Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
298 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Forum Posts for Mike Kiern:
Be respectful. Abuse of these forums will not be tolerated.

Reading about the tragic fate of Michael Frederick "Mike" Keirn really reminds us of how unsuspecting and vulnerable the victims of Herb Baumeister were. I can't stop thinking about the fear and confusion Mike must've felt in those final moments, being in what seemed like a safe environment. It's beyond distressing to realize that for him, and for so many others, trusting the wrong person led to such a terrible outcome.
I also want to touch on the role of Baumeister’s family, particularly his son, who stumbled upon that human skull back in December 1994. It's haunting to think about how such a discovery would have turned any teen's world upside-down. The impact on Baumeister’s family must have been devastating too, knowing someone they loved was capable of unimaginable horror.
These details draw a vivid picture of the spiraling aftermath that affected not just the victims, but many who were unknowingly close to the perpetrator. I hope the Kiern family has found some peace, and that sharing these stories keeps the memory of the victims alive.
I've been following the case of Herb Baumeister, and the more I read, the more I feel for the families of the victims. I can't imagine the pain Michael Frederick "Mike" Keirn's loved ones endure, knowing how they lost him in such a horrible way.
Something that really struck me was Baumeister's twisted ability to maintain such a façade of normalcy. The fact that he was able to hide these dark secrets for so long while living an outwardly successful life is so chilling. It makes me think about how many times we might interact with people who have hidden lives or dark pasts without even realizing it.
I also find it deeply concerning how Baumeister's family was apparently unaware of what was happening. What must it have been like for Baumeister’s son to find that skull? It’s haunting. Human remains in your own yard—something nobody should ever have to encounter. My heart truly goes out to them, too. They must have been left with so many questions about who their loved one really was.
This case really highlights the importance of listening to gut feelings and watching for red flags in behaviors, because you never really know what's hidden beneath the surface. Thinking of all the victims and hoping for healing for their families.
Does anyone know how Julie felt about the skull her son found? I can’t imagine the panic it must have caused her to realize something was terribly wrong at home. It's hard to grasp the terror she must’ve experienced, trying to protect her children and coming to terms with the fact that someone she loved and trusted could be involved in such unimaginable horrors. I hope she found support in friends and family during such a dark time. It must have been so difficult for her to navigate the aftermath of Baumeister's crimes, especially as the full extent of his actions came to light. My thoughts are with her and all the other families affected by this.
Reading about Michael Keirn’s tragic story is beyond disturbing, and my heart truly goes out to his family and friends. I came across a detail that really struck me: Baumeister's son's discovery of the human skull in 1994. It's chilling to imagine the impact this must have had on the child and the family dynamics. How does a family even begin to process finding something so horrific in their backyard? This event preceded the intensification of the investigation, but I can't stop wondering how Juliana dealt with the shock of such a discovery. Did she harbor suspicions about Herb before the investigators got involved? It’s such a sad situation for all involved, especially knowing that someone so close to her and their child could lead such a double life. The strength it must have taken to not only confront these horrors but also care for her family after everything unraveled is unimaginable. Thinking of Michael and all the victims - they deserved so much better.
Hi everyone,
I've been doing some reading on the Baumeister case, and I can't stop thinking about the circumstances of how he managed to avoid capture for so long. Imagine the sheer fear and confusion the families of the missing men, like Michael Frederick "Mike" Keirn, must have felt during those years. It seems unreal that Baumeister was able to maintain his façade as a respected businessman while committing such atrocities. It must have been an unimaginable nightmare for Mike’s loved ones, especially not knowing what happened to him for so long.
What strikes me most is the chilling discovery by Baumeister's own son—finding a skull on their property. I just can’t wrap my head around how traumatizing that must have been. Were there ever any signs that something was amiss? I’ve always wondered if there were small cues that got overlooked. Sending thoughts to Mike’s family and all the others affected. It’s truly disturbing how one man could cause so much pain and grief. I'm curious if any locals remember the atmosphere in the community back then.
Would love to hear from anyone who's followed this case more closely or who remembers how it unfolded in the 90s.
Stay safe, everyone.