Outline of A Murder: Recent Episodes
Sherri Wilson
The smart true crime podcast with the unusual hosts of two daughters and their mom breaking down cases to extract valuable information on how to NOT be a victim!
The Oscar Pistorius case stands as a deeply resonant and emotionally charged chapter in legal history, captivating global attention and sparking profound debates. The enigmatic events surrounding the 2013 shooting of Reeva Steenkamp, Pistorius' girlfriend, sent shockwaves through South Africa and beyond. From the gripping trial to Pistorius' subsequent release on parole after serving over seven years, the case has evoked questions about justice, accountability, and the complexities of the human spirit. As the world grappled with the tragic loss of Steenkamp and the compelling narrative of the "Blade Runner" athlete, the Oscar Pistorius case has left an indelible mark on the pursuit of truth and reconciliation.
The Oscar Pistorius case stands as a deeply resonant and emotionally charged chapter in legal history, captivating global attention and sparking profound debates. The enigmatic events surrounding the 2013 shooting of Reeva Steenkamp, Pistorius' girlfriend, sent shockwaves through South Africa and beyond. From the gripping trial to Pistorius' subsequent release on parole after serving over seven years, the case has evoked questions about justice, accountability, and the complexities of the human spirit. As the world grappled with the tragic loss of Steenkamp and the compelling narrative of the "Blade Runner" athlete, the Oscar Pistorius case has left an indelible mark on the pursuit of truth and reconciliation.
The disappearance of Kyron Horman remains a haunting and unresolved mystery that has gripped the public for over a decade. On June 4, 2010, the 7-year-old vanished from Skyline Elementary School in Portland, Oregon, under perplexing circumstances. Despite extensive searches and investigations, Kyron's whereabouts remain unknown. His mother's unwavering hope for answers, along with various theories and suspicions, has kept this case in the spotlight, compelling ongoing discussions and relentless efforts to bring him home. The baffling story surrounding Kyron Horman's disappearance continues to fuel a quest for truth and closure, shining a poignant light on the enduring impact of unresolved mysteries.
The James Dailey case is a compelling and contentious legal saga that has garnered significant attention and raised questions about the administration of justice. Convicted for the 1985 murder of 14-year-old Shelly Boggio, Dailey has consistently maintained his innocence, with claims bolstered by the sworn declaration of his co-defendant Jack Pearcy. Despite fervent appeals and assertions of evidence pointing to his innocence, including the involvement of a jailhouse informant, Dailey's conviction was upheld. The Florida Supreme Court's recent decision to deny Dailey's innocence challenge has reignited discussions surrounding this complex and emotive case, shedding light on the intricacies of the legal system and the enduring pursuit of truth and justice.
The Hendricks Family Murders stand as a chilling and unresolved enigma that has captivated the public for decades. In 1983, the brutal killings shocked the community, leaving behind a haunting trail of unanswered questions. David Hendricks, the father and husband, found himself at the center of scrutiny, accused of murdering his entire family while on a mysterious business trip. Despite prosecutors' assertions, doubts and alternative theories persist, fueling ongoing discussions and debates about this infamous case. The absence of conclusive evidence and the perplexing circumstances continue to shroud the Hendricks Family Murders in an enduring veil of mystery and intrigue.
The Hendricks Family Murders stand as a chilling and unresolved enigma that has captivated the public for decades. In 1983, the brutal killings shocked the community, leaving behind a haunting trail of unanswered questions. David Hendricks, the father and husband, found himself at the center of scrutiny, accused of murdering his entire family while on a mysterious business trip. Despite prosecutors' assertions, doubts and alternative theories persist, fueling ongoing discussions and debates about this infamous case. The absence of conclusive evidence and the perplexing circumstances continue to shroud the Hendricks Family Murders in an enduring veil of mystery and intrigue.
The Darlie Routier case stands as a haunting testament to the complexities of the American legal system and the enduring quest for justice. Following the tragic events in 1996, Darlie was convicted and sentenced to death for the murders of her young sons, Devon and Damon. The case has sparked intense controversy, with persistent claims of wrongful conviction and advocacy for further DNA testing. The gruesome nature of the crime, Darlie's steadfast proclamations of innocence, and the ongoing legal battles have kept the public engrossed in this enigmatic saga for over two decades. As the spotlight remains on this compelling and contentious case, the quest for truth and justice continues to fuel the enduring mystery of Darlie Routier's fate.
The Darlie Routier case stands as a haunting testament to the complexities of the American legal system and the enduring quest for justice. Following the tragic events in 1996, Darlie was convicted and sentenced to death for the murders of her young sons, Devon and Damon. The case has sparked intense controversy, with persistent claims of wrongful conviction and advocacy for further DNA testing. The gruesome nature of the crime, Darlie's steadfast proclamations of innocence, and the ongoing legal battles have kept the public engrossed in this enigmatic saga for over two decades. As the spotlight remains on this compelling and contentious case, the quest for truth and justice continues to fuel the enduring mystery of Darlie Routier's fate.
The Darlie Routier case stands as a haunting testament to the complexities of the American legal system and the enduring quest for justice. Following the tragic events in 1996, Darlie was convicted and sentenced to death for the murders of her young sons, Devon and Damon. The case has sparked intense controversy, with persistent claims of wrongful conviction and advocacy for further DNA testing. The gruesome nature of the crime, Darlie's steadfast proclamations of innocence, and the ongoing legal battles have kept the public engrossed in this enigmatic saga for over two decades. As the spotlight remains on this compelling and contentious case, the quest for truth and justice continues to fuel the enduring mystery of Darlie Routier's fate.
