On a quiet Monday morning in January 1979, shots rang out from a house across the street from Grover Cleveland Elementary School in San Diego. The shooter was 16-year-old Brenda Spencer, armed with a rifle her father had given her for Christmas. By the time the chaos ended, the principal and a custodian were dead, and eight children and a police officer were wounded.

When asked why she did it, Brenda chillingly replied, "I don't like Mondays. This livens up the day." That haunting statement soon echoed around the world—not just in news reports, but in a song. Irish rock band The Boomtown Rats, fronted by Bob Geldof, were so disturbed by the story that they wrote "I Don’t Like Mondays," a hit that captured the senselessness and tragedy of the attack.

In this episode, we explore Brenda Spencer’s life leading up to the shooting, the events of that morning, and how a mass shooting at a school helped give rise to one of the most haunting pop songs of the era.

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As a train traveled from Phoenix to Los Angeles, staff grew uneasy. A foul smell was coming from two trunks belonging to a young female passenger. That unease turned to horror when they noticed blood seeping from the cracks. Hoping it was something as simple as spoiled meat, they alerted police to inspect the trunks upon arrival.

At the station, officers stopped the petite woman walking away from the luggage—her name was Winnie Ruth Judd. When asked about the trunks, she claimed her husband had the keys... then dropped them and ran. Inside were the bodies of her two closest friends, Agnes Anne LeRoi and Hedvig "Sammy" Samuelson. How did they end up dismembered and hidden in trunks, traveling by train with the woman they once trusted? And where did Ruth go? This chilling case captivated the nation and even inspired an all-puppet film, Murderess: The Winnie Ruth Judd Story, written and directed by Scott Coblio. Join us as we unpack the bizarre, bloody mystery of the “Trunk Murders.”

Sources:

“Gettysburg Times - Google News Archive Search.” Google.com, 2025, news.google.com/newspapers?id=tMQlAAAAIBAJ&pg=7051. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

John, Finn J.D. “Offbeat Oregon: Oregonians Played Prominent Role in 1930s’ Most Horrific Murder.” The Lincoln County Leader, 5 Mar. 2021,

www.thenewsguard.com/community/offbeat-oregon-oregonians-played-prominent-role-in-1930s-most-horrific-murder/article_b9009184-7d2a-11eb-a0d7-63595170049c.html. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

“Murder & Mayhem - the Strange Saga of Winnie Ruth Judd.” Arizona Memory Project, azmemory.azlibrary.gov/nodes/view/303.

Pela, Robrt L. “Phoenix New Times.” Phoenix New Times, 24 Sept. 2014, www.phoenixnewtimes.com/arts/ruthless-a-long-lost-confession-letter-may-finally-tell-the-real-story-of-winnie-ruth-judd-6657689.

THE. “American Hauntings.” American Hauntings, 2025, www.americanhauntingsink.com/trunk-murderess. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

“The Story of the Phoenix “Trunk Murderess” Winnie Ruth Judd.” The Arizona Republic, 2025, www.azcentral.com/picture-gallery/news/local/phoenix/2024/11/25/phoenix-trunk-murderess-winnie-ruth-judd/74188821007/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

“The Twisted Tale of Winnie Ruth Judd: Phoenix’s Favorite Murderess | the Order of the Good Death.” The Twisted Tale of Winnie Ruth Judd: Phoenix’s Favorite Murderess | the Order of the Good Death, 2024, www.orderofthegooddeath.com/article/the-twisted-tale-of-winnie-ruth-judd-phoenixs-favorite-murderess/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

Wikipedia Contributors. “Winnie Ruth Judd.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 4 Feb. 2025, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnie_Ruth_Judd.

“Winnie Ruth Judd Reminiscences Letter.” Arizona Memory Project, 2025, azmemory.azlibrary.gov/nodes/view/94275. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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In this episode, we delve into one of South Korea’s most infamous unsolved mysteries: the Frog Boys Murders. What began as a simple day of adventure for five young boys on March 26, 1991, turned into a decades-long nightmare filled with unanswered questions, police missteps, and lingering grief.

The boys—aged 9 to 13—left their homes in Daegu, South Korea, to search for salamander eggs on the slopes of Mt. Waryong. But they never returned. What followed was a desperate and highly publicized search, with the entire country gripped by their mysterious disappearance.

For 11 years, their fate remained unknown until 2002, when their skeletal remains were discovered in a remote area of the mountain. Initial reports suggested they may have died from exposure, but forensic examinations indicated blunt force trauma to their skulls, pointing toward foul play.

We explore the botched investigation, theories surrounding their deaths—including speculation about a possible military cover-up—and the lasting impact on South Korean society. From grieving families demanding justice to the chilling possibility that their killer (or killers) may still be out there, this case remains one of South Korea’s most haunting mysteries.

Join us as we dissect the evidence, examine the theories, and reflect on the heartbreaking legacy of the Frog Boys Murders.

Sources:

“In 1991 Five Boys Went Searching for Frogs. Their Bodies Were Discovered 11 Years Later.” Mamamia, 26 Aug. 2019, www.mamamia.com.au/frog-boys/.

“Intrigue, Scandal, Heartbreak: The Case of South Korea’s Missing “Frog Boys.”” CNA, www.channelnewsasia.com/cnainsider/intrigue-scandal-heartbreak-case-south-korea-missing-frog-boys-774406.

