Criminal, Interrupted

In Part One, we spoke about the path that led Diane Downs to the night of May 19th, 1983 , from her strict and turbulent upbringing, to the birth of her three children, to the shooting that left one dead and two fighting for their lives. We spoke about her arrival at McKenzie‑Willamette Hospital and the early steps investigators took as they tried to make sense of what she claimed had happened on Old Mohawk Road. By the end of that night, detectives had their first look at Diane’s version of events, and their first quiet doubts. Part Two picks up from that point. This episode follows the unraveling of Diane’s story, the mounting evidence against her, and the courtroom battle that would ultimately determine her fate. If you haven’t done so already, please listen to Part one of the Diane Downs Case.Content Warning:This episode discusses the death of children, viewer discretion is advised.References:Diane Downs: Her Children Got in the Way of Her Love by Joseph GeringerWorld's Most Evil Killers - Diane DownsInside Edition - The True Story of Diane Downs: How a Mother Shot Her 3 Kids for Her LoverYoutube Dreading - When a Mother Kills Her Children: The Case of Diane Downs

In May 1983, a young mother named Diane Downs rushed into an Oregon hospital with a story that seemed like a parent's worst nightmare. She claimed a stranger had stopped her on a rural road and opened fire on her three kids. By the time they reached the ER, one child was gone, and the other two were fighting for every breath.This episode will be in two parts due to the length of information. If you enjoy these episodes, I encourage you to follow or subscribe to Criminal, Interrupted on your favourite podcast app. As I’ve mentioned before, I'm currently focusing on this podcast full-time due to a heart condition, so every follow and review makes a huge difference. Thank you for listening, and for your incredible support.Diane Downs: Her Children Got in the Way of Her Love by Joseph GeringerWorld's Most Evil Killers - Diane DownsInside Edition - The True Story of Diane Downs: How a Mother Shot Her 3 Kids for Her LoverYoutube Dreading - When a Mother Kills Her Children: The Case of Diane Downs

This episode examines the fatal 2026 attack on Ian Huntley inside HMP Frankland and the identification of Anthony Russell as the inmate charged with his murder. I outline the events leading to Huntley’s death, Russell’s criminal history, and the public reaction that followed. Note: This isn’t a long episode as there isn’t much information out there regarding Anthony Russell.Content Warning:This episode contains factual discussion of murder, child abuse, sexual violence, and assaults on vulnerable individuals.References:​Wikipedia: Anthony Russell​Wikipedia: Soham Murders​Youtube: Truly Criminal - Anthony Russell: The Killer of Ian Huntley​The Independent: Inmate appears in court charged with murder of Soham killer Ian Huntley​ITV News: Timeline into Anthony Russell's seven days of murders in Coventry and Leamington​Podcast: Criminal, Interrupted - The Soham Murders: Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman

On March 26th, 2018, a family SUV was found at the base of a cliff on California’s Highway 1. At first it looked like a tragic accident , a road trip gone wrong. But investigators quickly realized there were no skid marks, no signs of braking, and all six Hart children were missing. What followed was the unraveling of a carefully crafted public image, revealing years of overlooked warning signs, systemic failures, and a deliberate act that shocked the nation.Content Warning:This episode includes descriptions of child abuse, neglect, and the deaths of minors.

In the early 1960s, Sydney was a vibrant city, unaware that a predator was moving quietly through its streets. Between 1961 and 1962, five men would fall victim to a killer whose brutality shocked Australia and left investigators scrambling for answers. His name was William Macdonald, an English migrant who blended into the city by day and hunted its most vulnerable by night.Known later as “The Mutilator", Macdonald became one of Australia’s earliest recognised serial killers, targeting men he lured with alcohol before attacking them with sudden, frenzied violence. His crimes unfolded across familiar Sydney locations, Darlinghurst, Moore Park, the Domain, turning ordinary public spaces into scenes of horror.In today’s episode, we explore the life and crimes of William Macdonald, a killer whose brutality left a lasting mark on Australia.Australia’s Most Feared Serial Killer William MacDonaldCORONERS COURT OF NEW SOUTH WALES - William MacDonaldMurders Most Foul - William MacDonald “The Mutilator,” Sydney’s Most Disturbed Serial Killer.The Daily Telegraph - The Mutilator dead at 90: William MacDonald, who cut off victims’ genitalia, was NSW’s longest-serving prisonerThe Serial Killer Podcast - William MacDonald | William The Mutilator MacDonald - Part 1 & 2

