From a Dark Place

In our Cecil hotel episode, we mentioned Jack being one of a few serial killers known to be a guest of LA's creepiest hotel. Today we dive into his crimes and what exactly made this guy such a monster.

In 1904, four- year old Richmond Byers stepped outside to play in the small town of Seelyville and was never seen again. Despite every effort to find him, no trace of Richmond was ever found leaving behind one of Indiana's oldest unsolved missing child cases.Overtime, his story has lived on not just in records, but in quiet folklore. .. subtle reminders of a disappearance that was never explained.Source: Cold Case IndianaIndiana State Library (archival newspapers and regional records)

Once a symbol of luxury and elegance, the RMS Queen Mary carried some of the world's wealthiest passengers across the Atlantic... before being transformed into a warship and back. In this episode of From a Dark Place, we explore the ships glamour to conflict including the tragic collision with the HMS Curacoa and the lives forever tied to its decks. Now permanently docked in Long Beach, the Queen Mary is known not only for its history but all of the haunts you get with the territory. Unexplained sightings to long-standing ghost lore. SOURCESOfficial Queen Mary Website- History and Ship ArchivesNational WWII Museum- Troopship and wartime conversion recordsEncyclopedia Britannica- Historical overview of the Queen Mary and transatlantic liners

In this episode we step into the eerie and infamous Skinwalker Ranch. A place where the unexplainable thrives.. Nestled in the heart of the Uintah Basin, this ranch has been the center of terrifying encounters for decades. From massive, unidentifiable creatures stalking the land to glowing orbs in the night sky. We dive into the Sherman family experiences while living on the ranch as well as the scientific investigations led by Robert Bigelow and the National Institute for Discovery Science. SourcesHunt for the Skinwalker by Colm Kelleher & George KnappInvestigations by the NIDSReporting and interviews by George Knapp

Celebrating *1 YEAR* in the Basement at From A Dark Place!!Thank you to our followers who make this journey all the more worth it! In this episode, we dive into the infamous Cecil Hotel. Once a luxury hot spot to a place haunted by decades of suicides, violent crimes and chilling urban legends. Is the Cecil Hotel simply a product of its environment or is something darker lingering within its walls? SOURCESWikipedia; Cecil Hotel HistoryBustle; Crimes & Deaths at the Cecil HotelELLE Australia; Elisa Lam Case & Hotel Background

In the heart of the French Quarter stands one of America's most infamous homes, the LaLaurie House. Behind its elegant balconies and grand facade lived a woman whose name would become synonymous with cruelty... Delphine LaLaurie. A socialite, a wife, a mother and according to hitory something far more sinister. In this episode of From a Dark Place, we dive into the life of Delphine LaLaurie, the fire of the house and the horrors it exposed, the aftermath and of course the haunts.

This week Amy and Dani continue the discussion of The Cannibal of Rotenburg. We'll talk about the death of Bernd Brandis and the legal aftermath.

On today's episode Amy and Dani discuss a tasty bromance, and how one man's hunger for companionship crosses a line. In part 1 we cover Armin's childhood and disturbing relationship with his mother. This is what ultimately leads him into internet forums, where he finds his perfect...victim?

In this episode of From a Dark Place, we examine the 1981 disappearance and murder of 13 year old Thomas Dale Webster in Terre Haute, Indiana. Thomas went missing after spending the day with a friend and five days later his body was found in a near by field less than a mile from his home. Despite an investigation at the time, no suspects were ever named and the case remains unsolved. We walk through what is known about Thomas, the timeline of his disappearance, the discovery of his body and the lingering questions that this surrounds this heartbreaking case.SOURCES;Tribune Star classifieds/public noticesfindagrave.comreddit.com

Deep in the heart of Evansville, Indiana... stands Willard Library. A gothic landmark known not only for its books, but for its most famous resident. Known as the Grey Lady, this silent figure in grey has been seen drifting between the stacks, felt by staff and patrons and even captured on security footage. In this episode of From a Dark Place, we dive into the legend of one of Indiana's most famous ghost, theories of who she may have been, the history of the land beneath the library and why her presence continues to linger more than a century later. Elegant, eerie and unforgettable... this is the story of the Grey Lady.SOURCES;Wilard Library Official Website- The Grey Lady GhostIndiana Historical Bureau/ Local Evansville ArchivesWISH-TV/Haunted Indiana Coverage

