Murderland Chicago: A Deep Dish of Death

Today we conclude our about the Polish American serial killers of Chicago with a conversation about John Wayne Gacy’s Polish heritage and how he used that heritage as a key part of his camouflage. Notes:The Leopard Man (1943) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036104/M by Fritz Lang (1931) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0022100/?ref_=nm_knf_c_2“The secret source of humor is not joy but sorrow; there is no humor in heaven.” ―Mark TwainFollow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

Today we conclude our conversation about Tillie Klimek with an exploration of her trial and how 1920s newspapers colored the public (and history’s) view of her. We also take a quick sidebar into the background of Judge Marcus Kavanagh's thoughts about women and how this contributed to the verdict and sentencing. SourcesMartin, Alison. "This week in history: Chicago serial killer Tillie Klimek dies in prison." Chicago Sun-Times (IL), November 19, 2020. NewsBank: America's News – Historical and Current. https://infoweb-newsbank-com.chipublib.idm.oclc.org/apps/news/document-view?p=AMNEWS&docref=news/17EDE16BD1F83C28."From our archives – March 14, 1923." Mexia News, The (TX), March 14, 2017: 4. NewsBank: America's News – Historical and Current. https://infoweb-newsbank-com.chipublib.idm.oclc.org/apps/news/document-view?p=AMNEWS&docref=news/163244C312AE49A0.Daily Times (Chicago, Illinois), November 23, 1931: 10. NewsBank: America's News – Historical and Current. https://infoweb-newsbank-com.chipublib.idm.oclc.org/apps/news/document-view?p=AMNEWS&docref=image/v2%3A176820A8B9EC1C11%40EANX-NB-16C22ACF9EC2C604%402426669-16C172605C3A5DE6%409-16C172605C3A5DE6%40.Daily Times (Chicago, Illinois), June 1, 1931: 3. NewsBank: America's News – Historical and Current. https://infoweb-newsbank-com.chipublib.idm.oclc.org/apps/news/document-view?p=AMNEWS&docref=image/v2%3A176820A8B9EC1C11%40EANX-NB-16C3529F71BE60F1%402426494-16C2115FA42D89A6%402-16C2115FA42D89A6%40.Daily Times (Chicago, Illinois), November 20, 1936: 82. NewsBank: America's News – Historical and Current. https://infoweb-newsbank-com.chipublib.idm.oclc.org/apps/news/document-view?p=AMNEWS&docref=image/v2%3A176820A8B9EC1C11%40EANX-NB-16C3D040C58001FC%402428493-16C3CB8353C95CCE%4081.Marcus Kavanagh One of Many Judges in Iroquois Theater Fire Trials. https://www.iroquoistheater.com/marcus-kavanagh-circuit-court-judge-iroquois-theater-fire.php. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.Kavanagh, Marcus. The Criminal and His Allies. Indianapolis, The Bobbs-Merrill company, 1928. Internet Archive, http://archive.org/details/criminalhisallie0000kava.Forbes, Genevieve. 1923. "GUILTY" IS KLIMEK VERDICT: LIFE IN PRISON FOR WOMAN AS ARCH POISONER HEARS VERDICT WITH: "ISN'T IT WARM?" LIFE TERM FOR TILLIE KLIMEK; SHE'S UNMOVED PENALTY SETS RECORD HERE FOR WOMAN SLAYERS. Chicago Daily Tribune (1923-1963), Mar 14, 1923. https://chipublib.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/guilty-is-klimek-verdict/docview/180477844/se-2 (accessed September 1, 2025).TILLIE KLIMEK IS STRONG WITNESS IN OWN DEFENSE. 1923. Chicago Daily Tribune (1923-1963), Mar 13, 1923. https://chipublib.idm.oclcFollow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

In Episode 2 of our coverage of Tillie Klimek, we discuss Tillie’s four husbands (each of whom suffered from arsenic poisoning) and other potential victims.TW: murder (and attempted murder) by poisoningRecommended reading for Episode 2: https://www.mearsheimer.com/publications/Notes:TILLIE KLIMEK IS STRONG WITNESS IN OWN DEFENSE. 1923. Chicago Daily Tribune (1923-1963), Mar 13, 1923. https://chipublib.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/tillie-klimek-is-strong-witness-own-defense/docview/180453327/se-2 (accessed September 1, 2025).MRS. KLIMEK IS FORMALLY HELD IN POISON DEATH: BODIES OF OTHER RELATIVES WILL BE EXAMINED. 1922. Chicago Daily Tribune (1872-1922), Nov 11, 1922. https://chipublib.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/mrs-klimek-is-formally-held-poison-death/docview/175083939/se-2 (accessed September 1, 2025).Forbes, Genevieve. 1923. GRAVE DIGGER TELLS OF GOINGS ON AT KLIMEKS': SAW ONE KISS, THEN VIEW WAS SHUT OFF, HE SAYS. Chicago Daily Tribune (1923-1963), Mar 10, 1923. https://chipublib.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/grave-digger-tells-goings-on-at-klimeks/docview/180465757/se-2 (accessed September 1, 2025).MYSTERY DEATHS IN POISON CASE MAY REACH 20: SEEK NEW MISSING MATE; QUIZ ANOTHER WOMAN. 1922. Chicago Daily Tribune (1872-1922), Nov 14, 1922. https://chipublib.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/mystery-deaths-poison-case-may-reach-20/docview/174991920/se-2 (accessed September 1, 2025).Forbes, Genevieve. 1923. HOW MRS. KLIMEK JESTED OF DEATH OF HUSBAND TOLD: STATE DROPS CASE FOR TIME AGAINST HER COUSIN. Chicago Daily Tribune (1923-1963), Mar 09, 1923. https://chipublib.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/how-mrs-klimek-jested-death-husband-told/docview/180486247/se-2 (accessed September 1, 2025).KLIMEK POISON LIST IS TWENTY; ARREST 1 MORE: SISTER OF MRS.KOULIK LATEST ACCUSED. 1922. Chicago Daily Tribune (1872-1922), Nov 19, 1922. https://chipublib.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/klimek-poison-list-is-twenty-arrest-1-more/docview/175050889/se-2 (accessed September 1, 2025).Follow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