The case of Scott and Laci Peterson has remained a riveting and polarizing topic in the realm of true crime. Laci's tragic disappearance on December 24, 2002, from their home in Modesto, California, followed by the discovery of her and her unborn child's remains, sent shockwaves through the nation. Scott Peterson's subsequent conviction for the murders has been the subject of intense scrutiny, with ongoing debates about his guilt or innocence. This high-profile case has continued to captivate the public, marked by twists, legal battles, and a recent focus on new evidence through the involvement of the Innocence Project. The enduring enigma of the Scott and Laci Peterson case serves as a compelling testament to the complexities of justice and the enduring impact of unresolved mysteries.
The case of Scott and Laci Peterson has remained a riveting and polarizing topic in the realm of true crime. Laci's tragic disappearance on December 24, 2002, from their home in Modesto, California, followed by the discovery of her and her unborn child's remains, sent shockwaves through the nation. Scott Peterson's subsequent conviction for the murders has been the subject of intense scrutiny, with ongoing debates about his guilt or innocence. This high-profile case has continued to captivate the public, marked by twists, legal battles, and a recent focus on new evidence through the involvement of the Innocence Project. The enduring enigma of the Scott and Laci Peterson case serves as a compelling testament to the complexities of justice and the enduring impact of unresolved mysteries.
The captivating and controversial case of Michael and Kathleen Peterson continues to intrigue both true crime enthusiasts and legal experts alike. On October 10, 2003, Michael Peterson was convicted of the murder of his wife, Kathleen, and subsequently sentenced to life in prison without parole. However, the case took a dramatic turn when Peterson was granted a new trial in 2011 due to misleading testimony. This enigmatic saga has sparked intense debate, with theories ranging from murder to the infamous "owl theory." The unresolved questions surrounding Kathleen's tragic death have kept the public engrossed for over two decades, making it a compelling and enduring mystery.
The captivating and controversial case of Michael and Kathleen Peterson continues to intrigue both true crime enthusiasts and legal experts alike. On October 10, 2003, Michael Peterson was convicted of the murder of his wife, Kathleen, and subsequently sentenced to life in prison without parole. However, the case took a dramatic turn when Peterson was granted a new trial in 2011 due to misleading testimony. This enigmatic saga has sparked intense debate, with theories ranging from murder to the infamous "owl theory." The unresolved questions surrounding Kathleen's tragic death have kept the public engrossed for over two decades, making it a compelling and enduring mystery.
The Larry Gene Bell case revolves around the crimes committed by Larry Gene Bell, an American murderer and suspected serial killer in Lexington County, South Carolina. Bell, born on October 30, 1949, gained infamy for his heinous acts.
In 1985, Bell kidnapped and murdered at least two girls in South Carolina. The victims were 17-year-old Shari Smith and 9-year-old Debra Mac Helmick. After the kidnappings, Bell tormented the families through disturbing phone calls, adding to the horror of the situation.
Bell's twisted actions and the subsequent investigation captivated the nation. He was eventually captured and brought to justice. In 1990, Bell was convicted of the murder and kidnapping of Debra Mac Helmick and received the death penalty.
On October 4, 1996, Larry Gene Bell was electrocuted for his crimes. His case remains a haunting reminder of the horrifying nature of serial killers and the lasting impact they have on their victims' families and communities.
The Cullen Davis case is a notorious true crime saga that unfolded in the 1970s. Thomas Cullen Davis, a wealthy oil tycoon from Texas, was accused of murder and attempted murder in two separate incidents.
The first incident occurred in August 1976, when a shooting took place inside a Fort Worth mansion owned by Cullen Davis. The incident resulted in two deaths and two injuries. Cullen Davis was arrested and faced charges related to the murders. His estranged wife, Priscilla Davis, claimed that he was responsible for the killings.
The subsequent trials surrounding the Cullen Davis case were highly publicized and captured national attention. Cullen Davis became known for being acquitted of the charges against him, thanks in part to the legal defense led by prominent criminal defense attorney Racehorse Haynes. The case was marked by its sensational nature, involving a wealthy oilman, a luxurious mansion, and a convoluted web of familial and marital strife.
In this two part series, listeners are immersed in the perplexing case of Lindsay Buziak, a young Canadian real estate agent who was tragically murdered during a house showing in 2008.
Through interviews, expert analysis, and a deep dive into the evidence, the podcast aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Lindsay's murder. Listeners are taken through the investigation process, exploring various theories and potential suspects in an effort to uncover the truth behind this unsolved crime.
In this two part series, listeners are immersed in the perplexing case of Lindsay Buziak, a young Canadian real estate agent who was tragically murdered during a house showing in 2008.
Through interviews, expert analysis, and a deep dive into the evidence, the podcast aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Lindsay's murder. Listeners are taken through the investigation process, exploring various theories and potential suspects in an effort to uncover the truth behind this unsolved crime.
The Jennifer Dulos case is a highly publicized and tragic story that has captivated the nation. Jennifer Dulos, a mother of five from New Canaan, Connecticut, disappeared on May 24, 2019. Although her body has never been found, authorities believe she was killed by her estranged husband, Fotis Dulos.
The investigation into Jennifer's disappearance involved extensive police work, including the tracking of surveillance footage and gathering evidence. Authorities suspect that she was killed in a violent attack at her home in New Canaan.
Jury selection for Michelle Troconis' trial began in October 2023, marking another significant development in the case. The trial will examine her alleged involvement in Jennifer's disappearance and the subsequent cover-up.
Throughout the case, questions have persisted about what happened to Jennifer Dulos and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. While the legal proceedings continue to unfold, the case serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by law enforcement and the justice system in seeking the truth and delivering justice.
The Bryan Kohberger case revolves around the alleged murder of four University of Idaho students in November 2022. Bryan Kohberger, the accused, was set to face a capital murder trial that was scheduled to begin on October 2, 2023. However, it is now delayed due to various legal proceedings.