On 11 May 2012, a house fire on Victory Road in Derby, England, resulted in the deaths of six children from the same family: Duwayne, Jade, John, Jack, Jesse, and Jayden Philpott. The incident initially appeared to be a tragic accident, but within days, the investigation shifted focus to the children’s parents, Mick and Mairead Philpott.R v Philpott, Philpott and Mosley Sentencing RemarksThe Guardian - Mick and Mairead Philpott convicted of manslaughter over Derby house fireYahoo News - Killer dad Mick Philpott 'in a bad way' after being 'attacked in prison'BBC.news - https://www.bbc.com/news/special/panels/13/apr/philpott/inc/half_wide/panel.inc?utm_source=copilot.com

In August 2018, the disappearance of Shanann Watts and her two young daughters captured the attention of the world. What began as a missing‑persons case in a quiet Colorado suburb quickly unraveled into one of the most shocking family tragedies in recent history.Content Warning:This episode contains detailed discussion of homicide, child harm, and emotionally distressing material. Listener discretion is strongly advised.References:Burden of Proof Podcast: Chris Watts Deep DiveCrime Vault Youtube: Chris Watts Interview Dreading (crime and psychology) Youtube: Chris Watts SeriesABC11: Shannon Watts' mother speaks at sentencing Wikipedia: Watts Family MurdersPeople.com - Where Is Chris Watts Now? Inside His Life in Prison 7 Years After Murdering His Wife and KidsNetflix - American murder: The Family Next Door

In the winter of 1987, in the quiet rural stretch of Pope County, Arkansas, a man named Ronald Gene Simmons committed one of the most devastating crimes in American history. Over the course of three days, he murdered sixteen people, fourteen of them his own family. It was a crime so calculated, so intimate, and so incomprehensible that even today, decades later, investigators, psychologists, and surviving relatives still struggle with the same question: Why?Content Warning: This episodes discusses murder of children, gun violence and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.References:Wikipedia: Ronald Gene SimmonsThe Devil of Pope County: America's Worst Family Massacre (Podcast Series)True Crime All The Time Podcast - Ronald Gene SimmonsNew York Times, Mass Slayer Abused Wife, Got Daughter Pregnant, In-Laws SayTHE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES - 88-7146, 01-10-1990Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts (.gov) https://www.tncourts.gov › sites › default › filesSimmons v. State, No. CR 89-45.Franz v. State, No. CR 88-76.Ronald Gene Simmons (1940–1990), Encyclopedia of Arkansas

In February 2000, the quiet town of Aberdeen, New South Wales, became the centre of one of Australia’s most shocking criminal cases. Katherine Knight , a former abattoir worker with a long history of violence in her relationships , murdered her partner, 44‑year‑old John Price, stabbing him at least 37 times during a final escalation of domestic conflict. What followed stunned even seasoned investigators: Knight mutilated Price after his death, actions that would ultimately make her the first woman in Australian history to receive a life sentence with no possibility of parole.Content Warning:This episode contains descriptions of extreme domestic violence, psychological abuse, and graphic criminal acts. Please take care of yourself, and feel free to step away at any time.References:Wikipedia - Katherine KnightCase File Podcast - Katherine KnightThe Casual Criminalist Podcast - Katherine Knight: Australia's Hannibal LecterCrimes that Shook Australia - Katherine Mary KnightMurderpedia - Katherine Knight

