Dog Days of Murder

We have a special guest cohost this week!In 2012, 20th Century Fox executive Gavin Smith vanished after leaving a friend's home in Oak Park. A devoted father of three, Gavin was the kind of man who always showed up—until one morning he didn't.As investigators searched for answers, years passed with no sign of the missing father. Then, in a remote stretch of California desert, an ordinary hike took an extraordinary turn when a loyal Labrador named Buddy refused to walk away.What happened next would help unravel a mystery that had haunted a family for more than two years.Join Paula, and her "buddy" Monica, as they tell the story of the dog who helped bring a missing man home.And always remember... #krazyforkeithSourcesDateline NBC – "Dark Valley"Los Angeles TimesCoverage of Gavin Smith's disappearanceDiscovery of Gavin's remainsArrest, trial, and sentencing of John CreechNBC Los AngelesReporting by Eric LeonardCoverage of the discovery of Gavin's remains and subsequent investigationABC7 Los Angeles (KABC)Reporting on the recovery of Gavin Smith's remainsInvestigation updates and arrest coveragePeople MagazineCase overview and trial coverageVarietyReporting on Gavin Smith's disappearance and his career with 20th Century FoxLos Angeles County Sheriff's DepartmentMissing person investigationStatements regarding the discovery of Gavin's remainsArrest informationTrial Testimony and Court ProceedingsChandrika (Chandy) CadeStan McQuayJorge ValleDetective Ty LabbeDetective John O'BrienAdditional reporting and background materials regarding Gavin Smith's disappearance, recovery, investigation, and prosecution.Follow along and stay connected:📸 Instagram: @dog_days_of_murder 📧 Email: [email protected] you’d like to support the show—or treat Ein to a well-earned pup cup—you can do that here: ☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dogdaysofmurder

When 25-year-old National Guard veteran Tony "Bubba" Procell disappears from his Louisiana home, investigators quickly focus on a fellow Guardsman and police officer whose obsession had been growing for months.What begins as a missing person investigation soon becomes a desperate search spanning multiple parishes, a high-speed chase, and a tense standoff. But even after a suspect is in custody, one critical question remains unanswered:Where is Tony?Five days later, deep within Louisiana's Kisatchie National Forest, a discovery changes everything. As investigators work to understand what happened in the woods near Saline Lake, an unlikely source of evidence begins pointing them toward answers.In this episode of Dog Days of Murder, we explore the murder of Tony Procell and the remarkable role animal behavior played in helping investigators uncover the truth.Because sometimes the smallest clues are the ones that refuse to stay buried.SourcesNews Coverage KSLA News 12 – "Body Found in Kisatchie National Forest Believed to be Tony Procell" (Carolyn Roy, August 2013)  KSLA News 12 – "Robert Barthelemy Indicted in Kidnapping, Murder of Tony Procell" (September 2013)  KSLA News 12 – "Barthelemy Sentenced to Life in Prison in Plea Deal Following Guilty Verdict" (Carolyn Roy, October 2015)  KTBS – "Body of Tony Procell Believed To Be Found in Winn Parish" (Jessica Crandall, August 2013)  KTBS – "Guilty as Charged: Barthelemy Found Guilty of First Degree Murder" (Vickie Welborn, October 2015) Court and Case Information Sabine Parish Grand Jury Indictment Records  State of Louisiana v. Robert Barthelemy  Trial testimony and sentencing proceedings Obituary and Family Information Warren Meadows Funeral Home Obituary for Tony Lynn Procell (1988–2013) Forensic and Scientific Sources Dr. Lauren Pharr Parks TEDx Talk  Research and presentations by Dr. Lauren Pharr Parks regarding vulture scavenging behavior and forensic anthropology  LSU FACES (Forensic Anthropology and Computer Enhancement Services) Background and Location Information Kisatchie National Forest (U.S. Forest Service)  Saline Lake regional and geographic information  Sabine Parish Sheriff's Office public statements Click here to read more about Dr. Lauren Pharr Parks:Lauren Pharr Parks ’02: A Love of Science Uncovers the Impact of VulturesFollow along and stay connected:📸 Instagram: @dog_days_of_murder 📧 Email: [email protected] you’d like to support the show—or treat Ein to a well-earned pup cup—you can do that here: ☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dogdaysofmurder