Kohberger is charged with four counts of murder in connection with the deaths of Madison Mogen, Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin. The victims were found dead in an off-campus rental house in Moscow, Idaho.
Survivors of the massacre have testified that they were awake and texting each other during the rampage, providing crucial evidence in the case. Prosecutors have demanded Amazon release data from Kohberger's Echo device, which they believe may contain incriminating information.
The Kouri Richins case is a tragic and complex legal saga that has captivated public attention. Kouri Richins, a grief author from Utah, stands accused of killing her husband, Eric Richins, allegedly by poisoning him with fentanyl. The incident occurred during a quiet celebration at their home in Kamas, Utah, in March 2022.
Prosecutors allege that Kouri Richins used a Moscow Mule cocktail laced with a lethal dose of fentanyl to poison her husband. The case gained further attention when it was revealed that Kouri Richins had authored a children's book about grief before her arrest.
Among the various charges faced by Kouri Richins are first-degree aggravated murder and multiple counts of second-degree possession of a controlled substance. However, she will not face the death penalty.
Additional allegations have surfaced, including accusations of witness tampering and fraudulent activities. Prosecutors suspect that Kouri Richins used a fraudulent power of attorney to execute a $250,000 line of credit against the couple's home.
The case has had a profound impact on the victim's family and the wider community, raising questions about trust, grief, and justice. The legal proceedings surrounding the Kouri Richins case are ongoing, with her lawyers requesting the dismissal of charges, citing concerns about her right to a fair trial.
As this complex case continues to unfold, it highlights the intricate nature of criminal investigations and the challenges faced by the legal system in seeking the truth and dispensing justice.
Ana Walshe's sudden disappearance on New Year's Eve or early New Year's Day has left everyone questioning what happened to her. Despite his criminal history, the husband was initially not suspected by the police. But who else could be responsible?
Sherri, however, was skeptical. The moment she learned about the husband's criminal background, she believed he must be the culprit. And it turns out, she was right. He has now been arrested for Ana Walshe's murder, even though her body has not been found. The authorities have amassed a significant amount of evidence, including a meticulously documented Google search history on how to dispose of a body and cover up the crime scene.
In the case of John "Jay" Curtis Tolson, a tragic incident unfolded in the Outer Banks, North Carolina. Tolson was charged with the second-degree murder of his then-girlfriend, Amanda "LeeAnn Fletcher" Hartleben. The trial garnered significant attention as it explored the details of the crime and sought to deliver justice for the victim.
During the trial, Tolson pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter on the fourth day of proceedings. The plea marked a significant turn in the case, leading to an early end to the trial. Tolson, who had initially faced a charge of second-degree murder, accepted responsibility for his actions, ultimately resulting in a plea agreement.
The sentencing for Tolson involved a level one felony, and he was given a sentence of 56 to 80 months for voluntary manslaughter. It should be noted that Tolson received credit for time already served, which will factor into his overall sentence.
The case sparked outrage among the victim's family, who expressed their disappointment with the plea agreement. They believed that the punishment did not adequately reflect the loss and pain caused by Tolson's actions.
This true crime podcast delves into the chilling details of the John Curtis Tolson case, shedding light on the investigation, trial proceedings, and the impact on those involved. It explores the complexities of the legal system and the emotional journey of the victim's loved ones seeking justice.
The Krystal Mitchell case is a tragic and long-awaited resolution to a murder that occurred in June 2016. Krystal Mitchell, a 30-year-old mother of two, was allegedly strangled to death by her boyfriend, Raymond McLeod, while they were vacationing in San Diego.
After the murder, McLeod fled to Central America, sparking a six-year search for him. However, in September 2022, he was finally apprehended and brought back to the United States to face charges. McLeod pleaded not guilty to the murder of Krystal Mitchell.
The case gained attention as Krystal's mother, a retired police detective, played a crucial role in tracking down McLeod. Her relentless pursuit and collaboration with authorities led to his capture. The case highlights the determination and resilience of a grieving mother seeking justice for her daughter.
The Lee Rotatori murder case refers to the tragic events that took place on June 25, 1982. Lee Gunsalus Rotatori, a 32-year-old American woman, was murdered by a single stab wound in her hotel room at the Best Western Frontier Motor Lodge in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The motive behind the murder is believed to be a random act of violence. But was it? The case remained unsolved for many years until advances in DNA analysis led to a breakthrough. Authorities were able to identify Rotatori's murderer through DNA evidence only to learn he had been shot to death weeks after Lee’s murder. And what about her husband that was walking free in spite of a death sentence for a murder he was convicted of?
This is our first Facebook live broadcast that focused on three cases of victims who were murdered because they took a shortcut. Predators look for isolation. Predators look for opportunity. In these cases, being pressed for time (something all of us have experienced) turned into death by shortcut.
Recently, Sherri was at a Chamber of Commerce meeting when. s he found out that one of the employees had lunch with a killer. Her ears immediately perked up. She asked for an interview, and Nick graciously agreed to tell the story. it’s a great example of being smart, being rude, and lessons learned for all of us!
The Texarkana Moonlight Murders, also known as the "Phantom Killer" case, is one of the most notorious unsolved murder cases in American history. The murders took place in 1946 in the border town of Texarkana, which straddles the state lines of Texas and Arkansas. Over the course of three months, a serial killer attacked eight people - five of whom were killed - under the cover of darkness, earning him his nickname. Despite an intense manhunt involving multiple law enforcement agencies and a number of suspects over the years, the identity of the killer has never been definitively determined or has it? The case has since become a popular subject for true crime enthusiasts and inspired numerous books, movies and TV shows.
