Thumbing Through the Archives

As Sharee Miller's case headed to trial in 2000, the internet evidence slated to be used against her was also on trial as the prosecution and defense fought it out. When the case began in December 2000, Sharee had found a lawyer who was ready to try and keep up with her story to keep her out of jail, and another lawyer willing to keep up with the story to try and put her away. Still, it would take another 16 years and more court battles before Sharee was finally ready to tell the truth. (Part 4 of 4)

(This episode contains description and discussion of suicide. Listener discretion is advised.) While the Genesee County Sheriff's Office investigated a seemingly stronger suspect following Bruce Miller's murder on November 8, 1999 , cracks began to show between the two lovers turned co-conspirators as Sharee Miller began to pull away and Jerry Cassaday began to question Sharee's many claims and their relationship. For investigators in Michigan, the case wouldn’t move forward until the middle of February 2000, when Jerry opened up a Pandora’s box of evidence that Sharee could not escape from, with a devastating final decision. (Part 3 of 4)

Jerry Lee Cassaday was at an odd time of his life when he struck up a conversation with Sharee Miller in the spring of 1999, and he had no idea his life was going to take a turn for the dangerous as the Flint woman told him lies and cast a spell. That spell would culminate in a November tragedy, and no one except for them would know the truth behind the tragedy until months later. (Part Two of Four)

The story of Sharee Miller and her crime has been told many times before, most notably through a TV movie based on the book written about the case, but the reason why it’s so oft-told is because it has a few distinctions-- it made history for all of the wrong reasons, and it only truly finished up about ten years ago now. This week on Thumbing Through the Archives, we take a look at the background of the internet and Sharee Miller. (Part 1 of 4)

It's late November 1925, and the bank in St. Clair County's village of Jeddo just shut it doors for good as its only bank clerk, Squire Langs,  disappears with the bank's cash in hand. Where did the respectable man go, and why did he take the bank down with him when he left?

This week, we're diving back into the story of Sarah Haviland, getting into her trial, punishment, and other finer details of the case.  While we left off our last episode with a coroner’s jury heading to Sarah’s door on Saturday, December 16, 1865, let us rewind a bit, to the start of that week, and review the actions a mother took in 1865 that turned this story into a tragedy.

When this case took place, the American Civil War had only ended some seven months earlier, and many were trying to make sense of their lives and losses. However, this tragedy happened in a Michigan home seemingly untouched by the war between the states, with the main perpetrator bringing about an event that seemingly made some sense at the time, but makes little sense now. This is the story of spiritualist Sarah Haviland, and the tragic "passing on" of her children in 1865.

A little more than two months before Timothy McVeigh and former Decker resident Terry Nichols committed the Oklahoma City Bombing of 1995, there was another bombing that rocked the thumb area. It wasn’t of any government building— in fact, it didn’t target a building, or a group of people, but just one person. That person was Charlene Dell, and as she stepped out of her office that February afternoon, engulfed in flames, no one expected her to come out the other side. But she did, and this is her story.

At 9:30 p.m. on January 22, 1984, Jerry Western was found with a single gunshot wound to the back in Colfax Township. As the first murder to have occurred in over six years in Huron County, it sent ripples through the community--especially since the contents of his pockets had been left in tact. In fact, the only thing that was stolen was his wedding ring. Who could have killed such a beloved member of the community, and why?

The death of Douglas Hendricks in 1973 remains unthinkable. He was 19 at the time and a resident of Lexington, having been found dead just outside of the Cadillac House. It was a little over 24 years later that his stepfather, Douglas Bowers, would disappear from Worth Township. The last time we visited this case, it was still under active investigation, and while it does still remain unsolved, we're going to be taking some time to reflect on things.

On February 4, 1976, the body of Carol Wudarcki was found in Worth Township. She had been struck by a snow plow mere minutes before being discovered by Mark Ernst, making it near impossible for investigators to determine her cause of death. What was curious, however, were the marks found on her ankles and wrists. Just what does Ernst have to do in all of this, and is it possible that he may (or may not) have murdered others, including Iris Johnston and Gladys Barron? Find out on this week's episode of Thumbing Through the Archives.

