Criminal Discourse Podcast: Recent Episodes
Criminal Discourse
True crime podcast brought to you by true crime enthusiasts just like you. In each episode, we deep dive into fascinating cases giving you a criminally good discourse.
This will be the Criminal Discourse Podcast’s final episode. It has been a journey and we want to thank everyone who took the time to listen in, give us feedback, and reach out with their connections to the stories we covered. Wendi and I’s focus has always been to bring our audience well-researched episodes that honor the victims and their families. We hope we have done just that. Thank you all for spending your time with us. Remember to be safe, watch out for one another, and be kind.
Cara Rintala was a woman whose life seemed like any other, a devoted wife, loving mother, and respected paramedic. But behind closed doors, tensions simmered within her marriage to her wife, Annamarie Cochrane Rintala. On the evening of March 29, 2010, police responded to a 911 call from a neighbor of the Rinatals, only to discover Annamarie's lifeless body at the foot of the basement stairs, the victim of a brutal homicide.
Years of legal proceedings, including two highly publicized mistrials failed to bring closure to the case. With each passing day, the mystery surrounding Annamarie's death deepened, leaving a community on edge and a family torn apart by grief and suspicion.
Join us as we delve into the case of Cara Rintala; a story that defies easy answers, a long pursuit of justice, and just how many times it takes to bring about a verdict.
Can secrets buried within a small town and the heart of a seemingly ordinary family lead to a haunting mystery that lingers for decades? Join us as we navigate the twisted tale of Kathy Heckel, a Pennsylvania mother whose 1991 disappearance from Lock Haven left a void in her family and perplexed investigators for years. This episode peels back the layers of Kathy's life, revealing a suspected affair, enigmatic financial transactions, and the unnerving lack of physical evidence that would baffle authorities and entangle her co-worker, Lloyd Groves, in a web of suspicion.
Feel the weight of uncertainty and sorrow that settled over Kathy's loved ones, paired with the chilling calm exhibited by Lloyd Groves, whose steely demeanor and contradictory behaviors only deepened the enigma of Kathy's fate. We'll walk you through the striking absence of clues left in her abandoned car and the disturbing finds within Lloyd's van, as well as the innovative DNA technology that eventually tied him to her disappearance, painting a harrowing picture of a crime that challenged the very essence of criminal investigation.
This episode doesn't just stop at the story of Kathy Heckel. We cast a light on the landmark trial that led to Lloyd Groves' conviction without a body—a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice. Kathy's narrative is a gateway into a broader discussion on the unsolved cases that haunt Pennsylvania, the enduring pain of their families, and the implications of these mysteries on the communities they've left behind. As we analyze the courtroom drama, the family's trials, and the ripple effects of such a profound loss, you'll find yourself gripped by the resilience of those who seek truth in the face of the unknown. Join us for an exploration of a true crime saga that reverberates with the tenacity of the human spirit.
Could your trusted local minister harbor a secret life of malevolence? This episode peels back the veneer of piety surrounding Arthur Burton Schirmer, the "sinister minister," exposing a trail of untimely deaths including those of his two wives and a troubled congregant. As we share the heart-wrenching narratives of those affected by these tragedies, we also spotlight the relentless pursuit of truth by the families and law enforcement that eventually cast a glaring light on Shermer's shadowy existence.
The last years of Christina Sanoubane’s short life were filled with violence and ended in tragedy. She was brutally murdered just days after moving into a new apartment with her toddler-aged son, seeking a fresh start. In her final days, Christina encountered three men who shared a history of violence against women. One was convicted of her murder, but a hasty investigation has left his guilt up for debate. Is Christina’s killer in prison where he belongs, or did the real perpetrator get away with murder at the cost of another man’s freedom?
Certain cases stand out for the way they impact those who knew the victim along with those investigating their demise. This case is no different. When a bright light is extinguished all too soon, all that is left are questions. The hope is that those questions can be answered quickly but when they are not, those answers and justice may seem out of reach. Time and technology were the hope for the family of Sarah Yarborough but just how long would they have to wait?
As we piece together the life and untimely passing of Dr. Teleka Patrick, a story emerges that challenges our understanding of the intersection of mental health, online personas, and real-world consequences. The enigma of Teleka's existence, from a high-achieving psychiatrist to a woman ensnared by her own mind's illusions, casts a haunting light on the secrets we keep and the facades we maintain. Our journey through her world uncovers a labyrinth of tweets to an elusive love, the unheeded warnings of her mental struggles, and the paradox of her outward success against an inner turmoil that would ultimately lead to a tragic end.
In this episode, we will look into the twisted tale of a woman who got away with her first murder, almost got away with her second, and failed to complete her third. This woman from the outside looked like an unlucky mother of two whose two husbands died far too young and whose daughter tried to commit suicide. Betrayal, deception, and ultimately murder were the hallmarks of the Black Widow’s calling card.
DNA evidence can crack even the coldest, hardest-to-convict cases, including the 1998 murder of 13-year-old Christina Williams. Investigators suspected just one man from the beginning, but it wasn’t until 2017 that they finally had enough evidence – through a DNA match – to make an arrest. Charles Holifield is a repeat sex offender with links to more assaults, disappearances, and murders that are still unsolved. Although there may be no such thing as “closure” after losing someone so tragically, pursuing their cases until someone is held responsible is worth it, and Christina’s story is a case in point.
In this episode, we will delve into a budding serial killer's dark and twisted world. We will unravel the sinister tale of Tim Boczkowski, a man whose charisma masked a malevolence that claimed the lives of not one, but two innocent victims. As we examine the evidence, motives, and the web of deceit meticulously woven by Tim Boczkowski, we confront the unnerving question: How does a man harbor such darkness beneath a veneer of normalcy?
We’ve made it to the third and final episode diving deep into toddler Corey Edkin’s disappearance and other related cases. People who have been interviewed in recent years about Corey’s case say they were also asked about individuals connected to the 1986 murder of Rickey Wolfe and the 1989 disappearance and presumed murder of Barbara Miller. Join us as we wrap up this fascinating & multi-layered case.
