Tuesday, May 3, 2022

164. Another Girl Gone: Murdering Mom Paula Sims

At 11:24 PM on Saturday, April 29th, 1989, police in Alton, Illinois received a call from Robert Sims who said he had found his wife, Paula, unresponsive on the floor of their home, and their six-week-old baby girl was missing. Paula Sims said that she had been taking out the trash an hour earlier when she was confronted by a masked man carrying a handgun. After ordering her back into the house, the armed intruder struck her on the back of the head causing her to lose consciousness. The terrifying incident defied belief because this was the second time someone had broken into the Sims' home and stolen a baby girl. Three years prior, their 8-day-old baby, Lorelai, had been snatched from their home in similar circumstances, only to be found dead.
Join Jen and Cam as they discuss 'Another Girl Gone: Murdering Mom Paula Sims'  


 Promo by OctoberpodVHS. Now available on your favorite podcast app. 

Thank you to the following people for lending us their talents:

 Listener Discretion by Edward October from OctoberpodVHS 
 Editing, sound, and music by Nico Vitesse of We Talk of Dreams 
wetalkofdreams.com 
 Researched and written by Eileen MacFarlane of CrimeLapse podcast 


 Sources: 

“Postpartum and the Courts” The Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law

http://jaapl.org/content/40/3/318

Precious Victims by Don W Weber & Charles Bosworth Jr

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015QVOVD4/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-wisconsin-missinggirl-data/kidnapped-children-make-headlines-but-abduction-is-rare-in-u-s-idUSKCN1P52BJ

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AP. "Infant's body found in trash bin near Alton." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), May 4, 1989: A2. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F2197BE844E1211. 

AP. "Found body interests Alton kidnap probers." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), May 4, 1989: A2. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F2197BDCAE6F885. 

AP. "Body found near river daughter of Alton couple." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), May 5, 1989: A2. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F2197BFB8903E32. 

Miller, Judy. "BODY OF BABY GIRL IS MISSING INFANT." State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL), May 5, 1989: 1. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0EB1465DCE783A5A. 

AP. "Mother, father prime suspects in baby's death." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), May 6, 1989: A2. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F2197C19B463F0B. 

and Bill Bush, Judy Miller. "PARENTS SUSPECTED IN BABY'S DEATH." State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL), May 6, 1989: 1. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0EB1465DE3DE1D10. 

AP. "Wife implicated in daughters' deaths." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), May 8, 1989: A2. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F2197C4AC5B5395. 

AP. "Alton couple won't submit to polygraphs." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), May 9, 1989: A2. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F2197C55549987B. 

and Amy Orchard, Judy Miller. "PREFERENCE FOR BOYS EVIDENT | POLICE SAY SIMS DOMINATED WIFE." State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL), May 10, 1989: 1. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0EB1465E45DE45C9. 

AP. "Alton woman makes grand jury appearance." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), May 12, 1989: A9. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F2197CAB7DFB8FE. 

AP. "Mother charged in baby's death." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), May 13, 1989: A6. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F2197CBF1DA7071. 

AP. "Alton child death - Acquaintances reveal parents' troubled past." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), May 15, 1989: A3. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F2197CDD32EBE77. 

Wires, Sun-Times. "Alton mom jailed in child's death." Chicago Sun-Times, July 3, 1989: 32. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0EB36E67C5353C29. 

AP. "Alton mother jailed for hiding baby's death." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), July 3, 1989: A3. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F21980BBA18FBBC. 

AP. "Newspaper says prosecutors trying to bribe Alton couple." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), July 4, 1989: A2. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F21980D1215FBCB. 

AP. "Mother charged in death." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), July 12, 1989: A1. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F21981806CD5CB4. 

AP. "Mother pleads innocent to two murder charges in daughter's death." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), July 13, 1989: A4. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F219818E8140954. 

AP. "Change of venue sought in Sims murder trial." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), July 16, 1989: A4. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F21981D89A01BF3. 

AP. "Town wants answers in Sims babies' deaths." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), July 17, 1989: A2. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F21981EEC14A6BA. 

PRESS, ASSOCIATED. "Sims child - McLean Co. may get murder trial from Alton." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), August 24, 1989: A7. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F219850F6E4876C. 