With Esther McPhee deceased, the trial for her husband began on the afternoon of October 17, with Prosecutor RJ West calling her older brother, George, to the stand. He was joined by at least 25 other residents of Melvin, with much of his account detailing the gritty details surrounding the McPhees’ relationship, the fire, and “character indications of the defendant which he claims he will establish to indicate guilt on the part of the prisoner.” Again, his story was just one of many that would be spilled in the meantime. Who would ultimately be blamed for Esther's death, and what would that mean for Melvin itself?

A small village in Sanilac County's Speaker Township, Melvin boasts a hearty population of 148 residents, with it not being much bigger over 100 years ago. What began as a lone saloon built in 1862 quickly sparked the construction of a drug store, the Port Huron & Northwestern Railroad, and a church as the years drew on, but we're not here to talk that type of history. Today's episode centers around a married couple, Esther McPhee and William Jack McPhee, and the circumstances that led to one of their deaths on March 6, 1923. Was it a desire for vengeance that prompted 207 residents to accuse a man of murder, or was it something more?

Prohibition officially hit the United States in 1919 when the 18th Amendment was ratified. While it may have intended to veer people away from excessive drinking, within weeks, an underground market had sprung up across the country. This volatile period would last well into 1933, but until then, people had their own tricks to avoid detection. Just what did this time look like for those in the Thumb, and who were some of its key players? All that, and more!

The dog, the myth, the legend--it's about time Dogman got his own episode! That's right, we're diving head first into cryptozoology and exploring one of Michigan's most mysterious cryptids. While perhaps not as well-known as others like Bigfoot or Mothman, Dogman remains in the hearts (and minds) of many--especially those in Wexford County, where he is rumored to have made his first appearance. With a history spanning more than a century, join us as we get ready to "dig" for the truth.

Daniel Lewis Hazard made his way to Croswell on July 21, 1998, unaware that it would be his last day alive. Over 26 years later and there remains a question as to who murdered him. Was it a friendship gone awry or perhaps something more sinister? While currently inactive, this case remains curious in the minds of many--especially with it being so close to home.

On this special edition of Thumbing Through the Archives, we’re returning to our roots by taking some time to revisit the Sparlings and their confusing history. The topic might be the same, but the conversation sure isn’t! With almost 40 episodes under our belt, it’s time for some perspective.

This might be our final gambit regarding the drug trade in St. Clair County, but we're going out with a bang! One man has more history with the St. Clair County drug trade than any other: Dave Dean. Some of our listeners may be familiar with him while others may not. Either way, come listen in (or continue along with us) as we analyze Dean’s involvement.

The St. Clair County Drug Task Force officially began its operations on January 2, 1985, with its tip-line being installed the same month. Despite such a strong start, authorities had yet to discover what their residents were truly getting up to--both at home and across the world. In this episode, we're continuing our exploration into the turbulent history of St. Clair County's drug trade, so if you missed Part 1, be sure to take a listen before joining us.

Located within the region of the Thumb, St. Clair County has a complicated history as part of the drug trade. It’s one that spans several years across several nearby communities, including the likes of Canada. With cocaine at its core, just how deep does the rabbit hole go?

On April 10, 1974, President Nixon campaigned his way across the Thumb, visiting Saginaw, Bad Axe, Cass City, and Sandusky. Despite being in the midst of the Watergate scandal, hundreds were drawn in by his presence alone. Some were hoping to see him in person, while others were eager to protest his visit altogether. We've combed through the archives and are going to be jumping right into the pages of history by listening to a commemorative album from the event.

From Blue Moon to Superman to Moose Tracks, we’re scooping up another origin story on this week’s episode! Join us as we discuss some of Michigan’s iconic ice cream flavors. Where did they come from, what do they taste like, and just who is Tracks the Moose?

There is murder within today's case, but it's not the main focus of the story. This is a tale of a judge and his son, his friends and colleagues, and the many missteps made in St. Clair County. Many of which would see a man undergo three separate trials in two decades for one crime. There isn't a question as to whether a crime was committed or not but rather questions about possible motives (and motivators), with several actors having gone on to receive positions of power in the county’s legal system.