Join us for part two as we bring our timeline to the present day, following the developments in Corey’s cold case and the suspicious coincidences and charges that continue to pile up around his family members. That will include the unsolved homicide of his mother’s future boyfriend and his grandmother’s conviction for poisoning her third husband. More twists and turns to come!
Two-year-old Corey Edkin disappeared from his central Pennsylvania home in October 1986 and is still missing. His grandmother, Myrle Rovenolt, was accused of poisoning his grandfather two months later, and this past summer she was sentenced to life in prison for the poisoning death of her third husband. Corey and Myrle have connections to three other local cold cases – two homicides, and one disappearance presumed homicide – and that’s why we’re diving into the first of three episodes
covering them. We’ll attempt to detangle an extensive web of information and get closer to a resolution nearly 40 years later.
Join us as we journey into the heart of Midwestern America, where the echoes of a chilling crime reverberated for decades. In this episode, we delve into the haunting mystery surrounding the life and tragic death of 18-year-old Michelle Martinko, a vibrant young woman whose promising future was brutally extinguished six days before Christmas in 1979. As we unravel the threads of this perplexing case, we'll explore the enigma of Michelle herself—her dreams, her passions, and the profound impact she had on those around her. We'll follow the tireless efforts of law enforcement officers and her family and friends, who had dedicated years to seeking justice for Michelle.
What would you do if your family member went missing and the police wouldn’t help you find them? Andre Daigle’s family reached out to a psychic medium for help, and her visions led them straight to Andre’s murderers. She even ended up testifying at trial, helping Andre’s family secure justice and preventing his killers from continuing their criminal plans.
Listen to part two of our Halloween month spotlight on The Toolbox Killers; Lawrence Bittaker and Roy Norris. One of their trials made true crime history in the state of California. Make sure to check it out.
In this installment, we delve into one of the most horrifying and infamous cases: the gruesome tale of the Toolbox Killers. Join us as we explore the harrowing story of Lawrence Bittaker and Roy Norris, an evil duo whose reign of terror in the late 1970s sent shockwaves through Southern California and beyond. We will step back in time to explore the background and motivations of these killers, and the horrifying details of their crimes so listener discretion is advised.
Laureen Rahn’s disappearance has puzzled anyone investigating it for more than four decades. With each new piece of information, there are only more questions. Did she run away? Was she abducted or trafficked? Is her case connected to other missing local women or her serial killer neighbor? In this episode, we’ll examine all the mysterious clues and theories, hopefully drawing us closer to a resolution.
In this episode, we turn our attention to the haunting case of the Newman family murders, a tragic event that rocked the city of Anchorage, Alaska in March 1987. Join us as we journey back to uncover the unsettling details surrounding this heinous crime. As we navigate through the evidence, witness testimonies, and tireless law enforcement efforts, we will piece together the puzzle surrounding the murders of wife and mother Nancy Newman and her two young daughters Melissa and Angie. This episode is heartbreaking as it is intriguing and serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the relentless pursuit of the truth.
In June 2009, Martinsburg, West Virginia lost a beloved resident to domestic violence, an all too common occurrence in the United States and abroad. And for an all too common reason: Donald Surber couldn’t accept that his girlfriend, Kathy Sharp, had ended their relationship. Today's episode examines Kathy’s case, how it impacted her community, how her killer was punished, and the roles of victim protection and violence prevention.
In this episode, we unravel the perplexing case of Ira Einhorn, better known as the "Unicorn Killer." Ira Einhorn was a charismatic and enigmatic figure, emerging as a countercultural icon during the 1960s and 1970s. Join us as we unravel the disturbing details of the tragic fate of his ex-girlfriend, Helen “Holly” Maddux. We examine the impact of Einhorn's flight from justice and eventual capture after living as a fugitive for decades.
In 2003, South Jersey became a serial predator’s hunting ground. Attempted assault escalated to murder when 24-year-old Krista DiFrancesco was discovered brutally raped and stabbed on her front lawn, just feet away from the home where her husband and baby were sleeping. It would take a year and two more assaults before police finally caught her killer.
In this episode, we delve into the chilling case of John Reginald Christie, a notorious serial killer whose heinous crimes shook London in the mid-20th century. Join us as we navigate the sinister world of the sex strangler of Notting Hill, a seemingly unassuming neighbor whose true nature proved to be far more sinister. Throughout his reign of terror, Christie preyed upon vulnerable individuals, luring them into his home under the guise of providing safety and solace.
Three to four million people hike part of the Appalachian Trail every year. Rebecca Wight was one of them, and in 1988, Stephen Carr immortalized her in another statistic: the dozen trail hikers who’ve been murdered. Her girlfriend, Claudia Brenner, survived the attack to share their story.
In May 1984, Murfreesboro, Tennessee was shaken by the brutal murder of Laura Salmon. At the time, Laura was an 18-year-old college student attending Middle Tennessee State University. Her murder shocked the community and left investigators with plenty of circumstantial evidence but not much hard proof. The case remained unsolved for over sixteen years until new DNA evidence led to the arrest and conviction of their prime suspect. The murder of Laura Salmon remains a tragic reminder of the impact of dating violence on individuals and communities, and a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement to bring justice to victims and their families.
Two couples were murdered four months apart in Washington state, the women were both sexually assaulted, with tube socks tied around their necks. Could it be a serial killer? Other cases in the area bearing similarities have since been closed, but these two remain connected and unsolved. Is the Tube Sock Killer already in prison? Is he dead? Or is he still out there, waiting to be discovered?
In this episode, we delve into the chilling case of Helle Crafts, a wealthy Connecticut woman who disappeared under mysterious circumstances in 1986. Her husband, Richard Crafts, claimed that she had gone to visit her sick mother in Denmark. But as investigators dug deeper, they uncovered a twisted web of lies, deceit, and betrayal that would lead to the infamous "wood chipper murder" case.