AP. "Peoria selected site of Sims' murder trial." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), August 25, 1989: A5. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F219852499B784F. 

AP. "Sims murder charge upheld." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), September 17, 1989: A8. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F21987659312F81. 

SERVICES, PANTAGRAPH WIRE. "Sims loses effort not to be tried in case." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), October 29, 1989: C13. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F2198D1E4135F0D. 

AP. "Judge delays decision in child custody case." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), December 2, 1989: A8. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F21990235662B96. 

Miller, Judy. "THE QUESTION `WHY' LINGERS ON EVE OF SIMS TRIAL." State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL), January 7, 1990: 1. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0EB146A3D4C4487E. 

(1470AM), WMBD. "Jury selection under way in Sims trial." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), January 9, 1990: A5. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F219DC95C568C85. 

AM), WSOY (1340. "Jury rules enough evidence to try man." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), January 12, 1990: A7. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F219DCEC1489373. 

Miller, Judy. "PAULA SIMS -- VICTIM OR COLD-BLOODED KILLER?." State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL), January 12, 1990: 1. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0EB146A425F77E3F. 

Press, Associated. "Sims' friends testified she wanted a boy." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), January 20, 1990: A4. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F219DDD2E27CDE2. 

England, Pat. "PAULA SIMS: `I LOVED MY DAUGHTERS'." State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL), January 25, 1990: 1. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0EB146A541F82716. 

England, Pat. "SIMS CASE WILL GO TO JURY ON MONDAY." State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL), January 26, 1990: 19. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0EB146A5505A191C. 

AP. "Sims jury sequestered; six hours' deliberation passes without verdict." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), January 30, 1990: A4. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F219DEEF3860403. 

AP. "Sims guilty of killing tot." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), January 31, 1990: A1. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F219DF0F4A5ADC9. 

England, Pat. "THE JURY'S NEXT DECISION: SHOULD SIMS DIE?." State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL), January 31, 1990: 1. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0EB146A5BAA85CF7. 

AP. "Paula Sims found eligible for death in child's slaying." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), February 1, 1990: A4. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F219DF1EDE3ABF3. 

Fitzgerald, Jay. "PAULA SIMS WOULD BE FIRST WOMAN ON STATE'S DEATH ROW SINCE 1938." State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL), February 1, 1990: 5. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0EB146ABCF66A228. 

AP. "Jury gives Paula Sims life term." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), February 2, 1990: A1. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F219DF421575657. 

England, Pat. "SIMS STORY FAR FROM FINAL CHAPTER." State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL), February 4, 1990: 1. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0EB146AC35175A5A. 

"Why are we so appalled at what Paula Sims did?." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), February 7, 1990: A8. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F219DFA6410E336. 

AP. "Dwight prison Sims' home." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), February 9, 1990: A2. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F219DFD3B60ED3A. 

AP. "Alton father fails polygraph in death of infant daughter." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), March 28, 1990: A4. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F219E3EC9D3A288. 

MILLER, JUDY. "INQUIRY POSTPONED IN ROBERT SIMS CASE." State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL), March 30, 1990: 11. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0EB146B939BCDEC3. 

AP. "Sims gets custody of son." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), April 25, 1990: A1. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F219E67E47DC111. 

AP. "Illinois ranks second in deaths from child abuse." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), May 21, 1990: A2. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F219E8E834BC0F9. 


"COURTS AT ODDS OVER APPEAL>DISPUTE CENTERS ON CASE OF PAULA SIMS, CONVICTED BABY KILLER." Journal Star (Peoria, IL), July 28, 1991: A10. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0EB6E99886D24AB8. 

AP. "Both districts reject case - Courts fight over Paula Sims' appeal." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), July 28, 1991: A3. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F21D593B946F416. 

"Book probes mother's conviction in infant deaths." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), October 21, 1991: A2. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F21D5B19A7DDFB9. 

STAFF WRITER, DIANA PENNER. "STORY OF PAULA SIMS CASE A BEST SELLER | PROSECUTOR AND REPORTER TAKE READER BEHIND THE SCENES." State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL), October 27, 1991: 21. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0EB147552FEFCC0F. 

