Crime Bistro: Recent Episodes
Anna DiNino
Crime Bistro is a true crime podcast that examines the stories, forensics, and investigations surrounding each case we discuss. Every episode dives into a unique case and provides a comprehensive look at a fascinating mystery and all those involved. Gaze into the world of true crime and coffee tasting as you listen to each story, and join us for some entertainment and a great brew.
Brandon Lawson left his home in Texas one night in 2013, heading to his parents house about three hours away. He would never make it there. In a strange series of events, Brandon called his brother asking for assistance after he ran out of gas, and shortly after, called 911, asking for help and police. When his brother and a Sheriff's Deputy convened at the scene of Brandon's truck, there was no trace of him to be seen, and answers would remain elusive until early 2022. As we wait to find out what might have befallen Brandon that night, exploring the details and possibilities in this case is haunting, and it's one that will not leave your mind anytime soon.
This is the fifth edition of coffee chats, so I wanted to switch it up a little bit, and bring you a really fascinating look into polygraph tests. What are they? How do they work? What does it ACTUALLY mean for someone to pass or fail a polygraph? All of these are good questions, and we're answering all of them in this episode. From the invention of the polygraph, to how it has set standards in US courts, to the implications that it can have in criminal cases. This was a really interesting episode to put together, so grab yourself a coffee, and let's chat!
Part two of the Anna Delvey series, and things are only going to get crazier from here! This episode dives into exactly how Anna has been able to scam her way into a successful career in entertainment and the arts, rising to fame just as quickly as anyone we've ever seen. The episode also takes an in-depth look at Anna's trial, and all of the dramatics that transpired. Wardrobe malfunctions, scandalous relationships, jury deadlocks, and Dancing With the Stars - this episode truly has it all.
Anna Delvey has been making headlines across the world since her initial arrest and trial, but her true rise to fame happened while incarcerated at Rikers Island. And when people learned about her story, the scams she had been running, and the damage that she had caused, the fascination only grew. Anna Delvey managed to get away with hundreds of thousands of dollars of scams and thefts, largely unnoticed for a long time, only because people thought that she was an heiress, set to receive an unfathomably large trust fund. Part One of her story dives into her background, her scams, her incredible ambitions, and who Anna Delvey really is.
Welcome back to the Crime Bistro podcast, where this week we're taking on a fascinating story that will satisfy all of your dark history intrigue. The Golden Era of Hollywood is often glamorized, with stunning young film starlets who were pushing the boundaries of the art of movie-making, but what wrongs were really lurking behind closed doors? This episode will reveal some of the darker sides of the early film industry, framed against the tragic story of Judy Garland, and the shocking realities of filming of the most iconic movies of all time.
In early August of 1963, a highly organized group of 15 robbers faked a stop signal, boarded a mail train, and made away with millions of euros worth of cold, hard, cash. Amazingly, they executed this entire plot within only 15 minutes, however, did experience a couple of hiccups along the way. The twists and turns in this case are beyond fascinating, and it is one of the most drama-filled stories that you'll ever hear, It really goes to show that the age-old sentiment is completely true - sometimes, reality is just so much stranger than fiction.
In 2023, just over a year ago, 22-year-old Mercedes Vega was found dead in a burning car off of an Interstate near Tonopah, Arizona. She had suffered shocking injuries before her death, and as of right now, there are no official suspects or persons of interest in her case. However, recent developments have added a new layer to the investigation, as only last month we learned that Mercedes, along with two other girls who she worked with, had been the victims of eerily similar armed robberies. Mercedes herself was extremely helpful in the police investigation, leading to the arrest of the man who had robbed her in 2020. Are these new developments the leads that investigators need to finally bring Mercedes' killer to justice?
Oh boy, this one is quite the emotional roller coaster! On this week's episode of the Crime Bistro Podcast, I've compiled some of the creepiest hidden camera horror stories from the fine people of Reddit, and these are guaranteed to give you nightmares. These episodes are so much fun to record and make, since they're a little bit more casual, while staying on theme and really giving us all the chills! Enjoy the episode, and if you have your own story, I would love to hear it!
As we are heading quickly back into the fall months, college students all over the country are gathering early on their campuses to participate in the rushing and pledging of sororities and fraternities. These organizations are supposed to be academically driven, philanthropic, and true homes away from home, but are they? How much do we really know about Greek life, and what happens when the curtain is pulled back and people see the dark side of a fraternity or sorority? Greek life can be an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience for some, but for others, the consequence of rushing can be absolutely devastating, even deadly. Let's explore the twisted and fascinating world of Greek life together in this episode!