Between 2002 and 2004, three young women vanished from the streets of Cleveland, Ohio. Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry, and Gina DeJesus, each taken while walking alone, each disappearing without a trace. For over a decade, their families searched, their communities mourned, and their names became symbols of unanswered questions.The man responsible was Ariel Castro, a school bus driver who lived at 2207 Seymour Avenue in Cleveland’s Tremont neighbourhood. Behind the doors of his seemingly ordinary home, he concealed a nightmare. For years, Castro held Michelle, Amanda, and Gina captive, subjecting them to unimaginable suffering.Ariel Castro kidnappings"We're doing great" 10 years after Cleveland escapeCleveland abductor Ariel CastroKevin Sullivan, Amanda Berry, Mary Jordan, Gina DeJesus - Michelle Burford and Michelle Knight -

This unfortunately had to be uploaded due to audio issues.I hope you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving with your loved ones.It's a day typically associated with family, gratitude, and coming together. But tragically, for one particular family in Jupiter, Florida, a Thanksgiving gathering back in 2009 turned into an absolute nightmare.Paul Michael Merhige, a man invited to share in the holiday meal, instead unleashed unimaginable violence. By the end of the night, four family members were dead, including his six-year-old cousin Makayla, and his pregnant sister Lisa.Content Warning:This episode details murder and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.References:Hotel owners receive $100,000 reward for turning in Thanksgiving Day murder suspectSouth Florida News: Thanksgiving Killer's Parents Sued By Former Son-In-LawParents Cleared on Son's Thanksgiving MurdersCNN News: Man admits murdering 4 relatives on Thanksgiving, gets life in prisonMortal Musings Podcast: Paul Michael Merhige & The Thanksgiving MurdersBurden of Proof Podcast: Paul Michael Merhige, The Unwelcome Guest

In August 2002, the quiet, safe town of Soham, England, turned into ground zero for a national tragedy. Best friends Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, both ten years old, vanished while walking home from a barbecue in their matching football shirts. What followed was a massive search operation, fueled by desperate hope and gut-wrenching appeals.Content Warning:This episode discusses the kidnapping and murder of two children, Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman. We will be covering sensitive topics including child homicide, psychological trauma, and sexual predation. Listener discretion is strongly advised, especially for younger or sensitive listeners. Please take care while listening.References:Wikipedia - Soham MurdersBang to Rights Podcast - The Soham Murders - Ian Huntley and Maxine CarrMonstropedia - Ian HuntleyI Could Murder a Podcast.- The Soham Murders: Ian HuntleyTruly Criminal YouTube - The Soham Murders: Holly Wells & Jessica ChapmanThe Independant -Soham murders 20th anniversary: What happened to killer Ian Huntley and families of girls he killedVirtual College - Public Inquiry: Holly Wells and Jessica ChapmanThe Scottish Farmer - Where is Maxine Carr now? The ex-girlfriend of Ian HuntleyMirror - Ian Huntley moans he’s ‘being picked on’ as prison officers seize items from cellCriminal Justice Inspectorates - A REPORT ON THE INVESTIGATION BYCAMBRIDGESHIRE CONSTABULARY INTOTHE MURDERS OF JESSICA CHAPMAN ANDHOLLY WELLS AT SOHAM ON 4 AUGUST 2002

Today, we're going to delve into one of the most chilling cases of transnational child sexual abuse ever uncovered in the UK, the case of Richard Huckle.Huckle presented himself as a caring, friendly, and dedicated teacher, moving freely between the UK and Southeast Asia. Yet, behind this carefully constructed facade was a prolific and calculated predator who used his position and the internet to commit unspeakable crimes against vulnerable children.Content Warning:I must issue a very strong content warning. The content of this episode deals explicitly with themes of child sexual abuse, exploitation, and abuse material.R v Fitzgerald - sentencing remarksCase Number 72 Podcast: Richard Huckle, Britain’s Worst PedophileWho was Richard Huckle?Lights Out Podcast - Richard Huckle: Britain's Worst Pedophile RedHanded Podcast - Richard Huckle: Britain's Worst PedophileThe Guardian - Paedophile Richard Huckle 'murdered' in prisonSharon Wilsona, Lim Shiang Shiangb and Yap Hui Shanc - Media’s Framing of The Richard Huckle Case: Unveiling Media Portrayals of Sexual Violence in Malaysia.

