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 a lot 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]
Sara Nicole Hulbert
Symantha Winters
Tammy Zywicki
Andrea Hendrix-Steinert
News Archive: Serial Killer Bruce Mendenhall *Truck Stop Killer*
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
Filed under: crime, death penalty, high profile, murder, murder in the 20th Century, murder in the 21st Century, Serial Killer | Tagged: 1992, 2006, 2007, Alabama, Bruce Mendenhall, cold cases, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, missing people, Serial Killer, sex crimes, Tennessee, Unsolved Murder |
Bonnie's Blog of Crime 
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.
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[…] Update: Bruce Mendenhall *How many more victims will there be?* […]
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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
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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.
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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….
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http://jennifer-smith-mosier.memory-of.com/
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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.
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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.
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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/
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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.
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Alanna,
Same for you. God bless.
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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
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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.
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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
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im a female drvr who wants to know if he has a connection to the “Taz killer” from 04 killing in in. and ok.???
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i wonder how many there are who’s loved ones have no closure. what makes men this crazy?? its scary out here anymore.
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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.
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Anonymous person that just posted…. can you say who that person is that is related to Bruce that you say is bad news?
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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!!!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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My mother was a victom of Mendenhalls
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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.
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Miranda, may you have peace and love in your memories of your mom. My heart goes out to you and your family.
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http://www.wsmv.com/news/20308130/detail.html#
This is the link to the person respondable for the murder of Jennifer Annette Smith that is mentioned in this blog.
If there are some unsolved cases, he has killed before and is a truck driver also…
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I grew up across the street from this guy and graduated with his daughter!
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i have also known the mendenhalls they r quite very nice people in factg they have baby sitted us for bout 8 years now after that whole thing with bruce went down the whole town of albion has been treating the family like crap.and they need to realize they had no part in what happened.. i love you guys no mader wht gurls….. i hope the best for you
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I find it interesting that Bruce Mendenhall was mentioned on an 2008 episode of Criminal Minds
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You people have no idea what you are saying to us Mendenhalls. All you do is run your mouth to my sisters. And our dad will be out soon cause the dirty detective lied in the case. Hope the real killer is found but for now you all have ruened our lives in the process of making yourself feel better. No one likes your crap town anyway.
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For the person who thinks they know a person with the same last name and that person is bad news well you are the biggest lier of them all. You know alot of crap and talk alot of crap. And no his son was never a truck driver. Our dad is a great man and a man of god. You all have convicted him before his trial begain. You all have helped the real killer get away by your ruthless finger pointing.
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By the way thank you Holly and thank you Legs. Havent forgotten you guys. Best wishes to all out there even if you do like to point fingers the wrong way 🙂
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Another detail! He never controlled any of us. It was more like the other way around. He couldnt get us kids to do anything for him even when he begged. I feel ashamed knowing I could have done more for him and seen him more often. Us kids cant even get jobs to support our families because of people like you people running your mouth about stuff you know nothing about. The detective is the one at foul play. Tainted evidence, and lied to the media just to make a name for himself. Anyone else have something to add Im right here. Block parties? That town cant hold block parties. They are stuck up, and rude, ooohh I was a neighbor! Your a jackass! As for the ones who are scared of us your just a pareniod person who needs to get a life.
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Ryan,
Which detective? You know there is more than one detective on these murders. Different ones for each murder, since some are in different states. So, it is doubtful that all of the murder charges will be dismissed, if any. I do not know about the problems with the detective, but I doubt that changes his confessions or any other evidence, such as DNA (and the search of his truck provided a lot of evidence). Also if what you say is true about you kids controlling your dad, that could explain some of the issues Bethany has been having since 2010.
However, you do know that your dad, Bruce Mendenhall, did confess to these murders, and it is on tape, right?
I am sorry for the issues your family is having. I do understand that you, Bethany, Briana and Linda have nothing to do with the murders and are not a part of any of this. I wish you the best. However, I would not be so sure of him getting out of jail/prison. It does not look like it will happen.
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No family of ours is in alabama. They maybe Mendenhall there but no relation to us. Get your mouth out of your ass cause thats where your words are comeing from obviously.
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Ryan,
When you are commenting, it would be nice if you said who you were directing your comments to directly (who you are answering). It is very confusing. Thanks.
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Life of crime you need to stop talking names of our family as if you know us cause you dont. You are the biggest jack ass on here so far. I feel sorry for the victims dont get wrong. But Im not going to sit back and take this crap either. All it is is one big rant and rave on here. You have no clue about my sister matter of fact it was her exboyfriend that hurt the child not her. She just got punished for it. He is in prison and she is not. You yourself are not involved in anyway other than sticking your nose where it dont belong.
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Ryan,
Yes, I know that your sister did not hurt Matthieu, but she did nothing to stop Randall from hurting him. Yes, Randall got 18 years in prison and her charges were dropped. This is public information. That is all I have posted is public information. If you read my post on Randall and Bethany, you would know that I never said she hurt him.
I make post on criminal behavior – for sex crimes, murder, crimes against children, missing people, etc. It is legal and not personal. Get over it. By the way, I was not the first one to post on Bethany at all. I found lots of information about her, before I even went to the court website. I hope she straightens out her life.
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Life of crime just to let you know what you are doing on here is a form of harrasment and you can be held accountable for it. I will press charges if you keep this up.
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No it isn’t. So, go right ahead! Also, my name and location (which you actually have wrong) is not a secret. The rest of your comments ARE harassment and encourage criminal behavior. They have been turned into law enforcement. Your conclusion that my site is against victims is wrong. It is FOR the victims and justice. If you actually read my site (which has almost 5000 posts) you would see that. And I DO know how victims’ loved ones feel, as my own mother was murdered. However, as one of your unpublished comments states, you have no real compassion for the victims at all. Here on my blog NEVER talk about victims negatively. Those statements you made referring to the victims was cold hearted and shows how you really feel. It is my opinion that you condone what your father did. But remember, those victims have people who loved them. They have family, friends, etc. Those people all hurt due to their murders. Also, there is no such thing as closure. Victims’ families and loved ones may live on, but they never get over the murder of their loved one. It stays with them forever, no matter how long that is.
If you want to believe your father is innocent, that is your choice. But you cannot attack people for not feeling the same as you do. Everyone has the right to their opinions.
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