Skip to content
The Circleville Letters episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 5, 2026 · 1H 59M

The Circleville Letters

from Monstrous

In a small town nestled in Ohio, a series of poison pen letters unleashed chaos and fear that would linger for decades. The Circleville letters represent a dark chapter in American history, showcasing the lengths one individual would go to in order to destroy lives and reputations. This week we delve into the harrowing story behind this campaign of terror, the psychological motivations of the writer, and the tragic consequences that followed. The Circleville letters, a notorious case of anonymous harassment that spanned decades, targeting a community and leading to tragic outcomes. We explore the psychological profile of the perpetrator, the nature of the letters, the community's response, and the failures of the investigation that allowed the writer to remain anonymous. We also highlight the profound impact of the letters on the victims and the community, as well as the tragic consequences that ensued from the investigation's shortcomings. Carrie and MawMaw delve into the mysterious death of Ron Gillespie, the subsequent investigation, and the ongoing terror campaign represented by the Circleville letters. They explore the suspicious circumstances surrounding Gillespie's death, the failures of the sheriff's department, and the wrongful conviction of Paul Freshour. Lastly they highlight the political motivations behind the investigation, the mishandling of forensic evidence, and the chilling threats faced by Mary Gillespie. Ultimately, they raise questions about justice, accountability, and the enduring legacy of the Circleville letters.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jan 5, 2026

Embed this episode

Ready to play

The Circleville Letters

0:00 1:59:12

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.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Monstrous?

This episode is 1 hour and 59 minutes long.

When was this Monstrous episode published?

This episode was published on January 5, 2026.

Is there a transcript available for this episode?

Yes, a full transcript is available for this episode. You can read the complete transcript on the episode page.

Can I download this Monstrous episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!