In April 2009, 17 year old Brittanee Drexel disappeared while on a spring break trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. What began as a missing teen case quickly spiraled into years of rumors, false leads and public speculation- leaving her family lost in limbo for more than a decade. This is the story of a young girl who should have come home and the long road it took to uncover the truth.sourcesCBS NEWS- Brittanee Drexel remains found after 13 years, Raymond Moody charged.Oxygen- FInal Moments:What happened to Brittanee DrexelPeople Magazine- Spring break murder confession and courtroom aftermath.

In the early hours of June 24, 1967... 32 year old mother of three Jo Ann Fox was found brutally murdered in her basement apartment in Terre Haute Indiana, just hours after moving in. Despite a massive investigation, dozens of interviews and decades of silence her case remains unsolved. SOURCESTerre Haute Tribune Star (1967)Associated Press

This episode delves into the case of Robert William Fisher, who murdered his wife and two children before disappearing. We explore Fisher's troubled upbringing, the dynamics of his marriage, the events leading to the murders, and the ongoing theories surrounding his disappearance.

This week on From a Dark Place, we're doing something a little different and just in time for Christmas. Instead of our usual deep dive into true crime, we're stepping back into the flickering gaslight of the Victorian era, when telling ghost stories at Christmas was a beloved tradition. Gathered around the fire, families shared eerie tales of spirits, haunted homes and restless souls, because nothing says "holiday cheer" quite like a good ghost story. Merry Christmas, Darklings

Sorry for the late drop, illness has overtaken the studio. Today's conversation delves into the chilling case of Ronald Gene Simmons, a family annihilator who murdered 14 members of his family in a calculated and horrific manner. The discussion explores Simmons' troubled upbringing, military career, and the psychological factors that led to his violent actions.

In a lighter episode, this conversation explores the Hopkinsville incident of Christmas Eve 1955, where the Sutton family experienced a series of strange encounters with small luminous beings. The discussion delves into the events of that night, the family's reactions, law enforcement's investigation, and the various theories that have emerged over the years. The incident remains a significant part of folklore and UFO history, raising questions about the nature of reality and the unexplained.

On Christmas Eve 2008, a quiet Covina neighborhood erupted into chaos, when Bruce Pardo arrived at his former in-laws holiday party dressed as Santa Claus carrying a gift wrapped weapon and a deadly plan. What followed was one of the most shocking family annihilation cases in modern history. A shocking case of vengeance, devastation and a holiday forever marked by tragedy. Listener discretion is advised.if you or someone you know is struggling during the holidays please reach out. 988 suicide and crisis lifeline call or text 988National Domestic Violence Hotline- 1800-799-SAFE or text START to 88788SAMHSA 1800-662-HELP (MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE)SOURCESLos Angeles Times- Coverage of the Covina Christmas Eve Massacre (2008-2009)Associated Press "Man Dressed as Santa kills 9 at Holiday Party" (2008)Covina Police Department Press Briefings and Public Records (2008)

Join Amy and Dani this week as we discuss the toooootally factual Pumpkin Pie Riot, and how the most wonderful time of the year can turn us into absolute maniacs.

In this episode of From a Dark Place, Danielle and Amy unravel one of the most unsettling fugitive cases in American history: the story of William Bradford Bishop Jr. .. the accomplished State Department diplomat who vanished after allegedly murdering his wife, mother and three young sons in 1976.We dive into the timeline leading up to the brutal killings, the eerie clues left behind, Bishop's meticulous planning and the international manhunt that followed. With a life steeped in privilege, education and world travel, Bishop seemed like the last person capable of such horror, yet the trail of evidence tells a different story.decades later, he remains missingSOURCESFBI WANTED PAGEWashington PostPeople Magazine

Unravel the tragic story of Chris Benoit in our latest episode. Dive into the mind of a family annihilator. Listen now!