The story of January 9, 1993, might never have a conclusion. This day involves the death of a man in the kitchen he once called home, with those at its center being wealthy 39-year-old William “Bill” Paasche and his wife, 35-year-old Joann “Jodi” Paasche–two individuals with curious motives.

On a chilly November day in 1985, the boom from a single shotgun blast cut through the air of the student parking lot at St. Clair County Community College (SC4). A few minutes later, 20-year-old Scott Macklem was found dead next to his car. The son of Croswell’s mayor, his murder would spark a statewide manhunt that remains unsolved.

Having peeked at all of the available information concerning Collins’s trial, including the tricky jury selection and testimony from over 50 people, we're giving our final words on the Michigan Murders. In the years following his conviction, he has maintained his innocence and contact with both women and family members outside of the G. Robert Cotton Correctional Facility. Next time, we're going to be taking a look at something a bit more current, so be sure to stay tuned!

Today’s episode features all of the details surrounding the jury selection, testimony, and the defense's case in relation to the Michigan Murders. Collins ended up changing his lawyers twice during this process with the results of his polygraph test having altered the stakes of the trial and his defense. As a sneak peek into our final part on this case, we’ll be discussing the aftermath of the trial and Collins’s time in jail.

What started in July of 1967 would go on to last nearly three years, culminating in the conviction of John Norman Collins on August 19, 1970. Even before the death of 18-year-old Karen Sue Beineman, John Norman Collins was on police's radar, having been identified as the last person with Beineman prior to her murder. He was ultimately arraigned on August 1, 1969, resulting in a trial that was anything but simple.

On our last episode, we headed across the country to California, touching upon the murder of 17-year-old Roxie Phillips and her possible ties to this case. With over two years of dead ends and false leads, the last two months of police investigation were some of the busiest for detectives, resulting in the crucial break that they needed.

A brief reminder that listener discretion is advised due to the graphic nature of this case. We spoke extensively about Alice Kalom and her death in June of 1969 last time, along with the chaos felt by Washtenaw County’s colleges in light of the murders. This time though, we’re going out-of-state and retracing some of the final months of police investigation leading up to Collins’s capture.

As this is the third part in our longest series to date, we recommend starting from the beginning if you're just joining us. With less than a month between the murders of 16-year-old Maralynn Skelton and 13-year-old Dawn Basom, police must account for a confusing timeline and a growing number of victims. How does "in loco parentis" tie into everything, and what did this mean for the surrounding colleges impacted by the Michigan Murders? It is advised that any listeners sensitive to descriptions of violence against women or graphic crime scenes skip this entry.    

We’re back with our second part on our deep dive on the Michigan Murders. Last time we focused our attention on the murders of Mary Flezar in 1967 and Joan Schell in 1968. We'll be covering the death of a third victim by the name of Jane Mixer in March of 1969--a year that would see the killings of at least four other women. This episode has a content warning due to its subject matter. If you are sensitive to descriptions of graphic crime scenes or violence against women, we advise that you skip this one.

From 1967 to 1969, one person terrorized southeastern Michigan, leaving five (or potentially six) victims in their wake. Join us as we unravel the many details of one of the most infamous murder trials to have ever occurred in Michigan. The likes of which may have impacted California, as well. Due to the timespan and nature of these events, this is the first of eight episodes on the Michigan Murders.

A very early (or late) Happy Halloween! On this special episode, we’ll be exploring the haunted tales of two semi-famous Michigan sites: the Loop-Harrison Mansion and the Bruce Mansion. They’re so creepy, you just might want to visit them.

As we near the end of our first three-parter, there are still several questions left remaining in this confusing case . . . and several loose ends that need tying up. Those questions (and more) to be answered as the police close in on the Lord brothers. Be sure to stay tuned for next week's episode, where we'll be moving on from Charles Lord and tackling an even more obscure topic.

Last time we left off, the Lord brothers had fled from the scene of the crime, leading to a country-wide goose chase. With the police left searching for answers and the community still reeling from the events that had transpired, it seemed like the case was as good as unsolved. The brothers weren’t content staying out of the limelight for long, though.

