Detective Gregory Pollock faced the harrowing task of informing his wife about the tragic murder of their close friends, Roger and Melissa Bluml, who were executed in a brutal fashion outside their home in Kansas in 2013. Upon receiving the call, Pollock immediately recognized the address and felt overwhelmed by the gravity of the situation. He decided to investigate the scene personally before relaying the devastating news to his wife, knowing it would be an emotionally difficult case. The murders were later featured in an episode of Oxygen’s true-crime series, “A Plan to Kill,” which looks into the meticulous planning of disturbed killers as they plot the demise of their victims. Pollock noted that the case, which never went to trial, left many unanswered questions in the community regarding the investigations and actions taken by law enforcement.
Roger and Melissa Bluml were described as exemplary pillars of their community. They had adopted two boys, Anthony “Tony” and Christopher “Chris” Bluml, fulfilling their dreams of parenthood. Pollock shared personal insights about the couple, emphasizing their loving relationship and the joy they brought to those around them. The Blumls’ relationship with their sons appeared positive in the early years, with the boys thriving in school and sports. However, this seemingly happy narrative took a dark turn when Tony began associating with a negative crowd during his senior year, displaying violent behavior and eventually getting expelled from the home. Pollock reflected on the couple’s concerns and attempts to find solutions as Tony’s behavior spiraled out of control, indicating that they had sought help repeatedly, even discussing their worries just days before the tragedy occurred.
The situation shifted dramatically when Tony, influenced by his biological mother, Kisha Schaberg, attempted to reconnect with her. Following a drug-fueled trip to California, Kisha manipulated Tony into believing that his adoptive parents were obstacles in reconnecting their broken family. Pollock described Kisha as a master manipulator whose tactics swayed not just her son but also those around him. As the reunion with his birth mother approached, Tony grew resentful of the Blumls for what he perceived as their strictness, believing they favored Chris. Ultimately, Kisha encouraged her son to plot the murders of Roger and Melissa to eliminate the perceived roadblocks standing in their way, thereby reuniting the family.
On November 15, 2013, with the plan in place, Tony orchestrated a dinner outing with the Blumls to lure them away from their home. While they were out, Kisha and her accomplice, Andrew Ellington, entered the house, staging it to appear as though a burglary was taking place. As Tony texted updates about their return, the plan culminated in a shocking ambush with Kisha fatally shooting the Blumls from their vehicle. When Chris arrived home shortly after, he discovered the horrific scene, ultimately leading to the deaths of both Roger and Melissa within weeks. Pollock stated that the suspect’s intent was crystal clear — to reunite Kisha with her sons by eliminating the Blumls.
Throughout their investigation, authorities uncovered a meticulous web of deceit and planning orchestrated by the suspects. Insightful tips from Tony’s acquaintance spurred the investigation, leading detectives to identify Kisha, Tony, and their accomplices as suspects. Despite Kisha’s denials of involvement, it became clear through confessions from the boys that they had all played significant roles. In a bid to escape the death penalty, Kisha and Tony eventually entered pleas of no contest to charges of aggravated robbery and capital murder, resulting in life sentences. Ellington received a life sentence with eligibility for parole after 25 years, while Braden Smith took a plea deal for second-degree murder.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Pollock conveyed the immense loss felt within the community, emphasizing the Blumls’ dedication to creating better lives for Tony and Chris. Their intentions had always been to provide love and support, ensuring the boys thrived and contributed positively to society. Thus, the betrayal and violence that ensued were particularly heart-wrenching. Pollock’s reflections encapsulated the justice process that ensued, highlighting the nihilism Kisha represented in contrast to the Blumls’ devoted nature. As the case was revisited through the lens of the true-crime series, it served as a grim reminder of the fragility of familial bonds and the specter of manipulation and evil that can lead to unspeakable acts. The show “A Plan to Kill,” airing Sundays on Oxygen, brings closure to an unresolved chapter, offering insights into the depths of human betrayal and the relentless pursuit of justice amidst horror.
