Behind the Mask: Friend of Serial Killer's Father Recalls Disturbing Signs

Mannetta Braunstein, who worked closely with the father of serial killer Herb Baumeister Jr., sheds light on the troubling behaviors that foreshadowed the heinous crimes his son would commit a decade later.

In the quiet medical corridors of Indiana hospitals, Mannetta Braunstein befriended Dr. Herb Baumeister Sr., a respected surgeon and the father of the notorious serial killer Herb Baumeister Jr. Over a decade of close association, Braunstein observed glimpses of the younger Baumeister's unsettling nature, leaving her haunted by the realization of his twisted crimes.

One incident that left an indelible mark on Braunstein's memory occurred around 1970. Dr. Baumeister Sr. confided in her about his son's peculiar purchase of a hearse. When asked about its purpose, Baumeister Jr. responded nonchalantly, "It's a good way to get around and go on dates."

"And we left it at that," Braunstein recalled, "but I could tell it bothered him." The image of a young man using a hearse for courtship purposes was jarring and raised questions about his motives.

Other red flags emerged as Braunstein delved deeper into Baumeister Jr.'s history. As a teenager, he lacked friends and enthusiasm for extracurricular activities, despite his father's encouragement. Academic struggles marked his path, leading to his eventual departure from college.

Dr. Baumeister Sr.'s disappointment over his son's academic failures was evident to Braunstein. "It's as if he (Baumeister Jr.) didn't want to bother," she remarked. The young man's indifference and lack of drive seemed to be a source of concern for his father.

On one occasion, Braunstein met Baumeister Jr. when he was in his early twenties. She described him as "polite, courteous, and nice-looking," but his conversation lacked substance and depth. "It's hard to get my mind wrapped around something like this, even after all these years," Braunstein said, struggling to reconcile her memories of the seemingly ordinary young man with the horrors he would unleash.

Braunstein's interactions with Dr. Baumeister Sr. offered a window into his growing worry about his son's behavior. In 1971, six months after marrying Juliana Saiter, Baumeister Jr. was involuntarily committed to a mental institution.

Despite completing treatments and settling into married life, Baumeister Jr.'s odd behaviors continued. In 1985, he urinated on a letter addressed to the Indiana Governor, leading to his dismissal from his job.

Ironically, the couple's financial situation improved when Juliana returned to work and Baumeister Jr. became a stay-at-home dad. They opened a thrift store that became a lucrative business.

In the early 1990s, the family moved into a spacious home on 18 acres. However, their marriage deteriorated, and Juliana and the children distanced themselves from Baumeister Jr.'s increasingly volatile behavior.

By night, Baumeister Jr. transformed into a predator, luring unsuspecting victims from gay bars in Indianapolis. He would bring them to his secluded home, murder them, and bury their remains on his property.

The gruesome discovery of a skull by Baumeister Jr.'s teenage son shattered the illusion of normality. The realization that their father had committed heinous crimes sent shockwaves through the community.

Braunstein, who had long ago parted ways with the Baumeister family, was left in disbelief. "Everybody was stunned," she recalled. "We all knew Dr. Baumeister (Sr.) and his family. They were normal people."

In the aftermath of Baumeister Jr.'s crimes, Braunstein couldn't help but wonder if she had missed any signs of his sinister nature. "It certainly crosses your mind thinking, 'I had a brush with the devil.'"

The realization that a seemingly ordinary individual could harbor such darkness has left an enduring impact on Braunstein. "He fooled me. I'm sure he fooled everyone else," she said. The experience has taught her to look beyond appearances and to be aware of the hidden depths that people may conceal.