“KSIS : What Happened to the Frog Boys?” KSTATION TV, 13 Nov. 2024, kstationtv.com/2024/11/13/ksis-what-happened-to-the-frog-boys/?lang=en. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

Wikipedia Contributors. “Frog Boys.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 28 Jan. 2025, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frog_Boys.

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In January 2024, 13-year-old Na'Ziyah Harris vanished after stepping off her school bus in Detroit, Michigan. What started as a desperate search for a missing child soon unraveled into a chilling tale of grooming, betrayal, and heartbreak. Na'Ziyah should be living the last precious years of her girlhood—hanging out with friends, focusing on schoolwork, and dreaming of her future. Instead, her life was cruelly cut short. Her body remains unfound, and the man she once called her "uncle" now stands trial for her murder.

In this podcast, we dive into the devastating details surrounding Na'Ziyah's life, the events that led to her disappearance, and the ongoing fight for justice. Na’Ziyah’s story is a harrowing reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by so many young girls and the urgent need for change and protection.

Sources:

Buczek, Joseph, and Jack Springgate. “Detroit Man Charged over Missing 13-Year-Old Na’Ziyah Harris Appears in Court.” Cbsnews.com, CBS Detroit, 17 Jan. 2025, www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/naziyah-harris-murder-detroit-man-charged-court-appearance/.

COURT TV. “Man Charged with Impregnating, Murdering 13-Year-Old Na’Ziyah Harris.” YouTube, 30 Sept. 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwScFzQq0Xg. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.

Detroit, FOX 2. “Missing Na’Ziyah Harris: Suspect’s Search History, How Police Found His Phone.” FOX 2 Detroit, 8 Jan. 2025, www.fox2detroit.com/news/missing-naziyah-harris-more-witnesses-testify-against-murder-suspect-jarvis-butts. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

Foster, Wells. “Accused Detroit Serial Child Abuser Will Stand Trial for Murder.” Https://Www.wilx.com, WILX, 9 Jan. 2025, www.wilx.com/2025/01/09/accused-detroit-serial-child-abuser-will-stand-trial-murder/. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

FOX 2 Detroit. “Preliminary Hearing for Na’Ziyah Harris Suspect.” YouTube, 1 Nov. 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQWjSwveT9g. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

Sayles, Samantha. “Key Takeaways from Preliminary Hearing in Murder Case of Na’Ziyah Harris.” WDIV, WDIV ClickOnDetroit, 16 Jan. 2025, www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2025/01/17/naziyah-harris-murder-case-disturbing-texts-search-history-read-aloud-in-court/.

---. “Na’Ziyah Harris Murder Case: Disturbing Texts, Search History Read Aloud in Court.” WDIV, WDIV ClickOnDetroit, 17 Jan. 2025, www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2025/01/18/texts-search-history-definition-of-a-pedophile-what-to-know-about-naziyah-harris-murder-case/. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

---. “Timeline: What We Learned in Na’Ziyah Harris’ Disappearance Nearly 1 Year Later.” WDIV, WDIV ClickOnDetroit, 8 Jan. 2025, www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2025/01/08/timeline-what-we-learned-in-naziyah-harris-disappearance-nearly-1-year-later/. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

---. “What We Know: Testimonies Continue in Preliminary Hearing of Man Accused of Killing Missing Detroit Teen.” WDIV, WDIV ClickOnDetroit, 7 Jan. 2025, www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2025/01/07/what-we-know-testimonies-continue-in-preliminary-hearing-of-man-accused-of-killing-missing-detroit-teen/. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

Sayles, Samantha, and Dane Kelly. “Breaking down Charges “Groomer, Pedophile” Faces in Death of Detroit Girl, Additional Victims.” WDIV, WDIV ClickOnDetroit, 27 Sept. 2024, www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2024/09/27/breaking-down-charges-groomer-pedophile-faces-in-death-of-detroit-girl-additional-victims-2/.

WXYZ-TV Detroit | Channel 7. “Preliminary Hearing Continues against Suspect in Na’Ziyah Harris Case.” YouTube, 8 Jan. 2025, www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdAmcLStHls. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

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In May 2004 Oakey Albert “Al” Kite was found hog-tied and tortured to death in his basement after he didn’t show up for work. Al’s murder is one of the most mysterious we have covered because investigators still don’t know who perpetrated the crime, and there is no discernible motive other than a sick urge to torture and kill. The investigation has uncovered a lot of information, but not quite enough to tie everything together. Whoever killed Al went by the alias Robert Cooper and found him via an ad Al had placed looking for someone to rent his basement. After the murder, many witnesses came forward to tell police that Robert Cooper had also met with them regarding property they were trying to rent out. The strange thing is that each witness met a slightly different version of Robert, as it appeared he was tweaking different characteristics to conceal his identity. But why? And why did the killer choose Al specifically? We cover the case from start to finish and discuss all of the theories surrounding it in this week’s episode.

Sources:

Flowers, Ashley. “Oakey “Al” Kite - 9 of Hearts, Colorado, Part 2 - the Deck.” The Deck, Feb. 2023, thedeckpodcast.com/oakey-al-kite-part-2/. Accessed 13 Jan. 2025.

The. “Unresolved.” Unresolved, 2014, unresolved.me/the-waverly-stranglings, https://doi.org/1074178/18p6wP1I_normal. Accessed 11 Nov. 2024.

to, Contributors. “Robert Cooper.” Unidentified Wiki, 2025, unidentified-awareness.fandom.com/wiki/Robert_Cooper, https://doi.org/1091233/24707. Accessed 13 Jan. 2025.