On this week's episode of the Crime Bistro podcast, we're diving into a fascinating sector of the world of all things creepy: haunted objects. Follow along through three stories of people's experiences with haunted/cursed objects, and enjoy the conversation!
The case of the Borden murders in Fall River, MA, is one of the most infamous in US history to this day. Lizzie Borden always seemed to be the most obvious suspect, but did she actually commit these crimes? And if she did, how is it that she was acquitted after only two hours of jury deliberation? There's a lot to unpack with this case, and so many different theories to consider. It's no wonder that people are so divided on their opinions here, and I can't wait to hear what you think!
Surprise! This VERY important episode of the Crime Bistro podcast goes over the case of Marcellus Williams, a Missouri man who is scheduled to be executed on September 24th of this year - less than 2 months away. Marcellus Williams has been exonerated of wrongdoing in this case based on new DNA evidence, however, this DNA evidence has yet to be reviewed by a court, and his execution date still stands. We need to get the word out about this case, and Marcellus Williams deserves his day in court to review this evidence! We will also dive into a disturbing pattern that is emerging in Missouri regarding the Attorney General, and other wrongful conviction cases where the defendants are being treated unfairly. Listen, comment, and share this episode to spread the word, and any information or resources regarding this case are available on the Innocence Project website.
Welcome to the second episode of the Coffee Chats series on the Crime Bistro podcast! This episode covers several different true stories from all over the world, from creepy, to paranormal, to some near misses, and more! Enjoy the episode, and if you have a story of your own to share, I would love to hear it!
The Lady of the Dunes is a case that endured for over 50 years - 5 decades where a woman lay dead, and no one could even figure out who she was. Five decades later, in 2023, the world would finally get the answers to one of the oldest cold cases on the Cape and Islands, and the haunting presence that had descended over Provincetown, MA in 1974 would be peacefully lifted. For so many years, this case baffled and frustrated investigators, and with new forensic technology and testing, the Lady of the Dunes has reclaimed her identity, and laid to rest among her loved ones from so long ago.
Welcome to Coffee Chats! This is a really fun segment of the podcast where we get to talk about some things that maybe aren't completely true crime related, and just enjoy spending time relaxing with a cup of coffee (or whatever it is that you like!) On this episode, I'm going to be telling you some of the roommate horror stories that I dug up from different Reddit threads - some funny, some creepy, and some a little bit ghost-y! Enjoy the episode, and if you have a story of your own, I would love to hear it! Just submit your story on the podcast website - crimebistro.com, and you just might hear it read on the next episode!
In 1982, terror struck the Chicago area when seven people were killed by Tylenol capsules that had been laced with potassium cyanide, a case that to this day remains frustratingly unsolved. This episode covers every aspect of this case, from descriptions of the horrible September day when healthy people started to drop dead out of nowhere, to a full deep dive into the most widely-considered suspects. Finally, we'll get some information as to how this case produced long-term consequences that surround us today as consumers of OTC products. This is a fascinating case and investigation, so grab yourself a fresh cup of coffee - I promise, you'll need it for this one!
Most horror movies begin with a black screen reading "Based on a True Story," and while many of them are, it isn't often that the story behind the plot is even more horrifying than the film itself. This, however, is one of those cases. The movie, "The Strangers," is a nightmare-inducing project that follows a young couple as they fight for their lives in a remote home that is being stalked by masked murderers. It's inspiration, the famous Keddie Cabin murders, is a story that is somehow even more spine-chilling. On Saturday, April 11th, 1981, a mother and three children were attacked in their home in the Keddie Resort in California. Three of them were found murdered, while one of the children would remain a missing person until years after that horrific night. The identity of their killer is still unknown to this day, though the investigation is ongoing, and police have expressed that they are more confident than ever that this case will finally have an answer. If you are interested in learning more about this case, all of the sources are listed at crimebistro.com. If you have an opinion or a theory of your own to share, feel free to visit the podcast on YouTube or on Instagram @crimebistropodcast to leave a comment and see some behind-the-scenes updates on the exciting cases to come!
