Relisten to The Girlfriends S1, Ep 6: Women Who Like to Gab
The Girlfriends: Our Lost Sister
Deep Dive
Why did the prosecutors decide to re-interview all the witnesses in the Gail Birnbaum case?
The prosecutors decided to re-interview all the witnesses to ensure they had a comprehensive and accurate understanding of the case, as it is a rule to redo everything that was done in the past, even if people initially said they didn't remember or know anything. This approach can uncover new information as people's willingness to talk may change over time.
Why did Stephanie Youngblood, one of Bob's ex-girlfriends, become suspicious of Bob?
Stephanie Youngblood became suspicious of Bob when she noticed inconsistencies in his story about his past. She found mail addressed to Bob and Gail Birnbaum and a trunk with Gail's luggage tags. When she asked Bob about Gail, he gave vague and emotional responses, which raised her suspicions.
Why did Roberta Karnofsky agree to talk to the prosecutors after initially refusing?
Roberta Karnofsky agreed to talk to the prosecutors after they approached her again years later. She had initially refused in the 1980s but later felt comfortable enough to share her experiences and suspicions about Bob, including her theory that he had killed Gail and disposed of her body.
Why did the prosecutors believe Bob had flown on the day Gail disappeared?
The prosecutors believed Bob had flown on the day Gail disappeared because they found records from Caldwell Airport showing that he had rented a plane on July 7th, 1985. This contradicted Bob's claims that he was either waiting for Gail to return or at his nephew's birthday party, providing a potential opportunity for him to dispose of her body.
Why did the prosecutors decide to exhume Gail's body?
The prosecutors decided to exhume Gail's body to obtain DNA evidence, which would confirm whether the torso found in 1989 was indeed Gail's. This was crucial to eliminate any reasonable doubt in their case, as the original identification was based on x-rays and a radiology report, which could be challenged in court.
Why did Elaine, Gail's sister, consent to the exhumation?
Elaine consented to the exhumation despite the emotional toll because she wanted to ensure that justice was served. She trusted the prosecutors and was willing to take the risk to provide the necessary evidence to build a strong case against Bob.
Why did the exhumation of Gail's body lead to a significant setback for the prosecutors?
The exhumation of Gail's body led to a significant setback for the prosecutors when the DNA tests revealed that the torso found in 1989 was not Gail's. This removed a key piece of evidence and left the case with only circumstantial evidence, making it much harder to prove Bob's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Stephanie Youngblood's experience with Bob's controlling behavior
- Accounts of Bob's temper tantrums and outbursts
- The Girlfriends' support system and shared experiences
Shownotes Transcript