In December of 1974, Patricia “Annie” Ross was preparing for a night out with friends in the quiet Orange County, California suburb of La Palma. But when she never arrived with the pizza she promised to bring, concern quickly turned into horror.Inside Annie’s apartment, investigators discovered a brutal crime scene, a terrified little dog locked inside a dresser drawer, and a mystery that would haunt detectives for more than four decades.As the years passed, leads faded, evidence aged, and the case slowly drifted into cold case history. But investigators refused to let Annie Ross be forgotten.And somewhere inside the story of her murder was a small black-and-brown dog named Jodie.SourcesLos Angeles Times — Matt Hamilton, “40 years later, Northern California man charged in O.C. woman’s killing” (June 2, 2015) Orange County Register — coverage of the investigation, trial, conviction, and sentencing of Larry Stephens KTLA 5 News — “Man Convicted in 1974 Strangling Murder of Woman at Her La Palma Apartment” by Marissa Wenzke True Crime News — interviews and reporting featuring Captain Jim Engen and Detective Paul Bracciodieta The Cinemaholic — “Patricia Ann ‘Annie’ Ross Murder: Is Larry Stephens Dead or Alive?” Detective Diaries — “The Phantom of La Palma”  Court reporting and archived newspaper coverage regarding the 2018 trial and conviction of Larry Stephens  Public records and memorial information related to Patricia “Annie” Ross and Larry Stephens Follow along and stay connected:📸 Instagram: @dog_days_of_murder 📧 Email: [email protected] you’d like to support the show—or treat Ein to a well-earned pup cup—you can do that here: ☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dogdaysofmurder

Dog Days of Murder — Episode SummaryWhen a duck repeatedly disappeared beneath a trailer in Candler, North Carolina, renters eventually followed it underneath the home to see what kept drawing it there.Hidden beneath the trailer was something investigators had been searching for since 2020: 90-year-old Nellie Sullivan.As detectives worked to unravel Nellie’s disappearance, the investigation widened into allegations involving fraud, drug charges, animal cruelty, and a disturbing possibility involving the people Nellie had trusted most — including her own granddaughter.What began as a missing persons case would eventually become a homicide investigation unlike anything investigators in Buncombe County had ever seen.Sources:• WRAL News• WLOS ABC 13• FOX Carolina• Law & Crime• CBS 17• Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office press releases• United States Department of Justice records• Federal court filings• Social Security fraud case records• Interviews and statements from neighbors reported by local media outletsFollow along and stay connected:📸 Instagram: @dog_days_of_murder 📧 Email: [email protected] you’d like to support the show—or treat Ein to a well-earned pup cup—you can do that here: ☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dogdaysofmurder

In the early hours of May 31, 2024, a violent collision on England’s A1(M) left two people dead.Investigators believed the driver responsible might walk away without enough evidence… until a rescue police dog named Louie found the one missing thing that changed everything.🎧 Episode 6 — Source List📰 Primary News SourcesBBC News “Hero dog found vital evidence in baby crash death” By Jonny Manning (Sept 25, 2025) Core facts of the case Victims identified Phone evidence (141 mph photo) Cuthbertson quotes Confirmation of Louie’s role Chronicle Live “Cop tells why he had to help search for evidence…” By Sophie Doughty Confirms 3x legal alcohol limit Details Anderson’s hitchhiker alibi Strong Cuthbertson quotes Emotional context + personal connection Confirms phone as key evidence The Thin Blue Paw Foundation (via coverage & statements) Award details (Rising Star Award) Recognition of Louie & handler Context on police dog work Durham Constabulary (referenced in reporting) Official case involvement Dog unit + digital detection role Investigation confirmation 📰 Supplementary News SourceThe News (UK) “Abandoned rescue dog finds crucial evidence in car crash case…” By Jack Marshall Louie’s rescue background (Gateshead) Training as digital detection dog Details of search (150m stretch, undergrowth) Confirmation of phone discovery and its roleFollow along and stay connected:📸 Instagram: @dog_days_of_murder 📧 Email: [email protected] you’d like to support the show—or treat Ein to a well-earned pup cup—you can do that here: ☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dogdaysofmurder

