Dead Before Deadline

There were few times when my interactions on the crime beat ended in friendships. Many of the people I interviewed associated me with the worst days of their lives. There were, however, a few exceptions. Jaclynn and I discuss some of the stories that had a personal impact on me.  

In Episode 14, Robin and Jaclynn shift gears and discuss the real-life characters he met on the crime beat that have been inspirations in his fiction writing.  Be sure to pre-order Robin's latest book, "The Last Hitman" - Here

In Episode 13, we delve further into the lives of attorney and physician Dr. David Ucker and Dr. Donald Plotnick and their bizarre lives of crime. Also, we'll introduce a new character, Linda Lee Walden, who is accused of murdering her former boyfriend to conceal the fact she had been dating a black man. Who ends up defending her and, ultimately, marrying her? Tune in to see. Pre-Order "The Last Hit Man" Here

In Episode 12 of season three, we conclude our story of two of the most notorious doctors in Columbus, Ohio.   This episode takes a bizarre twist when accused killer Dr. David Ucker ends up marrying a woman who is both a patient and a convicted murderer. 

Doctors take an oath to care for people. But some of them forget their oath. Dr. David Ucker was accused of hiring a hitman to kill his mistress' former lover. Dr. Donald Plotnick was illegally selling machine guns and set a guy on fire over a drug debt. Part one of this tangled story weaves together a tale of murder and mayhem centered on the Columbus medical community.  

In this gripping episode of Dead Before Deadline, Robin Yocum and Jaclynn Wilson unravel one of the most haunting and personal stories Robin ever covered — the murder of 25-year-old Jean Schrader. What began as a tragic homicide with no charges filed turned into a relentless pursuit of justice led not by law enforcement, but by Jean's heartbroken father, Dale Wolford. From tracking down a key witness who had gone into hiding, to winning a major journalism award for the story, Robin shares the firsthand account of an investigation filled with twists, cover-ups, and courtroom drama. Listeners will learn how Wolfert timed routes, built a scale model of the crime scene, and uncovered a bribed alibi — all to stop Jean's husband, John Schrader, from collecting a $250,000 life insurance payout. The story takes a chilling turn when Wolfert reveals to Robin that he had once planned to take justice into his own hands. This episode is a deeply emotional and shocking ride through murder, money, and the lengths a father will go to for his daughter. Tune in for a powerful tale of persistence, pain, and one reporter's unforgettable path to the truth.

The body of a beautiful young woman and a rising star at an accounting firm in Columbus, Ohio, is found in the stairwell of a downtown parking garage, the life strangled from her. In this episode of Dead Before Deadline, Robin and Jaclynn discuss his first big story at the Columbus Dispatch – the murder of Jean Shrader.  

We are back with part 2 of the Arthur Shapiro case. This one is full of wild twists and turns. Barry Kessler, a Tax Accountant in Columbus was not okay with Shapiro testifying about some questionable tax activity that was happening. Listen in to hear how far this guy went to keep his criminal ways under wraps and how Arthur Shapiro was only part of the story! 

Arthur Shapiro was a respected Columbus, Ohio, attorney, who counted billionaire and L Brands founder Lex Wexner among his clients. So why was Shapiro killed execution-style in 1985 on the west side of town? Shapiro was under investigation for tax fraud and failing to file income tax for seven years, and was about to implicate someone with a suspected history of murder. Listen to the fascinating tale of Arthur Shapiro in this episode of Dead Before Deadline.

Part two of the John Barry Simonis story. Dubbed the Ski Mask Rapist, Simonis gained infamy as one of the country's most prolific serial rapists. He was eventually captured and charged in Louisiana, but not before he brought his reign of terror to Central Ohio and another man paid for those crimes. Find out what happened to that wrongfully convicted man and Simonis in this episode of Dead Before Deadline.

Jon Barry Simonis, dubbed the Ski Mask Rapist, gained infamy as one of the country's most prolific serial rapists. He was eventually captured and charged in Louisiana in 1981, but not before he brought his reign of terror to Central Ohio and another man paid the price for those crimes. Listen to part one of the Jon Barry Simonis story.

