“Who Killed Mindy Morgenstern?”: Dateline Reports May 16 2025

This Friday, May 16, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. CT, Dateline NBC revisits the 2006 murder of college student Mindy Morgenstern in an episode titled Who Killed Mindy Morgenstern?, reported by correspondent Keith Morrison. The episode unpacks a deeply unsettling crime in the small town of Valley City, North Dakota, and follows the long road to justice. Mindy’s death rocked her community and left her family searching for answers. The episode features exclusive interviews with Mindy’s parents, Larry and Eunice Morgenstern, friends, and key figures in the investigation and prosecution.

Mindy was a beloved student at Valley City State University. Her sudden and violent death in her off-campus apartment set off a wide-ranging investigation, leading to the shocking discovery that her killer had been hiding in plain sight.

A Promising Life Cut Short

Mindy Morgenstern, 22, was known as an energetic, kind, and vibrant student nearing the completion of her degree. On September 13, 2006, her friends became concerned when she failed to respond to texts or calls. Two of them, Toni Baumann and Danielle Holmstrom, decided to check on her. When they arrived at her apartment, Baumann found the door unlocked. Just inside, she discovered Mindy’s body lying in the entryway, her neck wrapped with a belt and a knife lodged in her throat.

The scene was disturbing. The strong odor of Pine-Sol permeated the apartment, and her fully clothed body had been drenched in the cleaning fluid. Nothing appeared to be stolen. Mindy’s cell phone and wallet were still present, and there were no signs of forced entry. Investigators determined she had died from a combination of strangulation and deep cuts to the neck. Despite the violent nature of the crime, there was no evidence of sexual assault.

An Investigation Turns Inward

Detectives began canvassing the apartment building, collecting DNA samples and interviewing residents. One of the neighbors, Moe Gibbs, stood out. Gibbs, a 34-year-old corrections officer at the Barnes County Jail, lived in the same building as Mindy. He initially claimed he had been at home after his work shift, then had lunch with his pregnant wife before helping move belongings into their vehicle. He also noted the strong Pine-Sol scent when he returned.

Further investigation into Gibbs revealed that he had changed his name; formerly known as Glen Dale Morgan Jr., he had served time in a military prison after a conviction for attempted premeditated murder in a 1994 drive-by shooting. Despite this past, he had passed a background check to work at the jail.

Police collected DNA samples from Gibbs and others. A week after the murder, results revealed that DNA found under Mindy’s fingernails matched Gibbs—and matched a previously unsolved 2004 sexual assault case in Fargo.

A Pattern of Violence Emerges

Following Gibbs’ arrest, female inmates at the Barnes County Jail began reporting incidents of sexual assault. One woman said he assaulted her on the very morning of Mindy’s murder. Although some of these statements were excluded from trial, they painted a clear picture of a man with a disturbing history of violence.

Gibbs was eventually charged with multiple crimes: six counts of sexual assault from the jail incidents, one count of sexual assault in the 2004 Fargo case, and one count of first-degree murder in Mindy Morgenstern’s case. He would later plead guilty to the sexual assault charges. The murder case proceeded to trial in July 2007.

The defense argued that the DNA under Mindy’s fingernails could have come from casual contact when Gibbs allegedly helped her carry a laundry basket. The prosecution presented evidence that the quantity of DNA made that explanation unlikely. The jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision, resulting in a mistrial.

A Second Trial and a Breakthrough

Gibbs’ second trial began on October 22, 2007. Prosecutors used new strategies to strengthen their case. They highlighted that Gibbs, a frequent texter, had a gap in his messaging activity that coincided with Mindy’s time of death. His pregnant wife testified that she had asked him to bring her a drink around 12:30 p.m., but he did not do so until approximately 1:00 p.m.—a suspicious delay that aligned with the timeline of the murder.

A jailhouse confession also emerged. Gibbs’ former cellmate, Jeremy Leopold, testified that Gibbs had confessed to the crime while they were incarcerated together. Leopold said the confession deeply affected him and led him to tell the authorities.

This time, the jury returned a verdict. On November 20, 2007, Moe Gibbs was found guilty of murder. The court sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Family, Forgiveness, and Legacy

At the sentencing, Mindy’s mother, Eunice Morgenstern, addressed the court and Gibbs directly. She told him she forgave him but made it clear she would never forget what he had done. Eunice expressed sympathy for Gibbs’ family, demonstrating a level of compassion that stood in contrast to the brutality of the crime.

Years later, Eunice published a book about her daughter and the impact of her loss. The family has continued to speak publicly about Mindy’s life and legacy, hoping to raise awareness and help others through their grief.

Gibbs remains incarcerated at the North Dakota State Penitentiary in Bismarck. His official release date is listed as the year 2100.

A Community Changed Forever

Valley City, once known for its peace and quiet, was deeply affected by the murder. The case shook confidence in community safety and trust in those meant to protect it. Mindy’s death became a catalyst for change, including increased scrutiny of hiring practices for law enforcement personnel and greater awareness of violence against women.

Dateline NBC’s Who Killed Mindy Morgenstern? offers a detailed examination of a case that left an indelible mark on North Dakota. The episode brings viewers closer to Mindy’s story and the people who refused to stop seeking justice.