“UNKNOWN SUSPECT - UNSOLVED HOMICIDE - AURORA, COLORADO | Federal Bureau of Investigation.” Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2025, www.fbi.gov/wanted/vicap/homicides-and-sexual-assaults/victim-oakey-al-kite-jr. Accessed 13 Jan. 2025.

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Four Finnish teenagers, Maila Irmeli Björklund, Anja Tuulikki, Seppo Antero Boisman, and Nils Wilhelm Gustaffson set out to have a fun night camping on the shores of Lake Bodom. It was like a double date since Maila was dating Nils and Anja was dating Seppo. They fished, drank, and swam in the lake before heading to bed in the single tent they brought to share. The next day a man, out for his morning jog, came upon the teens and their tent, which was shredded, tattered, and collapsed. And three of the four were dead, while the fourth was severely injured but alive. The investigation lead police to several suspects but ultimately the case was never solved. Without a conclusion or any justice, the case grew into a sort of Finnish boogeyman that still haunts the country to this day. In 2016 the movie Lake Bodom was created. It took inspiration from the real case to spin up a story about a group of friends that go camping on the shores of Lake Bodom. Unfortunately, the trip is plagued by secrets and manipulation, and it doesn’t end well. 

Sources:

Kaminski, Julia. “The Real Unsolved Murders of Lake Bodom.” SCREAMFEST, 18 May 2017, screamfestla.com/blog/real-unsolved-murders-lake-bodom.

“Lake Bodom Murders.” Dyatlov Pass, 2024, dyatlovpass.com/lake-bodom-murders.

The Casual Criminalist. “The Lake Bodom Murders.” YouTube, 17 Mar. 2021,

www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ujSsyEBgwE. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.

Vidani, Peter. “The Lake Bodom Murders.” Tumblr, 2019, lakebodommurders.tumblr.com. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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Silence of the Lambs is arguably one of the best psychological thrillers of all time and sadly many aspects of the movie are inspired by real people and events. Buffalo Bill in particular is based on a few different serial killers including Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and Gary Heidnik. Most people are familiar with Bundy and Dahmer, but Heidnik's crimes haven't received the same amount of attention. In this episode we discuss Heidnik's life and crimes, as well as the lives of his victims. We talk at length about what he did, why he did it, and how his victims were let down by the justice system too many times. He was a sadistic man who brutally tortured his victims, so please listen with caution.

Sources

“Gary Heidnik.” Criminal Minds Wiki, criminalminds.fandom.com/wiki/Gary_Heidnik.

“Gary M. Heidnik.” Wikipedia, 25 Aug. 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_M._Heidnik.

Janos, Adam. “Gary Heidnik’s Unspeakable Crimes: An Interview with the Serial Killer’s Attorney.” A&E, 14 Jan. 2021, www.aetv.com/real-crime/gary-heidnik.

Karimi, Faith. “His Gruesome Crimes Were a Basis for “Silence of the Lambs.” the Sister of One of His Victims Has Mixed Feelings about His Execution.” CNN, 19 Mar. 2023, www.cnn.com/2023/03/19/us/gary-heidnik-pennsylvania-death-penalty-cec/index.html.

Oliver, Mark. “Serial Killer Gary Heidnik: The Real-Life Buffalo Bill Who Fed One of His Victims to His Prisoners.” All That’s Interesting, All That’s Interesting, 24 Jan. 2019, allthatsinteresting.com/gary-heidnik.

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A group of hikers was traveling down a logging road on their way to a rentable hut, located in the remote Canadian wilderness, when they stumbled upon a burnt truck with personal belongings scattered around it. Feeling as though they had discovered a crime scene, the hikers decided to take pictures before turning back, calling police as they drove. It took RCMP Officers two days to get to the scene and they noticed that things had been moved since the hikers had been there. They found that the truck belonged to a man named Marshall Iwaasa, who was nowhere to be found. His family told police that the last time they saw him was six days before his car was found at the end of the logging road. They told officers that on that night he had driven two hours from his house to his mom’s house in order to help her with something. He didn’t stay for too long and he told his mom that he planned to stop at his local storage unit before driving back to his place. He never mentioned plans to drive FOURTEEN HOURS to Pemberton, British Columbia. So how did his truck get there? And why? Nobody knows and he has not been seen since. As if the case wasn’t strange enough, evidence was uncovered that linked Marshall’s disappearance to another man, named Daniel Reoch… who had also gone missing. Despite the bizarre circumstances, the RCMP stated they do not believe any foul play occurred. 

Sources:

Barely Sociable. “The Pemberton Incident - an Unsolved Mystery.” YouTube, 30 Oct. 2023, www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Yueni460aM. Accessed 10 Sept. 2024.

Thuncher, Jennifer. “Squamish Vigil Aims to Keep Daniel Reoch’s Memory Alive.” Squamish Chief, Squamish Chief, 27 Nov. 2023, www.squamishchief.com/local-news/nov-26-squamish-vigil-aims-to-keep-daniel-reochs-memory-alive-7837653. Accessed 10 Sept. 2024.

Wikipedia Contributors. “Disappearance of Marshal Iwaasa.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 25 Aug. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disappearance_of_Marshal_Iwaasa. Accessed 10 Sept. 2024.