Investigators are stumped in the 1946 disappearance of 24-year-old school teacher, Lola Celli. In part two of the story, investigators are flooded with information on the whereabouts of Lola. Are any of the tips valid?  It's a wild ride as the police try to separate fact from fiction in the conclusion of this fascinating story on Dead Before Deadline.  

Mary Ann Blake was the most notorious teenage prostitute in Columbus, Ohio, having been arrested more than 100 times before her 18th birthday. Shortly after turning 18, Mary Ann stole $200 and a ring from Gary Moore, a man who identified himself as her boyfriend. In the aftermath of the theft, Moore murdered three members of Mary Ann's family, including her 22-month-old nephew. Mary Ann escaped unscathed. Tune into Dead Before Deadline to hear the entire story of the woman who left a contrail of chaos her entire life.

In 1987, George Mosko was living in Loveland, Colorado, and working as an industrial chemical salesman. His brother, John, was starting a business in Lima, New York, and wanted George to come work for him. According to friends, George did not want to leave Colorado, but felt duty-bound to help his brother.  The route between Loveland and Lima does not go through Central Ohio, but that's where George ended up, calling the police from a Licking County bar, claiming that truckers had been harassing him for 200 miles. A short time later, his truck and trailer were found abandoned, and George Mosko had disappeared. Tune into Dead Before Deadline to hear the bizarre tale of the disappearance of George Mosko.

In 1946, 24-year-old Lola Celli was a home economics teacher in West Liberty, Ohio. In February of that year, she made the 55-mile train trip from West Liberty to the home of her parents in Grandview Heights, a suburb of Columbus, for Washington's Birthday weekend. On Saturday morning, Lola called upstairs to her mother, stating that she was walking to the bus stop and planned go shopping in downtown Columbus. A neighbor claimed to have seen her walking down the street, but beyond that, Lola Celli was never seen again. She has been missing nearly 80 years. Listen to this fascinating story on Dead Before Deadline.

What happened to the central figures in the Just Sweats case? Robin and Jaclynn will cover that in the final episode of Season 2 of Dead Before Deadline. They will also discuss some of the unusual, and sometimes humorous, events that occurred during the years that Robin and colleague Cathy Candisky covered the case, including the events that led to his leaving the newspaper.

The chaos continues as Dr. Boggs heads to trial for murder. Hawkins has been extradited from Italy. He and Hanson are set to go on trial together. All three men will be convicted. In a subsequent interview, Hanson said that he and Hawkins concocted the murder-for insurance plan during what he called a late-night brainstorming session. He also said, "It was a foolish thing to do." Okay, how about evil? Could we go with evil? After all, there was an innocent man lying dead on the floor of the doctor's office. In this episode, Robin and Jaclynn will begin to wind down the saga.

The reporters have a little fun with a Glendale detective who sent a spy to determine if Robin and Cathy had secret missives from John Hawkins. At this point, Hanson and Dr. Boggs are in jail, but Hawkins is still on the run. It's an upset lover in the Netherlands and an episode of the Oprah Winfrey Show that puts authorities on the trail of John Hawkins. And, it's an unusual birthmark that seals his fate.

Now, everyone is interested in the Just Sweats case. Authorities from California and Ohio converge on Fort Worth in hopes of getting custody of Gene Hanson. On Feb. 2, 1989, John Hawkins, Gene Hanson and Dr. Richard Boggs are charged with murder for financial gain with death penalty specifications. The fly in the ointment is that the death of Ellis Henry Greene had been ruled "natural causes." An expert witness, renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden, is brought in to see if he can pinpoint a cause of death that will prove that Greene was murdered. His conclusion was, that Greene was killed in the manner used by 19th Century grave robbers.