We kick off our series on Tillie Klimek with an exploration of 1920s Chicago, the social impacts of the industrial revolution, the city’s persistent rat problems, and the symptoms of arsenic poisoning.TW: murder by poisoningNotes:“Arsenic: A Murderous History | Dartmouth Toxic Metals.” Accessed September 1, 2025. https://sites.dartmouth.edu/toxmetal/arsenic/arsenic-a-murderous-history/."From our archives – March 14, 1923." Mexia News, The (TX), March 14, 2017: 4. NewsBank: America's News – Historical and Current. https://infoweb-newsbank-com.chipublib.idm.oclc.org/apps/news/document-view?p=AMNEWS&docref=news/163244C312AE49A0.Daily Times (Chicago, Illinois), November 23, 1931: 10. NewsBank: America's News – Historical and Current. https://infoweb-newsbank-com.chipublib.idm.oclc.org/apps/news/document-view?p=AMNEWS&docref=image/v2%3A176820A8B9EC1C11%40EANX-NB-16C22ACF9EC2C604%402426669-16C172605C3A5DE6%409-16C172605C3A5DE6%40.Daily Times (Chicago, Illinois), June 1, 1931: 3. NewsBank: America's News – Historical and Current. https://infoweb-newsbank-com.chipublib.idm.oclc.org/apps/news/document-view?p=AMNEWS&docref=image/v2%3A176820A8B9EC1C11%40EANX-NB-16C3529F71BE60F1%402426494-16C2115FA42D89A6%402-16C2115FA42D89A6%40.Daily Times (Chicago, Illinois), November 20, 1936: 82. NewsBank: America's News – Historical and Current. https://infoweb-newsbank-com.chipublib.idm.oclc.org/apps/news/document-view?p=AMNEWS&docref=image/v2%3A176820A8B9EC1C11%40EANX-NB-16C3D040C58001FC%402428493-16C3CB8353C95CCE%4081.Berg, Caitlin. “The History behind the Musical ‘Chicago’: How 1920s Crime and Vaudeville Inspired the Show.” New York Theatre Guide, 25 Feb. 2022, https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/history-behind-musical-chicago-1920s-crime-and-vaudeville.Tillie Klimek and The Bluebeard Clique of Little Poland (Aka the Ukranian Village) – Mysterious Chicago. 17 Feb. 2010, https://mysteriouschicago.com/tillie-klimek-and-the-bluebeard-clique-of-little-poland-aka-the-ukranian-village/.Follow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

Part 3 of our discussion about Ted Kaczynski (aka the Unabomber); in this episode we discuss the timeline of Kaczynski’s attacks, how Ruby Ridge, Waco, and Oklahoma City helped to escalate his madness, and his imprisonment and death. Additional topics include the similarities between Kaczynski’s isolation and current instances of AI psychosis.TW: Death by suicide, AI psychosis, terrorismNotes:The Daily: Trapped in a ChatGPT Spiral: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/16/podcasts/the-daily/chatgpt-ai-delusions.html“AI Psychosis”: Emerging Cases of Delusion Amplification Associated with ChatGPT and LLM Chatbot Use – A Psychiatric Review: https://www.psychiatrypodcast.com/psychiatry-psychotherapy-podcast/episode-253-ai-psychosis-emerging-cases-of-delusion-amplification-associated-with-chatgpt-and-llm-chatbotResearch sources include:Cruz Lat, Emelyn. “ Kaczynski: Childhood of Rage.” SFGate, 2 Nov. 1997, https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Kaczynski-Childhood-of-rage-3091103.php.“Hospital Incident Haunts Unabomber Suspect’s Mother.” Tampa Bay Times, https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1996/06/17/hospital-incident-haunts-unabomber-suspect-s-mother/. Accessed 22 June 2025.“David Kaczynski: ‘Every Last Tie: The Story Of The Unabomber And His Family.’” Diane Rehm, https://dianerehm.org/shows/2016-01-28/david-kaczynski-every-last-tie-the-story-of-the-unabomber-and-his-family. Accessed 22 June 2025.Theodore Richard “Turk” Kaczynski (1912-1990) -... https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/213155567/theodore_richard-kaczynski. Accessed 23 June 2025.Wanda Teresa Dombek Kaczynski (1917-2011) - Find... https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/207475370/wanda_teresa-kaczynski. Accessed 23 June 2025.Jakub Kaczynski (1865-1943) - Find a Grave... https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/108871364/jakub-kaczynski. Accessed 23 June 2025.Helen Alchimowicz Kaczynski (1886-1976) - Find a... https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/182219271/helen-kaczynski. Accessed 23 June 2025.Editors, HISTORY com. “Unabomber (Ted Kaczynski) - Manifesto, Cabin, Victims.” HISTORY, 14 May 2018, https://www.history.com/articles/unabomber-ted-kaczynski.“‘Unabomber’ Ted Kaczynski Died by Suicide, Official Says.” NBC News, 12 June 2023, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/unabomber-cause-death-rcna88737.“‘Unabomber’ Ted Kaczynski Had Late-Stage Rectal Cancer and Was ‘Depressed’ before Prison Suicide, Autopsy Says.” NBC News, 17 Apr. 2024, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/unabomber-ted-kaczynski-late-stage-rectal-cancer-was-depressed-prison-rcna147819.Follow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

Part 2 of our discussion about  Ted Kaczynski (aka the Unabomber); in this episode we discuss Kaczynski’s abandonment of his career, rejection of society, and what he got up to in that secluded Montana cabin.“No man is more unhappy than he who has never faced adversities”—SenecaTW: Death by suicideResearch sources include:Cruz Lat, Emelyn. “ Kaczynski: Childhood of Rage.” SFGate, 2 Nov. 1997, https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Kaczynski-Childhood-of-rage-3091103.php.“Hospital Incident Haunts Unabomber Suspect’s Mother.” Tampa Bay Times, https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1996/06/17/hospital-incident-haunts-unabomber-suspect-s-mother/. Accessed 22 June 2025.“David Kaczynski: ‘Every Last Tie: The Story Of The Unabomber And His Family.’” Diane Rehm, https://dianerehm.org/shows/2016-01-28/david-kaczynski-every-last-tie-the-story-of-the-unabomber-and-his-family. Accessed 22 June 2025.Theodore Richard “Turk” Kaczynski (1912-1990) -... https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/213155567/theodore_richard-kaczynski. Accessed 23 June 2025.Wanda Teresa Dombek Kaczynski (1917-2011) - Find... https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/207475370/wanda_teresa-kaczynski. Accessed 23 June 2025.Jakub Kaczynski (1865-1943) - Find a Grave... https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/108871364/jakub-kaczynski. Accessed 23 June 2025.Helen Alchimowicz Kaczynski (1886-1976) - Find a... https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/182219271/helen-kaczynski. Accessed 23 June 2025.Editors, HISTORY com. “Unabomber (Ted Kaczynski) - Manifesto, Cabin, Victims.” HISTORY, 14 May 2018, https://www.history.com/articles/unabomber-ted-kaczynski.“‘Unabomber’ Ted Kaczynski Died by Suicide, Official Says.” NBC News, 12 June 2023, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/unabomber-cause-death-rcna88737.“‘Unabomber’ Ted Kaczynski Had Late-Stage Rectal Cancer and Was ‘Depressed’ before Prison Suicide, Autopsy Says.” NBC News, 17 Apr. 2024, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/unabomber-ted-kaczynski-late-stage-rectal-cancer-was-depressed-prison-rcna147819.Follow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