The Lord family arrived in Elk Township around 1899, almost three decades after the Thumb’s first towns had already been established. Well-liked, well-renowned, and well-known–all that would change after a grisly murder (and robbery) rocked the family to their core. What shocked everyone, however, was that the perpetrator may have also been part of the family.

Come discover the origins of Snover, a place often overlooked in Michigan’s history. With a population of 300 in 2020, this community might seem sleepy, but its story is certainly not a snoozer. What lies hidden beneath its surface? Stay tuned to find out more!

Pinkertons, the Matteson brothers, and hidden crimes--oh my! We might be wrapping up our investigation into the Morris Murders, but there are still plenty of surprises left on this wild trail. Some residents even claim that the nearby graveyard remains haunted, particularly following the fire that burned down the farmhouse, but more on that later.

One family above all others remains tangled up in Decatur's past. The Morrises were considered the village darlings, but that all came to an end in September of 1879. In one foul swoop, their lives were snuffed out and the murderer lost to the pages of history. With the sheer number of suspects involved, this case remains unsolved--even over a century later.

James Jesse Strang, otherwise known as the "King of Beaver Island," was a Mormon polygamist. Even though he passed away at the age of forty-three, he left behind a turbulent reign. It was one that affected a community of nearly 3,000 'Strangites' on Beaver Island in Lake Michigan. How did this community come about, and do they still remain on Beaver Island? Let's find out!

The death of Douglas Hendricks and (later) disappearance of Douglas Bowers seemingly happened out of the blue, sending shockwaves through Sanilac County at the time. Both cases remain unsolved, having been under active investigation since 2018. As such, while we might not have all the answers, we can certainly speculate as to what may have transpired on those fateful day(s).

We’re moving away from natural disasters and peering into the life of a self-proclaimed cult leader, Benny Evangelista, and his family--the victims of a gruesome crime that occurred in 1929. The St. Aubin Avenue Massacre is one of Michigan's most harrowing cases, and it remains unsolved. With the patriarch believing in odd things and strange practices, police aren't sure what's a clue and what’s not as they venture into the Evangelista's home for answers.

On Thursday, June 8th, almost seventy years ago, a black funnel cloud so large it tinged the sky green arrived in the little community of Beecher. In its wake, it left 116 dead, over 800 injured, and $215 million worth of damages. On this week's episode, we take a look at Michigan's Flint Beecher tornado--one of the most destructive natural disasters to have occurred in Michigan.

Everyone loves an origin story, and this week, we’re looking back on Sanilac County's local history. It all started with a horse race, a lumber baron’s grudge, and a swamp figure, but it morphed into the story of two towns fighting for the county seat. Somehow the courthouse emerged from all of this, but we're going to need to explain a few things before we get to that part.

On today's episode of Thumbing Through the Archives, we take a look at the achievements of Michigan's so-called "fastest cow." Her name is Taffy, and her former owner has plenty to tell us about this bovine's moo-ving tale. Just how fast was her record? What else is there to know?

Dive into the pages of Michigan’s history with Thumbing Through the Archives. This week's episode is all about the Edmund Fitzgerald. As one of the most popular ships to have sailed the Great Lakes, there is plenty to learn about this marvel. Buckle up and grab a snack (or two) as we uncover its mysteries and histor(y)-ies.

Just where is a church caretaker meant to turn when he discovers the fright of his life? Filled with tales of hypnotism and corpse burning, the murder that occurred at Rattle Run is a story not for the faint of heart. We advise our listeners to proceed with caution if they find discussion about such topics distressing.

Continuing our deep dive into the case of the "Dying Sparlings," we’re wrapping up the official investigation concerning (and trial for) the death of the family’s youngest son. Will justice be served, or will the lack of answers forever cloud public perceptions? Join us as we unravel the Sparling family's ties to a certain town doctor and his plans to bring about their end.

Discover the origins of one of the Thumb's greatest but relatively unknown mysteries: the Sparling Murders. This case spanned the course of several years during the 1900s, but its effects lasted much longer. Were the deaths of multiple family members a mere coincidence? Or, was there something more devious going on behind the scenes?