It's January of 1989 and Columbus Dispatch reporters Robin Yocum and Cathy Candisky have a pretty clear picture of how the multi-million-dollar scam was supposed to work. What they don't know is the whereabouts of co-conspirators John Hawkins and Gene Hanson. Until . . . At 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29, 1989, American Airlines Flight 150 from Acapulco lands at the Dallas-Ft. Worth Airport. As the passengers are filing off, customs officials see a man coming off a flight who looks nervous and is in a big hurry. Customs officials think he's a drug dealer. He's not, but the running is about to be over for Gene Hanson.

Even though the insurance companies know that Dr. Boggs misidentified a corpse, the police in Glendale, California, are sitting on their thumbs. They arrogantly tell Robin's colleague, Cathy Candisky, "This may be a big deal in Columbus, Ohio, but this is L.A." In this episode, Katherine Lawley, Gene Hanson's mother, shows up in the newsroom of the Columbus Dispatch in a search for answers about her missing son. Meanwhile, authorities in California finally identify the "dead" Hanson as a former Ohio resident, Ellis Henry Greene, and Robin must notify his mother.

Where's Gene Hanson? If the Just Sweats co-founder isn't dead, then where did he go? This episode follows Hanson to Florida and tracks his bizarre and often hilarious miscues as he tries to stay one step ahead of the authorities. He has plastic surgery and tries to pass himself off as a German National. Ultimately, Hanson wears out his welcome in Florida and runs to Mexico to hide.

John Hawkins has collected $1 million from the Farmers New World Life Insurance Company upon the reported death of his business partner, Gene Hanson. But there's a problem. When he attempts to collect on other policies, he's told that authorities are now questioning the identity of the corpse originally identified by Dr. Boggs. The thumb-print taken by the funeral home that cremated the "dead" Hanson does not match the thumb-print on the real Hanson's California driver's license. Oops. In a panic, it's time for John Hawkins to disappear.

Ellis Henry Greene was a lost soul. He was gay and had moved to Los Angeles in search of some kind of identity. He was an alcoholic, had held a variety of jobs, had no home and no clear path in his life. Ellis was the kind of guy who could disappear and not be missed. This made him the perfect victim to be the "dead" Hanson. At 7 a.m. on April 16, 1988, a 9-1-1 operator in Glendale, California, received a call from Dr. Richard Boggs. One of his long-time patients, Melvin Eugene Hanson, had collapsed on the floor of his office. The plan was in overdrive.

John Hawkins is in a panic. By this point in their scheme, Dr. Boggs was to have killed a man to be the "dead" Hanson, and Hawkins could begin collecting on the $7 million in life insurance that Hanson carried and to which Hawkins was the beneficiary. With his business partner technically dead, Hawkins would have no way to collect the $2 million Hanson had taken from the company, but Boggs had not come through with a corpse, so Hawkins must pretend to locate Hanson and return to Columbus with most of the money his partner had taken. This of course is necessary to keep the authorities away from the company and their scam. He comes back to Columbus with a fantastical story of finding Hanson and the money. The scam is still moving forward as Hanson and Boggs identify the victim to be the "dead" Hanson.

The scam enters phase one. It is late 1987, and Gene Hanson is dying, or so he claims. He tells co-workers that he has AIDS and doesn't have much time to live. But this is just part of the scam. Hanson was depriving himself of sleep and losing weight in order to appear sick. With their accountant on a company-paid, European trip and Hawkins in Hawaii on vacation, Hanson loots the company coffers and vanishes. When Hawkins and the accountant return, it appears they have been victims of a massive theft. Meanwhile, the first attempt to find a corpse to be the "dead" Hanson fails when their accomplice, Dr. Richard Boggs of Glendale, California, botches a murder attempt with a stun gun. The company attorney is threatening to bring in the FBI to locate Hanson, so Hawkins comes up with a plan to retrieve the stolen money.

Welcome to season two of Dead Before Deadline. This season hosts Robin Yocum and Jaclynn Yocum Wilson will take a deep dive into the singularly most fascinating case of Robin's career as a journalist – the Just Sweats Case. This story had everything – murder, multi-million-dollar scams, theft, international intrigue and manhunts, beautiful women, sex of every variety, beautiful women, crazy people, evil people. It goes on and on. It was a reporter's dream, and it dominated Robin's life for well over a year. In this episode, we'll discuss the background and establish the foundation for this complicated story, in which even Oprah Winfrey makes a cameo appearance.

