Robert “Bob” Christian – 4 of Spades, Wisconsin

In the Fall of 1977, Bob was just weeks into his freshman year at UW-Madison. He was a math whiz with a knack for computers and a big heart. At 18-years-old, there was no telling how far he’d go.

But no one ever expected to be asking the question… Where did he go? Yet here we are almost half a century later, with that burning question and just a string of bizarre clues that leads many to believe an infamous serial killer could be to blame for his disappearance.

Robert “Bob” Christian - 4 of Spades

Courtesy of Wisconsin Association of Homicide Investigators

Episode Info

Today, Robert “Bob” Christian would be 65 years old. At the time of his disappearance, he was 5’10” and 210 pounds. He had blue eyes, shaggy brown hair, and wore eyeglasses. You can find his photo in the show notes. If you know anything about Bob’s disappearance or movements around Wisconsin in September of 1977, please call Detective Tyler Pointon directly at 608-355-3205. You can also call the sheriff’s office’s non-emergency line at 800-377-1195. Or, if you prefer to remain anonymous, you can reach Sauk County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-TIP-SAUK.

A photo of Bob during his senior year at La Folette Highschool.

A photo of Bob during his senior year at La Folette Highschool. Courtesy: Bob’s sister, Amy Bradway.
A photo of Bob (left) age 14 in his scouts uniform with a friend.

A photo of Bob (left) age 14 in his scouts uniform with a friend. Courtesy: Amy Bradway, Bob’s sister.
A photo of Bob (second from the left) age 11, performing a card trick for his friends and family. His sister, Amy, is on the left. His childhood friend Randy, who he was going to meet in Baraboo, is second from the right.

A photo of Bob (second from the left) age 11, performing a card trick for his friends and family. His sister, Amy, is on the left. His childhood friend Randy, who he was going to meet in Baraboo, is second from the right. Courtesy: Amy Bradway, Bob’s sister.
Bob’s original missing person’s poster from 1977.

Bob’s original missing person’s poster from 1977. Courtesy: Sauk County sheriff’s office.
A photo of Durward’s Glenn Catholic retreat center.

A photo of Durward’s Glenn Catholic retreat center. Taken by Audiochuck staff.
A photo of where Bob’s car was found – near the Wisconsin State Police radio tower in Baraboo Bluffs.

A photo of where Bob’s car was found – near the Wisconsin State Police radio tower in Baraboo Bluffs. Courtesy: Sauk County sheriff’s office.
A photo of the location where Bob’s car was found present day – there is no longer a radio tower.

A photo of the location where Bob’s car was found present day – there is no longer a radio tower. Photo taken by Audiochuck staff.
A photo of how Bob’s car was found– abandoned, with wheels and battery missing.

A photo of how Bob’s car was found– abandoned, with wheels and battery missing. Courtesy: Sauk County sheriff’s office.
A photo of detectives leading the bloodhound search.

A photo of detectives leading the bloodhound search. Courtesy: Sauk County sheriff’s office.
An aerial photo from law enforcement’s helicopter search.

An aerial photo from law enforcement’s helicopter search. Courtesy: Sauk County sheriff’s office.

Episode Source Material

Original reporting by Nicole Kagan