The Boy in the Walls: The Daniel LaPlante Story |

In 1986, a Massachusetts family discovered someone had been living inside their walls for months—watching them, eating their food, listening to every word. But the nightmare was just beginning. This is the true story of Daniel LaPlante, the boy in the walls.⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of violence, murder, and harm to children. Listener discretion advised.🎧 The Dark Folio is your creepy little coffee break—15 minutes of true crime, hauntings, and dark folklore.Featured in this episode: • The haunting of the Bowen family home in Pepperell, MA • How a rejected teenager became a home invader • The tragic Gustafson family murders • One of Massachusetts' largest manhunts • Where Daniel LaPlante is today📱 Follow The Dark Folio for more stories from the shadows 💬 Have your own unexplained encounter? Reach out—your story could be featured! Email: [email protected]#TrueCrime #DanielLaPlante #TheBoyInTheWalls #Massachusetts #TrueCrimeStory #TheDarkFolio #CreepyStories #UnsolvedMysteries #TrueCrimePodcast #DarkHistorySupport The Dark FolioIf you enjoy these deep dives into the strange and unexplained:⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts📱 Follow us on Youtube and on Facebook under The Dark Folio💬 Share your own unexplained encountersCreditsHost & Producer: MayResearch & Writing: MayMusic: zapsplatLegal DisclaimerThis podcast is for entertainment and educational purposes. All information presented is based on publicly available sources and court records. The views expressed are those of the host and do not constitute legal advice. We strive for accuracy but cannot guarantee the completeness of all information.The Dark Folio - Your creepy little coffee breakPop Culture & Media CoverageThis case has been featured in:Investigation Discovery - "The Real Murders on Elm Street" (2024) - Episode: "Killer in the Walls"Investigation Discovery - "Phrogging: Hider in My House" Season 1, Episode 2Investigation Discovery - "Your Worst Nightmare" (2015)Lifetime Movie - "Boy in the Walls" (2023) - Fictionalized thriller inspired by the casePodcasts:MrBallen (2020)True Crime All the Time (October 2020)True Crime New England - Episode 140Horrifying History (January 2025)Killer Queens PodcastSources & ReferencesThe Boston Globe - Original 1987-1988 coverage of the crimes and trialLowell Sun - Contemporary reporting on the Gustafson murdersTelegram & Gazette (Worcester) - Coverage of 2017 parole hearingCommonwealth v. LaPlante, 401 Mass. 470 (1988) - Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court decisionMiddlesex County Superior Court Records - Trial transcripts and sentencingInvestigation Discovery - "The Real Murders on Elm Street" (2024)MrBallen YouTube Channel - "The Boy Who Lived in the Walls" (2020)True Crime All the Time Podcast - Episode on Daniel LaPlante (October 2020)"The Boy Who Lived in the Walls" - Various true crime compilationsBoston Magazine - Feature articles on the caseMassachusetts Department of Correction - Inmate records (public information)Townsend Historical Society - Local historical contextFind A Grave Memorial - Gustafson family memorial pageCourt TV/TruTV Archives - Case coverage"Teen Accused of Triple Slaying Found Hiding in Dumpster" - Associated Press (1987)"LaPlante Gets Three Life Terms" - Lowell Sun (1988)"Killer Seeks Parole 30 Years After Murdering Pregnant Mother, 2 Kids" - Boston Herald (2017)"Judge Denies Parole for Daniel LaPlante" - Lowell Sun (2017)