John Hawkins and Gene Hanson have a potential gold mine in the chain of retail clothing stores they have opened in Columbus, Ohio, and Lexington, Kentucky. But Hawkins and Hanson were con men before they were businessmen, and old habits are hard to break. In this episode, we'll explore the history of insurance scams this duo pulled off before creating Just Sweats, including a massive scam in New York City that netted them more than $100,000, which they used as seed money to establish their chain of clothing stores. Operating a seemingly successful business wasn't enough for Hawkins and Hanson. As they grew tired of the business, they concocted a scheme to collect $16 million by embezzling from their company and pulling off a complicated life insurance scam. But to do that, they need a body.

On this special season finale of Dead Before Deadline, Jaclynn interviews her father Robin Yocum, the host of Dead Before Deadline to give listeners a better understanding of his backstory, his incredible career as a reporter, and much more! Listen in to hear all about Robin and what to expect moving forward with Dead Before Deadline!

In the newest episode of "Dead Before Deadline," hosts Robin Yocum and Jaclynn Wilson unravel the complex and poignant story of David Drake, a name that once echoed in the hidden corners of Columbus, Ohio for reasons that will leave listeners both troubled and bewildered. David wasn't just a child; he was a survivor navigating the underbelly of Columbus as a child prostitute. His story is a tapestry of despair and resilience, tragedy, and the occasional unexpected humor that life throws from the most unexpected places. Robin brings an intensely personal touch to this episode, recounting his direct encounters with David's world, a reality that most would find unfathomable. This episode is far from your typical true-crime narrative. It's an exploration of lost innocence, the fight for survival on the streets that don't forgive easily, and the blurred lines between victimhood and culpability. Robin and Jaclynn navigate this delicate terrain with the empathy and boldness it requires, painting a picture of David that defies black and white perceptions. The story of David Drake is imbued with unexpected turns, featuring characters as bizarre as they are real, and life choices that will have you questioning the very fabric of society and the systems meant to protect the vulnerable. Amid the wild tales are moments that will tug at your heartstrings, challenge your preconceptions, and perhaps, offer a faint glimmer of hope. Join the hosts as they dissect this multifaceted case, offering insights only possible from Robin's first-hand experiences. "Frayed Lives: David Drake's Tangled Path" is not just an episode; it's a journey through the spectrum of human experience, one you won't forget anytime soon. So, tune in for a narrative that's as unpredictable as life itself, on "Dead Before Deadline."

In this gripping episode of "Dead Before Deadline," hosts Robin Yocum and Jaclynn Wilson take listeners into the harrowing world of Dr. Edward F. Jackson, ominously known as "The Grandview Rapist." A story that not only sends shivers down the spine but showcases the horrifying duality of a man: a respected figure in daylight, but a sinister predator under the cloak of night. Robin, with his seasoned investigative instincts, brings a unique, firsthand perspective to this chilling case, having been personally entwined with the events as they unfolded. His recollections, paired with Jaclynn's incisive questioning and analytical prowess, make for a truly immersive dive into the dark recesses of Jackson's psyche and actions. The episode peels back the layers, revealing a world of deception, duality, and the dreadful reality that monsters can often hide in plain sight. How does a seemingly upstanding individual harbor such malevolent intentions? How many lives were shattered before justice cast its shadow upon him? And what was it like for Robin to be at the heart of the storm as it raged? Dive deep into the psyche of "The Grandview Rapist," as Robin and Jaclynn meticulously piece together a narrative that's as horrifying as it is captivating. This episode of "Dead Before Deadline" stands as a chilling reminder of the unspeakable evils that can lurk beneath the veneer of respectability. Prepare for an emotional, haunting, and eye-opening journey. This isn't just storytelling; it's an expedition into the darker side of humanity, punctuated with moments of raw emotion, startling revelations, and the relentless pursuit of truth. Tune in, if you dare, for an episode that promises to linger in your mind long after the final note fades.