The Texarkana Moonlight Murders, also known as the "Phantom Killer" case, is one of the most notorious unsolved murder cases in American history. The murders took place in 1946 in the border town of Texarkana, which straddles the state lines of Texas and Arkansas. Over the course of three months, a serial killer attacked eight people - five of whom were killed - under the cover of darkness, earning him his nickname. Despite an intense manhunt involving multiple law enforcement agencies and a number of suspects over the years, the identity of the killer has never been definitively determined or has it? The case has since become a popular subject for true crime enthusiasts and inspired numerous books, movies and TV shows.
This case is located in Elephant Butte, a small town of 1300 a few miles from Truth or Consequences, NM, a town I go to for ministry events at least once a year. My father-in-law is the one that discovered the case and asked me if I had heard of it. It’s the case of the Toybox Killer, David Parker Ray. Ironically, Ray was never convicted of murder, which we’ll get into.
This case takes us to Peartree Apartments in Arlington, Texas. It was September 17 1996 and Thang Khuu remembers the morning well. His long-time girlfriend, Christine Vu, age 25, got ready that mourning for her teaching position at a local elementary school. He listened to her moving around their apartment, cooing at their dog, Caramel, making a bagel, and then she came into the bedroom and whispered goodbye to him. He smiled but didn’t open his eyes.
Thang left after Christine and came home around 5:30 PM but found the front door bolted. He thought that she might be in the bathroom so he smoked a cigarette and then went back and tried again. The door was still locked. He banged on the door and still no answer. He walked to a payphone and called two times. Nothing. He walked back to the apartment and tried the door again. This time it was unlocked. He didn’t see Christine so walked to the bathroom and found her nude beaten and bruised body submerged in a partially filled bathtub. Her lips were covered with duct tape and her hands and feet tied with it. She had been raped and strangled. In shock, he picked her up and carried her to the living room. It hit him along with the guilt at the sudden realization that his beautiful girlfriend was murdered while he was outside the apartment!
A young widow with two daughters moves in across the street from Darrell and Debbie. They take her and her daughters under their wing. Their two daughters shared the same first name and become close almost like sisters. Over time, Darrell and the young window start an affair and the young widow becomes pregnant. Darrell moves in with her and her two daughters. The two Ariels are excited about it because NOW they will be REAL sisters. But things are not a “happily ever after.” Darrell has a criminal history and spends time in prison more than at home. He also has a drug problem. The young widow had enough and breaks up with Darrell but this decision would shatter her life and the two Ariel’s lives in ways no one saw. But that’s not all there is to this story. Listen to the end for the twist!
A happily married man with a beautiful, loving wife and three beautiful children with a fourth on the way. A great career. A large home. Friends and family. Everything seemed perfect on the outside. A young single mother working a waitressing job to fund her way through school. Not a native to Clovis, NM, she was deciding whether to make the move back home to San Diego but a divorce and child custody made that complicated until she was found dead. Did the husband do it? Did the canceled date that night do it? There were many red herrings but the elite major crimes unit put in the work and solved the case quick to get a potential serial killer off the streets.
While cleaning out her grandparent’s home, Sherri came across an 1990 newspaper clipping in her grandma’s stuff about a missing NY teenager, Kari Lynn Nixon written by Lane Willard. This sparked her curiosity on this case that uncovered a deeply disturbing and sad abduction and murder of a beautiful 19 year old, a New Kids on the Block connection, two Unsolved Mysteries episodes, and once again proof that evil lives everywhere even small, close-knit communities where doors are not locked and kids play after dark.
Tommy Sells was a serial killer that I had no interest ever outlining until a mother false accused and convicted on junk science for murdering her 10-year-old little boy captured my attention. Was she actually innocent? If so, who exactly killed her son? A true crime author and a serial killer helped exonerate this mother—one who cared deeply for her and the other who hated everyone.
Tommy Sells was a serial killer that I had no interest ever outlining until a mother false accused and convicted on junk science for murdering her 10-year-old little boy captured my attention. Was she actually innocent? If so, who exactly killed her son? A true crime author and a serial killer helped exonerate this mother—one who cared deeply for her and the other who hated everyone.
This case is one of the most disturbing, sad, and infuriating of the season so far. A man with a known history of violence toward women brutally murdered a mother of three and her daughter. The two boys survived thanks to the youngest. And to this day, Gary Green blames the victim. It is one of the best examples of this podcast’s purpose—educated others so they are smart, rude, and not a victim.
Traci McBride was at a military base in Texas for two short weeks. One night talking to her friend on a payphone she is snatched off a military base, brutally raped, and murdered. Misplaced anger made her a stranger-on-stranger victim. Did the killer do it from Gulf War Syndrome or just the usual poopbird monster?
This is one of the weirdest cases we’ve done and also the saddest. You have a young man deeply loved by both parents and brother. However, his life begins to spiral while his brother’s is going as planned. Depressed and unemployed, he begins building an online business. Or was he? No one would know what was really going on until everyone was dead.
Donald Rolle was a monster full of rage. It was just a matter of time before his explosive anger led to murder. A desperate 911 call and search wasn’t enough to save the victim. In this case, we not only outline the murder but we also dive into the legal ramifications of past bad acts.
A wealthy plastic surgeon wooed his prey using romantic airplane flights. One fell hard both in love with the wealthy, accomplished doctor and to her death. His genius almost helped him commit the perfect crime but a determined sister and detectives dogged him until he was finally caught.
Gabby Petito, the infamous case. We deep dive into this case starting with a break down of some red flags that no one saw but that were indicative of Gabby’s future with Brian Laundrie. We then break down the timeline and whether we buy Laundrie’s reason for killing Gabby. We also go deep in reviewing the infamous body cam footage from Utah. And it is our hope that our listeners gain valuable information from us outlining this murder to protect themselves from hidden monsters like Laundrie.