We kick off season 4 with the first of a multi-part series on Ted Kaczynski (aka the Unabomber); in this episode we discuss Kaczynski’s working class roots as a member of the Polish community on the South Side of Chicago and his journey through the academic world (Harvard —> UMich —> UCBerkley). TW: Death by suicideRecommended reading / watching:The Jungle by Upton SinclairThe Manchurian Candidate, directed by John FrankenheimerResearch sources include:Cruz Lat, Emelyn. “ Kaczynski: Childhood of Rage.” SFGate, 2 Nov. 1997, https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Kaczynski-Childhood-of-rage-3091103.php.“Hospital Incident Haunts Unabomber Suspect’s Mother.” Tampa Bay Times, https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1996/06/17/hospital-incident-haunts-unabomber-suspect-s-mother/. Accessed 22 June 2025.“David Kaczynski: ‘Every Last Tie: The Story Of The Unabomber And His Family.’” Diane Rehm, https://dianerehm.org/shows/2016-01-28/david-kaczynski-every-last-tie-the-story-of-the-unabomber-and-his-family. Accessed 22 June 2025.Theodore Richard “Turk” Kaczynski (1912-1990) -... https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/213155567/theodore_richard-kaczynski. Accessed 23 June 2025.Wanda Teresa Dombek Kaczynski (1917-2011) - Find... https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/207475370/wanda_teresa-kaczynski. Accessed 23 June 2025.Jakub Kaczynski (1865-1943) - Find a Grave... https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/108871364/jakub-kaczynski. Accessed 23 June 2025.Helen Alchimowicz Kaczynski (1886-1976) - Find a... https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/182219271/helen-kaczynski. Accessed 23 June 2025.Editors, HISTORY com. “Unabomber (Ted Kaczynski) - Manifesto, Cabin, Victims.” HISTORY, 14 May 2018, https://www.history.com/articles/unabomber-ted-kaczynski.“‘Unabomber’ Ted Kaczynski Died by Suicide, Official Says.” NBC News, 12 June 2023, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/unabomber-cause-death-rcna88737.“‘Unabomber’ Ted Kaczynski Had Late-Stage Rectal Cancer and Was ‘Depressed’ before Prison Suicide, Autopsy Says.” NBC News, 17 Apr. 2024, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/unabomber-ted-kaczynski-late-stage-rectal-cancer-was-depressed-prison-rcna147819.Follow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

A quick announcement about Season 4Follow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

We got together to talk about the Chicago roots of the newly-elected Pope Leo XIV and how the city was shaped by the Catholic church.Follow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

Radford University/FGCU Serial Killer DatabaseAlleged Chicago serial killer remains in custody after detention hearing on murder charges delayedFrantz Fanon : a portraitFollow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

This is the part 3 of our 3-parter on the south side neighborhood of Englewood, which harbored 3 active serials killers at the same time in the 1990s. This episode focuses on the the police torture that led to an unknowable number of false confessions, the ongoing legacy of that torture, and how it contributed to the difficulty in identifying and prosecuting the murderers who were killing women in Englewood throughout the 1990s.TW: Police brutality, torture, forced confessions, sexual assault, murderResearch sources include:Clarno, Andy, et al. Imperial Policing: Weaponized Data in Carceral Chicago. University of Minnesota Press, 2024.Facts and Fictions About Serial Killers | Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/wicked-deeds/201907/facts-and-fictions-about-serial-killers. Accessed 5 Sept. 2024.Peres, Judy: "Trial Begins for Geralds in Engelwood Slayings" Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 1997, https://www.proquest.com/chicagotribune/docview/418426962/8C243852CCA41A0PQ/1?accountid=303&sourcetype=NewspapersMills, Steve and Wilson, Terry. “State Says It Convicted The Wrong Serial Killer” Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2011, https://chipublib.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/chicagotribune/newspapers/state-says-convicted-wrong-serial-killer/docview/419124122/sem-2?accountid=303Possley, Maurice. “Rape Victim Tells of Attack in Englewood Strangler Trial” Chicago Tribune, 05 Nov. 1997, https://www.proquest.com/chicagotribune/docview/418482281/8298720921094831PQ/1?accountid=303&sourcetype=NewspapersExoneree, Center on Wrongful Convictions: Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. https://www.law.northwestern.edu/legalclinic/wrongfulconvictions/exonerations/il/hubert-geralds-jr.html. Accessed 27 Sept. 2024.Hubert Geralds, Jr. - National Registry of Exonerations. https://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/casedetail.aspx?caseid=3795. Accessed 27 Sept. 2024.Terry, Don. “In a Chicago Neighborhood Overrun With Crime, a Serial Killer Almost Walks Away.” The New York Times, 26 June 1995. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/1995/06/26/us/in-a-chicago-neighborhood-overrun-with-crime-a-serial-killer-almost-walks-away.html.Roberts, Sam. “Jon Burge, 70, Ex-Commander in Chicago Police Torture Cases, Dies.” The New York Times, 20 Sept. 2018. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/20/obituaries/jon-burge-dead.html.Swartz, Tracy. “Chicago Serial Killer Andre Crawford Back in the Spotlight 4 Years After His Death.” Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2021, https://www.proquest.com/globalnews/docview/2511951706/1628F5932BC3430EPQ/2?accountid=303&sourcetype=Blogs,%20Podcasts,%20&%20WebsitesMarshall, Andrew. "DNA Leads Police to Chicago mass-killer suspect." The Independent, 01 Feb. 2000, https://www.proquest.com/globalnews/docview/311647560/1628F5932BC3430EPQ/3?accountid=303&sourcetype=Newspapers“Chicago Police Charge Man.” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2000, https://www.proquest.com/globalnews/docview/261034599/1628F5932BC3430EPQ/4?accountid=303&sourcetype=Newspapers“Man Admits Serial Killings, Police Say.” The New York Times, 01 Feb. 2000, https://www.proquest.com/globalnews/docview/431372834/EAEBAD8401C341D0PQ/1?accountid=303&sourcetype=NewspapersSabrina L Miller and Terry Wilson, Tribune Staff Writers Tribune staff writers Evan Osnos, Noreen Ahmed. "Suspect Glad he's Caught, Cops Say Taped Confessions, DNA Help Make Case." Chicago Tribune, Feb 01 2000, https://www.proquest.com/globalnews/docview/419082971/1628F5932BC3430EPQ/6?accountid=303&sourcetype=Newspapers#Follow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