In this episode of From A Dark Place, we revisit one of America's most infamous hauntings- The Amityville Horror. What really happened inside that Dutch Colonial home on Ocean Avenue? We will unravel the grisly DeFeo family murders, explore the Lutz family's terrifying 28 days in the house and separate fact from the legends that fueled a paranormal empire. Was it truly haunted or something far darker rooted in human nature?SOURCESHigh Hopes: The Amityville Murders by Jay Anson (1977)"The Real Amityville Horror" -History Channel Documentary 2012Ric Osuna, The Night the DeFeos Died: Reinvestigating the Amityville Murders(2002)

The Carter Brothers of New Orleans, Vampires in the Bayou?In the 1930s New Orleans, rumors began to spread about two brothers who were not just killers... they were vampires. Join us for this bonus episode as we descend into the eerie legends surrounding John and Wayne Carter, two alleged serial killers whose victims claimed they were drained of blood and held captive in a nightmare straight out of folklore. Were the Carter brothers real life monsters, victims of hysteria or figments of urban legends twisted through time? Happy Halloween friends!!SOURCESYesterday's America- The Forgotten History of Two New Orleans VampiresThe Vampire Project- The Carter Brothers: A New Orleans Vampire Legend

For over a decade, The Smurl family claimed their Pennsylvania home was under siege by something evil, whispers in the dark, scratches in the walls and violent attacks that defied explanation. With Ed and Lorraine Warren called in to investigate, this haunting became one of the most controversial and terrifying cases in the 1980s. Was it truly demonic? or a decent into psychological torment? Join us as we unravel the chilling story of the Smurl family haunting... the fear, the skepticism and the darkness...SOURCESThe Haunted: One Family's Nightmare by Jack and Janet Smurl with Robert CurranEd and Lorraine Warren case files and interviews (1986-1991)

In this chilling episode of From A Dark Place, we dive into one of the most infamous hauntings in history... The Enfield Poltergeist. What began as strange knockings and moving of furniture in a quiet London home soon spiraled into a full blown paranormal storm. Was it a genuine haunting... or a clever hoax taken too far? Join us as we unravel the mystery, the skeptics and the chilling truth behind the case that inspired the conjuring 2.Sources:This House is Haunted: An investigation of the Enfield Poltergeist by Guy Lyon Playfair."The Enfield Poltergeist" - Daily Mirror

In 1971, The Perron family moved into a centuries old farmhouse in Harrisville, Rhode Island and soon discovered they weren't alone. Over the next decade, they claimed to experience one of the most terrifying hauntings in American history. From unseen forces and ghostly apparitions to violent attacks and a seance gone wrong, the story of the Perrons would later inspire "The conjuring". But what really happened inside that house? Was it truly haunted? Join us in the basement this week for another spooky season episode of From A Dark Place while we unearth the truth behind the scenes of the Perron family farmhouse, the Warren's controversial involvement and what became of the infamous home.SOURCESAndrea Perron- House of Darkness, House of Light VOL I-III (2011-2014)Ed & Loraine Warren case files (The Demonologist by Gerald Brittle 1980)USA TODAY/WWLP news; reports on the houses operations, tours and license revocation (2023-2024)Theconjuringhouse.comFindagrave.com:bathsheba thayer sherman

In the sultry nights of 1918-1919, the streets of New Orleans trembled under an unseen menace. A serial killer known as the Axeman broke into homes clumsily yet terrifyingly... chiseling panels, entering through back doors and then wielding an axe to strike sleeping victims. Targeting mostly Italian immigrant grocers and their families... but he did not stop at violence. He entered the public imagination with a chilling letter published in The TIMES-PICAYUNE in March 1919. Join us this episode to explore the MO of the Axeman, the victims and theories of this still unsolved case. SOURCESThe Axeman of New Orleans: The True Story by Miriam C. DavisCountry Roads Magazine- "The Axeman of New Orleans"LegendsofAmerica.com-"Axeman of New Orleans"

