Linda Smith – 9 of Hearts, Idaho

Linda Smith was asleep in her bed in Pocatello, Idaho when she awoke to a man in her bedroom. The man took her, carrying her out through the living room where her little brother Ben was sleeping, and into his van in the back alley. Ben, who was 9 at the time, tried to run after them but was shoved down. He hasn’t seen his sister since, and witnessing her abduction has haunted him for decades.

Linda Smith - 9 of Hearts

Courtesy of Idaho Cold Cases

Episode Info

If you have any information about the abduction and murder of Linda Smith, please contact the Idaho Cold Case Tip Line at 1-844-TIP-4040 or the Pocatello Police Department at 208-234-6100.

Ben Smith holding sister's cold case card

When Ben Smith, brother of Linda Smith, was nine years old he witnessed his sister being abducted from their home. Here he poses with a cold case card featuring his sister’s case. Photo Courtesy: audiochuck staff
close up of Linda Smith’s cold case playing card

A close up of Linda Smith’s cold case playing card from the Idaho deck, held by her brother Ben at the Idaho Falls Public Library. Photo Courtesy: audiochuck staff
Photos of Linda Smith

Photos of Linda Smith from her childhood, and her funeral program, sit on top of her diary. Linda’s family has kept her keepsakes and various news articles about her murder. Photo Courtesy: audiochuck staff
alley by a house

This is the alley in Pocatello, Idaho where Ben Smith said Linda was abducted. According to him, this is where the suspect parked his van when he took Linda. Photo Courtesy: audiochuck staff
Smith home

The Pocatello, Idaho house where Linda Smith lived with her mom and siblings sits empty today. Photo Courtesy: audiochuck staff
Linda Smith grave

Linda Smith is buried in Idaho Falls, Idaho next to her mom Norine. “Teen Angel” was Linda’s CB Radio handle growing up. Her family didn’t have a phone but they were in a CB Radio club and used it to socialize and communicate. Photo Courtesy: audiochuck staff

Episode Source Material