This is the part 2 of our 3-parter on the south side neighborhood of Englewood, which harbored 3 active serials killers at the same time in the 1990s. This episode focuses on the similarity of the crimes committed by all three of these killers, and how the conditions in Englewood promoted these similarities.TW: Kidnapping, sexual assault, murderResearch sources include:Facts and Fictions About Serial Killers | Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/wicked-deeds/201907/facts-and-fictions-about-serial-killers. Accessed 5 Sept. 2024.Peres, Judy: "Trial Begins for Geralds in Engelwood Slayings" Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 1997, https://www.proquest.com/chicagotribune/docview/418426962/8C243852CCA41A0PQ/1?accountid=303&sourcetype=NewspapersMills, Steve and Wilson, Terry. “State Says It Convicted The Wrong Serial Killer” Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2011, https://chipublib.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/chicagotribune/newspapers/state-says-convicted-wrong-serial-killer/docview/419124122/sem-2?accountid=303Possley, Maurice. “Rape Victim Tells of Attack in Englewood Strangler Trial” Chicago Tribune, 05 Nov. 1997, https://www.proquest.com/chicagotribune/docview/418482281/8298720921094831PQ/1?accountid=303&sourcetype=NewspapersExoneree, Center on Wrongful Convictions: Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. https://www.law.northwestern.edu/legalclinic/wrongfulconvictions/exonerations/il/hubert-geralds-jr.html. Accessed 27 Sept. 2024.Hubert Geralds, Jr. - National Registry of Exonerations. https://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/casedetail.aspx?caseid=3795. Accessed 27 Sept. 2024.Terry, Don. “In a Chicago Neighborhood Overrun With Crime, a Serial Killer Almost Walks Away.” The New York Times, 26 June 1995. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/1995/06/26/us/in-a-chicago-neighborhood-overrun-with-crime-a-serial-killer-almost-walks-away.html.Roberts, Sam. “Jon Burge, 70, Ex-Commander in Chicago Police Torture Cases, Dies.” The New York Times, 20 Sept. 2018. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/20/obituaries/jon-burge-dead.html.Swartz, Tracy. “Chicago Serial Killer Andre Crawford Back in the Spotlight 4 Years After His Death.” Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2021, https://www.proquest.com/globalnews/docview/2511951706/1628F5932BC3430EPQ/2?accountid=303&sourcetype=Blogs,%20Podcasts,%20&%20WebsitesMarshall, Andrew. "DNA Leads Police to Chicago mass-killer suspect." The Independent, 01 Feb. 2000, https://www.proquest.com/globalnews/docview/311647560/1628F5932BC3430EPQ/3?accountid=303&sourcetype=Newspapers“Chicago Police Charge Man.” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2000, https://www.proquest.com/globalnews/docview/261034599/1628F5932BC3430EPQ/4?accountid=303&sourcetype=Newspapers“Man Admits Serial Killings, Police Say.” The New York Times, 01 Feb. 2000, https://www.proquest.com/globalnews/docview/431372834/EAEBAD8401C341D0PQ/1?accountid=303&sourcetype=NewspapersSabrina L Miller and Terry Wilson, Tribune Staff Writers Tribune staff writers Evan Osnos, Noreen Ahmed. "Suspect Glad he's Caught, Cops Say Taped Confessions, DNA Help Make Case." Chicago Tribune, Feb 01 2000, https://www.proquest.com/globalnews/docview/419082971/1628F5932BC3430EPQ/6?accountid=303&sourcetype=Newspapers#Follow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

This is the part 1 of our 3-parter on the south side neighborhood of Englewood, which harbored 3 active serials killers at the same time in the 1990s. This episode focuses on the history of Englewood and how it became a fertile environment for violent serial murder.TW: Kidnapping, sexual assault, murderResearch sources include:Mello-Klein, Cody. “Why Are There Fewer Serial Killers Now than There Used to Be?” Northeastern Global News, 26 Apr. 2023, https://news.northeastern.edu/2023/04/26/serial-killer-decline/.Facts and Fictions About Serial Killers | Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/wicked-deeds/201907/facts-and-fictions-about-serial-killers. Accessed 5 Sept. 2024.Peres, Judy: "Trial Begins for Geralds in Engelwood Slayings" Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 1997, https://www.proquest.com/chicagotribune/docview/418426962/8C243852CCA41A0PQ/1?accountid=303&sourcetype=NewspapersMills, Steve and Wilson, Terry. “State Says It Convicted The Wrong Serial Killer” Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2011, https://chipublib.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/chicagotribune/newspapers/state-says-convicted-wrong-serial-killer/docview/419124122/sem-2?accountid=303Possley, Maurice. “Rape Victim Tells of Attack in Englewood Strangler Trial” Chicago Tribune, 05 Nov. 1997, https://www.proquest.com/chicagotribune/docview/418482281/8298720921094831PQ/1?accountid=303&sourcetype=NewspapersExoneree, Center on Wrongful Convictions: Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. https://www.law.northwestern.edu/legalclinic/wrongfulconvictions/exonerations/il/hubert-geralds-jr.html. Accessed 27 Sept. 2024.Hubert Geralds, Jr. - National Registry of Exonerations. https://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/casedetail.aspx?caseid=3795. Accessed 27 Sept. 2024.Terry, Don. “In a Chicago Neighborhood Overrun With Crime, a Serial Killer Almost Walks Away.” The New York Times, 26 June 1995. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/1995/06/26/us/in-a-chicago-neighborhood-overrun-with-crime-a-serial-killer-almost-walks-away.html.Roberts, Sam. “Jon Burge, 70, Ex-Commander in Chicago Police Torture Cases, Dies.” The New York Times, 20 Sept. 2018. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/20/obituaries/jon-burge-dead.html.Swartz, Tracy. “Chicago Serial Killer Andre Crawford Back in the Spotlight 4 Years After His Death.” Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2021, https://www.proquest.com/globalnews/docview/2511951706/1628F5932BC3430EPQ/2?accountid=303&sourcetype=Blogs,%20Podcasts,%20&%20WebsitesMarshall, Andrew. "DNA Leads Police to Chicago mass-killer suspect." The Independent, 01 Feb. 2000, https://www.proquest.com/globalnews/docview/311647560/1628F5932BC3430EPQ/3?accountid=303&sourcetype=Newspapers“Chicago Police Charge Man.” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2000, https://www.proquest.com/globalnews/docview/261034599/1628F5932BC3430EPQ/4?accountid=303&sourcetype=Newspapers“Man Admits Serial Killings, Police Say.” The New York Times, 01 Feb. 2000, https://www.proquest.com/globalnews/docview/431372834/EAEBAD8401C341D0PQ/1?accountid=303&sourcetype=NewspapersSabrina L Miller and Terry Wilson, Tribune Staff Writers Tribune staff writers Evan Osnos, Noreen Ahmed. "Suspect Glad he's Caught, Cops Say Taped Confessions, DNA Help Make Case." Chicago Tribune, Feb 01 2000, https://www.proquest.com/globalnews/docview/419082971/1628F5932BC3430EPQ/6?accountid=303&sourcetype=Newspapers#“9 Years of Decline: Expect Chicago to Be No. 4 behind Houston by 2035.” Illinois Policy, 16 May 2024, https://www.illinoispolicy.org/9-years-of-decline-expect-chicago-to-be-no-4-behind-houston-by-2035/.Staff, NBC Chicago. “Chicago’s Population Has DroppedFollow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

This is the part 2 of our 2-parter on Wolf Lake, a southeast side lake that drew the attention of Leopold and Loeb as well as Andrew Urdiales. In this episode we discuss Andrew Urdiales' murderous actions in both SoCal and around Wolf Lake.TW: Kidnapping, sexual assault, torture, murder, death penaltyResearch sources include:"California Kidnapping Survivor Details Brush With Alleged Serial Killer." Inside Edition - YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSPnckPVWMA. Accessed 4 Sept. 2024.“Southeast Side Marsh Is Urban Oasis.” WBEZ Chicago, 15 June 2011, https://www.wbez.org/stories/hegewisch-marsh-oasis-of-nature-in-industrial-southeast-chicago/557bd4fb-2cbd-4121-9b7c-99ca3bfea539.“Hegewisch, Past and Present.” WBEZ Chicago, 5 Apr. 2012, https://www.wbez.org/stories/hegewisch-past-and-present/d64e807f-9505-4639-84e0-8c6399b171bb.“How the American steel industry nearly committed suicide — and not from trade.” The Seattle Times, 13 March 2018, https://www.seattletimes.com/business/economy/how-the-american-steel-industry-nearly-committed-suicide-and-not-from-trade/.Bensman, David, and Mark R. Wilson. “Iron and Steel.” Encyclopedia of Chicago, Chicago History Museum and the Newberry Library, 2005. Encyclopedia of Chicago, https://encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/653.html.Degrade, Susan. "Historian documents early days of Hegewisch, Chicago’s ‘most isolated neighborhood.’" Chicago Tribune, 12 January 2024, https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/01/12/historian-documents-early-days-of-hegewisch-chicagos-most-isolated-neighborhood/Writers, PHIL ROCKROHR and LAURI HARVEY Times Staff. “Testimony Shows Life of Abuse.” Nwitimes.Com, 5 May 2002, https://www.nwitimes.com/uncategorized/testimony-shows-life-of-abuse/article_66583e13-92e9-5eb0-b558-683a394e6b2b.html.People v. Urdiales, 225 Ill. 2d 354 | Casetext Search + Citator. https://casetext.com/case/people-v-urdiales. Accessed 11 Aug. 2024.Lauri Harvey Keagle. “Families Still Waiting for Serial Killer’s Calif. Trial.” Nwitimes.Com, 6 Sept. 2015, https://www.nwitimes.com/news/opinion/forum/families-still-waiting-for-serial-killers-calif-trial/article_5deac238-c117-5802-b23e-a54592fb043d.html.Granberry, Michael. “‘The Details, as Much as His Victims, Were the Trophies.’” Los Angeles Times, 14 May 1997. 07/07/2016.Follow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

