Last week, a suspected serial killer, Bruce Mendenhall, was arrested in Tennessee by police who noticed his truck matched a description of a murder suspects truck. I post twice on this so far: Bruce Mendenhall – Truck Stop Killer and *possible suspect in Tammy Zywicki murder from 1992*. Inside his truck (a semi-truck, he is a long haul type driver), apparently there is a “treasure trove” of evidence, including alot of blood splatter. Apparently Mr. Mendenhall was either not too clean, did not care if he got caught, or, just as likely, he may have just recently murdered and did not have a chance to clean up properly (I am guessing he does not watch CSI to know that not cleaning up with at least some bleach would have been a good thing). He has allegedly confessed to 6 murders of women found mainly at truck stops in 4 states. Timeline
Other states are also looking at him for several murders. And a couple of those do appear to be serious contenders for him. One I posted on previously, Tammy Zywicki appears to be one of those cases. If this is the case, Tammy may have been his first victim. The FBI wants to talk to Bruce about her murder, too. FBI probes for link between possible serial killer, Zywicki and, of course, her family wants to know too. Families of other unsolved murders are wondering too if their loved one is one of his victims, such as Jennifer Smith 1 and Jennifer Smith 2. Also, Andrea Hendrix-Steinert , who was murdered a decade ago. And so many more, I am sure.
Many people are wondering, just Who Is Bruce Mendenhall A good question. He is a 56 year old truck driver, married, with 2 adult 
daughters. He once even Ran for Mayor! Talk about having skeletons in your closet! This time, it is for real. His neighbors are of course stunned (aren’t they always?). They say he was strange, but not mean or non-friendly. Just strange. So I figure he was not a hit at block parties, if he even went. I am guessing he was very stand-offish with neighbors, if he even said hello it would be alot for him.
So far I believe he has only been charged with the murder of Sara Nicole Hulbert, but I am sure in the next couple of weeks there will be more charges, and not just in TN. I do not know if there is any DNA evidence, but there is some kinds of “witness” evidence (to him being in the area, etc.) and of course, there is the confession. It is interesting to see that he confessed to 6 when he was only the suspect in 1 at the time.
Possible victims so far: (remember, some of these are only possible victims)
Deborah Ann Glover [1/29/07 Suwanee, GA] *confessed to*
Sherry Drinkard [2/26/07 Lake Station, IN] *confessed to*
Symantha Winters [6/06/07 Lebanon, TN] *confessed to*
Sara Nicole Hulbert [6/26/07 Nashville, TN] *confessed to*
Lucille Carter [7/01/07 Birmingham, AL] *confessed to*
Jennifer Annette Smith [4/05 Bucksnort, TN] *confessed to* I believe
Tammy Zywicki [8/23/92 Lawrence County, MO]
Latisha Milliken [missing since 2/07 Millersville, TN]
Tanya Estep (Robbins) [missing since 10/06 Millersville, TN]
Andrea Hendrix-Steinert [10/29/97 Evansville, IN]
Dusty Shuck [5/06 Mount Airy, MD]
Sara Nicole Hulbert Symantha Winters Tammy Zywicki Dusty Shuck Andrea Hendrix-Steinert
Families Of Missing Women Wonder If They’re Mendenhall’s Victims
Serial Killer Suspect May Have Killed Before Arrest
Woman Hitched Ride With Accused Serial Killer
Police probe new lead in 2006 murder
July 17, 2007 at 7:02 pm
Another fluff piece to blow smoke up the ass of people jumping to conclusions. I posted on my blog Sunday ( http://geudelbuoy.blogspot.com/2007/07/mendenhall-benoit-and-media.html ) about the liberties being taken in the reporting.
He doesn’t very well fit the profile for the Zywicki case. He’s not tall enough, his hair is not at all bushy, and in 1992, he was not driving the truck he was arrested in (Actually, that truck wasn’t even built yet, but I’ve seen some “journalists” trying to relate his current rig to the one seen near Zywicki’s car in ‘92).
As someone from the area where he lived who actually knows the family, let me say that, from the statements made by his neighbors, it should be quite clear that neighbors simply didn’t like the family, and really never knew much about them, so now they get to do a hatchet job in the national media. I could understand papers publishing comments that berate him, but they have been printing statements from neighbors that blast on the entire family. His wife and daughters (the only family members the media has mentioned… and I’m guessing the only ones they actually know about) have done nothing wrong, yet they are being humiliated not just by association, but directly. Also, block parties? You’re obviously not from this area and don’t understand it.
