Family Seeks Justice 40 Years After Michigan Mother's Murder

Belinda Gardella's children continue to push for answers in her 1983 stabbing death

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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It has been over 40 years since Belinda Gardella, a 44-year-old mother of six from Marine City, Michigan, was fatally stabbed while in a vehicle with her ex-husband, Paul Gardella. Her children, including Eugene Gardella, Peggy Buchman, and Carrie Karle, are still seeking justice and accountability for their mother's unsolved murder.

Why it matters

This case highlights the lasting trauma and frustration felt by families when a loved one's murder goes unsolved for decades. Belinda's children have spent over 40 years seeking answers and pushing for the case to be reinvestigated, raising questions about the handling of the initial investigation and prosecution.

The details

On September 25, 1983, Belinda Gardella was stabbed in the chest while in a vehicle with her ex-husband, Paul Gardella, at an intersection in Redford Township. Paul told police that at least one Black man allegedly opened the passenger door where Belinda was sitting and attempted to take her purse, leading to the stabbing. However, police found discrepancies in Paul's account and were unable to find evidence of the alleged suspects. Belinda's children have long suspected that Paul was responsible for her murder.

  • On September 25, 1983, Belinda Gardella was fatally stabbed.
  • In April 1983, five months before Belinda's murder, Paul Gardella was accused of assaulting Belinda and their son, but he was found not guilty of the first assault charge and the other was dismissed.
  • In November 2025, Belinda's murder was featured in an episode of Oxygen's "Cold Justice".
  • In late 2023, Redford Township Detective Sergeant Adam Kubrak took on the case.
  • In August 2025, Kubrak went to speak to Paul Gardella in Florida, but Paul told him he was not guilty of "whatever it is."

The players

Belinda Gardella

A 44-year-old mother of six from Marine City, Michigan, who was fatally stabbed in 1983.

Paul Gardella

Belinda's ex-husband, who was with her in the vehicle when she was stabbed. He has not been charged in the case.

Eugene Gardella

Belinda's oldest son, who is still seeking justice for his mother's murder.

Peggy Buchman

One of Belinda's daughters, who is also seeking justice for her mother's murder.

Carrie Karle

Another of Belinda's daughters, who is also seeking justice for her mother's murder.

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What they’re saying

“This is beyond imaginable for any normal human being out there. It's a horrific, horrifying, traumatizing event that still haunts us today.”

— Eugene Gardella, Belinda's oldest son (CBS News Detroit)

“I looked in her bedroom, and I knew in my heart my mother was dead. I told her, 'Don't go out with him. He's gonna kill you.'”

— Carrie Karle, Belinda's daughter (CBS News Detroit)

“My instant reaction was 'Was she with him?' 'Yes.' I had told her he was going to kill her. 'Mom, you've got to get away from him. He's going to kill you.'”

— Peggy Buchman, Belinda's daughter (CBS News Detroit)

What’s next

The Michigan Attorney General's office has the case under review, and Detective Sergeant Adam Kubrak is hoping to meet with them to discuss the investigation further.

The takeaway

This case highlights the lasting impact of unsolved murders on families and the importance of persistent efforts to seek justice, even decades later. Belinda's children have spent over 40 years fighting for answers and accountability, underscoring the need for thorough investigations and a commitment to providing closure for victims' loved ones.