Tales From the Underworld

In November 2010, Ronni Chasen—a respected Hollywood publicist known for representing some of the industry’s biggest names—was shot and killed while driving home through Beverly Hills. The crime shocked Los Angeles, not just for its brutality, but for how little sense it seemed to make.In this episode, we examine the strange and still-debated circumstances surrounding Chasen’s death. Authorities quickly pointed to a possible robbery gone wrong, naming a suspect who died by suicide shortly after being identified. But many close to the case have long questioned that conclusion.Was it truly a random act of violence, or is there more beneath the surface? We explore the timeline, the evidence, and the lingering doubts that continue to surround one of Hollywood’s most puzzling modern murders.More than a decade later, the case remains a source of speculation—raising uncomfortable questions about how some investigations are closed, and whether justice was ever truly served. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

In this episode, we dive into the haunting and still-debated death of Natalie Wood—a Hollywood icon whose final night remains shrouded in mystery. What began as a quiet yacht trip off the California coast in 1981 quickly turned into one of the entertainment industry’s most controversial cases.We explore the events leading up to her disappearance, the key figures on board, and the inconsistencies that have fueled decades of speculation. From shifting witness statements to the case’s eventual reopening, this story blurs the line between tragic accident and something far more unsettling.Why does this case continue to captivate the public more than 40 years later? And will the full truth ever come to light?Tune in as we unpack the theories, the tensions, and the unanswered questions behind a death that refuses to rest. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

In this episode, we explore two cases where those trusted to uphold the law found themselves on the other side of it.First, we look into the story of Paul Bergrin, a once-respected defense attorney whose career masked a far darker reality. Known for representing high-profile clients, Bergrin’s life behind the scenes revealed a shocking web of criminal activity that blurred the line between advocate and participant.Then, we turn to Judge Cason “Casey” Moreland, a figure who held authority from the bench but whose actions outside the courtroom would ultimately lead to his downfall. What began as a position of power and respect unraveled into a scandal that exposed corruption at its core.Together, these cases raise unsettling questions about trust, authority, and how easily power can be misused when oversight fails. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

First, we revisit the chilling case of Diane Downs, the Oregon mother who claimed a stranger had shot her and her three children along a dark rural road in 1983. What initially appeared to be a random act of violence soon raised serious doubts among investigators. As detectives looked closer at the timeline and Diane’s behavior, the story began to collapse—revealing one of the most infamous criminal cases involving a parent in modern American true crime.Then we turn to the tragic death of Adrianna Hutto, a seven-year-old girl who died in Florida in 2007 after being found in her family’s backyard pool. Authorities first treated the incident as a heartbreaking accident. But during the investigation, Adrianna’s young brother made a shocking claim that would change the direction of the case and raise troubling questions about what really happened that day. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

In this episode, we examine two controversial deaths that left families searching for answers and communities divided.First, we look at the death of Officer Davina Buff Jones, a Mississippi police officer whose fatal shooting sparked intense debate over the official narrative. Conflicting accounts, disputed evidence, and public skepticism turned a tragic loss into a case surrounded by unanswered questions.Then we turn to the death of Army Private LaVena Johnson, found dead in Iraq in 2005. The military ruled her death a suicide — but her family has long challenged that conclusion. Allegations of inconsistencies, missing evidence, and a possible coverup have kept her case in the spotlight for years.Both cases were officially closed. But for the families involved, closure never came.In this episode, we break down the timelines, examine the rulings, and explore the lingering doubts that continue to shadow these two controversial deaths. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

In this episode, we examine two cases that blur the line between perception and proof.First, we explore the controversial death of Cindy James — a woman who reported years of stalking, threats, and violent attacks before she was found dead under circumstances that still divide investigators and the public. Was she the victim of a relentless predator, or is there another explanation that no one wants to confront? Decades later, the questions linger.Then we turn to the sensational Mossler-Powers Trial, the high-society courtroom drama that followed the brutal killing of millionaire Jacques Mossler. At the center: his glamorous wife Candace Mossler and her alleged lover, Melvin Powers. The trial became a media spectacle filled with scandal, betrayal, and a verdict that shocked many.Two cases. Two narratives shaped by doubt, reputation, and public opinion. One episode that asks how truth gets complicated when fear, love, and scrutiny collide. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

