Episode 15: The Murder of Helle Crafts ("The Woodchipper Murder") episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 20, 2025 · 40 MIN

Episode 15: The Murder of Helle Crafts ("The Woodchipper Murder")

from Suspects & Spirits

In 1986, flight attendant Helle Crafts disappeared without a trace. What followed was a murder case so grisly it later inspired a scene in the movie, Fargo. This week on Suspects & Spirits, we uncover the chilling story of the “Woodchipper Murder” — from Helle’s last days to the evidence that shocked the world.Got a story to tell? Send it in for the next episode of Boo's Clues!And help spread the word! Share the podcast with your true crime coven of friends and family or your paranormal pals.Website: https://www.suspectsandspirits.com/Follow the podcast on IG, Facebook, and TikTokIG: suspectsandspiritspodcastFaceboook: Suspects & Spirits PodcastTikTok: suspectsandspiritspodSources:Forensic Files, Season 1, Episode 1: “The Disappearance of Helle Crafts” (aired April 23 1996).https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/january-13/green-beret-indicted-for-murderhttps://medium.com/lessons-from-history/the-woodchipper-murder-33c33886bdd2https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Helle_Craftshttps://www.newtownbee.com/01302020/richard-crafts-moved-to-homeless-shelter-for-veterans/https://apnews.com/article/c2e45b219ffd2be189a01c5f2ef6fabdhttps://www.mrpalermo.com/uploads/9/8/9/6/9896107/woodchipper_case_study.pdfhttps://forensicfiles.fandom.com/wiki/The_Disappearance_of_Helle_Craftshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FxascBirfQhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khk0bsN_MA8

In 1986, flight attendant Helle Crafts disappeared without a trace. What followed was a murder case so grisly it later inspired a scene in the movie, Fargo. This week on Suspects & Spirits, we uncover the chilling story of the “Woodchipper Murder” — from Helle’s last days to the evidence that shocked the world. Got a story to tell? Send it in for the next episode of Boo's Clues! And help spread the word! Share the podcast with your true crime coven of friends and family or your paranormal pals. Website: https://www.suspectsandspirits.com/ Follow the podcast on IG, Facebook, and TikTok IG: suspectsandspiritspodcast Faceboook: Suspects & Spirits Podcast TikTok: suspectsandspiritspod Sources: Forensic Files, Season 1, Episode 1: “The Disappearance of Helle Crafts” (aired April 23 1996). https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/january-13/green-beret-indicted-for-murder https://medium.com/lessons-from-history/the-woodchipper-murder-33c33886bdd2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Helle_Crafts https://www.newtownbee.com/01302020/richard-crafts-moved-to-homeless-shelter-for-veterans/ https://apnews.com/article/c2e45b219ffd2be189a01c5f2ef6fabd https://www.mrpalermo.com/uploads/9/8/9/6/9896107/woodchipper_case_study.pdf https://forensicfiles.fandom.com/wiki/The_Disappearance_of_Helle_Crafts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FxascBirfQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khk0bsN_MA8

NOW PLAYING

Episode 15: The Murder of Helle Crafts ("The Woodchipper Murder")

0:00 40:36

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Chinook Realm Religion and crime collide when a gruesome murder rocks the isolated community of Chinook, Montana. Local Deputy Ruth Vogel thought she was answering a routine animal control call, only to find a mangled corpse on the frozen embankment. Her small town is whipped into a frenzy and everyone is quick to point their fingers at a drug-addicted teenager, but Ruth suspects connections to a powerful religious group. Enter Agent Loro, an enigmatic FBI investigator tracking an evangelical cult that may have roots right here in Chinook. Loro and Ruth form a cautious partnership to find the killer—but as the mystery winds through Ruth’s life, her family, and her church, she’ll discover something more sinister than murder is afoot.Binge all episodes of Chinook exclusively and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by wondery.com/links/chinook v Explicit Paranormal-Spirits Mike Black Come get your Boos on with the crew from Paranormal-Spirits. Are you ready to get spooked and sloshed at the same time? Then grab a drink and join three hilarious friends, who also happen to be true believers in the paranormal, as they delve into the world of the supernatural in "Paranormal-Spirits"! Booze, Boos and My Favorite Boos! These three night stalkers have all had their own terrifying encounters with the unknown and are not afraid to share their stories. In fact, they've even conducted their own paranormal investigations and have captured some truly hair-raising evidence that they can't wait to share with you.But it's not all serious business – these three love to have a good time. Join them for a drink of the day while scare you with their own ghostly experiences. They'll share their creepy cocktails and horror movie reviews and shocking stories that will have you screaming...with laughter or fear!And if you're into keeping up with the latest in paranormal events, they've Explicit Grand Ramblings Hilary Smith & Shelby Tieche Shelby and Hilary are two best friends and kindred spirits who love to discuss the good, the bad, and the downright weird. Join them every week for 30+ minutes of chit-chat about life's little oddities. Lots of laughs, drinking, and breaking out into song is guaranteed. Explicit Beer, Bourbon and Balderdash Beer, Bourbon and Balderdash Good Spirits and Great Conversations! Cheers! Explicit

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Suspects & Spirits?

This episode is 40 minutes long.

When was this Suspects & Spirits episode published?

This episode was published on August 20, 2025.

What is this episode about?

In 1986, flight attendant Helle Crafts disappeared without a trace. What followed was a murder case so grisly it later inspired a scene in the movie, Fargo. This week on Suspects & Spirits, we uncover the chilling story of the “Woodchipper Murder” —...

Can I download this Suspects & Spirits episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!