EPISODE · Nov 4, 2025 · 44 MIN
EP | 157 FEAR
from Criminal Mischief · host 657804
🔪 Criminal Mischief “Fear & Fire: The Byron Smith Case” Home is supposed to be the one place where the world can’t reach us — where we sleep, breathe, and live without fear. But what happens when that sanctuary is violated? And what happens after the fear curdles into something else? This week on Criminal Mischief, Carolyn Ossorio breaks down the chilling case of Byron Smith, a Minnesota homeowner who claimed his house had become a hunting ground for burglars… and that he was simply defending what mattered most. Smith said thieves had robbed him not just of valuables, but of peace — that he lived in constant dread, waiting for another shadow on the stairs, another shattered window, another invasion. So when two intruders entered his basement on Thanksgiving Day, Smith didn’t flee. He didn’t call 911. He waited — armed, recording, and ready. What followed would leave a community divided, a jury horrified, and America asking where the line lies between self-defense and premeditated vengeance. Was this a man pushed to the brink by repeated victimization? Or a calculating killer who used fear as justification for an ambush? The answers — and the tape — tell a story far darker than a simple burglary gone wrong. 🎧 Listen now For reporting that respects victims, examines motive, and never looks away from the truth — even when it’s unsettling. 🕯️ From the Evio Creative Network • The Devil Within — possession, obsession, and true crime in the shadows • The Devil’s Ledger — the strangest story you’ll hear this week • The Ides of April — immersive historical storytelling by candlelight • Taboo Treasures — forbidden history & cultural archaeology Follow: @eviocreative • @thedevilwithinpod 🛠️ Sponsor Support Support the partners who keep investigative storytelling alive: • Quince — elevated essentials without luxury mark-ups 👉 quince.com/MISCHIEF for free shipping & 365-day returns • Mint Mobile — premium wireless for just $15/month 👉 mintmobile.com/DEVILWITHIN • ExpressVPN — protect your data and browse privately 👉 expressvpn.com/DEVILWITHIN for up to four months free • MOOD — legal THC & CBD shipped straight to your door 👉 mood.com/DEVILWITHIN for 20% off your first order • Ollie Dog Food — fresh, human-grade nutrition for your dog 👉 ollie.com/IDES for 60% off your first box • Monarch — the most powerful personal finance app 👉 monarch.com/IDES for 50% off your first year 📢 Rate & Review If you appreciate thoughtful true crime that centers humanity over hype, leave a rating and review — it helps more listeners discover Criminal Mischief. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What this episode covers
🔪 Criminal Mischief “Fear & Fire: The Byron Smith Case” Home is supposed to be the one place where the world can’t reach us — where we sleep, breathe, and live without fear. But what happens when that sanctuary is violated? And what happens after the fear curdles into something else? This week on Criminal Mischief, Carolyn Ossorio breaks down the chilling case of Byron Smith, a Minnesota homeowner who claimed his house had become a hunting ground for burglars… and that he was simply defending what mattered most. Smith said thieves had robbed him not just of valuables, but of peace — that he lived in constant dread, waiting for another shadow on the stairs, another shattered window, another invasion. So when two intruders entered his basement on Thanksgiving Day, Smith didn’t flee. He didn’t call 911. He waited — armed, recording, and ready. What followed would leave a community divided, a jury horrified, and America asking where the line lies between self-defense and premeditated vengeance. Was this a man pushed to the brink by repeated victimization? Or a calculating killer who used fear as justification for an ambush? The answers — and the tape — tell a story far darker than a simple burglary gone wrong. 🎧 Listen now For reporting that respects victims, examines motive, and never looks away from the truth — even when it’s unsettling. 🕯️ From the Evio Creative Network • The Devil Within — possession, obsession, and true crime in the shadows • The Devil’s Ledger — the strangest story you’ll hear this week • The Ides of April — immersive historical storytelling by candlelight • Taboo Treasures — forbidden history & cultural archaeology Follow: @eviocreative • @thedevilwithinpod 🛠️ Sponsor Support Support the partners who keep investigative storytelling alive: • Quince — elevated essentials without luxury mark-ups 👉 quince.com/MISCHIEF for free shipping & 365-day returns • Mint Mobile — premium wireless for just $15/month 👉 mintmobile.com/DEVILWITHIN • ExpressVPN — protect your data and browse privately 👉 expressvpn.com/DEVILWITHIN for up to four months free • MOOD — legal THC & CBD shipped straight to your door 👉 mood.com/DEVILWITHIN for 20% off your first order • Ollie Dog Food — fresh, human-grade nutrition for your dog 👉 ollie.com/IDES for 60% off your first box • Monarch — the most powerful personal finance app 👉 monarch.com/IDES for 50% off your first year 📢 Rate & Review If you appreciate thoughtful true crime that centers humanity over hype, leave a rating and review — it helps more listeners discover Criminal Mischief. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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EP | 157 FEAR
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