This is the part 1 of our 2-parter on Wolf Lake, a southeast side lake that drew the attention of Leopold and Loeb as well as Andrew Urdiales. We dive into the history of Wolf Lake and the Chicago neighborhood it sits it, Hegewisch.TW: Kidnapping, sexual assault, torture, murderResearch sources include:“Southeast Side Marsh Is Urban Oasis.” WBEZ Chicago, 15 June 2011, https://www.wbez.org/stories/hegewisch-marsh-oasis-of-nature-in-industrial-southeast-chicago/557bd4fb-2cbd-4121-9b7c-99ca3bfea539.“Hegewisch, Past and Present.” WBEZ Chicago, 5 Apr. 2012, https://www.wbez.org/stories/hegewisch-past-and-present/d64e807f-9505-4639-84e0-8c6399b171bb.“How the American steel industry nearly committed suicide — and not from trade.” The Seattle Times, 13 March 2018, https://www.seattletimes.com/business/economy/how-the-american-steel-industry-nearly-committed-suicide-and-not-from-trade/.Bensman, David, and Mark R. Wilson. “Iron and Steel.” Encyclopedia of Chicago, Chicago History Museum and the Newberry Library, 2005. Encyclopedia of Chicago, https://encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/653.html.Degrade, Susan. "Historian documents early days of Hegewisch, Chicago’s ‘most isolated neighborhood.’" Chicago Tribune, 12 January 2024, https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/01/12/historian-documents-early-days-of-hegewisch-chicagos-most-isolated-neighborhood/Writers, PHIL ROCKROHR and LAURI HARVEY Times Staff. “Testimony Shows Life of Abuse.” Nwitimes.Com, 5 May 2002, https://www.nwitimes.com/uncategorized/testimony-shows-life-of-abuse/article_66583e13-92e9-5eb0-b558-683a394e6b2b.html.People v. Urdiales, 225 Ill. 2d 354 | Casetext Search + Citator. https://casetext.com/case/people-v-urdiales. Accessed 11 Aug. 2024.Lauri Harvey Keagle. “Families Still Waiting for Serial Killer’s Calif. Trial.” Nwitimes.Com, 6 Sept. 2015, https://www.nwitimes.com/news/opinion/forum/families-still-waiting-for-serial-killers-calif-trial/article_5deac238-c117-5802-b23e-a54592fb043d.html.Granberry, Michael. “‘The Details, as Much as His Victims, Were the Trophies.’” Los Angeles Times, 14 May 1997. 07/07/2016.Follow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

This is the part 2 of our series on the L&L Tavern, a notorious dive bar that both John Wayne Gacy and Jeffrey Dahmer patronized. What drew them to the L&L Tavern? What made them feel so comfortable there? Who's drinking there today?TW: Kidnapping, sexual assault, torture, murder, cannibalism, anthropophagy, homophobiaResearch sources include:“Jeffrey Dahmer’s Life (and Death) in Prison.” Biography, 16 June 2020, https://www.biography.com/crime/jeffrey-dahmer-life-death-prison.“Jeffrey Dahmer: A Timeline of His Murders, Arrests and Death.” Biography, 11 Aug. 2021, https://www.biography.com/crime/jeffrey-dahmer-timeline-murders.Ap. “17 SLAYINGS TIED TO MILWAUKEE MAN.” The New York Times, 26 July 1991. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/1991/07/26/us/17-slayings-tied-to-milwaukee-man.html.Waxman, Olivia B. “How Police Caught Jeffrey Dahmer.” TIME, 22 July 2016, https://time.com/4412621/jeffrey-dahmer-cannibal-murderer-25th-anniversary-arrest/.Staff, Newsweek. “Secrets of a Serial Killer.” Newsweek, 2 Feb. 1992, https://www.newsweek.com/secrets-serial-killer-200472.Griffin, Jean Latz. “SUSPECT`S BEHAVIOR RAISED FEW QUESTIONS, CHICAGO BAR PATRONS SAY.” Chicago Tribune, 26 July 1991, https://www.chicagotribune.com/1991/07/26/suspects-behavior-raised-few-questions-chicago-bar-patrons-say/.Staff, GoPride com News. “Survivor of Jeffrey Dahmer Charged in Man’s Death.” GoPride Chicago (ChicagoPride.Com), https://chicago.gopride.com/news/article.cfm/articleid/21084724. Accessed 23 June 2024.It’s Hard to Forget Dahmer, but Please Remember His Victims. https://archive.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/125993113.html/. Accessed 23 June 2024.Gottesman, Andrew, and Jodi Wilgoren. “FRIENDS RECALL WARM PERSONALITIES OF 2.” Chicago Tribune, 26 July 1991, https://www.chicagotribune.com/1991/07/26/friends-recall-warm-personalities-of-2/.Backderf, Derf. My Friend Dahmer: A Graphic Novel. Abrams ComicArts, 2012.Follow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

Welcome to Season 3 of Murderland Chicago: A Deep Dish of Death! Our theme this season is TRIANGLES OF TERROR—we'll explore key Chicago locations that have drawn the attention of more than their fair share of Chicagoland's serial killers. This is the first of a 2 part series on the L&L Tavern.TW: Kidnapping, sexual assault, child abuse, torture, murderResearch sources include:“Jeffrey Dahmer’s Life (and Death) in Prison.” Biography, 16 June 2020, https://www.biography.com/crime/jeffrey-dahmer-life-death-prison.“Jeffrey Dahmer: A Timeline of His Murders, Arrests and Death.” Biography, 11 Aug. 2021, https://www.biography.com/crime/jeffrey-dahmer-timeline-murders.Ap. “17 SLAYINGS TIED TO MILWAUKEE MAN.” The New York Times, 26 July 1991. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/1991/07/26/us/17-slayings-tied-to-milwaukee-man.html.Waxman, Olivia B. “How Police Caught Jeffrey Dahmer.” TIME, 22 July 2016, https://time.com/4412621/jeffrey-dahmer-cannibal-murderer-25th-anniversary-arrest/.Staff, Newsweek. “Secrets of a Serial Killer.” Newsweek, 2 Feb. 1992, https://www.newsweek.com/secrets-serial-killer-200472.Griffin, Jean Latz. “SUSPECT`S BEHAVIOR RAISED FEW QUESTIONS, CHICAGO BAR PATRONS SAY.” Chicago Tribune, 26 July 1991, https://www.chicagotribune.com/1991/07/26/suspects-behavior-raised-few-questions-chicago-bar-patrons-say/.Staff, GoPride com News. “Survivor of Jeffrey Dahmer Charged in Man’s Death.” GoPride Chicago (ChicagoPride.Com), https://chicago.gopride.com/news/article.cfm/articleid/21084724. Accessed 23 June 2024.It’s Hard to Forget Dahmer, but Please Remember His Victims. https://archive.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/125993113.html/. Accessed 23 June 2024.Gottesman, Andrew, and Jodi Wilgoren. “FRIENDS RECALL WARM PERSONALITIES OF 2.” Chicago Tribune, 26 July 1991, https://www.chicagotribune.com/1991/07/26/friends-recall-warm-personalities-of-2/.Backderf, Derf. My Friend Dahmer: A Graphic Novel. Abrams ComicArts, 2012.Follow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