Gabby Petito, the infamous case. We deep dive into this case starting with a break down of some red flags that no one saw but that were indicative of Gabby’s future with Brian Laundrie. We then break down the timeline and whether we buy Laundrie’s reason for killing Gabby. We also go deep in reviewing the infamous body cam footage from Utah. And it is our hope that our listeners gain valuable information from us outlining this murder to protect themselves from hidden monsters like Laundrie.
Gabby Petito, the infamous case. We deep dive into this case starting with a break down of some red flags that no one saw but that were indicative of Gabby’s future with Brian Laundrie. We then break down the timeline and whether we buy Laundrie’s reason for killing Gabby. We also go deep in reviewing the infamous body cam footage from Utah. And it is our hope that our listeners gain valuable information from us outlining this murder to protect themselves from hidden monsters like Laundrie.
This case was recommended by one our listeners, Peggy. it’s the story of a seemingly happy family that ends with gun shots, the family home burned down, and survivors who are now orphans. What happened? And why? And how can you protect yourself from this ever happening?
Clara and David Harris were successful and happy. Clara was a successful dentist living her childhood dreams from Colombia—a Mercedes, a happy family, and wealth. David was a successful orthodontist. Everything seemed great until David had an affair with his secretary. This case has more twists and turns than any case we’ve done so far!
Danielle Thomas was a beautiful soul. She was successful. She had a close-knit family and her beloved dog. She had just met the love of her life. They had so much in common. Florida Gators. Adventurous. Ambitious. And big dreams. But Danielle didn’t know that she was in mortal danger by the one she loved. She believed that her faith in God compelled her to help him. It was a big mistake.
Danielle Thomas was a beautiful soul. She was successful. She had a close-knit family and her beloved dog. She had just met the love of her life. They had so much in common. Florida Gators. Adventurous. Ambitious. And big dreams. But Danielle didn’t know that she was in mortal danger by the one she loved. She believed that her faith in God compelled her to help him. It was a big mistake.
This is our first ever bonus series, and we decided to kick it off with a case that polarized the country and still polarizes today—the case of Betty Broderick, a socialite housewife who shot her ex-husband and his new wife in their bed while sleeping.
Some sympathized with Betty because she sacrificed her early years in life so Dan, her husband, could attend medical school and law school in order to become a malpractice attorney. Both were ambitious and willing to make sacrifices for the future. It worked. Dan became a very successful lawyer and at the height of that success when Betty could finally enjoy the fruits of their partnership, he dumped her for a young twenty-something. But was it as cut and dry? I (Sherri) don’t think so. We dive into this case in-depth and cover some things you might not know!
This is our first ever bonus series, and we decided to kick it off with a case that polarized the country and still polarizes today—the case of Betty Broderick, a socialite housewife who shot her ex-husband and his new wife in their bed while sleeping.
Some sympathized with Betty because she sacrificed her early years in life so Dan, her husband, could attend medical school and law school in order to become a malpractice attorney. Both were ambitious and willing to make sacrifices for the future. It worked. Dan became a very successful lawyer and at the height of that success when Betty could finally enjoy the fruits of their partnership, he dumped her for a young twenty-something. But was it as cut and dry? I (Sherri) don’t think so. We dive into this case in-depth and cover some things you might not know!
This is our first ever bonus series, and we decided to kick it off with a case that polarized the country and still polarizes today—the case of Betty Broderick, a socialite housewife who shot her ex-husband and his new wife in their bed while sleeping.
Some sympathized with Betty because she sacrificed her early years in life so Dan, her husband, could attend medical school and law school in order to become a malpractice attorney. Both were ambitious and willing to make sacrifices for the future. It worked. Dan became a very successful lawyer and at the height of that success when Betty could finally enjoy the fruits of their partnership, he dumped her for a young twenty-something. But was it as cut and dry? I (Sherri) don’t think so. We dive into this case in-depth and cover some things you might not know!
The year is 1560. Elizabeth of Bathory was born August 7th on the family estate in the Kingdom of Hungary to Baron George VI Bathory and Baroness Anna Bathory. She ran around Eased Castle as a young child. Her family included one cardinal and sever bishops, judges, governors, sheriffs, two princes of Transylvania and one king of Poland. Her family also included an uncle “addicted to rituals and worship in honor of Satan, and aunt who enjoyed torturing her servants, and a brother who was a drunkard. Madness and other psychological disturbances plagued her family. Her case is reminiscent of Vlad the Impaler, the source of the famous Count Dracula stories. Six hundred victims, bathing in the blood of virgins, and other atrocities make Elizabeth of Bathory the most prolific serial killer in history. But was she really? Was this a political move to solve a debt problem, to take her estate, and shame her family? You decide.
The Hammersmith Killer. The London Nude killer. Jack the Stripper. Although his work hasn’t been the subject of endless books, podcasts, and television, he killed more victims than his close namesake, Jack the Ripper. Bodies of sex workers started showing up around the Thames in London in 1964, nude, strangled or drowned, and missing teeth that has been removed by the killer. None were sexually assaulted (at least that’s what police say). Was the killer a washed out boxer? A caretaker? A security guard? A policeman? Or could it be a quote “dangerous psychopath” convicted of savagely killing two little girls when he was 15 years old? He lived and worked in the area. This case has never been solved. It’s time that it gets the attention the victims deserve. And their families need justice.
Herman Webster Mudget of Gilmanton, NH was born May 16, 1861, the third of 5 kids. His parents were devout methodists. He was intelligent and graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy at the age of 16. He married well. Had a son. And in his spare time robbed graves to supply cadavers to medical professors and to commit insurance fraud. A polygamist, a conman, and America’s first serial killer, who built a home designed specifically to kill most efficiently in the middle of Chicago, IL. Did he killed 5 or 60 or several hundred? We might never know. But what we do know is that he killed men, women, and children. And he liked it.