In 1998, Patricia Rorrer was convicted of murdering her ex-boyfriend’s new wife, Joann Katrniak, and her infant son, Alex, and sentenced to life in prison without parole. The case against her was solid but also largely circumstantial. Today, Patricia and her advocates argue that the single piece of forensic evidence used against her was junk science and accuse law enforcement of conspiring to convict her. Is this case truly closed, or does Patricia Rorrer deserve another day in court?
In May 1996, two Navy petty officers were murdered in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Investigators had to figure out if one of the murder victim's allegations against the Navy was the reason behind their murder or if there was something more nefarious going on. Was the murder scene staged? Was the intruder truly an intruder or were they invited in? Listen to this twisty tale of deception and greed and then join in the discourse by letting us know your thoughts.
Killin Missin Hidden
THE podcast about bad things! Hosted by a former criminal defense trial attorney,...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
“Ireland’s Vanishing Triangle” refers to a geographic area surrounding Dublin, in eastern Ireland, where a number of women have been abducted, raped, and murdered. Many of these are missing person cases that remain unsolved thirty or so years later. Who are they, how are they connected, and who might be responsible?
Listen to the story of La Pistolera Sharon Kinne who in December 1969, escaped a Mexican prison. How did she end up there? Not for the murder of her dead husband or the murder of her lover's wife. No, there was another victim who unfortunately ran into Kinne while she was out on bond having left the United States for Mexico with her newest male paramour. This unbelievable tale resulted in the longest outstanding felony warrants ever issued by Missouri.
When you think of a stereotypical school shooter, you probably don’t picture Dr. Amy Bishop, a middle-aged mother and biology professor. In 2010, she executed three of her colleagues at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), where she had recently been denied tenure. Initially, many thought Amy had just “snapped,” but investigators discovered that she had a history of workplace problems, and this wasn’t the first time that she had killed someone.
In October 1992, a young woman was in an examination room at Kipling Memorial Hospital. She is upset so the doctor suggests a sedative to help her calm down. The young woman agrees not knowing that for the next seven years, she will have to fight for authorities to not only believe her but to bring her perpetrator to justice. Will she succeed in time or will others suffer due to a manipulative man's ability to outsmart authorities?
We’ve covered many cases where prosecutors make a so-called “deal with the devil” – giving the accomplice to a crime a lighter charge in exchange for information against a “bigger fish.” Even though Mel Ignatow admitted to the sexual torture and murder of Brenda Schaefer, he never served a day in prison for it. This episode is about a case of getting away with murder and how Mel Ignatow became “the most hated man in Louisville.”
In 1975, in the midlands of the United Kingdom, the elusive Black Panther struck again. Only this time it was a kidnapping of a young heiress. In this week's episode, we cover the crimes of Donald Neilson who went from a home invader to a kidnapper murderer in a short period of time.
After Robert Rowlingson discovered his teenage brother Anthony’s connections to the Ku Klux Klan, he threatened to report Anthony to the police. On July 15, 2007, Anthony executed his brother to protect his secret. His teacher, the Klan leader who mentored him, helped dispose of the body. This is the Queensland, Australia case of the Rowlingson brothers and the deadly consequences of extreme ideology coupled with young, impressionable minds.
Pets don't just make good companions they also can play a vital role in convicting killers. This episode highlights two such cases with a cat named Snowball and a dog named Chief who were the first to provide evidence in criminal cases in Canada and the United States.
On November 7, 2022, James Krauseneck Jr. was sentenced to 25 years to life for the second-degree murder of his wife, Cathleen Krauseneck, in 1982. James and Cathleen’s only child was just three years old and home with her mother when she was axed to death. But could a convicted rapist be the real murderer? In 2012, convicted rapist Ed Laraby confessed to Cathleen’s murder. Listen to the Brighton Ax Murder case and decide for yourself.
You've heard of the Scream movies, but did you know that in 2006 two teenagers tried to emulate one of their favorite movies? Listen to the case of how two boys wanted to become more famous than the movies and killers they idolized and how one innocent victim paid the ultimate price.
Crime Feast
A true crime podcast, hosted by 3 friends, serving up a platter of murder & mayhem weekly.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
You might not remember the name of serial killer Michael Gargiulo – also known as the ‘Hollywood Ripper,’ for his California knifings, ‘The Boy Next Door Killer,’ because he lived so close to his victims, and the ‘Chiller Killer,’ for using his job as an air conditioning repair man to gain his victims’ trust – but I bet you remember that case where actor Ashton Kutcher’s date was murdered or recall Ashton testifying at the killer’s trial a few years ago. Today, we’ll go beyond the celebrity aspect of this case to examine how Mike Gargiulo got away with murder for 15 years, even after his DNA turned up on one of his victim’s fingernails, starting with the woman who survived him and finally put him in handcuffs.
On March 3, 1993, a sister would discover a horrible scene no family member should come upon. It would take two and a half years for Lawrence Horn and the hit man he hired to be brought to justice. During that time, investigators had to unravel a complicated trail of conspiracy and how one book aided the shooter in trying to get away with murder.
When our listeners hear “August 1969,” they probably think of The Manson Family murders. Today we’ll examine another chilling crime spree from that era on the other side of the United States: the Dreamland Park murders. In August 1969, outlaw bikers murdered a young couple at their abandoned amusement park-turned-clubhouse, and those same bikers may be responsible for the unsolved murders of two sisters in August 1968 as well. While two of the men involved died in prison, it’s likely that two more killers were allowed to walk free, and that’s just one symptom of an organized crime problem that has plagued the area for generations and lies at the heart of today’s case.
November 1992, an unsuspecting mother and her two small children return home late at night only to be met by an intruder with a gun. What did he want? Why was he there? Listen to the story of how greed and a thirst for power brought ruin and murder to one young family in Georgia.