Imagine a knock at your door late at night. Two childen stand outside, their voices soft, their request simple- asking to come in. But something feels off. Their eyes are pitch black, void of any light or soul. These encounters have been whispered about for decades, leaving those who claim to have seen them shaken to their core. In this episode of FROM A DARK PLACE, we dive into the chilling phenomenon of the black eyed children. From eeie first hand accounts to theories about their origins...whether paranormal extraterrestrial or something more sinister.Sources;"Death as a Child: The modern Legend of the Black Eyed Children"- Atlas Obscura"The Black Eyed Child" - Tsem Rinche blog/ paranormal article

in Dec 1872, the merchant ship - The Marie Celeste was discovered drifting in the Atlantic Ocean, completely abandoned. The crew's belongings were untouched, the cargo as intact and there were no signs of struggle. So why would an experienced captain, his family and the entire crew vanish without a trace? In this episode we unravel the chiling mystery of one of histories most infamous ghost ships, exploring theories of mutiny, piracy, foul play and the supernatural..sourcesTranscript of the Vice- Admiralty Court of Gibraltar 1872"Abandoned Ship: The Mary Celeste'- Smithsonian Magazine by Jess Blumberg (2007)MaryCeleste.net ("Facts Not Fiction")

The conversation explores the haunting tale of the Greenbrier Ghost, Zona Heaster, who was found dead under mysterious circumstances in 1897. Her mother, Mary Jane, believed Zona's spirit communicated with her, revealing the truth about her death. This led to an investigation, exhumation, and ultimately the conviction of Zona's husband, Edward Shue, making it a unique case in U.S. history where ghost testimony influenced a legal outcome. The story blends elements of true crime, folklore, and the enduring bond between a mother and her child.

*PITCH BLACK*Richard Chase, also known as the "vampire of Sacramento", left a dark and horrifying mark on California in the late 70's. Driven by severe mental illness and terrifying delusions, Chase's crimes shocked the nation for their brutality and disturbing nature. In this episode, we explore his troubled childhood, the chilling escalation of his behavior and the gruesome murders that earned him his infamous nickname. Join us as we take a deep dive into the twisted mind of one America's most unsettling killers.sources "The Vampire Killer" - Ryan Green The Sacremento Bee (1978-1980)- original reporting on Richard Chase's arrest, trial and crimesLos Angeles Times (1979)Murderpedia: Richard Trenton Chase

SummaryThis episode delves into the chilling unsolved murders in Mineral, Washington, where two couples were found dead under mysterious circumstances, both with tube socks tied around their necks. The conversation explores the timeline of events, the investigation, and various theories surrounding the cases, including potential connections to other murders in the area. The hosts discuss the eerie details and the ongoing quest for answers, highlighting the complexities of the cases and the chilling possibility of a serial killer at large.

In April of 1974, six- year old Gary Ray Hose vanished from his family's home after being punished by his mother. At first, police believed he had run away but as time passed, suspicions of foul play grew. Decades later, his case remains unsolved- a haunting mystery marked by family secrets, abuse and a life time of unanswered questions.sourcesThe Charley Project - Gary Ray Hose http://charleyproject.org/case/gary-ray-hoseResource Center for cold case missing children's caseshttp:rccmcc.com/2020/09/10/gary-ray-hosePhoenix New Times- "family searches for missing brother they say was murdered by mom in 1974"12 NEWS- "new leads open up "74 Maricopa county cold case"

This conversation delves into the chilling case of Winnie Ruth Judd, known as the trunk murderess, who dismembered two women and transported their bodies across state lines in 1931. The discussion explores her troubled life, relationships, the night of the murders, her trial, and subsequent escapes from a mental institution, raising questions about justice and the nature of her actions.

When Amanda Gill traveled to Mexico from the UK for what was supposed to be a relaxing trip away, turned tragic. Amanda would pass away on her trip but her death would leave more questions than answers. One big question- why was Amanda's body returned to her loved ones with no organs? no eyes? no answers? Was her death due to complications from diabetes or something far more sinister. Was the reason for her organs missing just a routine autopsy there at the hospital? In this "missing inside" episode we explore the circumstances of her death, the mystery behind the missing organs and her heartbroken loved ones fight for answers.sources;9NEWS (Australia)Facebook/calendar news coverageIndependant.co

In 2019, Russian historian Oleg Sokolov—once celebrated as an expert on Napoleon—was pulled from a freezing river carrying a backpack stuffed with severed limbs. Behind the bizarre headlines was a story of obsession, abuse, and academic arrogance gone homicidal.This week, we unpack the chilling case of the so-called Napoleon Butcher of St. Petersburg—a man who thought he was a genius but turned out to be just another violent coward in a costume.