The air is thick with intrigue and unsolved mysteries in the latest installment of "Dead Before Deadline," as Robin and Jaclynn embark on a riveting exploration of the infamous Circleville Letters case. The episode unfolds a peculiar tale marked by perplexing correspondence, unfounded accusations, and a shocking wrongful conviction. Dive deep into the twists and turns of this enigmatic case, as our hosts dissect the elaborate web of anonymous letters that plagued the town of Circleville, sparking fear, speculation, and a relentless search for the truth. Robin and Jaclynn expertly navigate through the myriad of theories and inconsistencies, shedding light on the shadows and unanswered questions that surround this haunting case. The journey through the maze of the Circleville Letters is not just about uncovering the unknown author; it's a profound exploration into the ramifications of untraceable accusations, the pursuit of justice, and the impact of unresolved mysteries on a community. Our hosts delve into the wrongful conviction that arose from the chaos, dissecting the legal and moral complexities intertwined in this enigma. Listen in as Robin and Jaclynn unravel the strands of this intricate mystery, combining meticulous analysis, insightful commentary, and a relentless pursuit of the truth. This episode of "Dead Before Deadline" is laden with unexpected revelations and a deep dive into the human psyche, depicting how an untraceable string of letters can shake the foundations of a town. Prepare to be immersed in a world where every turn is unexpected, and every revelation is a step closer to unmasking the specter behind the Circleville Letters. It's a journey of discovery, reflection, and relentless pursuit of the elusive truth—another thrilling ride with "Dead Before Deadline" that you won't want to miss!

Hold onto your seats as Robin and Jaclynn Wilson bring you the thrilling conclusion to the tumultuous and perplexing saga of John Spirko in this episode of "Dead Before Deadline." This final installment promises to leave listeners in awe as the chaotic tapestry of Spirko's life reaches its jaw-dropping climax.SPT

Following the riveting revelations in the first part, "Dead Before Deadline" returns with the much-anticipated second installment of "The Wild and Crazy Life of John Spirko." Robin and Jaclynn take listeners deeper into the labyrinthine life of John Spirko, a man whose already tumultuous life takes an even more bewildering turn. In this episode, delve into the perplexing circumstances surrounding how Spirko, despite having no involvement, found himself indicted and subsequently convicted of a heinous murder. How does a man with no ties to a crime become the prime suspect? What twists of fate, missteps in justice, or machinations led to his wrongful conviction? Robin and Jaclynn expertly dissect court testimonies, police interviews, and the series of events that culminated in one of the most baffling convictions in recent history. Through interviews with key players, a review of overlooked evidence, and a critical look at the testimonies that played pivotal roles, the Yocums navigate listeners through a judicial maze where not everything is as it seems. "The Wild and Crazy Life of John Spirko: Part 2" is more than just a true-crime episode; it's an exposé on the fragility of justice, the influence of bias, and the dire consequences of misjudgments. So, strap in and prepare to be both fascinated and flabbergasted as this wild tale continues to unfold, challenging perceptions, and spotlighting the gray areas of the justice system. Another roller coaster episode from "Dead Before Deadline" awaits!

John Spirko has been in prison for the murder of Betty Jane Mottinger for 40 years. Dead Before Deadline host Robin Yocum believes he has spent four decades of his life incarcerated for a crime that he did not commit. Spirko, Yocum says, had nothing to do with the murder. He's the only guy Yocum has ever met who inserted himself into an investigation into a murder he did not commit and talked himself into an indictment, was convicted, and then told the jury to give him the death penalty. "In retrospect, not one of my smarter moves," Spirko now says. John Spirko was convicted of the 1982 kidnapping and murder of Mottinger, who was the postmaster in the tiny village of Elgin, Ohio. In this three-part episode, Yocum recounts his investigation into the murder and Spirko's subsequent conviction. Spirko is no saint and he has a long history of convictions and prison time, including a stretch for killing an elderly woman in Kentucky. However, Yocum is convinced that he did not kill Betty Jane Mottinger. Listen to this three-part series as we explore one of the most bizarre cases Yocum ever investigated as a reporter with the Columbus Dispatch.