This is part 3 of our series on the deadly duo of Patricia Columbo and Frank DeLuca, who killed Columbo's family in 1976. We discuss the media aftermath of Columbo and DeLuca's convictions. We also recap season 2 and give a preview of season 3! Howard, Clark. Love’s Blood. St. Martin’s Paperbacks, 1994.“Woman Speaks out about 1976 Murder of Her Parents, Brother.” The Daily Journal, 8 May 2006, https://www.daily-journal.com/news/state/woman-speaks-out-about-1976-murder-of-her-parents-brother/article_da4a76ca-7eb2-5857-bb6a-ff726a92046a.html.“Patty Columbo, Frank DeLuca up for Parole Again in Elk Grove Village Murders.” Daily Herald, 10 Jan. 2017, https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20170110/news/170119902/.“Patty Columbo Seeks Parole for Elk Grove Killings -- Again.” Daily Herald, 25 Mar. 2014, https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20140325/news/140328966/.Press, The Associated. “Patricia Columbo Speaks from Jail.” The Quad-City Times, 7 May 2006, https://qctimes.com/news/state-and-regional/patricia-columbo-speaks-from-jail/article_5b420d08-d866-58ce-8b6f-46692ee7203b.html.“A Young Woman and Her Married Lover Kill Her Family.” HISTORY, https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/a-young-woman-and-her-married-lover-kill-her-family. Accessed 26 Aug. 2023.“Officials: Columbo Should Never Get Parole for Killing Family in Elk Grove.” Daily Herald, 19 May 2011, https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20110519/news/705189838/.“Images: Historic Photos from Patty Columbo Case.” Daily Herald, 19 May 2011, https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20110519/news/705199980/.Follow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

This is part 2 of our series on the deadly duo of Patricia Columbo and Frank DeLuca, who killed Columbo's family in 1976. We discuss how the toxic romance between Patty and DeLuca led them to plan and carry out the murder of Patty's parents and younger brother.Howard, Clark. Love’s Blood. St. Martin’s Paperbacks, 1994.“Woman Speaks out about 1976 Murder of Her Parents, Brother.” The Daily Journal, 8 May 2006, https://www.daily-journal.com/news/state/woman-speaks-out-about-1976-murder-of-her-parents-brother/article_da4a76ca-7eb2-5857-bb6a-ff726a92046a.html.“Patty Columbo, Frank DeLuca up for Parole Again in Elk Grove Village Murders.” Daily Herald, 10 Jan. 2017, https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20170110/news/170119902/.“Patty Columbo Seeks Parole for Elk Grove Killings -- Again.” Daily Herald, 25 Mar. 2014, https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20140325/news/140328966/.Press, The Associated. “Patricia Columbo Speaks from Jail.” The Quad-City Times, 7 May 2006, https://qctimes.com/news/state-and-regional/patricia-columbo-speaks-from-jail/article_5b420d08-d866-58ce-8b6f-46692ee7203b.html.“A Young Woman and Her Married Lover Kill Her Family.” HISTORY, https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/a-young-woman-and-her-married-lover-kill-her-family. Accessed 26 Aug. 2023.“Officials: Columbo Should Never Get Parole for Killing Family in Elk Grove.” Daily Herald, 19 May 2011, https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20110519/news/705189838/.“Images: Historic Photos from Patty Columbo Case.” Daily Herald, 19 May 2011, https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20110519/news/705199980/.Follow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

This is the first of our3 episode series on the deadly duo of Patricia Columbo and Frank DeLuca, who killed Columbo's family in 1976. In this episode we discuss the culture of Chicago's middle-class suburbs and cover Patty's childhood in the city, adolescence in the suburbs, and how she and Frank DeLuca met and sparked their deadly relationship.Howard, Clark. Love’s Blood. St. Martin’s Paperbacks, 1994.“Woman Speaks out about 1976 Murder of Her Parents, Brother.” The Daily Journal, 8 May 2006, https://www.daily-journal.com/news/state/woman-speaks-out-about-1976-murder-of-her-parents-brother/article_da4a76ca-7eb2-5857-bb6a-ff726a92046a.html.“Patty Columbo, Frank DeLuca up for Parole Again in Elk Grove Village Murders.” Daily Herald, 10 Jan. 2017, https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20170110/news/170119902/.“Patty Columbo Seeks Parole for Elk Grove Killings -- Again.” Daily Herald, 25 Mar. 2014, https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20140325/news/140328966/.Press, The Associated. “Patricia Columbo Speaks from Jail.” The Quad-City Times, 7 May 2006, https://qctimes.com/news/state-and-regional/patricia-columbo-speaks-from-jail/article_5b420d08-d866-58ce-8b6f-46692ee7203b.html.“A Young Woman and Her Married Lover Kill Her Family.” HISTORY, https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/a-young-woman-and-her-married-lover-kill-her-family. Accessed 26 Aug. 2023.“Officials: Columbo Should Never Get Parole for Killing Family in Elk Grove.” Daily Herald, 19 May 2011, https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20110519/news/705189838/.“Images: Historic Photos from Patty Columbo Case.” Daily Herald, 19 May 2011, https://www.dailyherald.com/article/20110519/news/705199980/.Follow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

In this episode, we discuss how 1920s era Chicago shaped the toxic relationship between Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, what led them to murder Loeb's 14 year old second cousin Bobby Franks, and why this so-called "perfect crime" was anything but.TW: Kidnapping, sexual assault, murder, the death penaltyResearch sources include:Williams, John. Nothing but the Night. New York Review Books, 2019.“Nathan Leopold - Loeb, Murder & Death.” Biography, 7 Apr. 2021, https://www.biography.com/crime-figure/nathan-leopold.Leopold and Loeb | Murder, Trial, & Facts | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Leopold-and-Loeb. Accessed 12 Aug. 2023.US EPA, REG 05. Environmental Issues in Southeast Chicago. 8 Mar. 2017, https://www.epa.gov/il/environmental-issues-southeast-chicago.A Short History of Hegewisch, IL | Hegewisch Neighborhood. https://www.hegewisch.net/short_history.html. Accessed 12 Aug. 2023.Lake Profile -- WOLF LAKE. https://ifishillinois.org/profiles/waterbody.php?waternum=00084#. Accessed 12 Aug. 2023.“A Trip to Hegewisch, Chicago’s Most Remote Neighborhood.” Chicago Magazine, https://www.chicagomag.com/city-life/a-trip-to-hegewisch-chicagos-most-remote-neighborhood/. Accessed 12 Aug. 2023.Follow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