As for your guess about his demeanor with neighbors, from what I hear, you’re not far off. But, I figure that is mostly because he didn’t like his neighbors. However, when around people he could stand, such as at the local bowling alley, he was far more sociable. The local media did a story on him the day after he was arrested where they interviewed the owners of the local bowling alley where he would bowl every Sunday. I have not seen this more positive take printed in any national stories. All I see is the negativity.
As for your victims list, the first five are ones he confessed to, but the sixth confession was not Smith. It was to a body he left in a car at a Flying J in Indianapolis. They have not found or identified that body yet, which may be why you were confused. If I had to guess, I’d say nothing older than 2006 will be ultimately attributed to him. I’m not going to list my reasons for this guess out of respect to the family.
July 17, 2007 at 8:24 pm
[...] Update: Bruce Mendenhall *How many more victims will there be?* [...]
July 18, 2007 at 8:28 pm
This man is very sick(Bruce Mendenhall). Everyone has to know that there is more. My family is hoping that he is the guy who killed my sister Belinda Cartwright. My sister was killed in 2001 but the family finally found out what happen to her Dec. 20th 2006. The police knew who she was 8 hours after she died. Its a mess. And trying to get help as been really bad. We have wrote to alot of people and so far only 2 people have helped us…Anyway. Here are 2 links that you can see about the story. Thank you for listing.
http://www.tbo.com/news/reports/belindacase
http://missingpiecesshow.homestead.com/MissingPiecesEpisode31Archive.html
July 19, 2007 at 5:26 am
cindy,
I am sorry that you lost your sister. It is really sad that the cops new who your sister was 8 hrs after her death and it took 6 yrs for you to find out. This is an outrage that the officer failed to try and find you. I remember reading about the is in the Tampa paper. My heart goes out to you and your family. I will keep you all in my prayers and hope that you will get some kind of closure once the killers is serving his time.
July 23, 2007 at 6:57 pm
I lost my sister also..Jennifer Smith and no he hasnt confessed to anything in her case…1 and 2 are the same people just someone messed up on the ages in the press. here is her tribute page. She is very missed.. Her family loved her very much…and I dont think people should be putting miss leading information on the internet. I dont think you should post unless you know the facts….
July 23, 2007 at 6:58 pm
http://jennifer-smith-mosier.memory-of.com/
July 25, 2007 at 3:43 pm
I have known the mendenhalls for quite a few years now we moved away from albion in 2005 after having been thier tenants for 3 years. Linda and the girls and his son are dear friends and I hate knowing what they must be going through because of bruce. We didnt like him very much because of what I saw when he was home and I wont go into that but I hope for the sake of his family the town relizes that his family had no part in it and that they need the support of everyone in this time I pray for them every night and hope that they are doing okay I am especially worried about linda as her health was not good when we moved. My heart goes out to linda and the kids.
July 25, 2007 at 7:17 pm
Holly,
I do understand you having sympathy and concern for Bruce’s family if they are your friends, but, let me ask this:
What about the victims of his murders and their families and friends? Don’t they deserve any compassion and concern? I believe they are the ones that we should be concerned about now. That and JUSTICE.
July 28, 2007 at 3:36 am
I hope they can also look into my sisters unsolved murder in her travel to indiana from Florida. Her and her friend were strangled like Steinert’s and found in a ditch
http://www.angelfire.com/in/tamigifford/
July 28, 2007 at 8:23 am
Cindy and Smily,
I too am sorry about the lost of your loved ones, possibly to this man. I hope both of you can get the closure that you need. I know it never gets any easier, but maybe you both can have a little peace. God bless you.
July 28, 2007 at 8:24 am
Alanna,
Same for you. God bless.
July 29, 2007 at 12:51 pm
Mendenhall has been charged in my aunt’s (The Birmingham murder) murder recently.
First of all, for the record, I see that a lot of news stories has her name as “Michelle Carter.” That is incorrect – It is LUCILLE Carter.
Secondly, I just want to say that my aunt was one of the sweetest persons ever – always making everyone laugh and always laughing. She definitely did not deserve this fate.
Lastly, I am so sorry to everyone who is a direct and indirect victim of this sick man’s actions.
Hopefully, justice will be served
August 2, 2007 at 12:33 pm
Ladies,
My condolences to you, your families, and to Linda and her children, who could not have known of Bruce’s behavior, I’m certain, or if they had suspicions, were powerless to intervene because of the way it sounds like he controlled them (this is common in abusers and sociopaths, and though I don’t know if he is either with certainty, I’d bet money he is both.)