Everyone has heard of Jack the Ripper, one of the oldest unsolved cases in history. There are even Ripperologists that spend all of their spare time studying the case of the murders of disenfranchised women trying to secure a bit of food, a cot to sleep on, and feed their addiction to alcohol through sex work. But the case can’t be reduced to what we think we know about the victims. Many of them were occasional sex workers. Others came from good families and even married well and had kids. None of them deserved what happened to them. Throats slit, disemboweled, and faces ruined. Polly Nichols. Annie Chapman. Elizabeth Stride. Catherine Eddowes. Mary Kelly who was so destroyed by the Ripper’s work that her remains didn’t seem human. And then as suddenly as the killings started, they stopped. Was the murders the work of a devoted and sophisticated killer or a crazed mental patient?
Everyone has heard of Jack the Ripper, one of the oldest unsolved cases in history. There are even Ripperologists that spend all of their spare time studying the case of the murders of disenfranchised women trying to secure a bit of food, a cot to sleep on, and feed their addiction to alcohol through sex work. But the case can’t be reduced to what we think we know about the victims. Many of them were occasional sex workers. Others came from good families and even married well and had kids. None of them deserved what happened to them. Throats slit, disemboweled, and faces ruined. Polly Nichols. Annie Chapman. Elizabeth Stride. Catherine Eddowes. Mary Kelly who was so destroyed by the Ripper’s work that her remains didn’t seem human. And then as suddenly as the killings started, they stopped. Was the murders the work of a devoted and sophisticated killer or a crazed mental patient?
Sam Sheppard came from a long line of doctors in Cleveland, OH. Born December 29th, 1923, he attended Cleveland Heights High School and was an excellent student and athlete. He was class president for 3 years and met his future wife, Marilyn Reese in High School. He finished college and his medical education before completing a residency in neurosurgery at LA County General Hospital. He and Marilyn, now married, returned to Ohio and he joined his father’s practice at Bay View Hospital. Life couldn’t have been better. A lakefront home in Bay Village. A young son. A picture perfect family until Sunday morning, July 4th, 1954 when Marilyn’s badly beaten body was discovered in her bed. The police and coroner immediately suspected the husband in spite of his injuries fighting the attacker. An affair, a hostile coroner, and a media-driven narrative inspired the TV series, The Fugitive, and a movie by the same name. But did Sam Sheppard kill his wife?
The year is 1945, the same year the US dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki ending WW2. The horrors of the Nazi Holocaust were uncovered. Rita Hayworth and Lauren Bacall were icons. It was a time of intense paradox—the horrors of war in Europe and the innocence of kids playing outside unsupervised and doors left unlocked. In Chicago two women were brutally murdered—both stabbed in the neck, bodies washed, wounds taped shut, and heads covered. Early January 1946, a six year old is missing in a wealthy neighborhood on the Northside. Her severed head with her blue ribbons still in her hair was found floating in a sewer catch basin and her legs and torso discovered in separate sewer locations nearby. A massive manhunt for the killer was launched. The city was paralyzed with fear. Kids no longer felt safe until the killer was caught. But was he really the killer? Did an innocent man serve a life sentence and the real killer got away with it? Were there actually two killers?
Elizabeth Short, born July 29, 1924, in Hyde Park in Boston was the middle child of 5 daughters born to Cleo and Phoebe Mae. Her father’s car was found abandoned on the Charlestown Bridge. Everyone thought he committed suicide leaving Phoebe to raise her 5 daughters alone until Elizabeth and her mother saw her father on a street in Medford, MA. After the shock of seeing a dad that was supposed to be dead, she later wrote him requesting to live with him in California. She wanted to take care of him. That decision would trigger a chain of events that ended up with her dead. Her body cut in half and posed provocatively in a field down the street from a middle class neighborhood. Her beauty, the mystery surrounding her, the media frenzy, and the brutality captured the attention of America and still has our attention over 50 years later. Her case is still unsolved.
Elizabeth Short, born July 29, 1924, in Hyde Park in Boston was the middle child of 5 daughters born to Cleo and Phoebe Mae. Her father’s car was found abandoned on the Charlestown Bridge. Everyone thought he committed suicide leaving Phoebe to raise her 5 daughters alone until Elizabeth and her mother saw her father on a street in Medford, MA. After the shock of seeing a dad that was supposed to be dead, she later wrote him requesting to live with him in California. She wanted to take care of him. That decision would trigger a chain of events that ended up with her dead. Her body cut in half and posed provocatively in a field down the street from a middle class neighborhood. Her beauty, the mystery surrounding her, the media frenzy, and the brutality captured the attention of America and still has our attention over 50 years later. Her case is still unsolved.
Elizabeth Short, born July 29, 1924, in Hyde Park in Boston was the middle child of 5 daughters born to Cleo and Phoebe Mae. Her father’s car was found abandoned on the Charlestown Bridge. Everyone thought he committed suicide leaving Phoebe to raise her 5 daughters alone until Elizabeth and her mother saw her father on a street in Medford, MA. After the shock of seeing a dad that was supposed to be dead, she later wrote him requesting to live with him in California. She wanted to take care of him. That decision would trigger a chain of events that ended up with her dead. Her body cut in half and posed provocatively in a field down the street from a middle class neighborhood. Her beauty, the mystery surrounding her, the media frenzy, and the brutality captured the attention of America and still has our attention over 50 years later. Her case is still unsolved.