High school relationships can be a complete whirlwind - they are new, exciting, and often uncomplicated by the stresses of adult life. In a devastating number of cases, however, these relationships can turn out to be toxic, dangerous, violent, and even deadly. Such was the case for Emma Walker, a beautiful 16 year old from Knoxville, Tennessee with big dreams and a bright future. Emma was found shot to death in her own bed by her mother Jill on November 21st of 2016, and the investigation quickly turned up a name - Riley Gaul. Riley was Emma's recent ex-boyfriend, a possessive and controlling presence in her life, and the evidence against him was so overwhelming that an arrest was made in mere days. Emma's story is horrible, but unfortunately, is one of many, so it is important that not only her name continue to be heard, but that we continue to make ourselves aware of potentially dangerous situations, because it really could happen to anyone. If you are interested in learning more about this case, all of the sources are listed at crimebistro.com, as well as a list of resources pertaining to teen dating violence. If you have an opinon of your own to share, visit the podcast on YouTube or on Instagram @crimebistropodcast to leave a comment and see some behind-the-scenes updates on the exciting cases to come!
This episode covers the gripping details of the case of Kendrick Johnson, which has been a fight to discover the truth since 2013. On January 10th of that year, high school student Kendrick Johnson didn't return from school, immediately scaring his family into a search that would end the next morning when his body was discovered, horrifyingly, rolled up in a wrestling mat in the gym at Lowndes High School. Police immediately announced the death to be a tragic accident, however, the details of this case go much deeper, and upon some investigation, the theory of an accident starts to fall apart at the seams. But, if not an accident, then what really happened to Kendrick Johnson? That is the question that his family has been trying to answer for years, and recent coverage of this case is bringing their desperate search for the truth the attention that it deserves. If you are interested in learning more about this fascinating case, all of the sources are listed at crimebistro.com. If you have an opinion or a theory of your own to share, feel free to visit the podcast on YouTube or on Instagram @crimebistropodcast to leave a comment and see some behind-the-scenes updates on the exciting cases to come!
So far on this podcast, we have covered a variety of missing persons cases, however, for any true crime enthusiast, it can be nearly impossible to even scratch the surface. The Namus.gov website estimates that about 600,000 people disappear each year, and while obviously not all of these cases involve a crime or any sort of foul play, the number is entirely overwhelming. In this vastly long list of missing persons, however, there are some cases that will always stick out as especially disturbing, and the case of Cynthia Anderson is absolutely one such example. Cynthia vanished from her job in Toledo Ohio on the morning of August 4, 1981, leaving behind barely a trace or a clue. In the year leading up to her disappearance, Cynthia had been receiving terrifying messages from an anonymous individual who had never been identified, and who many believe holds the key to solving this 40 year old investigation. No leads have been identified so far, but there are theories to explore, each one nearly as plausible as the next. If you are interested in learning more about this fascinating case, all of the sources are listed below. If you have an opinion or a theory of your own to share, feel free to visit the podcast on YouTube or on Instagram @crimebistropodcast to leave a comment and see some behind the scenes looks at the exciting cases to come!
Referred to as Australia's greatest mystery, the unknown, nameless Somerton man washed up on the shore of Adelaide in December of 1948, and has to this day never been identified. This death baffles law enforcement to this day, and the case is so opaque that not only do we not know the identity of the Somerton man, we don't know what killed him, and it can't even be said for sure if foul play was involved. The only real clue is a small slip of paper that was found in a secret pocket in the man's clothing, a piece of an ancient Persian poetry book called the Rubaiyat, printed with the words that roughly translate to "The End." Over the years, many theories have arisen about this bizarre death, including spy activity, a loving relationship gone wrong, or suidcide, but no one assumption answers every question. All that can be said for this case, even after so many decades, is that it is one of the world's most perplexing cold cases to date, and one of the most mysterious in history. If you are interested in learning more about this case, all of the sources are listed at crimebistro.com. If you have an opinion or a theory of your own to share, feel free to visit the podcast on YouTube or on Instagram @crimebistropodcast, to leave a comment and see some behind the scenes looks at the exciting cases to come!
On the morning of January 15th, 1947, just before 11 am, Betty Bersinger was taking her child for a walk in a Las Angeles neighborhood when her eyes fell on something that she first assumed to be a mannequin. Another look revealed that the sight was much more sinister, and she was instead looking at the posed body of 22 year old Elizabeth Short, later dubbed the "Black Dahlia." Panicked, she grabbed her daughter and ran for the nearest phone to call the police. First responders arrived at the horrible scene quickly, and were able to identify Elizabeth using her fingerprints on record, allowing the media to start quickly reporting on the grisly murder. Elizabeth's striking beauty and her iconic Black Dahlia nickname have kept this case in the public eye for decades, and though her killer has yet to be identified, this case is arguably one of the most famous and enduring unsolved murder cases across the world. If you are interested in learning more about this case, all of the sources are listed at crimebistro.com, and if you have a theory or an opinion of your own to share, feel free to visit the podcast on YouTube or on Instagram @crimebistropodcast to leave a comment and see some behind-the-scenes updates on the exciting cases to come!
Twenty-four year old Jennifer Kesse was a happy, successful, well-loved young woman at the time that she went missing on Tuesday, January 24th of 2006. She had recently received a well-deserved promotion, had just returned from a wonderful long weekend with friends and her long-distance boyfriend, and she sounded thrilled on the phone with her mother only the day before she disappeared without so much as a trace. The police investigation turned up almost no viable leads in their search for Jennifer, which has led to some extremely unique circumstances in this case, as the family themselves, along with a private investigator, have taken over for the authorities. There is currently no law enforcement agency responsible for Jennifer's disappearance, and her family is working hard to find answers for their beloved daughter, and to keep her story alive until they can find justice and closure. If you are interested in learning more about this case, all of the sources are listed at crimebistro.com, as well as a link to the Find Jennifer website that is run by her family. If you have a theory or an idea of your own to share, feel free to visit the podcast on YouTube or on Instagram @crimebistropodcast to leave a comment and see some behind the scenes updates on the exciting cases to come!
On August 12th of 2019 begins the story of Jessica Easterly as she is known to the media, the day that she called her best friend Maria in desperate need of a ride to get away from her husband, Justin Durning. Maria arranged to go and pick up her friend the next morning, August 13th, but after having a brief correspondence with Jessica that day, neither Maria nor anyone else heard from the beautiful 43 year old again. Jessica's body was discovered a short time later, heartbreakingly, by her own sister Audrey, however, her case is to this day far from closed. Police mishandlings and blatant disregard of Jessica's death and her family's desperate fight for justice has led to no suspect yet being named, though many believe they know that her husband harmed Jessica on that day. Her family has been incredibly strong, and they have not given up on their fight for justice for Jessica, which is why it is so essential that her story continue to be told. If you are interested in learning more about this case, all of the source materials are listed at crimebistro.com, as well as a link for the Justice for Jessica website which is run by her sister Audrey. If you have an opinion of your own to share, feel free to visit the podcast on YouTube or on Instagram @crimebistropodcast to leave a comment and see some behind the scenes updates on the exciting cases to come!
The legend of Bigfoot has captivated people for numerous decades following the release of the extremely famous and controversial Patterson-Gimlin film in 1967. Bigfoot was initially popularized in the mainstream media in 1958, however, after a man named Ray Wallace became famous nearly overnight for making casts of unusually large footprints that he found near a worksite in northern California. Despite the recency of these two more sensationalized occurrences, however, legends of creatures such as Bigfoot have been in existence for nearly as long as humans themselves, and the sasquatch in particular can be traced concretely back to Native Americans, specifically those located in the Northwest region of North America. The debate as to whether or not this creature actually exists is very much ongoing, with many people believing that Bigfoot is only a legend arising from the human tradition of storytelling. Others still, however, believe that Bigfoot is very much real, and that while there is minimal to no physical evidence, the number of reported sightings, especially the Patterson-Gimlin film, is not to be overlooked. This episode explores the origins of the Bigfoot legend and how it has created the image of the creature we know today, as well as the evidence that may point to the existence of this elusive creature. All of the source materials for this episode are listed at crimebistro.com, and if you have an opinion of your own to share, visit the podcast on YouTube or on Instagram @crimebistropodcast to see some behind the scenes updates on the eipsodes to come!
Reports of skeletal remains being found throughout the Grand Canyon are relatively commonplace, especially over the last 100 years. This is understandable, however, considering the high number of cold cases that the Coconino County Sheriff's office has in their database. The sheer amount of disappearances, unattended deaths, and homicides, as well as the need to identify remains, has led the county to found a unit that is known as the 'Cold Case Squad.' The Cold Case Squad works on identifying victims of accidents, suicides, and murders, sometimes creating names for these people in an attempt to create identities, including Little Miss X and Valentine Sally. To this day, the cold-case squad is working to piece together the mysteries of the Grand Canyon, hoping to bring closure to even century old cases if they can. This episode will cover just a few of these cases, however, the list itself is overwhelming. This episode tells the stories of the unidentified Little Miss X, the recently identified Valentine Sally, and the still missing Justin Richardson, all investigations which are still ongoing, and all of which are currently under the jurisdiction of the cold case squad. If you are interested in learning more about these cases, all of the sources are listed at crimebistro.com, as well as a link to the Coconino Sheriff Cold Cases Facebook page, where all of the cases under their jurisdiction are listed. If you have a theory or comment of your own to share, visit the podcast on Youtube or on Instagram @crimebistro podcast, and catch some behind the scenes looks at the episodes to come!
Brandon Lawson was only 26 years old when he went missing on August 9th, 2013. That night, he had gotten into a fight with his common-law wife Ladessa and left their home. When his truck ran out of gas, he called his brother and asked him to bring him a gas can. When Kyle got there, however, Brandon was nowhere to be seen. They were speaking on the phone when a police officer pulled up behind Brandon's truck, and Brandon said to Kyle, "One time, run!" As Kyle would later explain, this means "law enforcement, run." This means that Brandon was close enough to see what was happening at the truck, but no one ever saw him. Kyle didn't run, however, and Brandon hung up on his brother. That phone call would be the last time anyone has heard from him since. This episode covers the details of the night that Brandon went missing, as well as the investigation into his disappearance and the many theories that have come to light over the years. For anyone interested in learning more about this case, all of the source materials are listed at crimebistro.com, as well as a link to the family's Facebook page dedicated to Brandon. If you have a theory of your own to share, be sure to visit the podcast on Instagram @crimebistropodcast to leave a comment and see some behind the scenes looks at the cases to come!
In the summer of 2018, Chris Watts and his then wife Shan'aan had just discovered they were expecting a son to join their 4 year old Bella and 3 year old Celeste. They lived in a suburb of Denver, a town called Frederick, Colorado. The lives of the couple centered around their daughters, as they were balancing Chris' job as an operator at Anadarko Petroleum and Shan'aan's frequent business trips for a nutrition supplement company called Le-Vel. Outwardly, the two appeared to be a happy family, but Shan'aan had been telling her friends about some trouble in the relationship between her and Chris - despite this, no one could have predicted the horrors that were about to unfold. This episode covers the months that led up to Chris murdering Shan'aan and their two daughters, the investigation that followed, his conviction, and his eventual confession that disturbed even the most experienced of law enforcement officers. If you are interested in learning more about the case, all of the source materials are listed at crimebistro.com, and if you have an opinion of your own to share, feel free to visit the podcast on Instagram @crimebistropodcast to leave a comment and see some behind-the-scenes updates on the cases to come!
On August 24th of 2021, Jelani Day failed to show up for class and skipped a meeting that he had planned with the director of clinical education at his graduate school program. He was reported missing the next day, and investigators were confused when his car was found abandoned in a wooded area over an hour away from where he lived. Jelani's body was discovered on the bank of the Illinois River on September 3rd, and the manner of death is still undetermined, though the investigation is still ongoing. This is a prime example of a case with questions but no answers, as the family continues to press police to investigate the possibility of foul play, and has done incredible work themselves to try and get justice for Jelani. This episode covers the initial search, the invesitgation to date, and the incredible efforts of Jelani's family since the very beginning. If you are interested in learning more about this case, all of the sources are listed at crimebistro.com, and if you have an opinion of your own to share, feel free to visit the podcast on YouTube or on Instagram @crimebistropodcast to leave a comment and see some behind the scenes updates on the cases to come!
On February 24 of 1986, the life of a young Sherri Rasmussen was cruelly taken from her in her own Los Angeles home by an unknown assailant. She was newly married, highly successful in her nursing career, and had a bright and exciting future ahead of her, however, her murder remained unsolved for over two decades, until the case finally broke in 2009. The original detectives on Sherri's case wrote the tragedy off as a burglary gone wrong, which caused the investigation to stall for many years, until a new set of eyes breathed new life into it. This episode covers Sherri's murder, the long investigation, her parent's struggle for justice for their daughter, as well as the final push that led this horrific crime to finally see justice served. And for the investigators who cracked the case wide open, what they found was even more close to home than they could have expected. For those who are interested in learning more about Sherri's case, all of the show notes are listed at crimebistro.com, and if you have an opinion of your own to share about the complex investigation, visit the podcast on Instagram @crimebistro podcast to see some behind-the-scenes updates on the exciting episodes to come!
In the late night hours of February 19, 2005, Danielle Imbo and Richard Petrone left Abeline's Bar on South Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and vanished, seeminly into thin air. To this day, neither Danielle or Richard have been seen or heard from, and Richard's massive Dodge Dakota pickup truck is just as elusive. Investigators have monitored all of their accounts, checked security camera footage from South Street and from the surrounding Philadelphia bridges connecting the city to New Jersey, where the couple was headed, with absolutely no trace of them. Theories have sprung up over the years, however, there isn't even enough evidence to start ruling possibilities out, so each and every avenue of investigation turns up no leads. The case has left behind only questions: Did Danielle and Richard meet with foul play, and if so, was it targeted or was it random? Did they get into an accident in the truck, and if so, where is it? If they ran away together, how, and why? This episode covers the search, the investigation, and the journey of the two families over the years as no answers have come to light for their loved ones. If you are interested in learning more about this baffling case, all of the source materials are listed at crimebistro.com, as well as the contact information for the Philadelphia Citizens Crime Commission, who continue to accept anynomous tips regarding the case. Also be sure to visit the podcast on Instagram @crimebistropodcast if you have a theory of your own to share, and to see some behind the scenes looks at the cases to come!
In Ontario, Canada, in 2010, a home invasion became national news when it was reported that the residence of Vietnamese immigrants Bich-Ha and Hann Pan and their children Jennifer and Felix Pan was broken into. The horrific scene resulted in the death of Bich-Ha and serious injury to Hann Pan, but what followed this news was far more disturbing as police began to suspect that the daughter, Jennifer Pan herself, had orchestrated the brutal attack on her parents. The subsequent investigation into Jennifer revealed a 7 year long web of lies and a careful murder-for-hire plot that devastated the Pan family and shocked the public. This episode covers the family life in the Pan household, Jennifer's deviation from her promising childhood success, and how it all went wrong in the months leading up to the murder. The story will also cover Jennifer's trial alongside her co-conspirators and where she is today. If you are interested in learning more about this horrifying case, all of the source materials are listed at crimebistro.com, and be sure to follow the podcast on Instagram @crimebistropodcast for some behind-the-scenes updates on the exciting cases to come!
The case of "The Watcher" follows the infamous horrors faced by the Broaddus family as they moved into their Westfield, New Jersey dream home in 2014, only to receive letters from an anonymous individual who claimed their family had been watching the home for generations. The family found themselves in an impossible situation, unable to sell the home once the rumors of the Watcher spread, and unable to move in out of fear for their children's safety. To this day, while multiple theories have been investigated, the watcher has remained anonymous, and for all we know, they could still be lurking outside 657 Boulevard. In this episode, we cover the timeline of the case and the Broaddus family's efforts to find their stalker, as well as the theories the police have looked into, and the lawsuit that they brought against the previous owners in 2015. If you are interested in learning more about this case, all of the source materials are listed at crimebistro.com. Feel free to visit the podcast on Instagram @crimebistropodcast or on YouTube if you have an opinion to share about one of the theories, or have one of your own to offer!
Marilyn Monroe is one of the most iconic names in American film history, rising to fame in the 1950's as a model and commercially successful actress with many significant awards and roles. From humble beginnings, Marilyn became one of the most recognized faces in Hollywood, and she was one of the first women to be celebrated as a celebrity in the manner they are treated today. Fame came at a cost for Marilyn, however, and she struggled with a number of mental health issues, including depression, and the last years of her life were rather lonely. She passed away in her bed at the age of 36 on August 5th of 1962, from an apparent overdose on barbituates, however, the circumstances of her death have raised a number of questions, leading those who have investigated her story to wonder if Marilyn fell victim to a conspiracy to end her life quietly. There are many who believe that Marilyn's death was no accident or suicide, including those who were closest with her, and discrepencies regarding her case have brought other iconic figures in American history under suspicion, all the way up to President JFK and his brother, Robert Kennedy. This episode explores Marilyn's life, her death, and the possibility that there was quite a bit more to the story. For all those who are interested in learning more about Marilyn and her possible murder, all of the sources for this story are listed at crimebistro.com, and be sure to visit the podcast on Instagram, @crimebistropodcast to leave a comment sharing your opinion on this complex investigation!
This episode covers the tragically creepy story of Mary Bell, one of the youngest killers in the history of the UK. Mary Bell committed her first murder on May 25, 1968, the day before her eleventh birthday, killing 4 year old Martin Brown in a disturbing manner. Mary's behavior following her first murder was even more alarming, and she only escalated in violence from there, killing three year old Brian Howe on July 31 of that same year. This episode covers Mary's traumatic childhood experiences that may have led her down a path of violence at such a young age, as well as her trial, sentencing, and her subsequent release in 1980. The last news the world received of Mary Bell came in 2009, and it is believed that she is still alive and living under a false identity with the rest of her family. What could possible have driven such a young child to commit 2 murders, and how responsible should she have been held for her actions? Was the eleven year old simply born evil, or was she experiencing severe psychological trauma of her own that desperately needed attention? Decide for youself after hearing this episode, and if you are interested learning more about Mary Bell, all of the source materials are listed below. Also be sure to visit the podcast on Instagram @crimebistropodcast, for some behind the scenes looks at the cases to come!
This mysterious episode covers the vanishing of nineteen year old Brandon Swanson on a freezing Minnesota night in 2008, and the ensuing investigation that left authorities with absolutely nothing. During the early morning hours of May 14th, Brian and Annette Swanson received a call from their son Brandon, who was asking them for a ride after driving his Chevrolet Lumina sedan into a ditch in Lynd, Minnesota. His parents got up and made the quick ten minute drive to the road Brandon described, but they could not find their son anywhere in the darkness. They remained on the phone with him for almost an hour that night while Brandon described his location to them, until he suddenly exclaimed and the line disconnected, and he was never seen or heard from again. The ensuing investigation only left authorities and the Swansons with more questions when they discovered that Brandon was never actually in Lynd at all on that night, and discovered his abandoned vehicle over 30 miles away with absolutely no trace of him anywhere withing the 122 square mile search area. The episode covers the extensive search for Brandon, as well as the many different theories that have been put forth, and the legislation that his parents advocated for to help future families who experience the loss of a loved one in a similar manner. All of the source materials are listed at crimebistro.com, as well as a link to the Swanson family blog and the information to contact Minnesota authorities, who are still taking tips regarding Brandon's case.
The case known as 'The Staircase' follows the death of Kathleen Peterson on December 9 of 2001, and the subsequent legal battle that occupied the next decades of her husband Michael Peterson's life, who immediately fell under suspicion. Kathleen was found dead in her home at the bottom of their back staircase, coated by and surrounded with blood spatters, that led investigators to believe the scene was much too violent to have been caused by a fall down the stairs. Michael's legal struggle saw many ups and downs in his determined effort to prove his innocence, but was he? Sometimes, charisma is not enough, and even the most seemingly perfect relationships can have a dark undertone that ends in murder. This episode covers the evidence that has been built up against Michael, as well as a look into an event in his past that might have been exactly what the prosecution needed to prove him guilty. The case is extremely controversial, and so many are still split on whether or not Michael had a hand in Kathleen's death on that cold December morning. All of the source materials are listed at crimebistro.com, as well as a link to the famous Netflix documentary series that closely follows Michael Peterson's life after the demise of Kathleen. Also, be sure to follow the podcast on Instagram @crimebistropodcast, and leave a comment if you have an opinion of your own to share!
This creepy Halloween bonus episode explores the horrors and mystery surrounding the infamous Amityville Murder House. The legend began in the early hours of November 13, 1974, when Ronald DeFeo Jr. picked up a Marlin rifle and shot all six of his family members execution style as they were lying in their beds. His subsequent defense plea detailed that he had heard voices telling him to commit the atrocity, which began a whirlwind of paranormal speculations that peaked when the next owners of the home published about their own experiences. That couple, George and Kathy Lutz, became famous for thir 28 days residing in the Amityville home, reporting an intensely evil presence that destroyed property and terrified the whole family. Were they lying to profit off of a tragedy? Were they tormented by an evil presence that also drove Ronald DeFeo to kill? Or were they visited by the spirits of the murdered DeFeo family? Listen to the episode to decide for yourself, and if you are interested in looking further into this chilling story, all of the source materials are listed at crimebistro.com. Also be sure to visit the podcast on Instagram @crimebistropodcast for some behind the scenes updates!
This episode covers the odd circumstances behind the deaths of the Yuba County Five, diving into some of the most bizarre unanswered questions in California true crime history. On Febuary 24, 1978, a group of five men from Yuba County attended a basketball game at California State University, piling into a Mercury Montenegro and driving off into the night, never to be seen alive again. The car was found 4,500 feet up a mountain road in the Plumas National Forest abandoned with the keys missing, but the vehicle was not stuck in the snow, still had gas in the tank, and started without any troubles. Four of the five bodies of the men were found in June later that year, only leaving investigators with more questions. No one knows what prompted them to drive up into the dark wilderness away from their homes, what caused them to abandon the car, why they were were found under the conditions they were, and whether or not foul play could have been involved. This case has a twisted web of theories, none of which account for every loose end, and it is likely that there will never be a real answer about what took place on that cold, dark February night. If you are interested in learning more about this case, often referred to as 'America's Dyatlov Pass Incident,' all of the source materials are listed at crimebistro.com, and be sure to visit the podcast on Instagram @crimebistropodcast for some additional behind the scenes updates!
This episode covers the murder of Texas A&M senior Charles Sessums in the 1926 college football riot during the halftime of an infamous rivalry game. The budding rivalry between Texas A&M and Baylor University was one of the original rivalries in the sport, which was still relatively new at the time, and in October 1926, tensions boiled over, leading to a violent outbursts between fans on the field, and ending in tragedy for the 24 year old, who was set to graduate the following Spring. The murder was followed by a private investigation by the Pinkerton Detective Agency, and the ensuing inquiries by one detective took him all the way to the Waco, Texas government, revealing a possible conspiracy to cover up who had been responsible for the death of Charles Sessums. All of the source materials for this episode are listed at crimebistro.com for those who are interested in learning more about this fascinating case and it's historical impact on the universities involved, and be sure to visit the podcast on Instagram @crimebistropodcast for additional content and behind the scenes looks at some exciting new episodes to come!
This exciting first bonus episode of Crime Bistro dives into the psychology of serial killers, some of the most feared criminals, and explores the field of research that many investigators and criminal psychologists have been fascinated by for decades. The episode covers questions including:
What is a serial killer?
What role does childhood play in the development of a serial killer?
What are the common motives of serial killers?
And more...
Listen to the episode to learn more about this expanding field of research, and to learn a bit more about the twisted minds of these individuals that we all find so unsettingly captivating. The source materials for this episode are listed at crimebistro.com for anyone who is interested in doing any additional reading on the subject, and be sure to visit the podcast on Instagram @crimebistropodcast for more behind the scenes looks.
This episode explores the timeline of the crimes of the infamous Zodiac Killer, a serial killer who was active in the San Francisco area of California in the 1960s and 1970s. The Zodiac Killer is one of America's most well known unsolved cases, and it has recently hit headlines again as an independent group of investigators claim to have found concrete evidence linking his crimes to a singular individual. Has this case really been solved? Or does the Zodiac Killer remain a shadow figure in the world of true crime? Listen to the episode to form your own opinion, and if you are interested in reading further about the case, all of the source materials and articles are listed at crimebistro.com. Also be sure to visit the podcast on Instagram @crimebistropodcast, for some behind the scenes look and additional content!
This episode covers the case of Jodi Huisentruit, a news anchor from Mason City, Iowa, who went missing without a trace on June 27, 1995, in one of the most infamous unsolved cases from Iowa to this day. We cover Jodi's life and the weeks leading up to her disappearance, as well as examining some interesting suspects and the search for answers that Jodi's family has not given up on over 20 years later. Visit the show notes for this episode at https://www.crimebistro.com/ for the family's resources and all of the source material.
This episode details the disturbing behavior and crimes of the infamous mother Diane Downs. On May 19th, 1983, Diane brought her three children on a deadly late night drive that ended in tragedy, becoming one of Oregon's most infamous murder cases of all time. Diane was punished for her crimes against her children, and this show dives into her early life, psychological troubles, and the distressing motive behind her attack on her own family. The source materials for this story are located on the Crime Bistro, as well as a link to a video from the police investigation where Diane does a reenactment for the cameras of the events from her own version of that night.
This episode takes a fascinating deep dive into the bizarre events surrounding the tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales. Diana passed away in a car accident in the early morning hours of August 31, 1997, an event that was immediately sensationalized in the press throughout the world. Soon after, people started to notice some oddities in the reports from that night, warranting several investigations into whether or not this was truly an accident, or if Diana's death was a planned assasination. There likely won't ever be a definite answer in this case, but make sure to listen in to the episode and form your own opinions on what happened that fateful day in Paris.
This podcast episode examines the lives of the Bamber family leading up to their brutal murders on August 7th, 1985, at White House Farms in Essex County. The story explores the framing of Sheila Bamber for the crimes, and the eventual investigation, trial, and conviction of Jeremy Bamber for the murder of his immediate family. This is a case that is less famous in the US, but tells a bizarre story for investigators and crime enthusiests alike, and I have always been personally fascinated by the details.
The first episode of this podcast dives into the bizarre disappearance of Maura Murray. A case that remains open to this day in New Hampshire, Maura vanished on the night of February 11th, 2004. Following a vehicle crash on that evening, by the time police responded to the scene, Maura and all traces of her were gone, and nothing has been seen of her since. Family and friends have continued their search for her over the years, and remain hopeful that they will one day receive some answers in this case. The podcast details Maura's life, as well as the days leading up to her disappearance, and the investigation that followed.