Episode 5: Found in the DitchSome mornings begin like any other.Until something shifts.In Rapid River, Michigan, a dog named Peanut refused to settle—and what she led her owner to find in a nearby field would uncover a situation far more serious than anyone expected.This is the story of instinct, intervention, and a moment that changed everything.SourcesThis episode is based on official law enforcement statements, news reporting, and follow-up coverage related to a 2017 child neglect investigation in Delta County, Michigan, and the role a rescue dog named Peanut played in bringing the situation to light.Delta County Sheriff’s Office (Facebook Statement, March 20, 2017) – Official timeline of events, including the discovery of the three-year-old child, environmental conditions (approximately 32°F), and initial response by deputies – Confirmation of unsafe and unsanitary living conditions and involvement of Child Protective Services CBS News (March 21, 2017) “Former shelter dog hailed as a hero for finding 3-year-old girl curled up in ditch” (Jennifer Earl) – Narrative account of Peanut alerting her owner and leading him to the child – Details of the rescue, emergency response, and early investigation The Daily Press (August 2, 2025) “Peanut, the dog that saved three-year-old, dies at age 9” (R. R. Branstrom) – Peanut’s background, rescue, and adoption by Kathryn and Kyle Frisk – Additional reporting on the condition of the children and statements made during legal proceedings – Details surrounding Peanut’s later life and passing Supplemental reporting and case details – Publicly available information regarding child welfare findings, medical and developmental concerns, and judicial statements indicating the child was unlikely to have exited the home on her own Key TakeawayNot every case is solved by training or investigation.Sometimes, it’s instinct.In this case, a dog who had once needed saving refused to ignore what she found—and in doing so, brought attention to two children who needed it most.Follow along and stay connected:📸 Instagram: @dog_days_of_murder 📧 Email: [email protected] you’d like to support the show—or treat Ein to a well-earned pup cup—you can do that here: ☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dogdaysofmurder

Episode SummaryIn October of 1994, 32-year-old mother of five Shirley Ann Duguay disappeared from her home on Prince Edward Island. What began as a missing person case quickly turned into a homicide investigation when her abandoned car was discovered—covered in blood.As investigators worked to piece together what happened, they uncovered physical evidence that pointed toward a violent attack. But one small detail—nearly overlooked—would ultimately change the course of the case.Inside the lining of a bloodstained jacket, investigators found several white hairs.Those hairs did not belong to Shirley.They belonged to a cat.What followed would become a landmark moment in forensic science. For the first time, DNA from a domestic animal would be used in a criminal trial—linking evidence to a specific location and strengthening the case against Douglas Beamish.This is the story of Shirley Duguay… and a house cat named Snowball.Key TakeawayThis case marked the first time animal DNA was used in a criminal trial—demonstrating that even the smallest piece of evidence can play a critical role in uncovering the truth.SourcesThis episode is based on reporting, court records, and forensic research related to the 1994 murder of Shirley Ann Duguay and the first use of animal DNA in a criminal case.The New York Times “Cat Hair Finds Way Into Courtroom in Canadian Murder Trial” — Gina Kolata (1997) CBC News Reporting on the investigation, conviction, and parole developments R. v. Douglas Beamish Trial proceedings, conviction, and sentencing Nature Early documentation of animal DNA in forensic science  Research and published work by Stephen J. O’Brien Feline DNA analysis and forensic application  Supplemental forensic case studies Hair comparison, DNA extraction, and footwear evidence analysis Connect with the ShowFollow along on Instagram: 📷 @dog_days_of_murderHave a case suggestion or want to reach out: 📧 [email protected] the show (and treat Ein to a pup cup 🐾): ☕ Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/dogdaysofmurderFollow along and stay connected:📸 Instagram: @dog_days_of_murder 📧 Email: [email protected] you’d like to support the show—or treat Ein to a well-earned pup cup—you can do that here: ☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dogdaysofmurder

