Relisten to The Girlfriends S1, Ep 7: Cowabunga
The Girlfriends: Our Lost Sister
Deep Dive
Why did the nannies find Bob Bierenbaum's behavior strange?
The nannies, Barb Cooper and Cheryl Sherrick, described Bob as weird and bizarre, with a closed-off demeanor. He wouldn't allow them to open blinds or answer the door, and the house had an off vibe, especially when he was present.
How did Bob Bierenbaum behave with his daughter?
Both nannies agreed that Bob was very sweet and loving with his daughter, showing genuine affection for being a father.
What was Janet Bierenbaum doing during her pregnancy?
During her pregnancy, Janet stopped working as a gynecologist and began studying law. She also started writing more, including consulting on scripts for the TV show ER.
What was the significance of the grand jury indictment against Bob Bierenbaum?
The grand jury indictment marked the formal charge of murder against Bob Bierenbaum for the disappearance of his wife, Gail. It signaled the shift from speculation to a real legal case with potential consequences.
What was the nickname given to Karen Caruana and why?
Karen Caruana was nicknamed 'Karen Cowabunga' by the investigators because she provided crucial details about Bob Bierenbaum's behavior and lies regarding Gail's disappearance, making her a key witness.
What was the Tarasov letter and why was it significant?
The Tarasov letter, written by Dr. Michael Stone, warned Gail Bierenbaum to live apart from her husband due to his violent tendencies. It was significant because it highlighted Bob's abusive behavior and could have been used as evidence in the trial.
Why did the judge exclude the testimony of Bob's psychiatrists?
The judge excluded the testimony of Bob's psychiatrists because she ruled that the doctor-patient privilege had not been waived, even though Bob had allowed some information to be shared with his parents and Gail.
What did Dr. Michael Stone reveal about Bob Bierenbaum's past?
Dr. Stone revealed that during his first session with Bob, he admitted to strangling a woman in the past, not just Gail, and also killing his fiancée's cat in a fit of rage after their breakup.
How did the pretrial hearings impact the case against Bob Bierenbaum?
The pretrial hearings were crucial for determining what evidence and testimony would be admissible in court. The exclusion of the psychiatrists' testimony was a significant setback for the prosecution, as it could have provided damning evidence against Bob.
What was the reaction of Gail's family to the indictment?
Gail's family, particularly her best friend Denise Kassenbaum, felt a sense of relief and vindication upon hearing about the indictment. They had long suspected Bob of being responsible for Gail's disappearance and murder.
- Bob Bierenbaum arrested for murder of Gail Birnbaum
- National news story
- Investigation spanned multiple states
- New witnesses and evidence
Shownotes Transcript