In this episode, we explore two haunting disappearances separated by oceans—but bound by unanswered questions.First, we revisit the Beaumont children, whose 1966 disappearance from Glenelg Beach in Australia became one of the country’s most infamous cold cases. Three siblings vanished in broad daylight, sparking a massive search and decades of sightings, suspects, and theories—yet no definitive answers. Their case reshaped how Australia thought about child safety, trust, and public spaces.Then, we turn to the Jack family, who disappeared in 1989 while traveling through British Columbia’s remote wilderness. Their truck was later found abandoned along a rugged forest road, but the family themselves were never seen again. With harsh terrain, limited evidence, and conflicting theories, the case remains one of Canada’s most unsettling mysteries.Together, these stories raise the same chilling questions: how can people vanish so completely, and why do some cases refuse to be solved? We examine what is known, what remains disputed, and why these disappearances continue to haunt investigators—and the public—decades later. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

In this episode, we examine two unsettling disappearances that continue to raise more questions than answers.First, we follow the trail of Darya Bulba, a young Ukrainian model who vanished in China in 2016. Her sudden silence sparked international concern, rumors of exploitation, and years of online speculation. Despite public appeals and reported sightings, Darya’s fate remains unknown.Then, we turn to the unexplained disappearance of Randy Lee Sellers, who vanished in rural America under circumstances that baffled investigators and loved ones alike. With few clues and a timeline full of gaps, Randy’s case raises troubling questions about how someone can disappear without a trace in a familiar landscape.Together, these stories highlight the fragility of visibility in missing persons cases: one unfolding on the global stage, the other in near-total obscurity. What happens when investigations stall, evidence dries up, and time becomes the greatest enemy?This episode explores the known facts, lingering theories, and the haunting reality shared by both cases—people who vanished, and the families still waiting for answers. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

In this episode, we examine two haunting cases separated by geography but united by unanswered questions.First, we explore the mysterious death of Ellen Rae Greenberg, a 27-year-old Philadelphia teacher found dead inside her locked apartment in 2011. Though her death was ruled a suicide, the circumstances surrounding the scene—including multiple stab wounds and conflicting forensic interpretations — have fueled years of doubt, legal challenges, and public scrutiny. Why do so many believe the truth was overlooked?Then, we turn to the unexplained disappearance of Madison Scott, a 20-year-old woman who vanished after a party near Hogsback Lake in British Columbia in 2011. Her truck was later found abandoned, but Madison was nowhere to be found. For more than a decade, her case remained a painful mystery — until the discovery of her remains in 2023 raised new questions rather than providing closure.Together, these stories reveal how investigations can stall, conclusions can be contested, and families can be left searching for answers long after headlines fade. This episode looks beyond official rulings to ask what happens when the truth remains just out of reach — and whether justice can still be found years later. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

In this episode, we explore two haunting mysteries separated by oceans but connected by decades of unanswered questions.First, we revisit the tragic case of Minnie “Peggy” Stott, a young woman whose life was cut short in a quiet English town. Despite early leads and a community desperate for answers, her case drifted into silence—leaving behind only rumors, fragments, and a family still searching for truth.Then we travel to Brisbane, Australia, to examine the oldest unsolved case in the country: the death of 22-year-old Betty Shanks. Found near her home after an evening class, her case sparked one of the largest investigations in Queensland history. Yet even with numerous theories—some plausible, some wildly speculative—the mystery has endured for more than 70 years.Together, these stories reveal how cold cases can shape communities, outlive witnesses, and linger in the public imagination long after headlines fade. We break down the timelines, the suspects, the investigative missteps, and the enduring questions that keep both cases alive today.Join us as we trace the parallels between two women whose stories remain unresolved—and why the search for answers still matters. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