It’s a story of movement. A quiet stretch of highway. And a dog who refused to leave.Episode Summary:This episode examines the 2023 murder of Mandy Reynolds in Robinson, Texas.What began with a brush fire on the side of a rural road quickly turned into a multi-state investigation — one that followed a timeline of surveillance footage, cell phone data, and a vehicle moving north along Interstate 35.We follow the case as detectives piece together the events leading to Mandy’s death, including a high-speed chase that ended with the arrest of her cousin, Derek Daigneault.At the center of the story is Titan, a white labradoodle who remained at the scene long after the fire was out — a small act that led investigators to Mandy and helped begin the search for answers.In the end, it’s a story not just about violence, but about presence — and the quiet kind of loyalty that refuses to leave.Sources:• KXXV News Channel 25 — reporting on the discovery of Mandy Reynolds, investigation timeline, and sentencing • KWTX News 10 — reporting on trial testimony, including ballistics evidence and courtroom proceedings • KVUE — reporting including interview with Mandy Reynolds’ stepfather, Ron Hardy • Law&Crime Network — coverage of courtroom proceedings and case details • McLennan County Court Records — State of Texas v. Derek Joseph Daigneault • Contemporary news reporting and case summaries from multiple outletsCase suggestions and correspondence:Instagram: @Dog_Days_Of_Murder [email protected] episodes released every MondayDog Days of Murder is an Angry Hamster ProductionFollow along and stay connected:📸 Instagram: @dog_days_of_murder 📧 Email: [email protected] you’d like to support the show—or treat Ein to a well-earned pup cup—you can do that here: ☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dogdaysofmurder

This is a story of loyalty. A man attacked in his own home on Christmas Eve. And a companion who refused to stay silent.Episode Summary:This episode examines the 2001 murder of Kevin Butler in Dallas, Texas. What began as a dispute over a check escalated into a violent attack inside his home.We follow the investigation as detectives piece together the crime scene — from scattered feathers to a single drop of blood on a light switch.At the center of the case is Bird, a white-crested cockatoo whose actions during the attack would ultimately provide the DNA evidence needed to convict Kevin’s killer.In the end, it’s a story not just about violence, but about loyalty — and how one small act changed everything.Sources:• BBC News — reporting on the murder of Kevin Butler and the role of Bird in providing DNA evidence • CBS News — reporting by Jaime Holguin on the investigation, forensic evidence, and trial • The Dallas Morning News — reporting by Tim Wyatt, including examining trial testimony and early case details • Texas Court of Appeals — Daniel Torres v. The State of Texas (2004), appellate opinion affirming conviction • Contemporary news reporting and case summaries from multiple outletsCase suggestions and correspondence:Instagram: @Dog_Days_Of_Murder [email protected] episodes released every MondayDog Days of Murder is an Angry Hamster ProductionFollow along and stay connected:📸 Instagram: @dog_days_of_murder 📧 Email: [email protected] you’d like to support the show—or treat Ein to a well-earned pup cup—you can do that here: ☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dogdaysofmurder

It’s the story behind the creation of Dog Days of Murder. A young girl kidnapped from her own bedroom. What if there had been a dog? Episode Summary: This episode examines the kidnapping and murder of Polly Klaas from her Petaluma, CA home in October of 1993. We look at the search, the investigation and the holes in the system that delayed resolution. Finally, we will see how those shortcomings fueled the family to close those systemic gaps. In the end, it brought a wonderful dog to a family that needed to feel safe. Sources: • Dateline NBC — coverage of the Polly Klaas case • Los Angeles Times — reporting on the disappearance of Polly Klaas, including coverage of the reward offered by Winona Ryder • Newsweek — December 13, 1993 issue covering the case • ABC10 Sacramento — interview with Marc Klaas • California Courts — court records related to Richard Allen Davis • California Supreme Court — case materials and trial documentation • Contemporary news reporting and case summaries from multiple outlets Case suggestions and correspondence: Instagram: @Dog_Days_Of_Murder [email protected] New episodes released every Monday  Dog Days of Murder is an Angry Hamster ProductionFollow along and stay connected:📸 Instagram: @dog_days_of_murder 📧 Email: [email protected] you’d like to support the show—or treat Ein to a well-earned pup cup—you can do that here: ☕ Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dogdaysofmurder