Appalachian Mysteria: Recent Episodes
Jam Street Media
Welcome to Appalachian Mysteria, a true-crime podcast series that all started with Mared & Karen: The WVU Coed Murders and Big Savage: The Death of Alexander Stevens. As the podcast has grown we decided to combine our feeds, join forces with Jam Street Media, and work on Season 3! So, if things look a little different, that's why. Stay tuned!
Darrell Rice is released from prison, but the publicity of his indictments makes a normal life elusive. The FBI plans a summit to examine other possible murders by Evonitz, but it falls by the wayside. Two decades later, we give it a shot.
Description / Show Notes: The Pamela Gould Special — We’re hosting this 24-page special investigation from the Fredericksburg Freelance-Star until it is made available elsewhere. If you want to dive deep on the comparisons of Rice, Evonitz, and forensic evidence, this is where to start.
Rt. 29 Sketches — Images of all six sketches, plus photos of Rice and Evonitz “The FBI should use DNA, not posters, to solve a cold-case murder” — Dierdre Enright’s 2021 appeal in the Washington Post to check Evonitz DNA in the slayings of Julie & Lollie Innocence Project says answers to cold-case Shenandoah murders may sit buried in FBI evidence locker — A report by WUSA9, including interviews with Julie’s father, the parents of Alicia Showalter Reynolds, and Dierdre Enright
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Forensic evidence throws the upcoming trial of Darrell Rice into upheaval, and an unexpected conclusion leads to yet another indictment. Several of our guests openly disagree on the final results. Resources: “Witness Point Out Suspect as Abductor” — Washington Post article on the Shomo trial
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We examine key evidence in the pre-trial hearings of Darrell Rice: jailhouse informants, the audio recording that gave rise to hate crime charges, a shifting timeline, and a phone call that Rice’s defense attorney calls “a bizarre piece of evidence”. Description / Show Notes: Interviewees: Jerry (Gerald) Zerkin: One of Rice’s defense attorneys in the double-homicide of Julie & Lollie
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Summary: Kara Robinson makes an escape, putting all the information she memorized to good use. Evonitz goes on the run. Kara talks to us about the complex ethics of telling stories like hers in the true crime genre, and explains what “trauma-informed” media looks like. Description / Show Notes: Resources and Links: Escape From Captivity — Oxygen Network documentary made with the involvement of Kara Robinson Interviewees: Kara Robinson Chamberlain — The survivor who ended the career of serial killer Richard Marc Evonitz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Attorney General of the United States announces the indictment of Darrell Rice. We review the life story of the serial killer responsible for the deaths of Sofia Silva and the Lisk sisters, and interview his final victim about her abduction.
Resources and links: Into the Water — Diane Fanning’s true crime book about the serial killer responsible for the deaths of Sofia Silva and the Lisk sisters Escape From Captivity — Oxygen Network documentary made with the involvement of Kara Robinson Interviewees: Diane Fanning — Author of 15 true crime books and 11 novels Kara Robinson Chamberlain — The survivor who ended the career of serial killer Richard Marc Evonitz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Summary: As murders and abductions haunt Lignum, Rt 29, and Shenandoah National Park, three children are taken from their front yards less than 30 miles away. The girls are the first known victims of a serial killer who will become an important part of our story.
Resources and links: Into the Water — Diane Fanning’s true crime book about the serial killer responsible for the deaths of Sofia Silva and the Lisk sisters Interviewees: Diane Fanning — Author of 15 true crime books and 11 novels
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We investigate claims that the Park Service has a history of transferring troubled rangers. An NPS whistleblower explains a coverup culture within the agency, and shares the story of a ranger who investigated both the Shenandoah and Colonial Parkway murders.