What happens to victims who aren’t killed or visibly injured, but who are left in the wake of a crime to pick up the broken pieces and carry on with life? What happened to Columbine student and school shooting survivor Brandi Jo Malonson, who was last seen around Christmas 2006? Who killed her friends and classmates Nick Kunselman and Stephanie Hart-Grizzell less than a year after Columbine? In this episode, we will look at these and other lesser-known cases from Littleton, Colorado, the community where the infamous school shooting took place.
Listen to the story featured on the first episode of Snapped. Celeste Beard Johnson was tried for the murder of her husband in Texas. Did she do it or was she set up by her twin daughters and lover? Listen and decide for yourself.
Google “Dominique Dunne” and you’ll see references to the movie Poltergeist and her tragic death. Some results include her murder as evidence of a curse associated with the Poltergeist film series. Beneath this clickbait is an all too familiar story about domestic violence escalating to murder. As is also far too common in these cases, it doesn’t seem like the victim and her family received the justice they deserved. Listen to the first episode of season 4 and decide for yourself.
Michelle Jones contacted her aunt and uncle as Hurricane Ivan was bearing down on Florida in September 2004. Since they lived in the Florida Keys Michelle invited them to stay with her in Orlando until the danger passed. Little did she know that she had just summoned pure evil into her home. Listen to the story of her uncle Charlie Brandt who authorities would come to suspect was involved in a number of unsolved murders in the Florida area.
In 2021, detectives in Florida announced that DNA connected Brazilian national Roberto Fernandes to the murders of three Miami-area sex workers in 2000 and 2001. During this investigation, authorities discovered Fernandes had also been charged with his wife’s 1996 murder and was suspected in numerous unsolved assault and homicide cases in both countries. Today, we’ll take a deep dive into Fernandes’s known crimes, the international, decade-long manhunt to bring him to justice, and the unsolved cases for which he may be responsible.
Two separate mysteries all tied to one man who went by many names. Listen to the story of serial killer Terry Rasmussen who died under the name Curtis Kimball. This is a twisted tale of false identities, a living Jane Doe and the Bear Brook Four with one victim yet to be identified and one still missing.
Losing a child to murder is unthinkable – a parent’s worst nightmare. A child being murdered by their friends is even more shocking. Kimberly Dotts’s so-called friends ended her life on Mother’s Day 24 years ago, and while two of the people who were involved are behind bars, their community is still processing the tragedy and an important question: how do we punish kids who kill?
Could you ever imagine that your neighbors would turn out to be serial killers? Well, this became reality for the people who lived on Moorhouse Street in Perth, Australia in November 1986. Listen to the story of how one couple kidnapped five unsuspecting women over a five-week period. One brave girl survived leading to the police capturing the notorious Moorhouse Murders killer couple Catherine and David Birnie.
It's been thirty years since Robert Freeman's badly beaten body turned up in an Easton, Pennsylvania farm field, but it seems authorities are no closer to solving his murder. His sister has given everything to find his killer and bring them to justice. So we're diving in to uncover clues and bring attention to Robert's case. #Justice4RobertFreeman Today's episode is sponsored by MANSCAPED. Use our code CDP20 by June 23 for 20% off and free shipping!
A man finds his bride of three months dead on their living room floor. Was this a robbery gone wrong or something else? Listen to the story of how one woman's murder would take twenty-three years to solve even though her family knew who had done it all along.
A loving mother vanishes one morning. The husband with whom she has recently separated, should be one of the first suspects, right? What if he has an alibi that looks rock solid? Listen to the story of how one man thought he could get away with being in two places at once.
The Butcher of Rostov, The Red Ripper, and The Rostov Ripper are titles that belong to the same man that terrorized the Rostov area of Soviet Ukraine from 1978 until 1990. Listen to the story of how Andrei Chikatilo went undetected and carried out fifty-six murders of women and children until he was finally stopped.
How could such a brutal senseless murder occur in one of the safest areas around Bethesda Maryland? Two young women were attacked and brutalized with only one of them surviving. Would this surviving victim be the key to finding a killer or was the killer someone the authorities already knew?
Listen to the story of Susan Newell who was the last woman in Scotland to face capital punishment. Was she pushed into murdering a young boy or was she inherently wicked?
Who would want to murder a pair of beloved professors from Dartmouth College? Investigators were stumped as to who and what their motive may have been. Listen to the story of how the least likely pair of suspects turned out to be the very killers investigators were looking for.
A beautiful mother of three goes missing. Her close family has no idea what happened to her. All they know is that her husband of twenty-plus years is no longer cooperating with the police. Listen to the story about the disappearance of May "Maya" Millete from Chula Vista, California in January 2020. helpfindmaya.com
On July 12, 2008, a 34-year-old mother of two, Nancy Cooper supposedly went out for a jog never to be seen alive again. Who would want to kill this kind-hearted, fun-loving mother who got along well with everyone except maybe the person that ended her life? Listen to the story of who that person would turn out to be.
Who was Daniel Perez? He went by many names, but the people close to him knew him as one of three angels that possessed special powers. The problem was that some of them ended up dying in tragic accidents leaving behind large insurance policies. Listen to the story of how one man conned his way to a lifestyle of leisure by convincing others that he alone had the power to bring them back to life.
Listen to the final episode on the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier which occurred on December 23, 1996, in West Cork, Ireland. Part three will cover two libel trials, a trial in absentia in France along with the latest news to break in Madame Sophie Toscan du Plantier's case.
Listen to the second part of the murder of Madame Sophie Toscan du Plantier on December 23, 1996, in West Cork, Ireland. A prime suspect has been identified by the Garda, but can they get the Department of Public Prosecutions to bring formal charges against the man they believe ended Sophie's life?
On December 23, 1996, the body of 39-year-old Sophie Toscan du Plantier was discovered by her neighbor outside her holiday home in West Cork, Ireland. Who would commit such a heinous crime just days before Christmas? Listen to part one as we cover the early days of the investigation, who was Sophie Toscan du Plantier and how did she die along with the emergence of a prime suspect.
