183: [Shelley Hamilton] Almost 39 Years // Part 2 episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 26, 2026 · 32 MIN

183: [Shelley Hamilton] Almost 39 Years // Part 2

from What Came Next · host Broken Cycle Media

Content warning: domestic violence, intimate partner violence, rape, strangulation, asphyxia, and murder. Shelley Hamilton is a co-victim of murder and co-author of the nonfiction book, The Forsaken. She has spent years uncovering the truth behind a deeply personal and complex case that forever changed her family and community, the 1978 murders of Shelley's 24-year-old sister, Rhonda Hamilton Wicht, and Rhonda's four-year-old son, Donnie. Shelley's journey in the criminal justice system over the last 48 years has been truly shocking. From mistrial to conviction to a prisoner's pardon, she has never given up her fight for truth. Alongside journalist Alicia Doyle, Shelley's mission in co-authoring The Forsaken is to document the facts and share the emotional truth that drives this story. The Broken Cycle media team is incredibly grateful for both women's time, energy, and advocacy. The following episodes are dedicated in loving memory of Rhonda and Donnie Wicht.Sources:- Brown, Jerry. Pardon of [Redacted]. Office of the Governor of California, 22 Nov. 2017, California State Archives.- Davis, Mark. "$21 Million: The Price of One Man's Freedom." True Crime Detective Monthly, Mar. 2022.- Shelley's blog: https://rdjustice.home.blog/Resources:If you or someone you know may be experiencing domestic violence, help is available. If you believe you are in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1 or contact your local authorities for emergency assistance. Local domestic violence programs, shelters, and crisis hotlines can also provide confidential support.For a list of resources and non-profit organizations that can help, please visit http://www.somethingwaswrong.com/resourcesDownload Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/394eb6t5 #CashAppPod Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Cash App Green features, Savings, Direct deposit, Round ups, Overdraft coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.And don't forget to sleep cooler this summer with Boll & Branch during their Annual Summer Event. For a limited time, get 20% off sitewide at BollAndBranch.com/wcn with code wcn. Exclusions apply.

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183: [Shelley Hamilton] Almost 39 Years // Part 2

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