Resources and Links: The Case of the Indian Trader — The book in which Paul Berkowitz extensively documents his investigation at Hubbell Trading Post. Recommended for fans of police procedurals. Culture of Sexual Harrassment — Washington Post, 2016 Big Problem with Sexual Harrassment — The Atlantic, 2016 Hubbell Trading Post — Official site Bill Malone Trading — Billy Malone’s current site for trading, Gallup, NM Interviewees: Paul Berkowitz — NPS Special Agent who took over the investigation of Clyde Yee at Hubbell Trading Post
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Eight Years Earlier: The Navy undertakes “purges” of lesbians from its ranks. The first of Virginia’s Colonial Parkway murders looks eerily familiar. A southern con-man helps find the killer — and defrauds the victims’ families. Resources and links: The Lover’s Lane Murders — Oxygen Network show about the Colonial Parkway murders, for which guest Bill Thomas served as consulting producer.
Mind Over Murder — Entire podcast covering all the details of the Colonial Parkway Murders. Hosted by our guest Bill Thomas and Kristen Dilley.
Interviewees: Bill Thomas — Brother of Cathy Thomas, who was killed with her girlfriend Rebecca Dowski in the first of the Colonial Parkway Murders.
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Someone is pulling over dozens of women on a road just 15 miles from Skyline Drive. Alicia Reynolds disappears. At least three bodies turn up in a small hamlet nearby. The Innocence Project fights to free a man convicted of murder.
Resources and links: Rt 29 Stalker — Unsolved Mysteries Wiki Twenty Years Later — Article by Scott Shenk on the 20th anniversary of the murder of Alicia Showalter Reynolds.
Interviewees: Scott Shenk — Reporter with the Fredericksburg Freelance-Star.
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A massive hunt for Julie & Lollie's killer begins as memories of an Appalachian hate crime bring gay and lesbian voices to the fore.
Resources and links: "Panic Defense" — Podcast episode from Criminal with Phoebe Judge explaining the fascinating history of the gay/trans panic defense. "In the Hollow" — 15-minute documentary/short film featuring Claudia Brenner returning to the scene of Rebecca Wight's murder for the first time in decades. Supplemented with scene reenactments. The Claudia Brenner Papers — Tons of resources on the Brenner/Wight story from the Cornell University Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections Interviewees: Abbe Smith — Director of the Criminal Defense and Prisoner Advocacy Clinic, Co-Director of the E. Barrett Prettyman Fellowship Program, and Professor of Law at Georgetown University. (Importantly for our story, she was also the personal lawyer for Claudia Brenner during the prosecution of Stephen Roy Carr.)
3:25 – New evidence on Lollie & Julie case
13:00 – Steven Roy Carr’s arrest
16:30 – Claudia Brenner explains the encounter with Steven Roy Carr
21:00 – Abby Smith: personal lawyer of Claudia Brenner
26:40 – Trial in court
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A Canadian bicyclist is assaulted in Shenandoah National Park, and her attacker will soon be suspected in multiple homicides. A journalist teaching at Duke and Wake Forest universities. Barry wrote the best existing article on the lives of Julie Williams and Lollie Winans, the lesbian couple whose murder this whole season revolves around.
Resources and Links: "Murder on the Mountain" (1996) — Barry Yeoman's article quoted and discussed in this episode. Trail map of Shenandoah National Park — Julie and Lollie were killed just off the Skyland / Big Meadows Horse Trail, not far from Skyline Drive.
Interviewees: Yvonne Malbasha — A Canadian paramedic and cyclist, enjoying a ride along picturesque Skyline Drive in Virginia's Shenandoah National Park. Yvonne does not realize she is being stalked by a man named Darrell Rice, who eventually tries to abduct her. Yvonne tells a harrowing story about the man who will soon become a suspect in multiple homicides. Barry Yeoman — A journalist teaching at Duke and Wake Forest universities. Barry wrote the best existing article on the lives of Julie Williams and Lollie Winans, the lesbian couple whose murder this whole season revolves around. Barbara Nordin –– A former reporter for The Hook who covered the Shenandoah murders and their aftermath, as well as Malbasha’s case against Rice.