*WARNING* This episode is graphic and deeply upsetting - but Junko's story deserves to be told, with truth and empathy. Join us as we honor her memory and examine the lasting impact her case had on Japan and the global true crime community**LISTENER DISCRESION IS STRONGLY ADVISED* In this episode we recount one of the most disturbing and heartbreaking cases in true crime history- the abduction, torture and murder of 17 year old Junko Furuta in 1980's Japan. For 44 unimaginable days, Junko endured unspeakable torture at the hands of 4 teenage boys, all while being held captive in a suburban home where adults were present- and silent. We explore the events leading up to her kidnapping, the horrifying ordeal she was subjected to, the societal failures that allowed it to continue and the controversial trial that followed.sources;Tokyo District Court Records (1989-1990)"44 Days of Hell- The story of Junko Furuta" (documented case summeries)Cruelty: Human Evil and the Human Brain by Kathleen Taylor

nestled beneath a canopy of ancient oaks draped in Spanish moss, the Myrtles Planation is often called "one of America's most haunted homes". but how much of its chilling reputation is rooted in fact-- and how much is legend passed down, twisted and embellished over time? join us in the basement as we peel back the layers of folklore- like the story of Chloe, the enslaved woman accused of poisoning her master's family or the gunshot death of William Winter. Through historical research, eyewitness accounts, and critical examination of the paranormal claims and some laughs along the way if you like the haunts this story is one you wanna join us for.wikipedia"Myrtles Plantation' and "Legends of Myrtles Plantation"Medium-"The History and the Haunting of the Myrtles Plantation" (R.K Harrington, Aug 2020)Ghost Hunters, season 2 episode 1 titled "St. Francisville, LA Myrtles Plantation" aired july 27, 2005

Today we finish our story about Jackie Schut by discussing how she was finally caught. We discuss the work of supercop Detective Regimbal and the outcome of the trial. Source material for this episode comes from Ann Rule's book Lying in Wait

Part 1 of our first 2 part episode! This story comes from Ann Rule's book Lying in Wait. The Baby Seller aka Jackie Schut is as bad as they come. In Part 1, we discuss Jackie's background and assorted crimes as well as the two known victims, Geneva Clemons and Cheryl Jones. They were two mothers who were murdered by Jackie, so that she could steal their babies and sell them. Follow us to a dark place!

In this haunting episode of From A Dark Place, we uncover the deeply disturbing and heartbreaking story of Rhoda Derry- Born in the mid 1800's, Rhoda's life spiraled into darkness after a forbidden love and an alleged curse from arrival family. What followed was decades of unimaginable suffering, confinement and abuse in an Illinois' mental health facility. Join us as we trace Rhoda's journey from a bright young woman to a soul lost in the cracks of a failing system. We explore the cruelty she endured, the myths surrounding her madness and the shocking truth about how society once treated those deemed "insane". This is not just a story about mental illness -- it's about injustice, humanity and the desperate need for reform.TRIGGER WARNING: this episode contains descriptions of abuse, neglect and mental health.sources:-Rhoda Derry; a tragedy of Illinois insane asylums by Mark D. Davis-Historical records from the Adams County Poor Farm -Illinois state hospital archives-"Dr George Zellar and the Moral Treatment Movement" Illinois State Historical Society

The title says it all. Today we talk about Leonarda Cianciulli, the soap maker of Correggio. But Amy, Dani, what's so dark about making soap? Let us tell you! It's not so much about the soap as what (or who) it's made from.....