In this evocative episode of "Dead Before Deadline," Robin and Jaclynn Yocum transport listeners to the streets of Columbus, Ohio, painting a vivid yet somber picture of Mary Hebeler. Known to many as the town drunk, Mary's life was layered with struggles, sorrow, and a quest for belonging. "The Lost Soul" dives deep into Mary's life, a woman often dismissed by society yet carrying a world of pain and stories that went unheard. While her label as the town drunk defined her for many, behind it was a soul yearning for understanding, acceptance, and perhaps redemption. Robin and Jaclynn journey through the hazy alleys of Columbus, retracing Mary's steps, and endeavoring to give voice to a woman who, in life, often went unheard. The episode takes a haunting turn as they delve into the circumstances surrounding Mary's tragic death - a cold case that haunts the corridors of Columbus PD and lingers in the memories of those who knew her. What happened to Mary Hebeler? Why, with all the eyes on her during her life, were there none that could shed light on the darkness of her untimely demise? Join the Yocums as they unpack this poignant story, weaving through the streets of Columbus, past whispered rumors, and into the very heart of a mystery that remains unsolved. "The Lost Soul" is not just an exploration of a cold case; it's a tribute to a woman whose narrative deserves to be told, understood, and remembered.

On the latest riveting episode of "Dead Before Deadline," host Robin Yocum and his lovely daughter Jaclynn navigate us through a mixed bag of stories he encountered during his tenure on the crime beat. These tales, varying from the whimsical to the downright absurd, showcase the unpredictable nature of human behavior and the oddities that a reporter can stumble upon. Ever heard the rumor about a hippopotamus taking a leisurely swim in the Olentangy River? Robin and Jaclynn dive deep into this peculiar story, separating myth from reality. Then, get a masterclass on how NOT to approach an immigration officer with a bribe, as Yocum recounts one of the most awkward encounters he's documented. The episode then takes a somber turn with the heartbreaking narrative of a man whose decision-making during a crisis is both bewildering and tragic. Leaving an ailing spouse in a burning house for a beer paints a picture of misplaced priorities and profound neglect. Lastly, brace yourself for a tale that is as baffling as it is gruesome, as we hear about an individual who undertook a macabre DIY project in an attempt to locate his own brain. Join in this whirlwind episode as he oscillates between the quirky, the tragic, and the downright inexplicable, illuminating the vast spectrum of human actions and decisions. "Crime Beat Chronicles" serves as a testament to the unpredictable stories that often lie hidden, waiting for a discerning reporter to uncover and share with the world.

In a chilling new installment of "Dead Before Deadline," Robin and Jaclynn Yocum delve into the deeply unsettling tales of two teenage boys who, despite their young age, committed heinous acts that would leave communities in shock and disbelief. Bradley Porter, a seemingly regular 16-year-old, whose actions would catapult him to infamy, and Jeffrey McDonald, an 18-year-old with a story that's as horrifying as it is perplexing. What drives someone so young to commit acts of such brutality? And how do communities grapple with the aftermath? Robin, with his seasoned journalistic perspective, revisits the evidence, the scenes, and the chilling aftermath of these crimes. His meticulous recounting paints a haunting picture of events that are nearly impossible to fathom. Alongside him, Jaclynn brings her fresh, analytical approach, dissecting the nuances of the cases and questioning the circumstances that led these young individuals down such dark paths. "Youthful Darkness" is not just a recounting of events; it's a deep dive into the human psyche, societal pressures, and the possible triggers that might lead someone to commit unthinkable acts. The dynamics between Robin and Jaclynn ensure that every angle is explored, every question is pondered, and every dark corner is illuminated. Prepare to be both disturbed and intrigued as this episode unravels two tales of youthful transgressions that challenge our understanding of morality, upbringing, and the very nature of evil. The stories of Bradley Porter and Jeffrey McDonald serve as chilling reminders that darkness can sometimes come from the most unexpected places. Join Robin and Jaclynn for an episode that's sure to leave an indelible mark on your consciousness.

