Deadly Secrets: The Caldwell Ranch Murders

In June 2017, a horrifying discovery on the Caldwell Ranch, a secluded Idaho property, unraveled a chilling web of deception, infidelity, and murder. Three bodies—Cheryl Baker, Nadja Medley, and her teenage daughter, Payton—were found under a tarp in an abandoned shed, along with three lifeless dogs. All were killed execution-style. The connection between the victims? A man by the name Mike Bullinger. As investigators dug deeper, they uncovered the tangled threads of Mike's history: a pattern of manipulation, domestic violence, and betrayal. What ensued next was an all-out manhunt stretched across three states, Wyoming, Utah and Idaho, involving the FBI, the US Marshalls, the National Park Service and local authorities. The former pilot and survivalist vanished into the wilderness, leaving behind a white Ford Focus near Grand Teton National Park and countless unanswered questions. Did Mike Bullinger flee to escape justice? Or did he meet his end in the vast, unforgiving wilderness he knew so well? This episode delves into the dark complexities of the case, exploring the lives of the victims, Cheryl, Nadja and Payton, Mike Bullinger’s shadowy past, and the eerie possibilities of what became of him. Is he hiding in plain sight—or has the forest swallowed his secrets forever? Thanks for listening! If you want to support us, you can follow/subscribe to WILDCIDE on your favorite podcast listening app. While you’re there, please rate and leave us a review – we would really appreciate it! You can also visit our website at www.wildcidepodcast.com (merch now available!) Make sure to get updates by following us on Instagram (@wildcidepodcast) and Facebook (Wildcide Podcast).  Don’t forget Wildcide Wednesdays- new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6am EST. Interviews will drop every other Friday at 6am EST. Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by Bltzwolff ([email protected]). ​WILDCIDE Podcast and any content posted is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.  References: ABC4 News. (2021, January 17). ​Suspect remains at large two years after the murders of three Utah women.​ ABC4 News. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://www.abc4.com/news/suspect-remains-at-large-two-years-after-the-murders-of-three-utah-women/ Idaho News. (2019, February 19). ​Investigation Discovery to spotlight Caldwell triple homicide, Gerald Bullinger case.​ Idaho News. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://idahonews.com/news/local/investigation-discovery-to-spotlight-caldwell-triple-homicide-gerald-bullinger-case Idaho Statesman. (2017, June 21). Dead bodies at Idaho home: Owner wanted on felony warrant. Retrieved from http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/crime/article157378034.html Idaho Statesman. (2017, August 8). Remaining two victims ID'd in Caldwell triple murder. Retrieved from http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/crime/article166066922.html Idaho Statesman. (2017, July 29). Last victims identified in triple homicide on Idaho farm. Retrieved from http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/crime/article165568297.html Investigation Discovery. (n.d.). Gerald "Mike" Bullinger on the run: Living a double life. In In Pursuit with John Walsh. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/crimefeed/id-shows/on-tv0/in-pursuit-with-john-walsh/articles/gerald-mike-bullinger-on-the-run-living-double-life Lowe, E. (2019, June 23). Triple homicide investigation continues 2 years later. The Spectrum. https://www.thespectrum.com/story/news/2019/06/22/triple-homicide-investigation-continues-2-years-later/1539711001/ Mitchell, M. (2023, July 6). Murder suspect still not located after 6 years. Jackson Hole Radio. https://jacksonholeradio.com/murder-suspect-still-not-located-after-6-years/#h-the-triple-murder-case-in-idaho Press, A. (2017, July 3). Utah victim in Idaho triple slaying was retired teacher. KBOI. https://idahonews.com/news/local/utah-victim-in-idaho-triple-slaying-was-retired-teacher Sokmensuer, H. (2018, August 17). Married murder suspect charmed single mom - then confrontation with wife led to triple slayings. People.com. https://people.com/crime/mike-bullinger-murder-wife-girlfriend-idaho-house/ Standard-Examiner. (2021, April 18). Gerald Mike Bullinger. Standard-Examiner. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://www.standard.net/gerald-mike-bullinger/article_62f853cf-c795-5e4c-b7c9-b450f62c484c.html Standard-Examiner. (2017, July 1). Friends remember Ogden teacher Cheryl Baker as an artistic, kind woman. Standard-Examiner. Retrieved November 18, 2024, from https://www.standard.net/police-fire/friends-remember-ogden-teacher-cheryl-baker-as-an-artistic-kind/article_674938d9-d357-5758-abc1-d737dc57fc3f.html