In this episode, we dive into two of the most disturbing criminal sagas in modern American history. First, we revisit the Cook Brothers—Anthony and Nathaniel—whose wave of targeted attacks left communities terrified and investigators scrambling to understand their motives. Their legacy remains a grim reminder of how ordinary neighborhoods can become the backdrop for unthinkable acts.Then we shift to Fresno, where Marcus Wesson built a tightly controlled, isolated world that spiraled into one of California’s most shocking family tragedies. Through manipulation, fear, and extreme beliefs, Wesson constructed a hidden inner circle that ultimately collapsed under the weight of its own darkness.We break down both stories with clarity and context, exploring how these seemingly separate cases reveal unsettling patterns: the power of control, the danger of unchecked extremism, and the long-lasting impact on survivors and communities. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

This episode dives into two infamous true crime stories that reveal how darkness can unfold in the most ordinary places.First, we revisit the Covina Christmas case involving Bruce Pardo—a holiday gathering that turned into chaos when a trusted figure arrived in disguise and unleashed a shocking act that left a community reeling. We explore the events leading up to that night, the personal turmoil behind it, and the long-lasting impact on families who expected celebration, not catastrophe.Then, we travel to 25 Cromwell Street, home to Fred and Rose West—one of the most disturbing criminal partnerships in modern history. Behind an unassuming façade, the couple concealed years of manipulation, cruelty, and hidden secrets that would eventually shake the UK and expose a pattern of horror no one saw coming.Through timelines, key details, and psychological insight, this episode connects two very different crimes bound by control, deception, and the dark side of domestic life. Listeners will hear how communities coped, what investigators uncovered, and why these cases still haunt public memory.If you’re fascinated by true crime’s most chilling turning points, this is an episode you won’t forget. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

On a chilly Halloween night in 1984, San Jose was celebrating like any other year—until one home became the scene of unspeakable horror. Pregnant mother Doreen Erbert answered her door expecting a trick-or-treater, but what greeted her instead was a nightmare that would scar the community forever. What unfolded inside her home that night was so gruesome, even seasoned investigators struggled to make sense of it.In this episode, we peel back the layers of a Halloween tragedy that defied belief—a story of grief, vengeance, and a mind consumed by darkness. We’ll revisit the chilling details of that night, trace the investigation that led to a shocking suspect, and explore how the echoes of that crime still haunt San Jose decades later.Join us as we uncover the disturbing truth behind one of California’s most horrifying Halloween murders—a night when the line between costume and killer vanished completely. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

In this chilling episode, we dive into two haunting cases that continue to baffle investigators decades later.First, we revisit the Oklahoma Refrigerator Murders, where two young girls were found brutally murdered and hidden inside an abandoned icebox in 1977. Their killer, Jacqueline Roubideaux, was eventually caught — but her twisted motives and the sheer brutality of the crime left the nation stunned.Then, we travel to Texas, where the body of a teenage girl was discovered off a rural road in 1980. For over 40 years, she was known only as the Walker County Jane Doe, until DNA technology finally revealed her identity as Sherri Ann Jarvis — a runaway searching for freedom who met a tragic end.Join us as we unravel the dark parallels between these two stories — both tales of innocence lost, justice delayed, and the relentless pursuit of answers that came far too late. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

Two men. Two brutal crimes. Both vanished into thin air.In this episode, we dive into the chilling story of Bradford Bishop, a respected State Department official who, in 1976, murdered his wife, mother, and children before disappearing without a trace. Despite international investigations and countless alleged sightings, Bishop remains one of the FBI’s most enduring fugitives.Then, we turn to the tale of Jason Derek Brown, a charismatic con man turned killer. In 2004, Brown gunned down an armored truck guard in Arizona, making off with thousands of dollars. He slipped through law enforcement’s grasp and landed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list, where he stayed for years—his face becoming synonymous with the phrase “armed and dangerous.”Both stories reveal the unsettling reality of fugitives who evade justice and the families and communities forever haunted by their crimes. How can killers like Bishop and Brown simply disappear? And what does their ability to vanish say about the limits of modern manhunts?Join us as we trace their crimes, their escapes, and the unanswered questions that linger decades later. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