In this emotionally charged episode of "Dead Before Deadline," Robin and Jacqueline are back with another powerful story to cover. Listen in as they unravel the haunting story surrounding Kelly Prosser, a name that would become synonymous with heartbreak in the annals of crime reporting. Kelly's disappearance and subsequent discovery shook the very foundations of the community, but the twists didn't end there. Enter Walter Mitchell, an enigmatic figure whose connection to Kelly's story remains riddled with questions. Through meticulous recounting, Robin paints a somber picture of the events leading up to and following that fateful day. Drawing on archived interviews firsthand accounts, and his own personal experiences from covering the story, Robin brings listeners face-to-face with the stark realities of crime reporting, where the line between professional detachment and personal investment often blurs. "The Sad Case of Kelly Prosser and Walter Mitchell" is more than just a narrative of events. It's an exploration into the profound impacts of tragedy on a community, the complexities of the human psyche, and the relentless pursuit of truth by journalists and investigators alike. As the episode unfolds, listeners are invited to bear witness to the anguish, the uncertainties, and the relentless quest for justice. Robin's voice serves as a beacon, guiding us through the dark corridors of a story that, despite the passage of time, remains etched in the collective memory of those who lived it. Prepare for a journey that's both poignant and chilling, as "Dead Before Deadline" delves deep into the shadows of the past, shining a light on a case that still beckons for answers.

In the heart-pounding second episode of "Dead Before Deadline," Robin Yocum takes us deep into one of the most baffling and intense cases he's ever covered: the enigma that is Billy Milligan. With an astonishing 24 distinct personalities, Billy's case was not just a puzzle to the police and psychologists, but a labyrinthine journey for any journalist daring enough to venture inside. Robin was not just an observer on this one. He found himself inextricably drawn into the investigation, spending considerable time with Billy, trying to decipher the intricate web of personalities that spanned from the innocuous to the downright menacing. With every interaction, a new face of Billy emerged, challenging Robin's perceptions and journalistic instincts. In "The 24 Faces of Billy Milligan," listeners are granted a front-row seat to real-time interviews, heart-stopping confrontations, and moments of unexpected vulnerability. This isn't just a recounting of facts; it's an immersive experience, shedding light on the complexities of the human mind and the challenges of reporting on such an unprecedented case. As Robin navigates the unpredictable maze of Billy's psyche, he grapples with ethical dilemmas, personal fears, and the ever-present question: Who is the real Billy Milligan? Prepare to be both fascinated and unsettled as this episode takes you on a roller coaster of emotions, twists, and revelations. If you thought the debut episode was intense, brace yourself for a descent into the mind-bending world of Billy Milligan.

In this riveting debut episode of "Dead Before Deadline," Robin Yocum delves into one of the most enigmatic cases from his years at the Dispatch – the mysterious death of Linda Marsick. At first glance, it seemed like any other tragic incident, but as Yocum peels back the layers, a strange connection to the King of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley, emerges. Was Linda Marsick's fate inexplicably linked to her undying admiration for Elvis? Did her obsession lead her down a perilous path, or is there more to the story than meets the eye? Robin takes listeners on a suspenseful journey, retracing the steps of his original investigation, interweaving firsthand accounts, and revealing never-before-shared insights. From Linda's close friends and family to the unexpected witnesses he encountered, every turn brings a new perspective to the puzzling case. "Did Linda Marsick Die For Elvis?" is more than just a quest for answers. It's an exploration into the depths of fandom, the blurred lines between love and obsession, and the lengths to which our passions can drive us. Tune in to this captivating episode and immerse yourself in a tale of music, mystery, and a journalist's relentless pursuit of the truth. Don't miss the start of a series that promises to shed light on the stories lurking in the shadows of the headlines.