CRIME

The Mystery of Elmer: A Fathers What ifs?

USA, HonoluluSun Feb 02 2025
Everyone has a story. There's a story behind every missing person. In the early 1990’s Elmer Holmgren was a lawyer living in Las Vegas. . Elmer had a comfortable life and a good job with a wealthy couple namedKenneth and Sante Kimes. In the beginning it seemed ok. But it would take a turn. Elmer moved into the Kimes' property but was living in fear. In 1990, a suspicious fire burned down one of the Kimes' Homes in Honolulu. This fire was like a wildfire at 1a. m. The Honolulu police described it as a possible arson with multiple starting points. The Kimes were never charged with any crime in connection with this fire. When the Kimes bought the home, there was already a $900, 000 lien on it. The people who owned it hada $1. 7 million contract. But the Kimes changed their mind and did not sell the house. But, the owners of the house had a plan. They hired someone to burn down their own home. Even with all that they could not sell the house. The Kimes filed a $1. 4 million insurance claim. Well, this is just the beginning. Elmer was a man who was trying to make a living and was in over his head but he should be celebrated for helping authorities as an informant. In 1991, Elmer was advised by the ATF to keep in contact with Sante Kimes. They needed him to be a confidential informant and help with the investigation. So why did police dismiss this and how could they lose track of a person in protective custody? He was working with the ATF to take down the Kimes. But authorities did not seem to do their jobs and now his son Ken is left with grief and angst. Just years later, Elmer had a mysterious call with his son Ken. But he didn't know about the Kimes' criminal history. He didn't know about Sante's theft-related charges or that she had been in prison. The Kimes' reputation was scary. They had accused of abusing undocumented women. Sante and her son, Kenny Kimes Jr. ,were convicted of two murders, and the son confessed to a third murder. He said he killed a bank executive who had gone missing in the Bahamas in 1996. But Not long after Elmer made contact with the ATF, he was reported missing. He called his son stating he was in protective custody. But Ken had some questions. Ken said he had a hard time getting anyone to believe him. He said that the agents were not cooperative or helpful. Ken said that the ATF did not do their job. The two ATF agents and even a special agent who claimed he knew of his father's role in the investigation had no comment. Even the ATF bureau said they did not have the evidence for the arson. The Kimes' son, Kenny Jr. , is serving a sentence of life without parole and is not suspected in Elmer’s disappearance. But when it comes toauthorities cooperating after a crime, Ken still has some serious questions and maybe some answers lie with the ATF.

questions

    Did Elmer Holmgren ever try to use a fake name or disguise to avoid the Kimes family?
    How did the ATF handle the protective custody of Elmer Holmgren, and what protocol was in place to prevent such disappearances?
    What steps did the ATF take to investigate Elmer Holmgren's disappearance thoroughly?

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