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Keishla Rodriguez Ortiz met Felix Verdejo when the two of them were very young, because they attended the same school growing up. Their friendship blossomed into a romantic relationship when they were in high school. Keishla loyally supported Félix as he chased his dreams to become a professional boxer. At 18 years old Félix qualified for the 2012 olympics. He didn’t end up medaling but a professional spot was waiting for him when he got home to Puerto Rico. The beginning of his professional career was explosive. He held the WBO lightweight title for multiple years. He was expected to be the next big boxing star. Unfortunately he got in his own way and ultimately ruined his career and his life. The beginning of the end began to cheat on Kieshla with an underage girl named Elisa Maria Santiago Sierra. She was 14 and he was 18. He broke up with Kieshla to “date” Elisa, but he never actually stopped seeing Kieshla. When Elisa turned 18, Félix proposed and she said yes. I assume she was not aware of his transgressions with not only Keishla, but several women. Elisa became pregnant with Félix’s daughter and Félix took full advantage of the situation - crafting his image to make him look like a devoted husband and father. But cracks in his image started to appear to the public when Elisa found out about his cheating and threw him out of the house. She did take him back after he promised to change his ways, but it would take a lot longer to patch up his public image. When Kieshla ended up pregnant, Félix knew it was all falling apart. He tried to convince her to get an abortion, but Kieshla refused. She wanted the baby even if Félix didn’t want to step up and be a father. This caused Félix to spiral into planning the murder of his first love and their unborn child,. 

Sources:

Acevedo, nicole. “An Ex-Boxer Is Convicted in Heinous Killing of His Pregnant Girlfriend.” NBC News, 31 July 2023, www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/puerto-rico-femicide-focus-verdejo-conviction-killing-pregnant-keishla-rcna97304.

Daily, Juan. “Keishla Rodríguez’s Sister: Verdejo Expressed No Emotion When Hearing Guilty Verdict.” San Juan Daily Star, San Juan Daily Star, 31 July 2023, www.sanjuandailystar.com/post/keishla-rodr%C3%ADguez-s-sister-verdejo-expressed-no-emotion-when-hearing-guilty-verdict#:~:text=Keishla%20Rodr%C3%ADguez%20Ortiz. Accessed 14 Aug. 2024.

“District of Puerto Rico | Félix Verdejo-Sánchez Sentenced to Life in Prison for Kidnapping Resulting in Death, and Intentionally Killing an Unborn Child | United States Department of Justice.” Www.justice.gov, 3 Nov. 2023, www.justice.gov/usao-pr/pr/felix-verdejo-sanchez-sentenced-life-prison-kidnapping-resulting-death-and-intentionally.

Ghost of Crime. “The Double Life of Felix Verdejo - Boxing Star and Murderer || True Crime Documentary.” YouTube, 23 May 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCaimYSeaOs. Accessed 14 Aug. 2024.

https://www.facebook.com/peoplemag. “Olympic Boxer Félix Verdejo Gets Life for Throwing Girlfriend off Bridge after Pressuring Her to Get Abortion.” Peoplemag, 2021, people.com/olympic-boxer-felix-verdejo-gets-life-murdering-girlfriend-8391294. Accessed 14 Aug. 2024.

Rafael, Dan. “Felix Verdejo Named ESPN.com Prospect of the Year - ESPN.” ESPN.com, ESPN, 24 Dec. 2014, www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/id/12075915/felix-verdejo-named-prospect-year. Accessed 14 Aug. 2024.

Victor Torres Montalvo. “MOCION SENTENCIA LUIS CADIZ MARTINEZ.” Scribd, 2022, www.scribd.com/document/741021823/MOCION-SENTENCIA-LUIS-CADIZ-MARTINEZ. Accessed 14 Aug. 2024.

Wikipedia Contributors. “F.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 21 July 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F.

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Dr. James Snook had accomplished a lot in his life. He not only carved out his presence as a well-respected veterinarian and professor of veterinary science, even creating a tool called the Snook Hook that vets still use today, but he also competed and won two gold medals in the 1920 Olympics as a marksman. Six years after winning gold, and despite the fact that he had a wife and a young baby, he became enamored with a young medical student named Theora Hix. She began working at the veterinary building, Dr. Snook’s place of work, in 1926 to pay for her tuition. The feeling was mutual and they began having an affair only three weeks after meeting each other. They carried on the affair for three years until Dr. Snook ended Theora’s life with a hammer to the head and a knife to her jugular, then he ironically left her body near his favorite rifle range.

Sources:

Drake, Amy. “The Strange Case of Dr. Snook and Theora Hix: A Roaring Twenties Murder.” Medium, Medium, 23 July 2021, medium.com/@draketheatrical/the-strange-case-of-dr-snook-and-theora-hix-a-roaring-twenties-murder-ad1b9e797949. Accessed 31 July 2024.

Patzer, Nancy. “Snook.” Www.shortnorth.com, July 2019, www.shortnorth.com/Snook.html. Accessed 31 July 2024.

“The Trial of Dr. Snook (1929).” The Columbus Dispatch, www.dispatch.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2012/02/27/the-trial-of-dr-snook/543866007/. Accessed 31 July 2024.