AP. "Prosecutors want Sims book banned." Pantagraph, The (Bloomington, IL), December 15, 1991: A4. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F21D5CCF7662823. 

STAFF WRITER, DIANA PENNER. "PAULA SIMS' LIFE IN PRISON QUIET." State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL), January 12, 1992: 1. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0EB1476518DEF345. 

STAFF WRITER, HILARY SAPERSTEIN. "SUIT FILED OVER PHOTOGRAPH ON BOOK ABOUT SIMS." State Journal-Register, The (Springfield, IL), April 3, 1992: 11. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0EB1477406EC2882. 

"SIMS' APPEAL TO BE BASED ON PROSECUTOR'S CONDUCT." Journal Star (Peoria, IL), July 18, 1992: B8. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0EB6EACC8A90F832. 


Hundsdorfer, Beth. "Ex-husband, son of Paula Sims die in car crash in Mississippi Other car's driver charged with DUI and felony fleeing." Belleville News-Democrat, The (IL), June 22, 2015: 1A. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/156233CE03EFB4A8. 

Hundsdorfer, Beth. "The saved Sims Randy Sims was the only baby his mother didn't kill, and friends say his life was all about redemption Funeral for Randy, Robert Sims to be held Monday." Belleville News-Democrat, The (IL), June 28, 2015: 1A. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/15642C8E6ED4EFF8. 

Hundsdorfer, Beth. "Madison County Paula Sims, serving life, could inherit son's estate Sims went to prison in 1990 for the deaths of her two infant daughters Her son and ex-husband were killed in a car crash in June Judge will decide who inherits $50,000; Sims wants her son's stepmother to get his insurance settlement." Belleville News-Democrat, The (IL), December 6, 2015: 1A. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/15A609014BF26150. 

Criddle, Dean. "Madison County woman given life in daughters' deaths could get parole." Belleville News-Democrat, The (IL), March 14, 2021: 3A. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/1813AF405A2851D0. 

Maddox, Teri. "Attorney seeks parole for Alton mother who killed babies." Belleville News-Democrat, The (IL), October 27, 2021: 1A. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/185E82585DB1F978. 

Maddox, Teri. "Alton woman who killed infant daughters granted parole." Belleville News-Democrat, The (IL), October 29, 2021: 1A. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/185F2AF69F4DDEC8. 

Landis, Kelsey. "Republicans criticize Sims decision, unconfirmed board members." Belleville News-Democrat, The (IL), October 31, 2021: 2A. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/185FD341A4EED580. 

Maddox, Teri. "Supporters at parole hearing reject 'evil' image of Alton woman." Belleville News-Democrat, The (IL), October 31, 2021: 1A. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/185FD34174B96BD8. 

Maddox, Teri. "Sims 'conned' parole board, says Madison County prosecutor." Belleville News-Democrat, The (IL), November 14, 2021: 1A. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/1864733A7074A1F0. 

"ABOUT THE WEBER CASE." Belleville News-Democrat, The (IL), March 31, 2006: 1A. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/110B8D24646C95C0.

Brueggemann, Brian. "BONES PLAY KEY ROLE IN MURDER PROBES." Belleville News-Democrat, The (IL), April 7, 2002: 1A. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0F2CA27BB39154C2.

"THE PAULA SIMS CASE." Belleville News-Democrat, The (IL), August 4, 2006: 1A. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/11360B89190ECB80.

Brueggemann, Brian. "SIMS DENIED REQUEST FOR NEW TRIAL COURT ALSO TURNS DOWN APPEAL FOR RESENTENCING." Belleville News-Democrat, The (IL), June 13, 2001: 1B. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0EF50D54CD82F267.

"PAULA SIMS ASKS GOVERNOR FOR CLEMENCY." Belleville News-Democrat, The (IL), October 18, 2006: 1A. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/114DC69969538378.

Matthews, Jayne. "PAULA SIMS AWAITS APPEAL ON HER LIFE SENTENCE." Belleville News-Democrat, The (IL), May 10, 2001: 1B. NewsBank: Access World News. https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/document-view?p=AWNB&docref=news/0EF50E066190EE3D.


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