Ep. 34: The Man from the Train

Send us Fan MailA quaint blunder sets the stage for our latest foray - not into the culinary world, but into the shadows of early 20th-century unsolved crimes that gripped the nation. With the wit and wisdom of our special guest, Junior Wanderer Kaylyn, we traverse the more sinister topic of axe murders that left a chilling mark on American history. Together, we swap tales of thrifty book hunts, the sense of intimacy found within the pages of our favorite reads, and our collective, grim fascination with true crime sagas, warming you up for the deep, dark dive that awaits.As the conversation takes a turn, we invite you to peer into the spine-tingling narrative of "the man from the train." Kaylyn’s fresh perspectives amplify our exploration of Bill James and Rachel McCarthy James' compelling work, as we scrutinize a series of eerie, interconnected family massacres. The wrongful conviction of Ray Pfanschmidt serves as a haunting backdrop, exemplifying the era's tragic mishandling of justice. We journey alongside a shadowy figure whose murderous spree seemed to follow the iron tracks, dissecting the harrowing evidence and theories that may finally bring closure to these long-forgotten cases.Our episode concludes with a poignant remembrance of the lives tragically cut short by these brutal crimes, from the Showman family in Kansas to the potential link with the notorious Lizzie Borden. We painstakingly piece together the complex puzzle that questions whether an itinerant killer, with a penchant for train travel and arson, could connect these disparate threads. Kaylyn’s contributions leave us with a rich tapestry of past and present, fear and fascination, as we ponder the chilling legacy of these unsolved mysteries. Join us for a gripping journey through the haunting annals of true crime history, where every detail might lead to a revelation, and every story echoes with the voices of the past.Show Notes:THE MAN FROM THE TRAINTHE SOLVING OF A CENTURY-OLD SERIAL KILLER MYSTERYBILL JAMES and RACHEL MCCARTHY JAMES Support the showIf you'd like to show your support for Wicked Wanderings and join our community of dedicated listeners, you can start contributing for as little as $3 a month. Your support helps us continue to explore the darkest and most intriguing mysteries, bringing you captivating stories from the world of true crime and the unexplained. Click the link to become a valued member of our podcast family.Don't forget to rate, review, and follow us on your favorite streaming platform.Wicked Wanderings WebsiteLinktreeInstagramWe'd love to hear from you! Email us @ [email protected] Us @ CLICK HEREWicked Wanderings is hosted by Hannah & Courtney and it's produced by Rob Fitzpatrick. Music by Sascha Ende. Wicked Wanderings is a Production of Studio 113