BTK—Bind, Torture, Kill. Every season, we end it with the scariest cases of all, the cases that could not be stopped no matter what you did. BTK, Dennis Rader, forever hanged how profilers and experts view serial killers. Before Rader, serial killers stuck to type, couldn’t quit, and eventually devolved getting caught. Not Rader. He was a family man, active church member, former soldier, married over 30 years, and a hard worker. He was the guy that you’d have over for beers and barbecue. Yet behind the scenes, Factor X (his name for his perverse desires and activities) drove him to sexual sadism. This case might keep you up at night.
BTK—Bind, Torture, Kill. Every season, we end it with the scariest cases of all, the cases that could not be stopped no matter what you did. BTK, Dennis Rader, forever hanged how profilers and experts view serial killers. Before Rader, serial killers stuck to type, couldn’t quit, and eventually devolved getting caught. Not Rader. He was a family man, active church member, former soldier, married over 30 years, and a hard worker. He was the guy that you’d have over for beers and barbecue. Yet behind the scenes, Factor X (his name for his perverse desires and activities) drove him to sexual sadism. This case might keep you up at night.
This case is unbelievable and still unsolved! It’s the case of Susan Powell, a young mother who disappeared and still has never been found. It’s the story of a pervert father-in-law, a poop bird husband, and two young boys who did not have to die. Warning: this case is disturbing. It will make you mad. And there are more twists and turns in it than any case we’ve done so far. We’ve extracted lots of red flags and clues that will hopefully help others if they ever find themselves in a dangerous relationship.
This case is unbelievable and still unsolved! It’s the case of Susan Powell, a young mother who disappeared and still has never been found. It’s the story of a pervert father-in-law, a poop bird husband, and two young boys who did not have to die. Warning: this case is disturbing. It will make you mad. And there are more twists and turns in it than any case we’ve done so far. We’ve extracted lots of red flags and clues that will hopefully help others if they ever find themselves in a dangerous relationship.
Pamela Fayed was smart. Her killers were not. They were just lucky. This is a case of the dumb leading the dumber. Greed. Anger. And a marriage that started off so well ending in death and destruction. It’s a story of how life circumstances can change others into monsters. We’ll give you the red flags. We’ll give you the clues. And use them. Trust your gut. Be the squeaky wheel. It could save your life.
Ten years. Ten years of obsession ended up with a mother of two daughter and toddler quadruplets dead in the kitchen floor with her babies walking, crying, and playing in her blood. Her death was brutal. Shot in the face, throat slits, and stabbed. She crawled 15 feet after all of that to get to the phone when she died, a mother’s herculean effort to protect her babies. Her 13-year-old discovered her body after school. What kind of monster did this? Unfortunately, there are many monsters but only one mastermind. This mother and wife did everything right and was still hunted down.
Some spaces and places should be off limits—churches, hospitals, schools. This case reveals that that there are NO safe spaces or places. A beloved but old school nun, Sister Margaret, is found brutally murdered and posted with Satanic overtones in the sacristy of a hospital! Was she the victim of a serial killer at the time or someone you would never expect?
Is there ever a time when being nice is too nice, a kindness that puts you in danger? Yes! The murder of Megan Brown, her parents, and her new boyfriend are stunning evidence that being too nice is not always good. For those of you that are super kind, this case will serve as a reminder that there are evil people out there. People so evil that your kindness means nothings and will be used to destroy you if you’re not careful
Frank Spencer was an all-around great guy! A hard-working man. A family man. A good friend. Everybody liked him except one person, Maria Spencer. For years, Frank told everyone how he would die and who would do it because he was told how and who as well as stalked, his house burned down, and his girlfriend’s house burnt down. And the cops did nothing until he was dead. This is one of the most frustrating cases we’ve done because it could have been prevented.
Every season, we extract red flags, clues, and cues in the hope to educate our listeners on what to look for in relationships and personal safety. But there are some cases where there are no discernible signs. Kelley Clayton’s case is one of those. A beautiful mother of two beaten viciously in front of her daughter as she drew the killer away from her kids.
Bonnie Haim loved her son, Aaron, more than anyone or anything else in life. Or at least her family thought until she disappeared one day. Her own parents thought she abandoned her family. Others weren’t so sure. There was no way Bonnie would leave Aaron. And it would be Aaron that would prove it many, many years later.
In this After Show Convo, we have a special guest that shares her memories of living in Anchorage at the time of Samantha Koenig’s kidnapping and murder plus we dive into the question of why we are so fascinated with true crime and serial killers?
In this After Show Convo, we have a special guest that shares her memories of living in Anchorage at the time of Samantha Koenig’s kidnapping and murder plus we dive into the question of why we are so fascinated with true crime and serial killers?
In this final Bundy After Show Convo, we dive into his childhood. Bundy tried to convince us that his childhood was normal. It was anything but. And it gives us clues into what fed into his psychopathy while not excusing his extreme evil. You’ll learn of his early violent behavior and sexual deviance as a teenager, why he engaged in necrophilia, and other weird things like his fetish and a haunted house.
Many of us true crime buffs as well as some experts don’t believe that Bundy first started killing in 1974. In fact, the disappearance of eight-year-old Ann Burr in the early morning hours of August 31, 1961 is possibly the first murder committed by a then 14-year-old Ted. The intriguing connection and his confession of a “hypothetical first murder” makes him look good for this one. We also dive into the most mysterious of Bundy’s murders—Caryn Campbell at the Wildwood Inn. Oh and don’t forget the knives little toddler Teddy put around his aunt while she napped.
Molly has a story to share, too, about good ole Ted. And it is a miracle that he didn’t molest her or kill her and her mother. In this After Show Convo, Molly shares her story of the time she saw “something dangerous” in Ted’s eyes. You’ll also learn what was in the last letter from Ted to her mother (that she burned).
