Full Breakdown
The Disappearance and Murder of Gary Herbst: A Family Tragedy Unveiled
3/22/2026, 12:29:09 PM
Key Details of the Case
Gary Albert Herbst, a 57-year-old resident of Elko New Market, Minnesota, disappeared in July 2013. His wife, Connie Herbst, reported him missing a year later, claiming he had left voluntarily with $5,000 and a firearm. However, his remains were discovered in December 2017 in Maple Grove, Wisconsin, with a gunshot wound to the head, indicating homicide. The investigation into his disappearance and subsequent murder implicated both Connie and their son, Austin Herbst.
The Role of Neighbors
Kaia and Chad Kraml, neighbors of the Herbst family, provided crucial testimony during the investigation. They reported seeing suspicious activity around the time of Gary's disappearance, including Connie and Austin loading what appeared to be a rolled-up carpet into a truck and scrubbing the basement floors. Their observations, along with other evidence, were instrumental in leading to the arrests of Connie and Austin in November 2020.
Confession and Motive
Austin Herbst later confessed to killing his father, stating he acted out of fear for his mother's safety after years of alleged abuse from Gary. He claimed that on July 6, 2013, he shot Gary while he was asleep, believing that his father was about to harm Connie. Austin was sentenced to 12.5 years in prison for his actions, while Connie received a 27-month sentence for aiding her son in covering up the crime.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the discovery of Gary's remains, investigators conducted extensive interviews with family members and neighbors. Connie initially maintained that Gary had left of his own accord, but evidence, including blood stains found in their home and incriminating text messages between her and Austin, contradicted her claims. The authorities concluded that Gary was murdered in their home, and his remains were hidden for weeks before being disposed of in Wisconsin.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the investigation have pointed out the initial lack of urgency in searching for Gary after his disappearance was reported. Some community members expressed disbelief at Connie's claims, noting the family's troubled dynamics and Gary's reputation for being controlling and abusive. The case has sparked discussions about domestic violence and the complexities of familial relationships in criminal cases.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Austin admitted to the murder, Connie's involvement has been a point of contention. She has claimed that she did not participate in the murder but aided in the disposal of the body. The discrepancies in their accounts and the timeline of events have raised questions about the full extent of their culpability.
Verbatim Quotes
- “To this day, I believe he was going to kill her that night. If I would have stood aside, my mom would be dead. I knew what I did and why I did it, and to this day, I am confident that my decisions were justified.” — Austin Herbst, during pre-sentencing hearing.
- “I think they finally killed him.” — Chad Kraml, reflecting on the events surrounding Gary's disappearance.
What's Next
The case continues to resonate within the community, with ongoing discussions about the implications of domestic abuse and the justice system's handling of such cases. The story of Gary Herbst's tragic end will be featured in an upcoming episode of CBS's '48 Hours,' titled "What the Neighbors Saw," which aims to shed further light on the events leading to his murder and the subsequent legal proceedings against his family.