On June 2nd, 2018, students at the Oregon Culinary Institute walked into class expecting to see their instructor, Chef Dan Brophy, ready to greet them. Instead, they found him lying on the kitchen floor, shot dead. What began as a shocking tragedy quickly unraveled into one of the most bizarre true crime cases in recent memory.Nancy Crampton Brophy biographyCourt TV - OR v. BROPHY (2022)A&E - The Nancy Brophy Story: Killing a Husband Goes From Fiction to RealityWondery Podcast - Happily Never After: Dan and NancyOxygen True Crime - Novelist Wrote “How to Murder Your Husband,” Then Her Spouse Was Ruthlessly Gunned DownThe Guardian - How to Murder Your Husband writer found guilty of murdering husbandDreading True Crime Youtube Channel - True Crime Romance Writer Kills Her Husband | The Case of Dan Brophy, True Crime Romance Writer Kills Her Husband | The Case of Dan BrophyApple Podcast - Forensic Tales: Nancy Brophy Part 1 & 2

The American family tragedy started in 1972 with a kidnapping that shocked the nation. For seven years, the Stayners lived a nightmare until Steven Stayner returned home a hero. But that same trauma consumed his older brother, Cary Stayner, who felt profoundly neglected in the shadow of the media spotlight.In this episode of Criminal, Interrupted, we trace the devastating connection between a child's rescue and a serial killer's rise. From the manipulation of Kenneth Parnell to the brutal, calculated murders of Carole Sund, Juli Sund, Silvina Pelosso, and Joie Armstrong.Content Warning:This episode details murder, sexual descriptions and child abduction. Listener discretion is advised. References:Wikipedia: Cary StaynerWikipedia: Steven StaynerWikipedia: Kenneth ParnellYouTube: This Is Monsters - The Story of Cary StaynerYouTube: TrueLives - The Serial Killer Who Attacked Yosemite Park TouristsYouTube: Truly Criminal - The Yosemite Park MurdersThe Modesto Bee: Stayner SentencedThe Modesto Bee: Waiting Out Death PenaltyThe San Francisco Chronicle: The Case of a Lifetime (Part 1 & 2)

In the 1990s, neighbourhoods were playgrounds, and the front door was rarely locked. But in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1998, that innocence was violently murdered. When eight-year-old Maddie Clifton vanished after going to play, a frantic search began, completely unaware that the answer, and the killer, was right across the street. This is the story of Joshua Phillips, the seemingly normal 14-year-old neighbour who concealed Maddie's body under his waterbed for six days.Content Warning:This episode contains descriptions of the murder of a child. Listener discretion is strongly advised.References:Phillips v. State, 807 So. 2d 713 (Fla. 2d DCA 2002)CBS News ("The Search For Maddie" and "Behind The Facade")Wikipedia (Josh Phillips, murderer)Truly Criminal Youtube (The Tragic Case of Maddie Clifton)

In 1989, Lyle and Erik Menendez killed their wealthy parents in a Beverly Hills mansion, shocking the world with their immediate, lavish post-murder spending. Was it the cold-blooded pursuit of a multi-million dollar inheritance, or the desperate final act of self-defense against years of unimaginable familial abuse?Content Warning:This episode discusses sexual abuse, child abuse, and murder. Listener discretion is advised.References:Wikipedia: Lyle and Erik MenendezCBS News: Inside the story of the notorious Menendez brothers caseBiography Host: Kitty Menendez | BiographyPeople News: Who Were the Menendez Brothers’ Parents? Inside the Lives of José and Kitty Menendez Before Their 1989 MurdersBritannica: Menendez brothersCourt TV Podcast: Murder & The Menendez BrothersThe Casual Criminalist: Innocent or Guilty?