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On July 23, 2024 Wade Wilson, known for his white supremacist and joker face tattoos, will face a judge as they decide whether to sentence him to death or life in prison without the possibility of parole. Wilson was convicted of murdering Kristine Melton and Diane Ruiz back in 2019. Both murders seemingly came out nowhere- he had just met Melton the night prior at local club before murdering her the nest morning and stealing her car. While riding around in the stolen car, he came upon Ruiz who was walking to work. After attacking Ruiz, he ran over her body 10-20 times. On this episode we discuss the case from the beginning up to where it stands today.

Sources:

Braun, Michael. “White Supremacy Gang May Have Had a Role in Escape Attempt Thwarted at Lee County Jail.” The News-Press, 7 Oct. 20AD, www.news-press.com/story/news/crime/2020/10/07/lee-jail-inmates-gang-connection-may-have-played-role-escape-attempt/5908922002/. Accessed 21 July 2024.

COURT TV. ““He Bit My Face”: Wade Wilson’s Ex-Girlfriend Describes Alarming Attack.” YouTube, 5 July 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MIX2q_vapA. Accessed 21 July 2024.

Luciani, Kim. “Will Wade Wilson Get Death Sentence? FL Killer Seeks New Trial as Death Penalty Decision Nears.” The News-Press, 10 July 2024, www.news-press.com/story/news/crime/2024/07/10/wade-wilson-florida-killer-sentence-new-trial-motion/74338462007/. Accessed 21 July 2024.

Potter, Will. “Murderer with Face Tattoos Flashes Eerie Hand Signal at Sentencing.” Mail Online, 1 July 2024, www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13588033/wade-wilson-deadpool-crime-tattoo-murder-death-sentence-hand-signal.html. Accessed 21 July 2024.

Reporter, Erin Keller. “Wade Wilson’s Ex-Girlfriend Breaks Silence on TikTok: “Police Failed Me.”” Newsweek, 5 July 2024, www.newsweek.com/wade-wilson-killer-girlfriend-crimes-florida-tiktok-1921729. Accessed 21 July 2024.

Rodriguez, Kim Luciani and Tomas. “Florida Killer Wade Wilson’s Father Steven Testasecca Was Key to His Arrest.” The News-Press, 8 July 2024, www.news-press.com/story/news/crime/2024/07/08/wade-wilson-murders-florida-killer-arrest-steve-testasecca/74308734007/. Accessed 21 July 2024.

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Yoo Young Chul grew up in a poor family with little stability. The economic hardships that his family faced caused him to develop a deep-seeded hatred for wealthy individuals and he also developed an ever-growing resentment towards women. Yoo was driven by these emotions, and he couldn't seem to get ahold of them which caused him to start committing crimes at an early age. He spent many years in and out of jail, as his crimes continued to escalate. Eventually he began committing murder, targeting wealthy people initially and then redirecting his focus towards women, particularly sex workers. He killed over twenty people before he was caught, and it's likely he killed more than we know about. His crimes have been the topic of both western and eastern media. But the biggest movie to date is The Chaser, a South Korean film that was heavily inspired by his crimes. This episode covers the story from beginning to the "end" (Yoo is still alive on death row in South Korea).

Palestinian Family GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-dr-sanads-familys-urgent-evacuation?lang=en_US&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link

Sources:

Farley, Adam. “The Grisly Story of the “Raincoat Killer” Who Murdered 20 People with a Custom-Made Hammer.” All That’s Interesting, 5 Nov. 2021, allthatsinteresting.com/yoo-young-chul.

Min-kyung, Jung. “[Korean History] in 2004, Serial Murderer with Goal to Kill 100 Was Stopped at 20.” The Korea Herald, 6 Nov. 2023, www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20231106000814.

Serial Killers Documentaries. “Serial Killer Documentary: Yoo Young-Chul (the Raincoat Killer).” YouTube, 6 Sept. 2022, www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgslZ9NHhIY.

“Yoo Young-Chul.” Wikipedia, 29 Jan. 2022, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoo_Young-chul.

“Yoo Young-Chul.” Criminal Minds Wiki, criminalminds.fandom.com/wiki/Yoo_Young-chul.

''. “Woman-Hating Cannibal Dubbed Raincoat Killer Was Caught after Phone Blunder.” The US Sun, 2 Feb. 2024, www.the-sun.com/news/10273266/yoo-young-chul-raincoat-killer-serial-south-korea/. Accessed 9 July 2024.

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When Elyse Pahler, a teenager from Arroyo Grande, went missing, her parents reached out to the police for help. Unfortunately, they weren't able to make much headway over the course of several months until they got a tip from an unlikely source. A clergyman from a local church called in to tell investigators that a teenaged congregant told him that he and two of his friends sacrificed Elyse to gain favor with the devil and become successful metal musicians. In this episode we discuss the entire case and the aftermath of it, including a lawsuit Elyse's parents filed against the band Slayer in relation to their daughter's murder.

GoFundMe for Palestinian family mentioned in episode: https://www.gofundme.com/f/hope-help-little-elen-fetch-a-brighter-future?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer

Sources:

Buccio, claudia. “Local Judge Grants Parole to Royce Casey, Man Convicted of Killing Arroyo Grande Teen.” KSBY News, 16 June 2022, www.ksby.com/news/local-news/local-judge-grants-parole-to-royce-casey-man-convicted-of-killing-arroyo-grande-teen. Accessed 27 May 2024.

fountain, Matt. “Elyse Pahler Murder Case: Here’s a Timeline of the 1995 Satanic Killing in SLO County Read More At: Https://Www.sanluisobispo.com/News/Local/Crime/Article252167488.Html#Storylink=Cpy.” The Tribune, San Luis Obispo Tribune, 18 June 2021, www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/crime/article252167488.html.

