The Deck Investigates returns with Season 2, delving deep into the perplexing case of Ada Haradine, a 40-year-old home-maker and mother of two. What started as a typical day in May 1985 ended in a baffling tragedy that has haunted Ada’s family for decades.
Courtesy of Indiana Department of Correction, in partnership with Indiana State Police and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
Episode Info
If you have any information about Ada Haradine, please contact Michiana Crime Stoppers at 574-288-STOP or 800-342-STOP or submit tips online at michianacrimestoppers.com. Tips can be made anonymously.
You can also reach out directly to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office by calling their main line, 269-445-1560, their tip line at 800-462-9328, or online at ccso.info.
Day of Disappearance - Timeline
Photo Source: audiochuck staff
Day of Disappearance - Timeline
Photo Source: audiochuck staff
Day of Disappearance - Timeline
Photo Source: audiochuck staff
Day of Disappearance - Timeline
Photo Source: audiochuck staff
Day of Disappearance - Timeline
Photo Source: audiochuck staff
Day of Disappearance - Timeline
Photo Source: audiochuck staff
Day of Disappearance - Timeline
Photo Source: audiochuck staff
Day of Disappearance - Timeline
Photo Source: audiochuck staff
Day of Disappearance - Timeline
Photo Source: audiochuck staff
Day of Disappearance - Timeline
Photo Source: audiochuck staff
Day of Disappearance - Timeline
Photo Source: audiochuck staff
The backyard of the Haradines' home as of May 2024. When Jeff got home from school on May 8th, 1985, he went in the middle back door. Ada's gardening tools were leaning against the wall by the bay window at the far end of the house. Photo taken by audiochuck staff
The living room of the Haradines' home as of May 2024. A water-skiing magazine Ada took out of the mailbox on the afternoon of May 8th, 1985, was found on a small table by the door, which leads into the garage. Photo taken by audiochuck staff
An enhanced photo Ada and Ed. Courtesy: Cass County Sheriff’s Office
A photo of Ada when she was younger. Courtesy: The Haradine Family
An enhanced photo of Ada Haradine. Courtesy: Cass County Sheriff’s Office
A polaroid photo of the Haradine’s home on Crabtree Lane. Courtesy: Elkhart Police Department records
A 1990 photo of Elkhart, showing the YMCA in the background. Courtesy: Elkhart County Historical Society
A photo of the Haradine Family. Back row: Ed and Ada; Ed's brother-in-law Larry Sarhatt and sister Betty Sarhatt; Ed's sister Ann and her husband Don. Middle row: Ed and Ada's sons, Jeff and Greg Haradine; Ed's parents, Louise and Carl Haradine; Ed's niece, Susan. Front row: Larry & Betty's children, Teresa and Mike Sarhatt; Ed's niece, Amy. Courtesy: The Haradine Family
A note Ada left Tim Anderson from Horn Irrigation Systems on May 8th, 1985. Courtesy: Elkhart Police Department records
Ada with her family, the VanLoo’s from left to right: dad, James; brother, Frank; mom, Dragica "Ricky"; and baby brother, Jim. Courtesy: The Haradine Family
An aerial shot of the YMCA in Elkhart. Screenshot from Elkhart Health & Aquatics Tour video
An aerial photo of Elkhart, circa 1976. Photo credit: Elkhart County Historical Society
Episode Source Material
Original reporting by Nina Schutzman
- Cass County Sheriff’s Office records
- Elkhart Police Department records
- Larry Sarhatt’s personal records