Nearly 30 years after human remains were discovered at Fox Hollow Farm in Westfield, Indiana, investigators are still identifying victims and studying how they died. Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison says the evidence raises doubts that suspected serial killer Herb Baumeister acted alone. He also wants to question Mark Goodyear, who has described himself as Baumeister’s only known survivor but denies involvement in the disappearances.
The renewed inquiry involves more than 9,000 bones and fragments that have not been examined. Jellison says information from Goodyear and the public could help identify victims and clarify events at the 18-acre property.
| 1) | Why the coroner is seeking answers from a key witness |
| 2) | What remains unknown about the Fox Hollow evidence |
| 3) | How the investigation developed after the 1990s discoveries |
| 4) | Why investigators suspect another person may be involved |
| 5) | The continuing effort to identify victims and reach families |
Why the coroner is seeking answers from a key witness
Jellison said he has spoken with Mark Goodyear several times and believes Goodyear may have information about the unidentified remains. He wants to ask about people Goodyear knew through Indianapolis gay nightclubs and about details that could establish victims’ identities and causes of death.
Jellison said he compared Goodyear’s answers with information already known to investigators and was dissatisfied. Goodyear has not been charged with a crime connected to the case and has repeatedly denied involvement.
“The first question I would ask him is, ‘Are you ready to be honest with me?'” Jellison said.
Goodyear met Baumeister at an Indianapolis gay bar in 1994, when Baumeister introduced himself as “Brian.” Goodyear later described a disturbing sexual encounter and provided information that helped investigators identify Baumeister. He did not appear for a later documentary interview, and no response was received to a request for comment.
What remains unknown about the Fox Hollow evidence
About 10,000 burned and broken human bones and fragments were recovered from Fox Hollow Farm after the property came under investigation in 1996. Jellison said more than 9,000 pieces still require examination, leaving substantial work before investigators can determine how many people are represented.
The remains were found on property once owned by Baumeister. Investigators believe he targeted young gay men at Indianapolis-area nightclubs, may have lured them to the home while his family was away, killed them and carried their remains into wooded areas.
Baumeister’s son discovered a human skull in 1994, but reports indicate investigators did not search the property until June 1996. Baumeister died by suicide in Ontario, Canada, at age 49, before authorities could arrest him.
How the investigation developed after the 1990s discoveries
The case produced new identifications decades after the remains were recovered. Victims were identified in 2023 and 2024, and public remembrance services were held in Westfield in August 2024 for identified and unidentified victims.
Documentary reporting has revisited possible accomplices, overlooked evidence and witness accounts. One account involved a possible hidden camera in a basement air vent and tapes Goodyear said he was forced to watch in 1994. Jellison previously said the tapes, if they exist, would probably never be recovered.
Investigators believe at least 25 people may have been victims of Baumeister. Identification continues through forensic examination, family research and public tips rather than a complete list of known missing people.
Why investigators suspect another person may be involved
Jellison said the number and placement of the remains make it difficult to believe one person could have carried out every part of the alleged crimes alone. He questioned how one man could move deceased individuals from the residence through dense woods to areas potentially 200 yards away.
“There are very strong indications there is another suspect, and it wasn’t Mark Goodyear,” Jellison said.
Jellison emphasized that this view does not make Goodyear a suspect. He said the physical evidence has led him to consider whether another person assisted Baumeister. The claim remains part of an ongoing investigation, and no accomplice has been identified or charged in the article.
The continuing effort to identify victims and reach families
Jellison’s central goal is to put names to the remains and notify relatives who may not know that a family member disappeared. Some victims may have been socially marginalized or had limited family connections, meaning parents could have died and siblings or close relatives may never have learned what happened.
Investigators are searching beyond immediate relatives, including cousins. Jellison compared the challenge with the identification effort after the World Trade Center attack, saying Fox Hollow investigators began with remains but often had no clear idea who they were seeking.
After an earlier documentary, the coroner’s office received about 500 emails, calls, text messages and social media messages. Jellison continues to urge anyone who believes a missing loved one could be connected to Fox Hollow Farm to contact his office for direction.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The coroner wants further information from Mark Goodyear. |
| 2 | About 10,000 bones and fragments were recovered at Fox Hollow Farm. |
| 3 | More than 9,000 remains still require examination. |
| 4 | The evidence has led Jellison to suspect another person may have helped. |
| 5 | Officials are asking the public to help locate relatives of possible victims. |
Summary
The Fox Hollow investigation remains active nearly three decades after human remains were discovered. Coroner Jeff Jellison believes the quantity and location of the evidence may indicate that Herb Baumeister did not act alone, while information from Mark Goodyear could assist with identifying victims. Continued forensic work and public cooperation remain central to resolving the case and informing families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the Fox Hollow identification effort?
Hamilton County Coroner Jeff Jellison is leading the effort to examine the remains and identify victims.
How many remains were recovered?
About 10,000 burned and broken human bones and fragments were recovered, with more than 9,000 still awaiting examination according to Jellison.
Why does the coroner believe Baumeister may not have acted alone?
Jellison said the number and placement of the remains raise questions about whether one person could have moved and disposed of all the victims without assistance.
Has Mark Goodyear been charged in the case?
No. Goodyear has never been charged with a crime related to the case and has denied involvement.
