Archive
In 2014, I submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Michigan State Police, seeking any documentation related to Karl’s disappearance and death. Since that time, further FOIA requests and research helped me locate many additional documents, such as newspaper clippings, police and court reports, 1980s era maps and more. These source materials were used to compile and summarize the case information that you can read here. For further information, dive in to the case documents provided below.
Criminal Background Checks
Houghton County Probate Court Documents
Petition to Determine Cause and Date of Death in Disaster This is a copy of Patricia Heikell’s petition to the court to issue a death certificate.
Publication and Notice of Hearing on the Death of Karl Heikell This text copy was published in the Daily Mining Gazette to notify the public about a Houghton County probate court hearing regarding the death of Karl Heikell.
1946 USGS Topographic Map of Centennial Heights and Surrounding Areas
1981 Houghton County Land Atlas and Platbook, Page 42 In Michigan State Police reports from 1982, officers note that Heikell's remains were found in Section 12 of Calumet Township and reference an attached map. This is a scan from a 1981 platbook that shows Section 12 of Calumet Township.
Maps
“Unsolved Mystery: Who Killed Karl Heikell”, April 16, 2023 from The Shelldrake Files
“The Death of Karl Heikell”, March 1, 2023 From Already Gone Podcast
“Website Revives Calumet Cold Case”, November 5, 2022 Published in the Mining Journal
“Michigan Librarian Dedicated to 41-year-old Halloween Cold Case”, October 30, 2022 From NBC News
“U.P. Librarian Opens Informative Website for 1981 Cold Case Near Calumet”, October 3, 2022 From WLUC TV6 News
“Remains of Heikell Boy Found”, October 4, 1982 Published in the Daily Mining Gazette
William (Bill) Langdon’s Obituary, June 29, 1982 Published in the Daily Mining Gazette
“Air Search Turns up No New Clues”, May 13, 1982 Published in the Copper Island Sentinel
“Three Months Later - Still Nothing”, January 30, 1982 Published in the Daily Mining Gazette
“Seek Info”, December 3, 1981 Published in the Copper Island Sentinel
“Raising the Reward”, November 19, 1981 Published in the Escanaba Daily Press
“Search for Boy Frustrating”, November 12, 1981 Published in the Copper Island Sentinel
“Reward Offered For Missing U.P. Boy”, November 6 & 7, 1981 Published in the Copper Island Sentinel
Media Reports
MSP Reports on Karl Heikell, 1981 - 1985 On a few occasions in this report, I have chosen to redact names of individuals mentioned in the report because they are described as victims of sexual assault and were children at the time of their abuse. When I redact names, I use black boxes. When information has been removed by police, they redacted it with Wite Out.
MSP Report on Jim Ardus and Cult Activities, 1996 This report was provided to me by the Michigan State Police after I requested additional information regarding suspects in the death of Karl Heikell. The scanned copy provided to me is nearly illegible, so I’ve provided a transcribed version below.
Transcribed MSP Report on Jim Ardus and Cult Activities, 1996
Police Reports and Transcriptions