Two fugitives. Two disappearances. And decades of unanswered questions.In this episode, we dive into the astonishing story of Catherine Marie Kerkow, a young woman who hijacked a plane in 1972 with her partner in crime—and then vanished into legend. Despite being one of the FBI’s most wanted, she managed to slip through the cracks, leaving behind only rumors of where she might have gone.Then we turn to the dark case of Robert William Fisher, a seemingly ordinary family man whose secret life exploded in 2001. After murdering his wife and children, Fisher disappeared without a trace. Despite massive manhunts and countless tips, his fate remains one of the most haunting mysteries in American true crime.From a counterculture hijacking to a chilling act of familicide, both stories reveal how people can vanish into the shadows—leaving authorities, families, and the public grasping for answers.Join us as we unravel the details, explore the investigations, and ask: how can some of the most wanted criminals in America simply disappear? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

In this episode, we dive into two cases that continue to grip the true crime world decades after they first made headlines.First, new evidence has emerged that may tie Dennis Rader—the notorious BTK Killer—to the 1976 disappearance of a teenage girl in Oklahoma. Could this cold case finally reveal more about Rader’s long-hidden crimes, and are there other victims still waiting to be uncovered?Then we turn to California, where the Menendez brothers, convicted in the infamous 1989 murder of their parents, are preparing for parole hearings. After serving more than three decades in prison, their case is once again sparking debate—were they cold-blooded killers, or victims of unthinkable abuse fighting for survival?Join us as we unpack these two chilling stories, exploring the evidence, the controversies, and the lingering questions that keep them alive in public memory. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

In this episode, we dive into two chilling cases where the pursuit of justice took unexpected turns.First, we look at the long-awaited verdict in the disappearance of Crystal Rogers, a young mother from Bardstown, Kentucky, whose case haunted the community for nearly a decade. With Brooks Houck now found guilty of her murder, we unravel the timeline of events, the unanswered questions, and what this conviction means for a town long shadowed by tragedy.Then, we shift to Los Angeles and the disturbing story of Stephanie Lazarus, a former LAPD detective whose double life shocked the nation. Convicted of murdering her ex-boyfriend’s wife, Lazarus has fought for release but remains behind bars. Her case raises unsettling questions about power, corruption, and how far someone will go to protect their secrets.Together, these stories reveal how betrayal, obsession, and abuse of trust can twist the very system meant to uphold justice.Subscribe and listen as we unravel the clues. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

In this gripping episode, we dive into two chilling cases that shocked two continents.First, we head to the snowy town of Breckenridge, Colorado, where in 1982, two young women vanished on the same day—only to be found murdered days later in a remote mountain area. With no clear suspect and decades of dead ends, their case remains one of Colorado’s most haunting crimes.Then, we travel across the globe to the harsh Australian bush, where a string of missing backpackers led authorities to uncover a nightmare beyond imagination. Ivan Milat—now known as the Backpacker Killer—was responsible for a series of brutal murders that left a nation horrified and made people reconsider backpacking in the Australian wilderness.Two different settings. Two terrifying stories. One theme: the horror that can lurk in the most unexpected places.Subscribe and listen as we unravel the clues. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

Two countries. Two highways. Two chillingly similar mysteries.In this episode of Tales from the Underworld, we delve into the shadowy corners of 1970s true crime with two haunting cases of women who vanished while hitchhiking—only to be found brutally murdered.First, we head to Northern California, where a string of disappearances became known as the Santa Rosa Hitchhiker Murders. Between 1972 and 1974, at least seven young women were abducted and killed near quiet roads and wooded areas. Despite multiple suspects and decades of speculation, the case remains unsolved.Then we cross the Atlantic to England, where two young women—Jacqueline Ansell-Lamb and Barbara Mayo—were murdered months apart after hitchhiking alone on the M1 motorway. Their deaths sparked a nationwide panic and a massive manhunt. But like their American counterparts, justice never came. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

In this episode, we dive into two of California’s most disturbing true crime cases—each marked by deception, manipulation, and unimaginable brutality.First, we uncover the dark legacy of William Bonin, the so-called "Freeway Killer." Behind the wheel of his van, Bonin prowled Southern California in the late 1970s, targeting young boys in a spree of abductions and murders that left communities paralyzed by fear. But the true horror? He wasn’t alone—he had accomplices.Then, we turn to Rodney Alcala, a smooth-talking photographer who once charmed his way onto national television as a contestant on The Dating Game. Unbeknownst to the audience, he was already a serial killer. His trail of victims stretched across decades—and states.Two predators. Two facades. One haunting question: how many lives were lost before anyone saw who they truly were?Hit play to hear the chilling stories—and the twisted truths—behind these infamous killers.🔗 Subscribe for more true crime stories that unravel the darkest corners of history. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