“Murder of Elyse Pahler.” Wikipedia, 11 Jan. 2022, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Elyse_Pahler.

Waxman, Sharon. “Did “Death Metal” Music Incite Murder?” Washington Post, 23 Jan. 2001, www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/2001/01/23/did-death-metal-music-incite-murder/63cf6de7-fdd1-4067-a49f-9946f111e6a2/.

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Many of the diss tracks that have been released by Kendrick Lamar over the past week contain lines that clearly have dark origins. In this episode we focus on one line from Euphoria that took inspiration from the case of YNW Melly AKA Jamell Demons. We cover the allegations that Jamell shot and killed two of his best friends with the help of another friend named YNW Bortlen AKA Cortlen Henry, and we discuss the first trial that ended in a mistrial. I also detail another murder that Jamell and Cortlen are suspected to be involved in.

Sources:

Cowen, Trace William. “YNW Melly Reportedly Now a Suspect in Deputy’s Shooting Death.” Complex, 22 Feb. 2019, www.complex.com/music/a/tracewilliamcowen/ynw-melly-suspect-deputy-shooting-death. Accessed 6 May 2024.

Elibert, Mark. “Texts from Young Thug, French Montana, and More Brought up during YNW Melly Trial.” Complex, www.complex.com/music/a/markelibert/texts-from-young-thug-french-montana-ynw-melly-trial. Accessed 6 May 2024.

Holsman, Melissa E. “Double Murder Retrial of Famed Gifford Rapper Jamell Demons, Known as YNW Melly, on Hold.” Treasure Coast, 3 May 2024,

www.tcpalm.com/story/news/crime/indian-river-county/2024/05/03/retrial-of-gifford-rapper-jamell-demons-known-as-ynw-melly-pushed-off/73544244007/. Accessed 6 May 2024.

“Murder Trial of Rapper YNW Melly Ends in Mistrial after Jury Deadlocks; Retrial Likely.” AP News, 22 July 2023, apnews.com/article/ynw-melly-murder-trial-florida-70a72f2f6d095e89a43f65eff94536c1. Staff, Michael Saponara,Billboard, et al. “A Timeline of YNW Melly’s Career & Legal Troubles: From “Murder on My Mind” to Murder Charges.” Billboard, 15 July 2022,

www.billboard.com/lists/ynw-melly-career-legal-troubles-timeline/legal-history/.

“YNW Melly Killed Best Friends in Angry, Greed-Fueled Murder Plot, State Says in Closing Argument.” Www.youtube.com, www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OK46bTz_lc. Accessed 6 May 2024.

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Most violence isn’t related to the moon or the sun, but the violence that took place on April 8, 2024 might have been. The 8th was the day of the total solar eclipse and two different women committed murder/attempted murder that may have been connected to the phenomena. Danielle Johnson, an astrology. Influencer, killed her partner before throwing her two daughters out of the car (killing one and injuring the other) , before taking her own life by crashing into a tree at 100 mph. Detectives aren’t sure how much of a role the eclipse played, if any, but they are seriously investigating it since Danielle wrote some conspiratorial eclipse tweets in the days leading up to the 8th. We discuss the timeline of events and what the investigation has revealed so far. We also discuss the random shooting spree carried out by Taylor Celestine after she left a hotel, telling the employees that God was telling her to go on the spree in relation to the eclipse. We discuss all of the details that have been released so far. 

Sources:

“Family Dispute Turns into Double-Murder Suicide NR24117kt/Cm.” LAPD Online, 9 Apr. 24AD, www.lapdonline.org/newsroom/family-dispute-turns-into-double-murder-suicide-nr24117kt-cm/. Accessed 21 Apr. 2024.

Mayes-Osterman, Cybele. “Astrologer Suspected of Double Murder-Suicide on Eclipse Day Thought “Apocalypse Is Here.”” USA TODAY, 11 Apr. 2024,

www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/04/11/astrologer-murder-suicide-eclipse-danielle-johnson-jaelen-chaney/73287141007/. Accessed 21 Apr. 2024.

Neumann, sean. “Astrology Influencer Disturbed by Eclipse Posted “the APOCALYPSE IS HERE” before Killing Partner, Baby, Herself.” Peoplemag, 15 Apr. 2024, people.com/astrology-influencer-disturbed-by-eclipse-posted-the-apocalypse-is-here-before-killing-partner-baby-herself-8631523. Accessed 21 Apr. 2024.

Twitter, et al. “Mom Who Pushed Kids from Moving Car Was Astrology Influencer Disturbed by Eclipse.” Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2024, www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-04-10/woman-who-threw-child-from-car-on-405-was-controversial-astrology-influencer.

“Woman Claiming God Told Her to Go on Shooting Spree because of Solar Eclipse Shoots Drivers on Florida Interstate, Police Say - CBS News.” Www.cbsnews.com, 9 Apr. 2024, www.cbsnews.com/news/solar-eclipse-shooting-spree-taylon-celestine-shoots-drivers-claims-god-told-her-to/.

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TW: eating disorders, suicide, and child abuse. Everything we say is alleged, with the exception of the individuals found guilty of crimes.