Ian Watkins was once the celebrated frontman of Lostprophets, a band that sold millions of records and commanded stages around the world. But behind the fame was a predator whose crimes shocked even seasoned investigators. In this episode, we trace Watkins’ rise to stardom, his descent into drug abuse and manipulation, and the police investigation that uncovered some of the most disturbing offences in modern British criminal history. We also examine the role of his accomplices, the devastating impact on survivors, and the aftermath of his sentencing and death in prison. Content Warning:This episode discusses child sexual abuse, exploitation, and systemic negligence. Please listen with care, and take breaks if you need to. If this subject matter feels overwhelming, it may be best to skip this episode.References:Wikipedia - Ian Watkins (Lostprophets singer)Sentencing Remarks - THE QUEEN - v - IAN WATKINS AND B AND PMathrubhumi.com - Paedophilia, pornography, sex crimes: Inside the monstrous life and death of Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins Emma Kenny Podcast - Dark Secrets of Rock: Ian Watkins and the Fall of Lostprophets Wikipedia -COPINE Scale

Richard Chase  was an American serial killer, cannibal and necrophile who killed six people in Sacramento, California, between December 1977 and January 1978.  Chase became known as ‘The Vampire of Sacramento,’ a name born from the horror of his crimes. Content Warning:This episode contains descriptions of extreme violence, including murder, sexual assault, and crimes involving children and animals. These details are deeply disturbing, and while I will avoid sensationalism, the facts themselves are difficult to hear. Please take care of yourself while listening, and step away if you need to. The victims deserve to be remembered, but your wellbeing matters too.Wikipedia - Richard Chase Crime Museum - “Dracula Killer” murders four peopleCriminal Minds Wiki - Richard ChaseTrue Lives Youtube - Richard Chase: The Vampire Of Sacramento (Born To Kill) | Our LifeExplore With Us Youtube - He Hunted His Victims Down To Turn Them Into Smoothies: The Dark Case of Richard Chase

When a Florida man won $30 million, he thought it would bring freedom. Instead, it brought lawsuits, manipulation, and betrayal. This episode traces how Abraham Shakespeare’s generosity made him a target , and how the woman who promised to protect him became the one who silenced him.References:Wikipedia – Murder of Abraham Shakespeare Murderpedia – Dorice “Dee Dee” Moore Tampa Bay Times archives The Cinemaholic – “Where is Dee Dee Moore Now?” Moviedelic – Profiles of Abraham Shakespeare and familySTAYAWAKE Youtube Channel - The Psychology of A Pathological Liar

When police searched Ed Gein’s farmhouse in 1957, they uncovered a scene that defied belief. This episode documents the crimes, the investigation, and the media frenzy that followed. Content Warning: Contains graphic descriptions of crime scene evidence, including human remains and postmortem mutilation. Please listen with care.References:Edward Theodore Gein - "American Psycho" - https://maamodt.asp.radford.edu/psyc%20405/serial%20killers/gein,%20ed.pdfHarold Schechter, Deviant: The Shocking True Story of Ed GeinThe Cinemaholic – “How Ed Gein Was Caught” MSN News – “The Ed Gein Story: The Truth About the Notorious Serial Killer’s Gruesome Mask”Professor Graeme Yorston - Ed Gein - The Mind of a Monster | True Crime Documentary

Judith Barsi lit up screens in the 1980s, but her life at home was marked by terror. In this episode, we explore the heartbreaking reality behind her success: the domestic violence that shaped her final years, the warning signs that were missed, and the legacy she left behind. References:Los Angeles Times, July 1988 coverage of Judith Barsi’s death and careerKaleena Fraga, “Inside Judith Barsi’s Tragic Death At The Hands Of Her Own Father,” All That’s Interesting, 2022Maddie Garfinkle, “How Did Judith Barsi Die?” People, 2024Jennifer Tisdale, “Why Did Judith Barsi’s Father Kill Her?” Distractify, 2024Wikipedia: Judith Barsi Eleanor Neale - The Tragic Murder of Child Star Judith Barsi