I’m curious about the women who have been mentioned on here who are not yet tied to Mendenhall’s activities…. to my understanding, the women that he is alleged to have confessed to killing were working at or near truckstops as prostitutes (known by the colorful but degrading term of “lot lizards”, because of their truck-hopping tendencies.) Those of you who suspect your loved ones may have been his victims… did they engage in this behavior? If not, were they traveling on Interstates? Did they work in shipping/receiving offices? If not (unless their murders were very long ago) it is unlikely that he is their killer, because he appeared to have preyed on those who were close at hand along his routes.
August 15, 2007 at 12:55 pm
HOLLY. Please contact the Nashville Public Defender’s Office ASAP and ask for Amber. The number is 615-862-5730. If anyone is reading this and knows Holly, please have her contact me. It is regarding the case.
Thank you,
A
August 15, 2007 at 6:38 pm
im a female drvr who wants to know if he has a connection to the “Taz killer” from 04 killing in in. and ok.???
August 15, 2007 at 6:41 pm
i wonder how many there are who’s loved ones have no closure. what makes men this crazy?? its scary out here anymore.
November 14, 2007 at 6:38 pm
I believe I know someone who is related to the man … and – (no coincidence here) – that person is bad news as well. I use to be friends with the person, but over the two years of our friendship, I found out that this person is bad news, just like Bruce. I reading that this information was posted in Alabama sends even MORE chills up my spine … because the person that I know who I suspect is related to Bruce actually has close family in Alabama and has been there several times.
By the way, this person that I believe that’s related to Bruce Mendenhall – who has the same last name, by the way – is now back at my school. You can bet I’m pretty scared.
November 27, 2007 at 10:24 am
Anonymous person that just posted…. can you say who that person is that is related to Bruce that you say is bad news?
March 27, 2008 at 7:09 am
i Don’t Care What Happens To This Guy Bc He Took Sara From All Of Us I Hope He Dies A More Painful Death Than Any Of These Women Had To Go Through!!!
August 13, 2008 at 4:57 am
my best friend is bruces nephew…..his dad is a truck driver and has taken some heat for even having the same last name. Bruces son is also a truck driver and the last i heard he has taken alot of heat as well. Its a shame at everyone that is hurt because of someones actions.
August 19, 2008 at 12:33 pm
My family and I were close friends of Bruce and Linda. He and his wife has been friends of the family for about 25 years. My sisters and I grew up with his kids. I even dated his son for a while. I often rode with him to go see his son and he never once gave me the creeps or made a pass at me. I never had a clue. He has always been a truck driver, as long as I can remember. My son loved him like he was a grandpa. My son now has to see a counselor because he over heard people talking about Bruce and what he had done. My son was not old enough to understand what was happening when Bruce was arrested. They were at our house about two weeks before his arrest. It came as a great shock to us when we found out about his arrest. When he was at our house a acted like he alway has, he did not seem any different to us. As for what has been said about him being a mean person that is something my family and I never encountered. He was always as nice as could be when he was around us. I was even considering taking over payments on his oldest daughter’s car cause she lost her job and stopped paying for it. We haven’t heard anything more on his case. But his wife Linda passed away about 2 months ago due to her poor health and all the stress he caused her. If I hear anything more I will update my blog on here.
December 26, 2008 at 9:32 pm
WE ARE STILL WAITING FOR THE ANSWERS ON THE DEATH OF MY SISTER BELINDA CARTWRIGHT. SHE WAS THE ONE PUSHED OFF THE RUNNING BOARD BY THE ONE DRIVING THE “YOUNG BROTHERS TRUCKING” BLACK FREIGHTLINER. WE EVEN HAVE EYEWITTNESS’ AND COMPOSIT OF KILLER. JUST NO NAME YET. WE ALL HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THE STATE OF GEORGIA TO CATCH THIS KILLER. IF YOU KNOW OF “YOUNG BROTHERS TRUCKING” PLEASE CONTACT THE LOWES COUNTY DA OFFICE. LETS MAKE JUSTICE HAPPEN FOR BELINDA AND HER TWO WONDERFUL BOYS. GOD BLESS.
note from blog owner
Please do not type in ALL CAPS. It is a violation of my comment policy and very rude, regardless of how important your message was. Just reminding you.
January 5, 2009 at 10:30 am
My mother was a victom of Mendenhalls
April 22, 2009 at 9:27 pm
So sorry for ALL CAPS, I am old and only type in all caps. In no way did I mean to be rude. Will not happen again. God
bless.
April 22, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Miranda, may you have peace and love in your memories of your mom. My heart goes out to you and your family.