Gwen Shamblin had a Master's Degree in Food and Nutrition, yet she still fell down the pipeline of food and wellness guru to religious cult leader pipeline. Usually this pipeline is reserved for people who don't actually have extensive educations and degrees in the things they claim to be experts of, because it requires them to ignore the science to tout some alternative science/product that usually harms more than it helps. But Gwen was able to throw away everything she learned in favor of a more religious/restrictive approach to eating, which she called The Weigh Down Program. The program was offered alongside a book, that sold over one million copies and the success of both made Gwen a millionaire. Many individuals in her program developed eating disorders and things got even worse when Gwen launched her church, called Remnant Fellowship Church- where Gwen touted herself as something akin to a prophet. The Weigh Down Program was the foundation of Remnant, but the ideology expanded to involve even more problematic rhetoric. Gwen didn't believe in mental illness, so she advised many members to get off their medications (which led some to the psych unit, and others to take their own lives). And she was a big proponent of corporal punishment for children, which caused at least one child to be murdered. We discuss all of the details in this weeks episode.

Sources:

“Georgia v. Smith.” Wikipedia, 12 Feb. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_v._Smith. Accessed 17 Apr. 2024.

“Gwen Shamblin Lara.” Wikipedia, 2 Oct. 2022, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gwen_Shamblin_Lara.

“Joe Lara.” Wikipedia, 28 Jan. 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Lara. Accessed 17 Apr. 2024.

Pasquini, maria. “Plane Crash That Killed Christian Diet Guru Gwen Shamblin Caused by “Spatial Disorientation” of Pilot Husband.” Peoplemag, 23 Mar. 2023, people.com/human-interest/plane-crash-killed-diet-guru-gwen-shamblin-caused-by-spatial-disorientation-pilot-husband/. Accessed 17 Apr. 2024.

Williams, Phil. ““What Were We Doing?” Gwen Shamblin’s Son Breaks Silence about Life inside Her Brentwood “Cult.”” News Channel 5 Nashville (WTVF), 12 Feb. 2024,

www.newschannel5.com/news/newschannel-5-investigates/what-were-we-doing-gwen-shamblins-son-breaks-silence-about-life-inside-her-brentwood-cult. Accessed 17 Apr. 2024.

Williams, phil. ““Take the Damn Filter Off.” Former Remnant Leader Says Church Needs to Admit Role in Child’s Death.” News Channel 5 Nashville (WTVF), 19 Feb. 2024,

www.newschannel5.com/news/newschannel-5-investigates/take-the-damn-filter-off-former-remnant-leader-says-church-needs-to-admit-role-in-childs-death.

zenovich, Marina. The Way Down: God, Greed, and the Cult of Gwen Shamblin. HBO, 28 Apr. 2022, play.max.com/show/1e47a6d6-955c-4ce4-92b0-bc170075432a, disc 1-5. TV Show.

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Sheldon Johnson was released from prison last year, after serving 25 years behind bars. Intent on turning his life around, he started working as a youth counselor and advocate for clients of the public defenders office. Successful civil rights attorney, Josh Dubin, befriended Sheldon and was impressed by the changes he was making in his life. Joe Rogan invited Josh and Sheldon onto his podcast on February 1. Unfortunately, a little over a month later Sheldon allegedly murdered an acquaintance named Collin Small. Police were called by suspicious neighbors to do a wellness check on Collin Small and they interrupted Sheldon in the middle of his effort to dismember Collin. His head was found in Sheldon's freezer. Charged with murder, manslaughter, criminal possession of a weapon and concealment of a human corpse. He had plead not guilty and will remain in jail as his case progresses.

Sources:

Dhaliwal, Naveen. “Queens Youth Counselor Sheldon Johnson Charged after Dismembered Body Parts Found in Freezer - CBS New York.” Www.cbsnews.com, 8 Mar. 2024, www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/harlem-man-charged-police-find-missing-bronx-dismembered-body-parts-inside-freezer/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Marcius, Chelsia Rose. “Man Who Became Champion of Rehabilitation Is Charged with Murder.” The New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024, www.nytimes.com/2024/03/07/nyregion/sheldon-johnson-queens-defenders-murder.html.

Morales, Zoe Sottile, Sabrina Souza, Mark. “Formerly Incarcerated Advocate for NYC Criminal Justice Reform Arrested for Murder.” CNN, 8 Mar. 2024, www.cnn.com/2024/03/08/us/sheldon-johnson-nyc-murder/index.html.

Neysa Alund, Natalie. “Sheldon Johnson, Joe Rogan Podcast Guest, Arrested after Body Parts Found in Freezer.” USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 24AD, www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/03/08/sheldon-johnson-collin-small-body-parts-freezer/72893473007/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Rogan, joe. “#2096 - Josh Dubin & Sheldon Johnson.” Open.spotify.com, 1 Feb. 2024, open.spotify.com/episode/3nsOv2Bl6OVvTcjUrJ1GUa. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

''. “Eerie Images of Suspect in 3 Different Disguises as He ‘Discarded Body Parts.” The US Sun, 8 Mar. 2024, www.the-sun.com/news/10609078/images-sheldon-johnson-blond-wig-disguises-discard-body-murder/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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Egypt Covington was a 27 year old woman with so much potential. She lived a life full of love, friendship, and art. Many people knew her since she was a talented singer and a friendly bartender in Ann Arbor, MI. But her life was cut short. She was found in her home with a gunshot wound to the head, and her arms bound with Christmas lights. The local PD struggled to find her killer, yet refused to hand the case over to Michigan State Police (a much larger department with more resources and experience). Egypt's family begged them to transfer her case for years. Three years into the investigation, the family's relentless fight paid off when the case was finally taken over by MSP. In the hands of the State Police, the case quickly took off... and justice finally prevailed.