06:05 – Canadian Bicyclist — Yvonne Malbasha
09:56 – Former Reporter for The Hook— Barbara Nordin
17:46 – Former Special Agent — Tim Alley
26:14 – Journalist Professor — Barry Yeoman
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A lesbian couple is found brutally murdered near the Appalachian Trail. As authorities build the first federal hate crime prosecution in the nation's history, a web of horrific crimes creeps down the Blue Ridge mountains into the heart of Virginia. A special agent who has been on the case for twenty five years uncovers details. Season 3 of Appalachian Mysteria explores the terrifying characters and narratives that weave through these stories, culminating in the violent death of a serial killer.
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The conviction of Glen Woodall begins to look suspicious as a rookie lawyer ushers West Virginia into a new era of DNA testing. Prosecutors fight the new forensic method tooth and nail, but the results will uncover a trail of crime unprecedented in U.S. history.
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As ice storms sweep over Huntington, WV, a masked rapist is stalking the mall. After two abductions, suspicion falls on a nearby grave-digger with a checkered past. As evidence begins piling up, a forensic science superstar helps set the stage for a court case that will echo through West Virginia history more than anyone can possibly know. (This episode does not contain graphic details of sexual assault, but the topic matter is mature. Listener discretion advised.) Thank you to our sponsor June's Journey. Download June’s Journey free today on the Apple App Store or Google Play! Thank you to our sponsor Hello Fresh. Visit Hellofresh.com/mysteria16 to get 16 free meals today! Download Switchcraft for free and unlock the magical mystery! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We have several important updates regarding season two, “The Death of Alexander Stevens.” From the current state of Megan Shaffer’s appeals, to the unfortunate death of Alexander’s father and a scandal involving the presiding judge of the case, a lot has happened since the season finale. There's still so much more to come with Sarah and Kendall, so stay tuned for season three titled, “Outlandish” coming soon. Thank you to our sponsor June's Journey. Download June’s Journey free today on the Apple App Store or Google Play! Thank you to our sponsor Hello Fresh. Visit Hellofresh.com/mysteria16 to get 16 free meals today! Follow us: Jam Street Media: Facebook Twitter Instagram Appalachian Mysteria: Facebook Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In a special two-part episode, the president of Jam Street Media, Matty Staudt, sits down with creators of Appalachian Mysteria, Kendall Perkinson, and Sarah James McLaughlin, to talk about their journey creating the first two seasons. Part two focuses on the creation of season two, Big Savage: The Death of Alexander Stevens. Kendall and Sarah go down the rabbit hole of what went into making the season and how it was different from the first. Stick around until the end of the episode to get a tease of what’s to come in season three! Thank you to our sponsor June's Journey. Download June’s Journey free today on the Apple App Store or Google Play! Thank you to our sponsor Hello Fresh. Visit Hellofresh.com/mysteria16 to get 16 free meals today! 0:00 – Introduction 1:00 – Interview with Sarah and James 12:56 - Introduction of the 9-1-1 tapes 31:59.139 - Season Three Teaser Follow us on social media Facebook Instagram Twitter
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In a special two-part episode, the president of Jam Street Media, Matty Staudt, sits down with the creators of Appalachian Mysteria, Kendall Perkinson, and Sarah James McLaughlin, to talk about their journey creating the first two seasons. They discuss their backgrounds, how they got into podcasting, details about each case, and what went into bringing each of these stories to life. Thank you to our sponsor June's Journey. Download June’s Journey free today on the Apple App Store or Google Play! Thank you to our sponsor Hello Fresh. Visit Hellofresh.com/mysteria16 to get 16 free meals today! 0:00 – Introduction 1:29 – Introduction of Sarah and James Follow us on social media Facebook Instagram Twitter A Jam Street Media Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As the true-crime world revels in the decoding of a cipher written by the infamous Zodiac Killer, the team at Appalachian Mysteria have unearthed a discovery of their own. With the help of Dr. Korshi Dosoo, Sarah has decoded the mystical copper plate first introduced to our story in episode two of Mared and Karen. In this episode, we discover the real story behind the plate and learn more about the mystical Morgantown figure who wrote the mysterious text. Thank you to our sponsor June's Journey. Download June’s Journey free today on the Apple App Store or Google Play! Thank you to our sponsor Hello Fresh. Visit Hellofresh.com/mysteria16 to get 16 free meals today! 2:19 – Introduction of the Copper Plate 5:29 – Introduction of Dr. Korshi Dosoo: Team leader of the project "The Coptic Magical Papyri: Vernacular Religion in Late Roman and Early Islamic Egypt". That project is centered at the Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg https://www.coptic-magic.phil.uni-wuerzburg.de/ Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter A Jam Street Media Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A stranger approaches Teresa as the jury deliberates. The verdict is delivered, and we speak with two jurors about what went on behind closed doors. Thank you to our sponsor BetterHelp! Get 10% off your first month by going to betterhelp.com/mysteria Download June’s Journey free today on the Apple App Store or Google Play.https://junesjourney.io/
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Two medical examiners take the stand. Megan testifies about the entire ordeal, closing out the trial.
