Relative newcomers to the tight-knit St. Louis suburban neighborhood of Waterford Crossing, Lori Drew, her husband Curt and their daughter Sarah lived four doors down from the Meiers. Tina Meier had been their realtor in the purchase of their home.

The Meiers and the Drews had an off-and-on-again friendship. The Drews even asked the Meiers to hide the kids' Christmas presents in their garage.