February 22, 2024

A New Mother Murdered in Midway: Who Killed Nancy Probst?

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On a chilling November night in Midwest City, Oklahoma, a devastating scene unfolded as Matthew Probst discovered his wife, Nancy Probst, lifeless in their home, marking the beginning of one of Oklahoma's most perplexing and unsettling unsolved homicides. Nancy, a 32-year-old mother, was found dead, leading to Matthew quickly becoming a person of interest. Despite his time behind bars, the case remains unsolved as of February 2020, leaving a haunting question mark over the tragic event.

In 2000, amid significant global and national events—from the US presidential election controversy to the opening of the International Space Station—the murder of Nancy Probst in the relatively peaceful community of Midwest City added a dark chapter to the year. Midwest City, known for its connection to Tinker Air Force Base and its role as a suburban sprawl exemplar, was rocked by the violent crime that seemed out of place in the otherwise safe area.

Nancy Probst's murder on November 16, 2000, unfolded in a scenario that seemed almost cinematic in its horror: her body was discovered across from her infant daughter, presenting a scene that no family should ever endure. Given the peculiar circumstances and his subsequent actions, Matthew Probst's account of the events leading to the discovery raised immediate suspicions among investigators. The crime scene, described as staged, and the absence of clear motives such as robbery or sexual assault, further complicated the investigation.

Matthew Probst, who had multiple affairs, emerged as the primary suspect, not just due to his immediate behavior but also because of his extramarital activities, and expressed dissatisfaction with his marriage. Despite these suspicions and his initial arrest, the charges against him were dismissed, leaving Nancy's murder an open wound for her family, the community, and all who seek justice in unsolved cases.

"Box in the Basement," a podcast dedicated to shedding light on unsolved murders and disappearances, takes on Nancy Probst's case, hoping to rekindle interest and perhaps lead to new information that could break the impasse in the investigation. The hosts, Arlene and Leah, driven by personal experiences of unresolved family tragedies, aim to provide a voice for the victims and their families, who continue to search for answers and closure.

We also answer the question: How many unsolved homicides have been in Oklahoma since 1976?

The murder of Nancy Probst remains a poignant reminder of the mysteries that persist in our midst, challenging our sense of security and our faith in the justice system. As the podcast "Box in the Basement" underscores, the fight for answers in cold cases like Nancy's is not just about solving a crime but about restoring peace to families and communities haunted by uncertainty.

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