S10 E22 - The Deroo Case - Acquitted but not Answered -Final Episode in Shadows of Macomb County

In July 1981, a young mother and two children were found murdered inside their Macomb County, Michigan home. Another child survived. More than two years later, the husband and father, Robert Deroo, was charged with three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder — only to be acquitted in 1984.

In this episode of Malice in the Mitten, we take a careful, deeply researched look at the Deroo case: who Deborah Deroo was beyond the headlines, what investigators believed happened inside the home, how the trial unfolded, and why the case remains unresolved decades later.

This episode includes a survivor respect disclaimer and avoids speculation about individuals who have chosen to live privately. Our focus remains on facts, accountability, and honoring the lives affected.

Listener discretion advised.  #MaliceInTheMitten #MichiganTrueCrime #MacombCounty #UnsolvedMichigan #TrueCrimePodcast #ColdCase #1980sCrime #DomesticViolenceAwareness #JusticeAndDoubt

Hosted and Produced by Tracy Preston

Original Music by Tracy Preston

Original Artwork by Todd Preston

Sound Effects from Uppbeat: Judge Gavel Knocks by Joshua Chivers

Sources:

Primary News Coverage:

Detroit Free Press. “Macomb Township Man Charged in Slayings of Wife, Children.” Detroit Free Press, Jan. 6, 1984. Newspapers.com.

Detroit Free Press. “Deroo Acquitted in Deaths of Wife, Two Children.” Detroit Free Press, June 17, 1984. Newspapers.com.

Public Records & Archives:
Macomb County Circuit Court Records. People v. Robert Deroo, Case Filings, 1984.

Macomb County Sheriff’s Office. Homicide Investigation Records, 1981.

Genealogical & Memorial Records:
Find a Grave. “Deborah Deroo Memorial.” FindAGrave.com.

Find a Grave. “Nathaniel Deroo Memorial.” FindAGrave.com.

Find a Grave. “Jessica Deroo Memorial.” FindAGrave.com.

Contextual & Ethical Standards:
Society of Professional Journalists. SPJ Code of Ethics. SPJ.org.