Sources:

Acosta, Nicole. “2 Men Sentenced in Fatal Shooting of Mich. Singer Whose Hands Were Bound with Christmas Lights.” Peoplemag, 6 Oct. 2023, people.com/egypt-covington-2-men-sentenced-killing-8348858. Accessed 25 Mar. 2024.

Ainsworth, amber. ““They Deserve the Death Penalty”: Egypt Covington’s Family Delivers Powerful Statements during Sentencing.” FOX 2 Detroit, 5 Oct. 2023, www.fox2detroit.com/news/they-deserve-the-death-penalty-egypt-covingtons-family-delivers-powerful-statements-during-sentencing#:~:text=Judge%20Wanda%20Evans%20sentenced%20Groom. Accessed 25 Mar. 2024.

Ann, Lindsay. Can’t Stop Won’t Stop. 25 Aug. 2023, disc 90. podcast.

Clarke, Kayla. “Everything We Know about the Murder of Egypt Covington after 1 of 3 Men Plead Guilty.” WDIV, 11 Apr. 2023, www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2023/04/11/everything-we-know-about-the-murder-of-egypt-covington-after-1-of-3-men-plead-guilty/. Accessed 25 Mar. 2024.

Hutchinson, Koco McAboy, Derick. “27-Year-Old van Buren Township Woman Killed by Gunshot to Head, Morgue Confirms.” WDIV, 27 June 2017, www.clickondetroit.com/news/2017/06/27/27-year-old-van-buren-township-woman-killed-by-gunshot-to-head-morgue-confirms/. Accessed 25 Mar. 2024.

nclark1@mlive.com, Nathan Clark |. “NBC’s Dateline Airing New Episode on Murder of Ann Arbor Singer, Bartender Egypt Covington.” Mlive, 20 Mar. 2024, www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/2024/03/nbcs-dateline-airing-new-episode-on-murder-of-ann-arbor-singer-bartender-egypt-covington.html#:~:text=After%20a%20long%20investigation%2C%20it. Accessed 25 Mar. 2024.

Spencer, Dave. “Guilty Plea in Egypt Covington Murder Opens Door for Suspect to Testify against Other Men Charged.” FOX 2 Detroit, 11 Apr. 2023, www.fox2detroit.com/news/guilty-plea-in-egypt-covington-murder-opens-door-for-suspect-to-testify-against-other-men-charged. Accessed 25 Mar. 2024.

“Two Men Sentenced in Slaying of Egypt Covington, Victim’s Dad Wishes Death Penalty Were Option.” The Detroit News, 5 Oct. 23AD, www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/wayne-county/2023/10/05/two-men-sentenced-in-2017-slaying-of-egypt-covington/70993271007/. Accessed 25 Mar. 2024.

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Mary Alice Ellicott and Theral Carl Heldt were murdered within a week of one another and their remains found in the country of a small Michigan town. Seemingly unrelated, both murders were investigated but found themselves going cold as time passed. Mary's case was reopened a few years ago, and investigators have partnered with MSU to try to solve it. In this episode, we discuss what little is known about both murders.

Sources:

Kelly, Dane. “Michigan State Police Seek Information in 1981 Homicide of 29-Year-Old Woman.” Https://Www.wilx.com, 7 Apr. 2022,

www.wilx.com/2022/04/07/michigan-state-police-seek-information-1981-homicide-29-year-old-woman/. Accessed 15 Mar. 2024.

Longmoore, tran. “COLD CASE: MSU Students, State Police and Retired SPD Officers Investigating 41-Year-Old Murder | School of Criminal Justice | Michigan State University.” Cj.msu.edu, 8 Apr. 2022, cj.msu.edu/news/2022-cold-case-saline-post.html. Accessed 15 Mar. 24.

“Original Headline Articles from Two Homicide Cold Cases in Saline - Still Unsolved | the Sun Times News.” Thesuntimesnews.com, 7 Jan. 2023, thesuntimesnews.com/g/saline-mi/n/138381/original-headline-articles-two-homicide-cold-cases-saline-still-unsolved. Accessed 15 Mar. 2024.

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In this episode we talk about the second inspiration behind True Detective Season. 4, which is the mysterious case of the Mary Celeste Crew. When the Del Gratia came upon a ship that appeared to be sailing haphazardly, the captain put out a signal but heard nothing back. He told two of his men to go investigate, and what they found was bizarre. The entire crew was missing, but there didn't seem to be any clear indication as to why they left or what may have happened.

Sources:

sharda. “The Mystery of the Mary Celeste Ghost Ship.” Marine Insight, 4 Dec. 2018, www.marineinsight.com/maritime-history/the-mystery-of-the-mary-celeste-ghost-ship/.

Tikkanen, Amy. “Mary Celeste | Ship.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 22 Aug. 2017, www.britannica.com/topic/Mary-Celeste.

Wikipedia Contributors. “Mary Celeste.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 1 Feb. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Celeste.

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