This is the final episode of our three part series on Larry Eyler, a serial killer who targeted gay men from the Indianapolis / Terre Haute, IN areas all the way to Chicagoland and beyond. In this episode we discuss his possible accomplice and how competing incentives among different legal players helped to ensure that the whole truth about what happened can never be brought to light.TW: Sexual assault, torture, murderA Current Affair Freed To Kill episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU-EU3QYLdAResearch sources include:Kolarik, G., & Klatt, W. Freed to Kill: The True Story of Serial Murderer Larry Eyler . Garrett County Press, 2012.“Eyler Dies in Prison; Had AIDS Lawyer to Talk on Confessions.” Chicago Tribune, https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1994-03-07-9403070026-story.html.“The Eyler Legacy: 21 Deaths.” Chicago Tribune, https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1994-03-09-9403090089-story.html.“Dead Inmate's Account of 21 Killings Told.” Los Angeles Times, https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-03-09-mn-31980-story.html.“The Return of Larry Eyler.” The Reader, https://chicagoreader.com/news-politics/the-return-of-larry-eyler/.“Indiana Unsolved: Identities sought for 2 victims of 'The Highway Killer' Larry Eyler.” IndyStar, https://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2013/10/22/indiana-unsolved-identities-sought-for-2-victims-of-the-highway-killer-larry-eyler/3149123/.“New Push to ID 3 More Victims of Serial Killer.” CBS Chicago, https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/new-push-to-id-3-victims-of-notorious-serial-killer/.Follow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

Here is part two of our three part series on Larry Eyler, a serial killer who targeted gay men from the Indianapolis / Terre Haute, IN areas all the way to Chicagoland and beyond. In this episode we discuss his crimes, how he was caught—and freed!—in Indiana, which culminated in Eyler's arrival to the north side of Chicago. TW: Sexual assault, child abuse, torture, murderResearch sources include:Kolarik, G., & Klatt, W. Freed to Kill: The True Story of Serial Murderer Larry Eyler . Garrett County Press, 2012.“Eyler Dies in Prison; Had AIDS Lawyer to Talk on Confessions.” Chicago Tribune, https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1994-03-07-9403070026-story.html.“The Eyler Legacy: 21 Deaths.” Chicago Tribune, https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1994-03-09-9403090089-story.html.“Dead Inmate's Account of 21 Killings Told.” Los Angeles Times, https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-03-09-mn-31980-story.html.“The Return of Larry Eyler.” The Reader, https://chicagoreader.com/news-politics/the-return-of-larry-eyler/.“Indiana Unsolved: Identities sought for 2 victims of 'The Highway Killer' Larry Eyler.” IndyStar, https://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2013/10/22/indiana-unsolved-identities-sought-for-2-victims-of-the-highway-killer-larry-eyler/3149123/.“New Push to ID 3 More Victims of Serial Killer.” CBS Chicago, https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/new-push-to-id-3-victims-of-notorious-serial-killer/.Follow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

Welcome to Season 2 of Murderland Chicago: A Deep Dish of Death! This is the first of a three part series on Larry Eyler, an often-overlooked serial killer who targeted gay men from the Indianapolis / Terre Haute, IN areas all the way to Chicagoland and beyond. We discuss the economic and cultural relationship between Chicago and Indiana, the leather community, and how Eyler's upbringing and young adulthood in Indiana set the stage for a years-long evasion of detectives in both Indiana and Illinois.TW: Sexual assault, child abuse, torture, murderResearch sources include:Kolarik, G., & Klatt, W. Freed to Kill: The True Story of Serial Murderer Larry Eyler . Garrett County Press, 2012.“Eyler Dies in Prison; Had AIDS Lawyer to Talk on Confessions.” Chicago Tribune, https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1994-03-07-9403070026-story.html.“The Eyler Legacy: 21 Deaths.” Chicago Tribune, https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1994-03-09-9403090089-story.html.“Dead Inmate's Account of 21 Killings Told.” Los Angeles Times, https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-03-09-mn-31980-story.html.“The Return of Larry Eyler.” The Reader, https://chicagoreader.com/news-politics/the-return-of-larry-eyler/.“Indiana Unsolved: Identities sought for 2 victims of 'The Highway Killer' Larry Eyler.” IndyStar, https://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2013/10/22/indiana-unsolved-identities-sought-for-2-victims-of-the-highway-killer-larry-eyler/3149123/.“New Push to ID 3 More Victims of Serial Killer.” CBS Chicago, https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/new-push-to-id-3-victims-of-notorious-serial-killer/.Follow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

Thank you everyone for listening and sending in your feedback! We got together to reflect on season one, highlight themes and patterns that became clear during the making of the podcast, and interview a special guest to get a behind-the-scenes view into the kind of work that goes on in labs! We also preview Season 2 of Murderland Chicago: A Deep Dish of Death, which is currently in production.Follow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

This is part two of our conversation about the Ripper Crew, a group of young men who kidnapped, tortured, and murdered women for years in the early 1980s. In this episode we discuss the known victims, describe the interpersonal dynamics of the Ripper Crew and how they got caught, and finally, where all this fits into the national Satanic Panic of the 1980s.TW: Kidnapping, sexual assault, torture, murderResearch sources include:Fletcher, Jaye Slade. Deadly Thrills. Onyx, 1995.“A Man Described as ‘Robin the Ripper,’ Suspected Along...” UPI, https://www.upi.com/Archives/1982/11/11/A-man-described-as-Robin-the-Ripper-suspected-along/9665405838800/.“BURIAL ENDS ORDEAL, NOT FRUSTRATION.” Chicago Tribune, https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1985-04-26-8501250302-story.html.“DISAPPEARANCES OF YOUNG WOMEN FORMED A PATH.” Chicago Tribune, https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1987-10-11-8703170164-story.html.“NEW CLUES UNSETTLE FAMILY IN RITUAL SLAYING.” Chicago Tribune, https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1995-11-13-9511130163-story.html.“FindLaw’s Appellate Court of Illinois Case and Opinions.” Findlaw, https://caselaw.findlaw.com/il-court-of-appeals/1333865.html. “People v. Kokoraleis.” Justia Law, https://law.justia.com/cases/illinois/supreme-court/1989/65229-7.html. Follow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

