ABC’s 20/20 will air an in-depth investigation into the shocking murder of Missouri insurance salesman Bob Eidman on Friday, February 7, 2025. The episode, titled File M for Murder, will explore the complex case that began as a seemingly random robbery but soon revealed a web of secrets, betrayal, and a deadly scheme. Correspondent Chris Connelly leads the special report, featuring exclusive interviews with law enforcement officials and those closest to the case.

Eidman’s murder in broad daylight stunned the St. Charles, Missouri, community. His wife’s contradictory statements and undisclosed financial details raised immediate suspicion, but forensic breakthroughs would ultimately expose the real perpetrators. The case, which took years to solve, highlighted the power of DNA evidence and the persistence of investigators in bringing justice to a man whose life ended in a senseless act of violence.

The Murder of Bob Eidman

On June 8, 2007, police in St. Charles County, Missouri, responded to a distressing discovery. A mail carrier had stumbled upon the lifeless body of Bob Eidman inside his insurance office, Brooke’s Insurance. Eidman had been shot multiple times, and his wallet appeared to be missing. At first glance, it seemed like a robbery gone wrong, but detectives soon realized the crime scene was more complex than it appeared.

Investigators found both live and spent ammunition at the scene, suggesting the shooter either had a malfunctioning gun or was inexperienced with firearms. Surveillance footage from a nearby Mexican grocery store captured a white Ford Focus entering the parking lot before the shooting and leaving shortly afterward. This piece of evidence would later become crucial in identifying those responsible.

A Man with Secrets

As detectives delved deeper into Eidman’s life, they discovered troubling details that complicated the case. His wife, Diane, initially claimed her husband had no known enemies, but she later changed her story, naming a business rival, Jack Michaels, with whom Bob had past disputes. Michaels had allegedly attempted to lure away customers from Eidman’s struggling business, but police quickly ruled him out as a suspect.

Diane also neglected to mention a significant life insurance policy in Bob’s name. She initially told investigators it was worth around $5,000, but records revealed it was closer to $400,000. This raised red flags, and police administered a polygraph test, though the results were inconclusive. Suspicion grew around Diane’s potential involvement, but authorities lacked the concrete evidence needed to make an arrest.

The biggest revelation came from Bob’s phone records, which exposed a secret affair. Investigators learned that Bob had been involved in a romantic relationship with a man named Drew Smith. Diane had recently discovered the affair, and Bob had told Smith they needed to stop seeing each other. While detectives considered the possibility of a love triangle leading to Bob’s murder, Smith provided a strong alibi, clearing him of any involvement.

DNA Evidence Cracks the Case

With no clear suspects, the case went cold for nearly three years. However, in 2010, forensic advancements led to a major breakthrough. Investigators had taken “touch DNA” from the inside of Eidman’s pants pocket, where his wallet had been removed. The sample was submitted to the FBI’s national database, and in March 2010, it matched a known criminal—Paul White.

White was already incarcerated on an unrelated forgery charge, making him easy to locate. As detectives investigated further, they uncovered his connection to Eidman’s insurance business. White had been a customer of Eidman’s, and his background included a long history of criminal activity.

More importantly, police discovered that White had been stopped in a traffic incident shortly before the murder while riding in a light-colored Ford Focus. The driver was Cleo Hines, an associate of White’s. The discovery of this vehicle matched the surveillance footage from the crime scene, providing another piece of evidence linking White to the murder.

The Confession and the Motive

Despite the mounting evidence, White denied any involvement, claiming it was “impossible” for his DNA to have been found in Bob’s pocket. Investigators turned their attention to Hines, hoping he would crack under questioning. Using a bluff, police falsely claimed they had surveillance footage of his car at the scene. The strategy worked. Hines quickly confessed, revealing that White had forced him into the crime at gunpoint.

According to Hines, the robbery was planned out of desperation. White had lost $1,200 at a casino the night before and was looking for a quick way to recoup his losses. He knew that Eidman ran a cash-heavy business and targeted him as an easy mark. The robbery, however, turned fatal when White shot Eidman multiple times before fleeing the scene.

Investigators now had a clear understanding of the crime: a botched robbery driven by financial desperation, not a calculated murder plot orchestrated by Bob’s wife or his lover.

Justice for Bob Eidman

With Hines’ confession and forensic evidence, prosecutors built a strong case against both men. In August 2012, Paul White stood trial for first-degree murder and first-degree robbery. After deliberation, a jury found him guilty on both counts. The following month, he was sentenced to two life terms in prison, ensuring he would never walk free again.

Hines, though initially portrayed as an unwilling accomplice, also faced serious charges. His cooperation with investigators did not spare him from punishment. In September 2012, he received two life sentences, the same as White. The court ruled that his involvement in the robbery and subsequent cover-up made him equally culpable in Eidman’s death.

A Case of Twists and Turns

Bob Eidman’s murder initially seemed like a targeted crime, possibly linked to personal relationships or financial disputes. However, the truth was far more random. The crime was not the result of a calculated scheme by those closest to him but rather a tragic consequence of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The case demonstrated the power of forensic evidence, particularly DNA analysis, in solving seemingly cold cases. Without the touch DNA sample, White may never have been identified as the killer. It also highlighted how investigative persistence, coupled with strategic questioning, led to a confession that ultimately secured convictions.

The 20/20 episode will provide a deep dive into the twists and turns of this case, featuring interviews with key law enforcement officials and family members still seeking closure. File M for Murder airs on February 7, 2025, at 9:01 p.m. EST on ABC, with streaming available on Hulu the following day.

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