In November 2010, what looked like a violent home invasion in Markham, Ontario, was revealed to be something far darker: a murder‑for‑hire plot orchestrated by Jennifer Pan against her own parents. References:Karen K. Ho, “Jennifer Pan’s Revenge,” Toronto Life (2015)Canadian Lawyer, “SCC upholds decision to overturn first-degree murder conviction for Jennifer Pan” (2025)Wikipedia, “Murder of Bich Pan”A&E True Crime, “Why Did Jennifer Pan Orchestrate a Plot to Murder Her Parents?” (2025)Harper’s Bazaar Australia, “True Story of What Jennifer Did: What Did Jennifer Pan Do?” (2024)Netflix Documentary: What Jennifer DidJCS Criminal Psychology Youtube: Jennifers Solution

On September 8th, 2025, LAPD discovered the body of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez in a Tesla registered to singer D4vd. She had been missing for over a year. In this episode, we break down the facts released so far, from the timeline of her disappearance to the ongoing investigation.Content Warning:This episode contains discussion of death and violence involving a minor. Listener discretion is advised.References:The Nightly – Celeste Rivas Hernandez: Family of teen found dead in singer D4vd’s Tesla breaks silenceNews18 – Singer David Burke, Aka D4vd, Cooperating With Cops After Teen Girl’s Dead Body Was Found In His TeslaABC News – Body found in towed Tesla registered to singer D4vd identified as 15-year-old girlE! News / MSN – D4vd Case: Family of 15-Year-Old Girl Found Dead in Tesla Speaks OutAl Jazeera – Who was Celeste Rivas, the missing teen found dead in singer D4vd’s Tesla?

Madeline Soto was reported missing in February 2024. What followed was a devastating investigation that revealed years of abuse hidden in plain sight. This video honours her memory, outlines the facts of the case, and calls for greater awareness and accountability.Content Warning: This video discusses the disappearance and murder of 13-year-old Madeline Soto, including references to murder and child abuse. Viewer discretion is advised.References:ClickOrlando – Full Timeline of the Madeline Soto CasePeople Magazine – What Happened to Madeline SotoLaw&Crime – Stephan Sterns’ Arrest and ChargesWikipedia – Murder of Madeline SotoThatChapter - The Disturbing Case of Madeline Soto

In this emotionally charged episode, we explore the heartbreaking case of 9-year-old Elizabeth Olten, whose life was stolen by someone she trusted, 15-year-old neighbour Alyssa Bustamante. Through detailed research and careful storytelling, we trace Elizabeth’s background, the day she disappeared, the search efforts, and the chilling confession that followed. We examine Alyssa’s troubled upbringing, her psychological state, and the legal proceedings that sparked national debate about juvenile justice.Content WarningThis episode contains detailed discussion of child murder, mental illness, self-harm, and juvenile violence. Listener discretion is strongly advised. Please take care while listening.References and SourcesCourt documents and sentencing records released via Missouri’s open-records laws and covered by the Associated Press.Explore With Us - Youtube ChannelDreading - Youtube ChannelKRCGTV - Secretly filed court documents surface surrounding Bustamante murder case

In this episode, we explore one of Russia’s most haunting criminal cases, not of murder, but of grave desecration. Anatoly Moskvin, a respected linguist and historian, exhumed the bodies of 29 girls and young women, preserving them in his apartment as life-sized dolls. Content Warning:This episode contains sensitive content involving child victims and grave desecration. Listener discretion is advised.References: Wikipedia - Anatoly MoskvinThe Line-Up - Anatoly Moskvin, The Corpse Doll Collector All That’s Interesting - Anatoly Moskvin, The Man Who Mummified And Collected Dead Girls – I Could Murder a Podcast - The Mummy KingEvil Among Us - The man who lived with corpses - The horrific crimes of Anatoly Moskvin