After John Meehan attacked Terra and died, Terra said that her life changed drastically. She thought she was going crazy and thought it was better if he had killed her, classic symptoms of PTSD. She was greatly helped by a therapy called EMDR. Learn what Terra is doing now and about this great therapy to help those with traumatic memories!
Coercive control is defined as “a strategic form of ongoing oppression and terrorism used to install fear.” In England and Wales, it is illegal. Unfortunately, it isn’t in the US, yet. Debra Newell along with others are educating others and trying to get legislation passed in order to protect women from this subtle form of abuse. Learn how John Meehan used coercive control and the 12 signs of coercive control.
If you listened to the outline of Matthew Vaca and his murder of Liz and attempted murder of Brandi, you probably agree that it could have been totally avoided if the young girls had been equipped with some “judicious skepticism to filter kindness and goodness through. Learn what I call an “Anti-trust Bias” to protect yourself!
In this first After Show Convo, the mom and daughter duo team up to look at two other suspects in the killing of Viktor Gunnarson. But the twists don’t stop there. Viktor was a suspect himself in the assassination of the Swedish Prime Minister. He immigrated to the US to get away from the harassment only to be murdered himself!
A handsome Green Beret doctor with a beautiful wife, two little girls, and a boy on the way. What more could you want as a man? Well, it appears that at the time, good ole Jeff needed 15 girlfriends, trips to seduce even more women, and adoration from all. But one night of rage ended it all. He brutally murdered his pregnant wife and two little girls. His case is surrounded with controversy. We go into all of the details in this two-part series.
A handsome Green Beret doctor with a beautiful wife, two little girls, and a boy on the way. What more could you want as a man? Well, it appears that at the time, good ole Jeff needed 15 girlfriends, trips to seduce even more women, and adoration from all. But one night of rage ended it all. He brutally murdered his pregnant wife and two little girls. His case is surrounded with controversy. We go into all of the details in this two-part series.
Count Xavier Dupont de Liggones seemed like the epitome of success. A beautiful and well-educated family. A wife that was loved by all. But things aren’t always what they seem, are they? Xavier was a failed business man increasingly more and more disappointed with life and his family. His solution? Kill all of them and disappear. So far that seems to be the only thing he’s been good at.
Shanann lived her life on social media revealing how much she loved her kids and her husband. And with a little boy on the way, life couldn’t be much more perfect…until the husband she adored started acting strange. Little did she know that both her and her unborn baby and her two precious daughters would be annihilated by her wonderful husband.
Ever heard of Amityville Horror? Learn the true story behind the "true" story depicted in the hit movies. A son who went from room to room and shot each sibling and his parents with a shotgun at 3:15 AM, showered, groomed his beard, and went to work. We get into the supernatural aspects of the Lutz's in this episode, too.
John List seemed like the perfect father and husband until he methodically executed his entire family in between stopping the mail and eating a sandwich for lunch! He then disappeared for years until May 1989. His story is the perfect example of the self-righteous, disappointed family annihilator.
After John Meehan attacked Terra and died, Terra said that her life changed drastically. She thought she was going crazy and thought it was better if he had killed her, classic symptoms of PTSD. She was greatly helped by a therapy called EMDR. Learn what Terra is doing now and about this great therapy to help those with traumatic memories!
Israel Keyes has been described as the most meticulous serial killer in history. He was heartless, cold, and controlled until the very end. Oh, and you won’t believe the end.
We’ve spent Season 1 outlining murders with the goal of helping others recognize the red flags, trust their gut, and not be a victim. We’re finishing off this season with one of the scariest outlines so far because this is one of those rare cases where there was absolutely nothing the victims could have done. Israel Keyes is one of the scariest serial killers in history. You’ll see what we mean in these last two outlines of season one.
This last episode is all about addiction—Elizabeth’s addiction to Ted Bundy. How can she stay with him knowing he was dating other women, suspected of murder, and on trial for kidnapping? And will she be free?
Elizabeth knows something’s wrong. Young women and girls are disappearing in her neighborhood. And she feels in her gut that Ted’s involved. But he’s so normal. And the police haven’t helped. Each time she called, they assured her they’d already checked into Ted. Is he THE Ted? And is she and her daughter in danger?
When me (Sherri) and my mom and sister were discussing starting this podcast, I told them I had two conditions: 1) my cat, Joseph, had to be somewhere on the podcast, hence, the meow and Mr. Joseph Productions at the end of the podcast and 2) we had to do a Ted Bundy episode. Well “an episode” turned into three. But I can guarantee you that this is a twist on Ted Bundy that you’ve not heard before on a podcast.
This episode finishes the story of John Meehan and Debra Newell with a surprising twist! Here’s the thing: criminals think they are so smart. And then one miscalculation ruins everything!
This case was suggested to us through Facebook. Man, we had no idea how crazy the story of Debra and John would be! Dirty John is the story of a master manipulator and habitual drug user and criminal that said and did all the right things to seduce and hook a smart, intelligent business woman. No one is immune, and this story is the epitome of how to recognize the signs of coercive control!
Elizabeth and Brandi were best friends and good girls. So good and innocent that they had no idea that one kind act would spark the most violent end for one of them and a life forever changed for the other. This case is one of the most disturbing to us and totally preventable. Find out what happened and how you can protect others, including your daughters.
Kay Weden kissed her boyfriend, Vicktor, goodnight looking forward to their plans to go pick a Christmas tree with her son the next morning. But when he didn’t call nor answer her calls, she thought maybe she’d done something wrong, and he didn’t want to see her, again. Then her mom was murdered three days later, and that overshadowed everything else until a nude, frozen body was discovered and the last person the victim spoke with was her. Kay Weden had no idea she’d invited an unlikely killer into her and her family’s life.