the torso as Gail's?
Elaine became even more determined to make Bob pay. She continued to call him, leave messages, and hound the police and press, vowing to never give up.
- Gail Katz-Bierman's disappearance
- Husband Bob as a prime suspect
- Controlling behavior and conflicting statements
- Initial stalled investigation
- Elaine's take over of the investigation
Shownotes Transcript