In this episode, we examine the chilling case of Christopher Coleman, a man who murdered his wife Sheri and their two young sons, Garett and Gavin, in a calculated attempt to protect an extramarital affair and preserve his public image. Content WarningThis episode includes in-depth discussion of homicide, including the deaths of children. Listener discretion is strongly advised. ReferencesYEN News – Case overview and updatesCBS News – Trial and convictionTuko – Timeline and backgroundCrime Junkie – “MURDERED: The Coleman Family”

Between 1971 and 1972, six young Black girls were abducted and murdered in Washington, D.C. Their bodies were found along or near the Anacostia Freeway. The press called the killer the “Freeway Phantom.” More than fifty years later, the case remains unsolved. This podcast revisits the investigation, the lives of the victims, and the questions that still haunt their families and community.Content Warning: This podcast discusses the abduction, sexual assault, and murder of children, as well as themes of systemic racism and investigative failures. Listener discretion is advised.References:Freeway Phantom – Wikipedia The Disturbing Case of the Freeway Phantom – History Defined The Gruesome Murder Spree of the “Freeway Phantom”: D.C.’s First Serial Killer – Boundary Stones, WETA The Gruesome Murder Spree of the "Freeway Phantom": D.C.'s First Serial Killer - Boundary Stones

In 2014, two twelve-year-old girls from Waukesha, Wisconsin, Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier, lured their friend Payton Leutner into the woods and stabbed her nineteen times. Their motive? To appease Slenderman, a fictional internet entity they believed was real. This episode explores the psychological descent of Morgan and Anissa, the dynamics between the three girls, the planning and execution of the attack, and the long road of recovery for Payton. Through careful research and sensitive storytelling, we examine how myth, mental illness, and isolation collided in one of the most disturbing juvenile cases in modern history.Content WarningThis episode contains detailed discussion of violence involving minors, mental illness, attempted murder, and psychological trauma. Listener discretion is strongly advised.References & Sources UsedCourt documents and trial coverage from the Waukesha County Circuit CourtHBO Documentary: Beware the Slenderman (2016) – directed by Irene Taylor BrodskyABC News, CNN, BBC, and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporting on the case and trialInterrogation footage released by Waukesha Police DepartmentPsychological evaluations and expert testimony referenced in trial transcriptsPublic statements and interviews with Payton Leutner and her family, including her 2019 interview with 20/20Academic commentary on shared delusional disorder and juvenile schizophrenia (e.g., Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry)Archived creepypasta content and analysis of Slenderman’s origins from Something Awful and Know Your MemeWisconsin State Law regarding juvenile prosecution in adult court

Episode Description:  On October 1984, 20‑year‑old Southern Methodist University student Angela Samota was known for her bright smile, fearless spirit, and boundless energy. That all ended in the early hours of October 13, when she was found brutally murdered in her Dallas home. For over two decades, her case sat cold, until the persistence of her best friend, Sheila Wysocki, and the power of DNA testing finally revealed the truth.This episode takes you from Angela’s vibrant life and promising future through the harrowing night of her murder, the frustrating years of unanswered questions, and the remarkable fight for justice that followed. It’s a story about friendship, loss, and the unyielding determination of one woman who refused to let Angela’s name fade into a dusty case file.Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault and murder, including details that some listeners may find distressing. Listener discretion is advised.References:Wikipedia – Murder of Angela SamotaNDTV – Her Friend’s Brutal Murder Was Unsolved for Decades. This Is How She Helped Find the KillerThat’s Life! – How I Solved My Best Friend’s MurderThe Cinemaholic – Angela Samota Murder: Where Are Donald Bess and Ben McCall NowCatt’s True Crime Corner – The Murder of Angie Samota