In 1870 the Kansas Territory was opened and large tracks of land were granted to settlers looking to establish new lives. This included the Bender Family who obtained a 160-acre property along the Osage Trail. The Benders soon established a general supply store and inn for weary travelers. In 1871 the bodies of dead men would be discovered nearby and the disappearance of a prominent doctor would soon lead his family and the surrounding community to suspect that all was not right at The Bender Inn. Listen to the tale of how one "family" left their mark on Sunflower state.
In 2008, 38-year-old John Altinger emailed his friends that he was taking off to Costa Rica for a couple of months with a woman he just met. His friends were shocked by this turn of events. One refused to believe it and tried to find out what happened to John. Listen to the story of how good friends stopped Mark Twitchel. A budding serial killer who fancied himself after the television character Dexter.
An abandoned car was found on a New Jersey bridge. Was it a missing person case, or something more? What happened to 19-year-old Sarah Stern? The answer sent shock waves through the close-knit community of Neptune. Listen to the story of how a young woman's childhood friends committed the ultimate betrayal.
In August of 1969, the city of Memphis, Tennessee was living in fear due to a spree killer on the loose. For twenty-nine days a killer terrorized the citizen of Memphis. Listen to the story of George Howard Putt and learn how one man kept a city on edge never knowing where or when he would strike again.
Hallways that lead to nowhere, soundproof rooms with trap doors and chutes that drop into vats of acid. This is what some unexpecting guests encountered when checking into H.H. Holmes Chicago hotel in the 1890s. Listen to the story of how a man started out as a grave robber, turned into a con artist, and eventually became one of the most deranged serial killers in America's history.
Twenty-five years after a young school teacher, Christy Mirack, was senselessly murdered new DNA technology lead investigators to an arrest. Listen to the story of how a man, known as DJ Freeze, lived in plain sight with authorities never knowing of his connection to the murder until ancestry genealogy brought him to justice.
When an elderly man passes away it's assumed it was due to his numerous health issues. No crime here, right? Have you ever heard the phrase, "loose lips sink ships?" Listen to the story of Anthony Tomaselli and how that phrase brought to light a murder that may have never been discovered.
In April 1966, 18-year-old Pamela Sue Rimmer would be found murdered in rural Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. Her killer would soon confess claiming it all started with a misunderstanding but did it? Listen to the case and hear how Jon Yount would evade justice for a time with the help of his prison pen pal and how Pamela's mother never gave up on seeking justice for her daughter.
On a hot summer day in June 1975, a firefighter in Terra Linda, California was called to put out a fire in one of the barbeque pits in China Camp State Park. Initially thought to be the remains of an animal left behind by a hunter it would be discovered that was not the case. Listen to the story of the murders of Jim and Naomi Olive and find out who was responsible for their double homicide.
Imagine visiting friends for the weekend only to end up with a bullet lodged in your brain. Who hated you enough to want you dead? Listen to the story of how two women discovered that the person they thought they knew and loved was really the devil in disguise.
Back in the 1920s, a pair of horrific murders took place on the 700 block of Ursulines Avenue in the French Quarter of New Orleans. These murders were not the first nor the last to occur on this particular block. Listen to the story of The New Orleans Murder Block.
In September 1990, women in the sex trade industry in central Europe began to disappear. They would be found in wooded areas after having been strangled to death with articles of their own clothing. This heinous killer eventually came to America and continued his murderous rampage. Who was he? Listen to the story of the celebrity writer serial killer, Jack Unterweger. He supposedly had been rehabilitated through his award-winning writing, only to be freed to kill again.
Was it an unfortunate accident or did a murder leave a family without their loving and vivacious mother? Listen to the story of the mysterious death of Tamla Horsford. How could a fun evening celebrating a friend's birthday end so tragically?
The American dream or an American nightmare? Listen to the story of Belle Gunness also known as the Mistress of the Murder Farm and the Midwest Black Widow. She did not discriminate. Her victims included husbands, offspring, and men that would be referred to as her cousins. How many male cousins did Belle have? Listen for yourself.
In February 1996, businessman Frank Lee Black disappeared on a trip to Florida never to be seen or heard from again. What happened to Black? Did he disappear on his own or did rival business owner Alan Mackerley have a hand in his disappearance? Listen to this episode of aliases, listening devices, and conspiracies and find out for yourself!
In November 2010 the murder of a 15-year-old girl would lead authorities to the discovery of a serial killer who had been operating unbeknownst to everyone around him. Who was this killer who identified himself as 1CountryBoy? Listen to the story of how Cody Legebokoff became one of the youngest Canadian serial killers.
In 1992 the body of a young woman is found dumped behind a Houston restaurant. She would be the first in a series of murders by the tourniquet killer. Who was he? Why did he use a tourniquet to kill his victims? Listen to the story of how one man known as Telephone Tony got away with his crimes for so long.
On the morning of Friday, April 20, 2012, Allison Baden-Clay failed to return home from her walk. Her husband notified authorities who soon sprang into action looking for the missing woman. Why so soon? Why did authorities feel that this simply wasn't the case of a missing person? Listen to the story of betrayal, deceit, and an angry caterpillar and decide for yourself.
This is the story of the horrific crimes committed by the man who was deemed The Vampire of Sacramento. Early on Richard Chase showed signs of violent tendencies. Over time these urges increased and lead to a gruesome display of depravity for human life. Was he insane? Did he not know right from wrong? Did he just not care? Listen and decide for yourself.
In January 1999, Miriam Illes was shot through her kitchen window leaving her alone bleeding out on the kitchen floor. Was this a random shooting or did someone want her dead? Listen to the twisted tale of Miriam's murder and decide for yourself.
Accidental fire or intentional arson? In the end, four lives would be lost. Listen to the story of Cameron Todd Willingham and decide for yourself.
In one of the most beautiful settings in the Pacific, Mac & Muff Graham would disappear in the summer of 1974. Were they a victim of the seas or something more nefarious?
Who could have imagined that what started out as a fun-filled week of camping would have a tragic end before it began for three young girl scouts? Listen to the story of these horrific murders and how one man would end up being charged. There were lots of questions. Did he act alone? Was he even guilty in the first place?