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Kromatic Media sets legal precedent in Maryland by obtaining Megan's 911 call from the morning Alex was found dead. Jay and Tristan – Alex's father and sister – take the stand. Thank you to our sponsor BetterHelp! Get 10% off your first month by going to betterhelp.com/mysteria
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Sarah and Kendall get personal, Alex's therapist takes the stand, and a stranger testifies about finding Alex on her doorstep one week before High Rock. Thank you to our sponsor BetterHelp! Get 10% off your first month by going to betterhelp.com/mysteria
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Three defense witnesses all make a claim that could swing the jury's opinion. But is there any evidence? One of those witnesses helps to arrange a third police interview, only 48 hours after Alex is found dead. Megan's story has one more important change. Thank you to our sponsor BetterHelp! Get 10% off your first month by going to betterhelp.com/mysteria
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Sarah and I visit High Rock for ourselves, where a new realization makes the case even more baffling. The trial begins with testimony from Steven Moon and the EMT who first arrived on the scene. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We try to find out who Alex & Megan really were. The second case file discovered by reporters makes the whole situation even more confusing. Pretrial hearings set the stage for an unusual prosecution. Try 5 pairs of glasses at home for free at warbyparker.com/MYSTERIA. Thank you to our sponsor BetterHelp! Get 10% off your first month by going to betterhelp.com/mysteria
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Alexander Stevens is found dead in Savage River State Forest. Evidence of a ritual is discovered. A female companion emerges from the woods naked, injured and hypothermic. A strange and confusing tale begins. Try 5 pairs of glasses at home for free at warbyparker.com/MYSTERIA. Thank you to our sponsor BetterHelp! Get 10% off your first month by going to betterhelp.com/mysteria
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In this, the final episode, we talk to a forensic pathologist about the state of the bodies, several characters from Parade of Horribles come back into play, Geoff reveals the identity of his top suspect, and Sarah offers an alternative theory. And finally, we hear how the case may soon be solved.
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In Episode 7, we flash forward to 2006 when a new investigation begins. We discover that the case affected those involved so strongly, they could not let it go. And we update listeners on where the case stands now. Try 5 pairs of glasses at home for free at warbyparker.com/MYSTERIA. Thank you to our sponsor BetterHelp! Get 10% off your first month by going to betterhelp.com/mysteria
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The final chapter of Clawson's story. We take a close look at his trials, his multiple confessions, and his potential innocence. We also see how Mared and Karen live on, even almost 50 years later.
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In this episode, a hard-working state trooper is fired, the governor lashes out at the press, a lost form of media is revisited, and we finally meet the man convicted of killing Mared & Karen.
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In Episode 4, we examine just a few people on the long, deplorable list of suspects in the murders of Mared & Karen.
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In Episode 3, the unidentified man at Mared & Karen's makeshift grave is investigated, Triangle is finally revealed, and panic hits WVU.
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In Episode 2, the headless bodies of Mared & Karen are finally discovered, a crusading newspaper man is forced into retirement, and the murders take on a decidedly mystical tone.
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The epic story of West Virginia's most notorious murders begins.
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The epic story of West Virginia's most notorious murders begins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices