After a bit of a rough upbringing, Orenthal James Simpson had made it. He was an award-winning athlete, good looking, had plenty of television and film spots, and held ad deals with some of the biggest brands in the country, like Hertz and Honey Baked Ham. O. J. seemed to have it all. So it was only natural that a young waitress, Nicole Brown would fall for him, and fall hard. But what started as a whirlwind rags-to-riches romance would soon devolve into something far more sinister - something that would eventually cost Nicole her life. And the subsequent court case would captivate the world. Listen now to hear Karla's take on this infamous case!
After a bit of a rough upbringing, Orenthal James Simpson had made it. He was an award-winning athlete, good looking, had plenty of television and film spots, and held ad deals with some of the biggest brands in the country, like Hertz and Honey Baked Ham. O. J. seemed to have it all. So it was only natural that a young waitress, Nicole Brown would fall for him, and fall hard. But what started as a whirlwind rags-to-riches romance would soon devolve into something far more sinister - something that would eventually cost Nicole her life. And the subsequent court case would captivate the world. Listen now to hear Karla's take on this infamous case!
If you're like most people, any old Polaroids you have laying around your home or office probably reflect good, happy memories. Time with family and friends. Moments from a treasured trip or adventure. But for 2 families in New Mexico, the Polaroid photo found in the parking lot of a convenience store in 1989 would stir 2 sets of emotions. Because these families believed this particular photo could either offer hope that their loved ones were still alive or it could be evidence that they had met a fate worse than death. Listen now to hear Michael's tale of the Polaroid picture from hell, and how some of its mysteries still have yet to be solved.
Phil Hartman seemingly had it all. He was a regular on Saturday Night Live, becoming an Emmy Award Winner for his writing on the show. He had a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He had steady work on the popular animated series, The Simpsons. And he was enjoying the success of his new sitcom, NewsRadio. But behind the glitz and glamour, not everything was as perfect as it seemed. At home, things were about to get a little less funny and a little more...well, murder-y. Listen now to hear Karla's take on this not-so-laugh-out-loud case from our favorite decade - the 90s!
On the afternoon before Thanksgiving in the year 1974, everything seemed normal at the Seattle Tacoma International Airport when an unassuming man purchased a one-way ticket in cash from Northwest Orient Airlines. He would make his way to his gate with no issue and board his plane in time for takeoff. But once in the air, things took a turn for the unexpected. Dan Cooper, our unassuming traveler, would pass a folded note to one of the flight attendants - the contents of which would forever change the lives of those involved. Listen now to hear Michael's take on this Catch-Me-If-You-Can mystery that is still unsolved to this day!
We're baaaaaaaaack!
In this first episode of 2024, we explore the life and success of figure skating's original "bad girl." Though her talent was undeniable, her edgy look, interesting song choices, and homemade costumes made her the underdog when compared to some of her contemporaries like Nancy Kerrigan. But as Tonya found herself on the cusp of achieving Olympic Gold, she would become embroiled in a scandal that would take the skating world by storm. Listen now to hear Karla's take on this sporty intersection of true crime and 90s pop culture!
With hits like "Baby, One More Time," "Oops!...I Did it Again," and "Stronger," Britney Spears would rule the airwaves and the tabloids for nearly a decade when trouble first settled in. After a pair of failed marriages, birthing two children, surviving some unfortunate photos of her nights out, and shaving her head, her family became concerned with the trajectory of her life. But what (hopefully) started as a desire to help their daughter survive would evolve into a much more sinister quest to control every aspect of a pop star's influence and fortune. Listen now to hear Michael's take on this modern tale of family ties gone toxic.
Getting into college can be hard. The admissions process is long and tedious and competitive. Especially if one is trying to get into a top school. Which is why, starting in 2011, a group of wealthy parents of would-be students decided to take matters into their own hands. Their nefarious solution would result in millions of dollars changing hands, and the ripple effects of this scandal are still crashing ashore today in 2023. Listen now to hear Karla's take on this case that proves that the "better half" really do have it better...until it all comes crashing down!
To the outside world, they were the perfect couple leading a charmed life. Paul and Karla were both young, attractive, and charismatic with a beautiful home and a fairytale wedding. But something darker hid behind the fantasy facade. Paul had a violent streak that would spill over from his own bedroom into the lives of more than a dozen confirmed assault and murder victims...many with the support and help of his new bride. Listen now to hear Karla's take on this disturbing case.
Everything seemed normal for the O’Bryan family on Halloween Night 1974 in Pasadena, Texas. Other than the rain, the evening was full of the typical fun and frivolity one would expect during Spooky Season. Both of Ronald’s children boasted bursting bags of candy - a testament to the night’s success - and they would even be allowed a piece to savor before bed. But sweetness turned sickening when Timothy O’Bryan became violently ill, seemingly from his sugary snack. An ambulance would be called, but he would die on the way to the hospital. And in investigating this tragedy, authorities would uncover a series of events that are far more disturbing than fiction. Listen now to hear Michael’s and Karla’s take on this real-life horror story!
In April of 1997, 27 year old Andrew Phillip Cunanan would kick off one of the most infamous - and gruesome - murder sprees in American history. Starting with one of his best friends and ending with one of the world's foremost fashion designers and influencers. Today, much about the motive of the violent rampage remains unknown. After years of chasing and dating rich, older men, it was as if something in him seemed to snap. In the end, 6 lives would be lost to Andrew Cunanan, including his own. Listen now to hear Karla's and Michael's unsolicited feedback on this tragic case.
In May of 1990, Pamela Smart came home to the apartment she shared with her husband, Gregg, to find a horrific scene. Someone had broken in, and Gregg had been fatally shot. But something didn't seem right. As investigators dug into to possible perpetrators and motives, what they uncovered shocked the whole world. Listen now to hear Karla’s and Michael’s take on this dizzying case that involves a failing marriage, the manipulation of a 15 year old lover, and a conviction that would send Pamela to prison for the rest of her life.
In 1887, the United States was deep in its Gilded Age, a time of exponential growth brought on by the Industrial Revolution and the rapid development of the American North and West. A successful Chicago salesman named J.T. Taylor decided, like many did, to capitalize on this opportunity to sell his wares to a set of new buyers. When he stopped on his journey at the Kelly Tavern in No Man's Land, he was relieved to be offered a decent bed, a warm meal, and a cool drink. But the fate he would meet at the hands of this seemingly kind family would end in the discovery of a bloody ax - and more than one man being hung from makeshift gallows. Listen now to hear Michael's and Karla's unsolicited feedback on this murderous family, whose actions would become the stuff of Old West legend.
This episode is dedicated to the memory of Michael E. In his 77 years on this Earth, he worked hard, loved abundantly, laughed often, and never took life for granted - or too seriously. When I would visit my grandparents, I would always wake up to him watching a Western of some sort as he read his morning paper and sipped his coffee. Wherever you are, Grandpa, know that your memory - and sense of humor - carry on through those whose lives you touched.
After years performing with her siblings at her father's restaurant, birthday parties, and even street corners, she was on the cusp of becoming a true global superstar. Her charismatic stage presence, relatable personality, and passion for Tejano music made her a household name in Mexico and in the US. But right as her popularity was reaching its peak, one of the people in her own inner circle would fire a shot heard round the world. Listen now to hear the tragic story of how we lost a burgeoning artist who, from the very beginning, was known by a single name: Selena!
The scene was shocking. 27 knife wounds. 27. And a shot to the head. That's how Travis Alexander was found in 2008. Suspect and ex-girlfriend, Jodi Arias, was eventually found to be responsible. But were her actions in self-defense, as she claimed? Or was the truth far more sinister? Listen now to hear Karla's and Michael's unsolicited feedback on this case!