After a night of partying and a fight with her boyfriend, 22-year-old Katie Sepich walks away from her friend's house. Friends and family are immediately concerned when they can't reach her. The next day the search tragically ends. Who was responsible for her murder? Listen to how investigators caught the one person they weren't even looking for!
In June 1996 a beautiful young woman went missing. She was last seen dining with Thomas Capano, an influential attorney from Wilmington, Delaware. Her family had grave concerns when she failed to show up at a family event and notified the police. She went from a missing person to a murder victim. Listen to the story of how one man's inability to let go leads to a fall from grace and the tragic end of a young woman's life.
On January 16, 1997, Scott Falater was awoken by police claiming that he had been seen murdering his wife in their backyard. Scott had no memory of doing so claiming he must have been sleepwalking. Was Scott sleepwalking when he stabbed his wife over forty times or was this an excuse to cover up his crimes? Listen to the Sleepwalker Murder Case and you decide.
On October 25, 1994, a mother would commit an unspeakable act. At first, there was an outpouring of support for the young mother whose sons had been kidnapped by a mysterious carjacker. However, support would soon turn to anger and disbelief. Listen to the story of Susan Smith and how one person made every wrong choice that sent a ripple effect across the United States.
In the mid-80s a killer drifted in and out of local towns in the Pacific Northwest picking off unsuspecting victims. Listen to the story of how one man would change his appearance to elude authorities and continue his reign of terror.
On a snowy day in March 1993, the body of a young girl was found discarded on the side of a rural road outside of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. Who was she and where did she come from? These questions and more would lead authorities up and down the east coast of the United States on the hunt for a killer.
Listen to the story of one of the most prolific serial killers in the history of the world. Was it all made up or was there some truth to the matter of how one noblewoman got away with murdering innocent young girls for over 14 years? Was it for their blood that would allow her to keep her youthful appearance or did she torture and murder due to her love of sadomasochism? Listen and decide for yourself.
For 13 years the East Coast Rapist remained a mystery. He struck at random up and down the east coast of the United States. Listen to the story of how one predator brazenly hunted women as if they were nothing more than prey and how tireless investigators didn't stop until they caught him.
On Halloween night 1974, Timothy O'Bryan headed out with his younger sister and father for a night of trick-or-treating fun. Little did he know that this would be his last Halloween. Timothy fell victim to cyanide poisoning. Who was responsible and why? Listen to the story of Ronald Clark O'Bryan who became known as the man who ruined Halloween.
We've all heard the story about the Amityville Horror, but do you know the true tale behind the famous book and movies? Have you ever heard of Ronald DeFeo Jr? Listen to the story of how one family met their tragic end on November 14, 1974, in the picturesque village of Amityville, New York. Their deaths would leave behind questions that still linger today.
In 1974 when Wayne Nance was committing his first of six murders another serial killer, David Meirhofer was ending his murderous run of four murders. Listen to the fascinating story of how one killer met his end at the hands of his victims and how the other was brought down by a determined mother of one of his victims.
In 1983 a 17-year-old sex worker would start a chain of events that would force one of the most prolific serial killers in Alaska's history to atone for his crimes. Listen to the horrific tale of how one man would take his love of hunting to a whole new level.
In 2015 two 16-year-old girls would disappear from the Brisbane, Australia area a month apart. Who was responsible? Was it the same person or two different predators? Listen to the story of how two young girls would fall victim to someone they thought they would be safe with.
Listen to the final episode of the MacDonald Family Murders. This final part will wrap up with the outcome of the 1979 murder trial and other theories of the murders.
Listen to part 3 of the MacDonald Family Murders and the case being made against Jeffrey MacDonald. In this episode we'll talk about the re-investigation and how someone who staunchly believed in Jeffrey MacDonald's innocence would come to change their mind.
This episode continues covering the case of the MacDonald Family Murders. We explore more of the evidence and the formal Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) interview with Dr. Jeffrey MacDonald held on April 6, 1970. His article 32 hearing would determine whether or not he would face a court-martial.
February 17, 1970 was a morning few on the Fort Bragg Army Base or the nation would soon forget. The pregnant wife of Dr. Jeffrey MacDonald and their two young daughters were brutally murdered in their on-base housing unit. Who is responsible? Is it a group of drug crazed hippies or someone closer to the victims? Listen to the story of what happened in those early morning hours and decide for yourself as we wade through all of the evidence.
Listen to one of our first episodes about Margaret "Bill" Allen. A fascinating story of one woman who tried to live her truth, but others would not let her be. Their actions would lead to a murder and then to a hanging.
An international manhunt, cross dressing and the Asian sex trade. What do all of these things have in common.....Peter Chadwick. Listen to one of our original episodes only released through our Facebook page.
Picture doing something you've done hundreds of times before, but this time things don't go as planned. Now imagine that activity involves jumping out of an airplane, 4,000 feet above earth. As you plummet towards the ground your parachute doesn’t open! Listen to the amazing story of Victoria Cilliers, and the twisted tale of her attempted murder.
In the mid-70s home invasions throughout the tri-state area were on an uptake. Two perpetrators would not only break into unsuspecting residences, but they would toy with their victims for hours. Soon their invasions escalated to sexual assaults and murder. Who were they? Why did they torment and torture their victims? Was it for the money or the thrill of seeing the fear in their victims eyes? Listen to the story of The Shoemaker.
In July 2014 Genesis Rincon was gunned down in one of the most gang infested cities in America. Did someone target this twelve year old girl? Was she an innocent bystander killed by a stray bullet? Listen to the story of how one family's path to justice took a winding road and ended where it all began, in Patterson New Jersey.
Was Amy Dechant wrongly accused or a greedy woman trying to outrun the law? A son fails to call his mother one summer night in 1996. Was this happenstance or did something nefarious take place? Listen and learn how America's Most Wanted played a crucial role in bringing a desperate fugitive to justice.
