Before her death in December 1998, Julie Jensen left behind a letter warning police that if anything happened to her, they should suspect her husband. In Part 1, we begin Julie’s story, exploring the fears she shared before her death and the circumstances that sparked an investigation. Her letter would become central to a case that stretched across more than two decades.

NOTICE: IT’S come to our attention the audio in this episode glitches. We’re really sorry about that. We are trying to fix it.

On April 8, 2013, 43-year-old mother of three Traci Lynn Rataczak was found dead in the basement of her Wyocena, Wisconsin, home. Her boyfriend, Patrick Kraemer, reported finding her hanging from an extension cord—but investigators believed there was more to the story.In this episode, we examine the final hours of Traci’s life, the troubling evidence discovered after her death, allegations of coercive control, conflicting accounts, and the case prosecutors presented against Patrick. Although a jury ultimately found him not guilty, Traci’s family was left with questions the verdict could not answer.Using court records and testimony obtained through the Columbia County Clerk of Courts, investigative documents, and information shared by Traci’s family, we look beyond the trial and remember the woman at the center of the case: a beloved mother, sister, and friend whose family believes her death was not a suicide.Content warning: This episode discusses domestic abuse, suicide, hanging, and graphic details surrounding a death.Sources: Columbia County Clerk of Courts records and case materials; information provided by Traci’s family.If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7.For confidential domestic-violence support, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

In May of 1992, a brutal double murder rocked the small Wisconsin community of Pardeeville.
Geraldine Knipfer and Michael Walker were found murdered inside Geraldine’s home in Pardeeville. What followed was an investigation that quickly turned toward someone Geraldine knew all too well—her estranged husband, James Knipfer.
In this episode of Dark Matter Moms, we dig into the events surrounding the murders, the evidence investigators uncovered, witness statements, James Knipfer’s arrest, and the disturbing details revealed through interviews and court records.
But this story is about more than the man accused of taking two lives. We also want to remember Geraldine and Michael as people—the lives they lived, the people who loved them, and the family left behind to carry the weight of what happened that night.
This is the story of Geraldine Knipfer and Michael Walker—and the case against James Knipfer.
Listener discretion is strongly advised. This episode contains discussions of domestic violence, homicide, graphic injuries, and other disturbing details.