In this episode, we explore the heartbreaking and mysterious case of Billy Martin a 7 year old boy who vanished without a trace from his hometown of Brazil, Indiana right out of his front yard... sparking one of the most unsettling and enduring mysteries in the states history. In this episode, we take you back to that summer afternoon- the carnival across town, the tricycles in the driveway, and the trusted boarder named "Tex" who was the last to see Billy alive. What followed was a frantic search filled with inconsistencies, failed polygraphs and chilling rumors that persist to this day. Was Billy the victim of a random act-- or did someone close to the family hold the key all along? This case remains unsolved nearly 70 years later. This is the story of Billy Earl Martin-a boy who vanished and a family and community still haunted by questions.sources- The Charley Project- profile:billy earl martin charleyproject.orgThe Doe Network- Case File; 6387DMIN doenetwork.orgnewpapers.comgenealogybank.com

In this episode of From A Dark Place, we're exploring the chilling legacy of Waverly Hills Sanatorium - an abandoned hospital with the reputation for being one of the most haunted places in the United States. Originally built in the early 1900s to treat tuberculosis patients, Waverly Hills became the site of immense suffering, experimental treatments and thousands of deaths. We'll walk you through its grim past, share some of the most terrifying ghost stories and paranormal claims, and uncover what still draws people to this crumbling relic of medical history. With Maddie stepping in this week, join us as we descend into the shadows of Waverly Hills and ask; what lingers behind those decaying walls? sourceswikipedia-Waverly Hills SanatoriumKentucky historic InstitutionsWaverly Hills Sanatorium Official WebsiteWHS MemorialWaverly Hills Sanatorium; A History by Lynn Pohl

Mary Day would go missing in July of 1981 at the age of of 13 after living a life of neglect and abuse at the hands of her mother and step father. A missing persons case was never filed and the family seemed to have moved on without her. It was not until 1992 her younger sister in a search for answers would finally report Mary missing, even still- no real investigation would take off until years later. This would lead investigators to believe Mary had been murdered by her step father but before a trial would take place- Mary would reappear with a lot of mystery surrounding her and questions that are still unanswered to this day.CBS.NEWS.COM48hoursif you would like to help out the show donate venmo @fromadarkplacepod !

A brief history lesson and a little lore we discuss the Casket Girls of New Orleans. In the 1700's shipments of women from France were sent to the new land to help with colonization. The journey for these women was not an easy one. With many different accounts of how the lives of these women went, the long standing legend of vampires still exist today. When touring the French Quarter you will still hear the tales of the Casket Girls of New Orleans. New Orleans Vampires : Marita Woywod Crandlewikipedia.orgwww.neworleans.comghostcitytours.com

In this week's episode, we will discuss the twisted love triangle between Evelyn Nesbit, Harry Thaw, and Stanford White, which lead to the very public murder of Mr. White.The main source for this episode is On Trial for Murder Courtroom Dramas that Gripped the World by Emily G Thompson

Taking you to the pitch black side of From A Dark Place. Poland's Ed Gein...From Poland, serial killer and graver robber Edmund Kolanowski would terrorize the village of Poznan. His crimes would span from 1970-1980's. After one known murder and multiple grave robbing's officials would finally stake out the local cemeteries to catch him red handed in the act of defiling a corpse. Fleeing the scene he would leave a key piece of evidence that would lead investigators straight to him and the truth about what it was he was actually up to that will end up forever haunting the village of Poznan .

This week we're taking a peek into two of Indiana's creepiest cemeteries; Highland Lawn Cemetery in Terre Haute, Indiana and Stepp Cemetery in Morgan-Monroe State Forest. Source for this episode is Haunted Cemeteries of Indiana by Ashley Hood

When a man walking his usual route to work spotted what he believed to be a "tailors mannequin" floating in the Thames River a second glance would end up being a terrifying, life changing discovery. This would be the torso of a young child that would lead investigators on a decades long investigation into not only who could have done this but also finding out the true identity of the boy they would end up naming "Adam". Believed to be a victim of a ritual sacrifice "The case of Adam" and the boys true identity is still unsolved.www.bbc.com

Today's episode is about a cult called Home of Truth, it's leader Marie Ogden, and the lengths she went to to keep her believers hanging on to her twisted teachings.