How does a legally blind Japanese man go from finding enlightenment to running an international cult set on starting World War III? Listen to the fascinating story of Shoko Asahara and the Aum Shinrikyo cult he founded. Learn how expensive melons lead to his capture!
Listen to the story of Katherine Knight. How could a woman commit such unspeakable horrors to a man she supposedly loved? Her crime was murder, but it was how she executed the murder that caused her to receive a sentence that had never been handed down to a female defendant in Australia’s history.
In 1843 one man would set a legal precedent that still utilized today in some countries. Daniel M'Naghten would attempt to assassinate the Prime Minister of England only to be caught up in a case of mistaken identity. Did his delusions cause his actions or was he legally sane at the time of the crime? Listen to the story of how Daniel's actions set the standard for generations to come. The burden of proof of one's mental status is the defendant's responsibility to prove.
From 1971 until 1980 Carroll Edward Cole was on a killing spree that spanned four states. How was he able to get away with killing into the double digits and no one put it together? Listen to the story of this notorious serial killer who in the end got what he wanted.
In December 2011, the unthinkable happened in the city of Detroit. Two-year-old Bianca Jones was the victim of a carjacking. Or was she? Listen to the story and decide if the right person was convicted of murder or if Bianca is still out there waiting to be found.
Twenty seven year old Avis Banks was five months pregnant when she was shot and left for dead in a pool of blood on her garage floor. Who committed this heinous crime in a quiet residential neighborhood in Ridgeland Mississippi in November 2006? Was it a crime of opportunity or did someone want Avis and her unborn child dead?
Listen to the story of how the murder of a young girl and the subsequent conviction of a teenage boy played a role in changing a country's stance on the death penalty.
The disappearance of an 11-year-old girl and her subsequent murder would rock the city of Rochester, NY in November 1971. Shock turned to fear when two more young girls were abducted from busy streets in broad daylight never to be seen alive again. Listen to the story of The Alphabet Murders and discover why these crimes are also known as The Double Initial Murders.
Just a forewarning this episode talks about domestic abuse. How could a man who started out so sweet and nice turn into a monster over time? In 2008 this man would unleash unspeakable horrors on someone he "loved?" Listen to the survivor story of one woman who lived through six days on a cross-country trip with a man who planned on never letting her return home.
September 1984 would result in the tragic death of a loving mother of three sons. Was it a robbery gone bad or an intentional murder? Listen and learn how the greed of Robert O Marshall destroyed the lives of so many people. For thirty years the question lingered. Who killed this wife and mother?
In April 2013, Dr. Autumn Klein, a brilliant neurologist, suddenly collapsed after returning home from her shift at a Pittsburgh hospital. What was causing her system to shut down? Was it something that she encountered at work or something more sinister? Listen to the medical mystery that doctor's raced to resolve while trying to save one of their own. Was it an accident, suicide or murder?
In July 2003 a mother, her three children and the children's grandmother would be found shot to death in their Bakersfield, California home. The youngest victim was just 6 weeks old. Who would target this family? Was this a robbery gone wrong or something more personal? Listen to the story of how a killer was brought to justice due to what the bug evidence told investigators.
In October 2008, police discovered a horrific crime scene in a quiet residential neighborhood in Riverside California. Marine Sgt. Janek Pietrzak and his new bride, Quiana Faye-Jenkins Piertrzak, were found bloody, beaten, tortured and murdered. Who could commit such heinous acts? Listen and learn how investigators from Riverside County and NCIS agents worked together to bring the perpetrators to justice.
In November 1971, DB Cooper was an unassuming middle aged man. Then he boarded a plane at the Portland International Airport for a thirty minute flight to Seattle. It would turn out to be one of the most infamous skyjacking/robberies in US history. Has the notorious robber's identity finally been discovered? Listen and find out!
July 1999 in a quiet suburb of Oklahoma City a man would lose his life in the driveway of his parent's home in front of his older sister and two young daughters. Soon the perpetrator would be caught, but the question that still lingers today is whether or not the right man was sentenced to death? Listen to the story of Julius Jones and decide for yourself. There are lots of questions surrounding this case and one of them has to do with whether or not Julius Jones received a fair trial or was he set up to take the fall for a murder he didn't commit?
Steven Mineo was murdered in the Pennsylvania Pocono Region in July, 2017. To Police, it appeared to be a straight forward crime. Then they discovered that the victim was involved with an online community that believed devil-worshiping, shape-shifting reptiles from outer space were body-snatching humans. These "reptilians" were looking to bring about the rule of the Antichrist. Listen and decide if Steven Mineo's beliefs lead to his murder or if this was a domestic dispute gone wrong.
Freelance journalist Kim Wall had finally set up an interview with the celebrity inventor Peter Madsen. The best part was that he was going to take her on his self-built mini-submarine, The Nautilus, for a two hour tour around Køge Bay. She would never return. Listen to the episode of how one man's obsession led him to committing a vile, heinous murder.
In a five month period two young girls would disappear from parks around Tacoma Washington. What happened to them and who was responsible? Were police looking for one killer or two? Police were baffled and only the passage of time and new technological advances in DNA extraction would help solve this case, but that meant the killer or killers could strike again.
The first act of air terrorism took place in Canada in September 1949. Who could have wanted twenty-three people dead and why? Investigators had plenty of clues and would quickly hone in on the suspects responsible. Listen to the story of how one man's narcissism destroyed so many lives.
One night in Laredo Texas would change three lives forever. No one could imagine the horrors that would be inflicted on three sleeping victims by teenagers no less. Listen to the story and draw your own opinion if justice was served.
In the town of Poughkeepsie, NY women had gone missing starting in 1996. These women had one thing in common besides the monster who was taking them; they all battled drug addiction. Listen to the story of how one man got away with snatching these women up and keeping them hidden from their loved ones and the police for over two years.
A mysterious fire, missing keys and a black sports car. What did they all have in common on Black Friday 2014? Listen to the story of how one young woman fought for her life upsetting the plans of two nefarious murderers who wanted a big pay off.