This is the first of two episodes about the Ripper Crew, a group of young men who kidnapped, tortured, and murdered women for years in the early 1980s, but who are not well-remembered today. We discuss how and why the Ripper Crew averaged a victim per month for nearly 2 years without raising any sort of alarm for the police, media, or general public.    TW: Kidnapping, sexual assault, torture, murderResearch sources include:Fletcher, Jaye Slade. Deadly Thrills. Onyx, 1995.“A Man Described as ‘Robin the Ripper,’ Suspected Along...” UPI, https://www.upi.com/Archives/1982/11/11/A-man-described-as-Robin-the-Ripper-suspected-along/9665405838800/.“BURIAL ENDS ORDEAL, NOT FRUSTRATION.” Chicago Tribune, https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1985-04-26-8501250302-story.html.“DISAPPEARANCES OF YOUNG WOMEN FORMED A PATH.” Chicago Tribune, https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1987-10-11-8703170164-story.html.“NEW CLUES UNSETTLE FAMILY IN RITUAL SLAYING.” Chicago Tribune, https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1995-11-13-9511130163-story.html.“FindLaw’s Appellate Court of Illinois Case and Opinions.” Findlaw, https://caselaw.findlaw.com/il-court-of-appeals/1333865.html. “People v. Kokoraleis.” Justia Law, https://law.justia.com/cases/illinois/supreme-court/1989/65229-7.html. Follow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

We wrap up our coverage of John Wayne Gacy with a discussion about why so many young men and boys went missing in Chicagoland without any repercussions, the locations that Gacy was known to cruise for sexual partners and for victims, and the long term impact that these crimes have had on Chicago.TW: Kidnapping, sexual assault involving minors, torture, murder   Research sources include:Wilkinson, Alec. “Conversations with a Killer.” The New Yorker, 10 Apr. 1994. www.newyorker.com, https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1994/04/18/conversations-with-a-killer.“DNA Test Confirms Teen Missing since 1976 Was John Wayne Gacy Victim.” USA TODAY, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2017/07/19/dna-test-confirms-teen-missing-since-1976-john-wayne-gacy-victim/492937001/. Stroud, Matt. “Grave Mistake: The Controversial, High-Tech Search for John Wayne Gacy’s Lost Victims.” The Verge, 10 May 2013, https://www.theverge.com/2013/5/10/4315390/the-controversial-high-tech-search-for-john-wayne-gacy-lost-victims.People v. Gacy, 103 Ill. 2d 1 (1984) | Caselaw Access Project. https://cite.case.law/ill-2d/103/1/. “The Lost and the Dead: How John Wayne Gacy Led a Family to Its Missing Son.” NBC News, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/lost-dead-how-john-wayne-gacy-led-family-its-missing-n156666.“Walter Jacobson Tells All, and It’s Almost All Worth Reading.” Chicago Magazine, https://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/Felsenthal-Files/September-2012/Walter-Jacobson-Tells-All-and-Its-Almost-All-Worth-Reading/. Follow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

This is the first of two episodes about John Wayne Gacy, a uniquely Chicago monster.  We re-examine who Gacy was using Chicago’s cultures and geography as a backdrop. Listen for our analysis of Gacy as a member of Chicago’s Polish community, a member of the Catholic faith, an active participant in local politics, and as a man who embraced cruising in the days just before the AIDS crisis hit Chicago's gay community.  TW: Kidnapping, sexual assault involving minors, torture, murder Research sources include:Wilkinson, Alec. “Conversations with a Killer.” The New Yorker, 10 Apr. 1994. www.newyorker.com, https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1994/04/18/conversations-with-a-killer.“DNA Test Confirms Teen Missing since 1976 Was John Wayne Gacy Victim.” USA TODAY, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2017/07/19/dna-test-confirms-teen-missing-since-1976-john-wayne-gacy-victim/492937001/. Stroud, Matt. “Grave Mistake: The Controversial, High-Tech Search for John Wayne Gacy’s Lost Victims.” The Verge, 10 May 2013, https://www.theverge.com/2013/5/10/4315390/the-controversial-high-tech-search-for-john-wayne-gacy-lost-victims.People v. Gacy, 103 Ill. 2d 1 (1984) | Caselaw Access Project. https://cite.case.law/ill-2d/103/1/. “The Lost and the Dead: How John Wayne Gacy Led a Family to Its Missing Son.” NBC News, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/lost-dead-how-john-wayne-gacy-led-family-its-missing-n156666.“Walter Jacobson Tells All, and It’s Almost All Worth Reading.” Chicago Magazine, https://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/Felsenthal-Files/September-2012/Walter-Jacobson-Tells-All-and-Its-Almost-All-Worth-Reading/. Follow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

In the prior episode, we talked about how a racist law enforcement system put three innocent men on trial while Brian Dugan remained free for 2 years. Today we're going to talk about the additional crimes that were enabled by this circus, and we're going to get into what happened when we decided to visit Dugan in prison.TW: Sexual assault, murder, wrongful convictions, and the death penalty.Research sources include:“The Legacy of Brian Dugan (Timeline).” Chicago Tribune, https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-brian-dugan-murder-timeline-20141212-htmlstory.html.Individuals in Custody. https://www2.illinois.gov/idoc/Offender/Pages/InmateSearch.aspx.“Morgan Freeman Visits Illinois Serial Killer Brian Dugan for Documentary.” Chicago Tribune, https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-morgan-freeman-brian-dugan-met-20151223-story.html.“Inside the FBI Files of Brian Dugan.” Daily Herald, 22 July 2009, https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20090722/inside-the-fbi-files-of-brian-dugan.Follow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

Part two of our series on Brian Dugan, who terrorized Chicagoland in the 1980s. In this episode we discuss how a racist law enforcement system let a killer go. TW: Sexual assault, murder, abduction, wrongful conviction, death penaltyResearch sources include:“The Legacy of Brian Dugan (Timeline).” Chicago Tribune, https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-brian-dugan-murder-timeline-20141212-htmlstory.html.Individuals in Custody. https://www2.illinois.gov/idoc/Offender/Pages/InmateSearch.aspx.“Morgan Freeman Visits Illinois Serial Killer Brian Dugan for Documentary.” Chicago Tribune, https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-morgan-freeman-brian-dugan-met-20151223-story.html.“Inside the FBI Files of Brian Dugan.” Daily Herald, 22 July 2009, https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20090722/inside-the-fbi-files-of-brian-dugan.Follow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

In this episode we talk about Brian Dugan, who killed at least 3 people in west suburban Chicago in the 1980s. Dugan's crimes were made possible in part by the collapse of blue collar job opportunities alongside the simultaneous population growth of Latinos. This combination of factors helped Dugan to fly under the radar while xenophobia focused the fear and blame onto innocent men, which resulted in decades of false imprisonment and the preventable rape and murder of at least 2 of Dugan's victims. TW: Sexual assault, murder, cruelty to animals, wrongful convictions, and the death penalty.Research sources include:“The Legacy of Brian Dugan (Timeline).” Chicago Tribune, https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-brian-dugan-murder-timeline-20141212-htmlstory.html.Individuals in Custody. https://www2.illinois.gov/idoc/Offender/Pages/InmateSearch.aspx.“Morgan Freeman Visits Illinois Serial Killer Brian Dugan for Documentary.” Chicago Tribune, https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-morgan-freeman-brian-dugan-met-20151223-story.html.“Inside the FBI Files of Brian Dugan.” Daily Herald, 22 July 2009, https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20090722/inside-the-fbi-files-of-brian-dugan.Follow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]

Why are we making a true crime podcast? What makes it special?  Why should you add it to your rotation? And, what should you expect from season 1? Co-hosts Jonathan Sanchez Leos and Meridith Halsey answer these questions and more!Follow us on Instagram @deepdishofdeath_podcastFind us on BlueSky @deepdishofdeath.bsky.socialEmail us at [email protected]