Episode Description: Kathy Augustine was a trailblazer in Nevada politics, sharp, ambitious, and unafraid to challenge the status quo. But in July 2006, her life came to a sudden and suspicious end. Found unconscious in her Reno home, Kathy’s death was initially ruled a cardiac event. Yet beneath the surface lay a chilling truth: her husband, Chaz Higgs, a critical care nurse, had used his medical expertise to orchestrate a murder that left almost no trace.In this episode, we unravel the layers of Kathy’s life and death, from her rise in public office and turbulent marriage, to the calculated use of succinylcholine, a paralytic drug that silences the body while leaving the mind awake. We follow the investigation’s slow burn, the trial that exposed Higgs’s disturbing comments and online affairs, and the forensic detail that ultimately sealed his fate: a single puncture mark on Kathy’s body.This is not just a story of political scandal or medical betrayal. It’s a story of a woman whose strength was met with cruelty, and whose legacy deserves more than a headline.Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of death. Listener discretion is advised.References Used in Research:Wikipedia – Kathy AugustineLas Vegas Sun – “Court issues full opinion in Kathy Augustine murder”The Cinemaholic – “Kathy Augustine Murder: Where is Chaz Higgs Today?”George Pallas – “Unusual Poison Makes Mystery of a Murder”Gary C. King – An Almost Perfect Murder (True Crime Book)

In this episode, we delve into the chilling case of Sean Vincent Gillis, a serial killer who operated in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, between 1994 and 2004. Unlike the more publicly known offenders of the region, Gillis lurked in the shadows, his crimes marked by a disturbing blend of calculated violence and obsessive documentation. We explore the psychological underpinnings of his behaviour, the investigative breakthroughs that led to his arrest, and the lives of the women whose stories deserve to be told with dignity and care. This episode is not just about Gillis, it’s about the resilience of a community, the complexity of evil, and the importance of remembering victims beyond the headlines.Content Warning  This episode contains detailed discussion of violent crimes, including murder, mutilation, and postmortem abuse. Listener discretion is strongly advised, especially for those sensitive to themes involving graphic violence and psychological trauma. 

On Australia Day 1966, three siblings, Jane, Arnna, and Grant Beaumont, eft their home in Somerton Park for a short trip to Glenelg Beach. They never returned. What followed was the largest missing persons investigation in Australian history, a case that shattered the nation’s sense of safety and remains unsolved nearly six decades later. This episode contains discussions of child abduction and sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised. Please take care while listening.If you have any information, please visit the Crimes Stopper Australia page https://crimestopperssa.com.au/media-releases/the-mystery-disappearance-of-the-beaumont-children/References:7News: https://youtu.be/6phR-jFnx3g?si=xpe2Iv7LqtcU45adThe Times: https://www.thetimes.com/world/australasia/article/beaumont-children-missing-true-crime-3tfkjns66News.com: https://www.news.com.au/national/south-australia/search-for-missing-beaumont-children-called-off-after-failure-to-find-human-remains/news-story/978a918b97a9f9323b84f0e6a451d421

Amelia Dyer, the woman history remembers as the Reading Baby Farmer, preyed on society’s most vulnerable under the guise of care. In Victorian Britain, she turned the desperation of unwed mothers into profit, leaving a trail of innocent lives lost. This episode unravels the crimes, the trial, and the legacy of one of history’s most prolific killers.

In this episode we explore the extraordinary survival story of Alison Botha. In 1994, Alison was abducted, brutally attacked, and left for dead, but against all odds, she lived to tell her story.This episode walks through the events of that night, the unimaginable violence she endured, and the strength that carried her through recovery. Alison’s courage has inspired countless people around the world, and her story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of the human spirit.Content warning: This episode includes descriptions of extreme violence and trauma.

In this first episode of sophieimogene, we look into the heartbreaking case of Elizabeth Reiser and Brandi Hicks—two friends whose night took a terrifying turn in 2000. Elizabeth was tragically murdered, while Brandi managed to survive and later share her story.Told with care and clarity, this episode explores the events leading up to the crime, the chilling details of their abduction, and Brandi’s incredible escape. It’s a story of friendship, horror, and resilience.Content warning: This episode includes descriptions of violence and trauma.