When playing cards started showing up at murder scenes, the Madrid Police didn't realize they had a serial killer on their hands. Listen to the story of the Playing Card Killer's twisted spiral into murder and how no one knew when he would strike again.
On Christmas Day 2002 three women would be discovered dead in their Middletown home. There was one survivor who was too young to tell police the heinous crimes that had occurred in the early morning hours of December 24, 2002. Listen to how one man was brought to justice for not only the murders, but the horrible acts that he had committed on his own family.
When a suitcase washes ashore after a devastating earthquake in Peru no one could have imaged what secrets it would hold. The discovery would bring closure wrapped in grief to one family and a fight to bring the person responsible to justice once extradition could be granted. Listen to the story of the "El Enigma de la Mariposa" (The Mystery of the Butterfly).
No one knew that when Paul Bernardo & Karla Homolka met that it would lead to the killings of three young teen girls. There was nothing stopping them from destroying the lives of those around them; not even their own family members were safe. Listen to the story of two depraved individuals who became a pair of killers that plagued communities throughout Ontario, Canada in the late 80's and early 90's.
Bernie Tiede was beloved by many in the town of Carthage, Texas. He was actively involved with various community activities and a well sought after mortician, who had a gift when it came to offering comfort to grieving families. Margorie Nugent was a widow who fell under Bernie's spell. Listen to the tale of an unlikely companionship that ended in murder.
A burning car, two dead bodies and a third victim found nearby. Who could have committed these murders and what was their motive? Listen to a real who done it and try to figure out who had the most to gain by these untimely deaths.
Before Virginia Tech and Columbine the first mass shooting on a school's campus would occur on August 1, 1966. Listen to the episode how one young man with so much promise killed his mother and wife before taking the lives of fourteen people and wounding thirty one more on the University of Texas in Austin campus. Was Charles Whitman a deranged mad man or was there something else behind his murderous rage?
Seven statuettes would represent his seven victims. Joseph Miller has been called the most prolific serial killer in Dauphin County's history. Listen to the story of his crimes and how one brave woman fought to live and helped bring down his reign of terror.
Phil Hartman would die suddenly in his sleep at the hands of his third wife, Brynn on May 28, 1998. Listen to the story of Phil's rise to fame, his troubled marriage and how he left a comedic legacy behind for his two small children and how one woman's substance abuse, and want of fame lead to this tragic murder-suicide.
Listen to the harrowing tale of Terry Jo Duperrault. Seven people would set sail for a weeks long excursion in the Bahamas, but only two would come back alive.
When Suzanne Jovin, a popular, intelligent senior at Yale University was murdered she left behind a lot of heartache and questions. Who would want to kill Suzanne? Was she in the wrong place at the wrong time or did someone intentionally want to kill her? Listen to the fascinating mystery that surrounds the murder of a girl that was taken far too soon.
In February 1942 in the midst of World War II a predator would strike the city of London under the cover of darkness. During the mandatory blackouts of London one sexual sadist would take advantage of those just trying to survive in the most difficult of circumstances. Gordon Cummins would become known as The Blackout Ripper.
When a beautiful 23-year-old school teacher is assigned a forty-year-old male mentor who would have known it would lead to murder? An affair, a missing glove and disputed phone records would lead to not one, but two murder trials. Listen to the fascinating case of Carolyn Warmus known as The Fatal Attraction Killer.
We all know what it's like when dreams come true. That feeling of excitement and anticipation of achieving something you've always wanted, but what happens when those dreams are snatched away by an unknown person? This person who calls themselves The Watcher would become one family's nightmarish dream crusher.
How could a nightly run go terribly wrong? Melissa Millan was an avid runner, wonderful mother on top of being a professional business woman. Who would want to kill her? Was it someone she knew or was she a victim of a fandom attack? Listen and find out.
It would take 27 years for the killer, dressed as a clown, to be arrested and brought to justice for the murder of Marlene Warrens in 1990. Who was this killer; mistress, clown, murderer or perhaps all three? Listen and hear the long winding road this case took investigators on to finally bring a killer clown to justice.
Robert "Bobby" Lozano had it all. A beautiful home, a loving wife, a burgeoning career as a police detective when the unthinkable happens. Was it a terrible accident, a suicide or was it murder? Why did it take 7 years and a right to know request to get this case solved?
How could a vibrant 20 year old just disappear from one of the safest countries in the world? Birna Brjánsdóttir's disappearance and the discovery of what happened to her would shock the nation of Iceland. Listen and find out why "I AM BIRNA" became a rallying cry for this Icelandic Nation.
In December 1991 the murder of Laurie Show would rock one of the oldest inland towns in America. Why would someone kill a beautiful 16-year-old girl? Was she a victim of opportunity or did someone specifically target her? Listen and find out!
How much would you pay for the Eiffel Tower? Was it even for sale? Listen to hear about the grand daddy of all con men, Victor Lustig. He made a fortune from his cons and even got one over on Al Capone. How could one man get a away with so much? Listen and find out.
One night would end the lives of 8 Villisca residents and forever shroud a town in a mystery.
Kortne Stouffer was 21 when she disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Did she run or did something more nefarious happen?
When non-profit fundraising entrepreneur, Harold Henthorn met Toni Bertolet he found his second chance at love and marriage having lost his first wife in a bizarre accident years earlier. How could an anniversary hike in the scenic mountains of Rocky Mountain National Park turn into tragedy? Was it an accident or did Harold cause Toni’s death? Two wives die under mysterious circumstances, bad luck or careful planning? You decide.
Lucy and Terry Smith were murdered by their adoptive son in Ephrata, PA. The teenager and his accomplices bludgeoned, stabbed and shot the victims leaving a gory scene. Tune in to hear about the crime spree that led to the murders.
Dive in deeper with us to find out what happened to Susan Reinert and the investigation following the discovery of her body.
Tune in to hear the story of Susan Reinert and the byzantine plan behind her murder. While most of the story has been uncovered, too many questions remain unanswered.