In this episode, we uncover the chilling true crimes that inspired two of the most haunting films in American history. First, we head to 1940s Texarkana, where a masked assailant known only as the Phantom Killer stalked lovers’ lanes and left a community in fear—events later dramatized in The Town That Dreaded Sundown. Despite an intense manhunt, the case remains unsolved to this day.Then, we move to rural Holcomb, Kansas, where the brutal 1959 murders of the Clutter family shocked the nation and became the basis for Truman Capote’s groundbreaking true crime novel and film In Cold Blood. But behind the literary acclaim lies a dark, complex reality of violence, fame, and ethical questions.Join us as we explore the facts behind the fiction, the lives lost, and the legacies these crimes left behind—both in the justice system and on the silver screen.Subscribe for more true crime stories that go beyond the headlines.Read more about these tales This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

In this episode, we delve into two hauntingly controversial cases that captured headlines and ignited fierce debate. First, we explore the story of Kathleen Folbigg, once dubbed “Australia’s Most Hated Woman,” who was convicted of killing her four children—only to have science later call that verdict into question. Was she a cold-blooded killer or a mother wrongfully condemned?Then, we turn to Kirstin Lobato, a Nevada teenager whose life was upended when she was charged with a brutal murder she insisted she didn’t commit. With no physical evidence linking her to the crime scene and a timeline that didn’t quite add up, her case raises troubling questions about rushed justice and bias in the courtroom.Join us as we unravel the facts, flaws, and fallout from both cases—two women, worlds apart, united by questionable convictions and the high cost of being misunderstood by the justice system. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

In this episode, we dive into two haunting cases that expose deep cracks in the American justice system.First, we revisit the troubling story of Ryan Ferguson, a Missouri teenager convicted of a murder he didn’t commit—based on shaky eyewitness testimony and a dream turned into a confession. His decade-long fight for freedom raises serious questions about how truth gets buried in pursuit of a conviction.Then, we examine the tragic case of Cameron Todd Willingham, a Texas father executed for allegedly setting the fire that killed his three children. Despite mounting forensic evidence suggesting the blaze was accidental, the state moved forward with his execution—making it one of the most controversial death penalty cases in U.S. history.Wrong place, wrong time—or something far more systemic? Join us as we unravel the flawed investigations, prosecutorial missteps, and the human cost of justice gone wrong. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

In today’s episode we dive into two of the most perplexing and controversial mysteries of the modern age. First, we revisit the Dyatlov Pass Incident—a 1959 tragedy in the Ural Mountains where nine experienced hikers died under bizarre and still-unexplained circumstances. With missing eyes, crushed skulls, and a tent torn from within, the theories range from secret military tests to the paranormal.Then, we shift focus to a disturbing pattern closer to home: the Smiley Face Killers theory. Since the late '90s, over 40 young, college-aged men have been found dead in rivers and lakes across the U.S., often after nights out. Though many deaths were ruled accidental drownings, eerie similarities—geographic clustering, similar victim profiles, and graffiti near some sites—have led some former detectives to suspect something darker at play.Are these isolated tragedies or evidence of hidden networks and cover-ups? Tune in as we explore the facts, theories, and questions that still haunt both cases.Read more about these tales This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

In our thirteenth episode, we delve into two enduring mysteries that blend history, intrigue, and conspiracy. First, we explore the enigmatic Bardstown Conspiracy in Kentucky, a modern web of unsolved murders and potential corruption that has haunted the quiet town for over a decade. From the tragic death of Crystal Rogers to whispers of police involvement, we examine how the threads of secrecy and silence continue to tangle this small-town saga.Then, we shift gears to the controversial death of Thomas Simpson, a brilliant 19th-century Arctic explorer whose mysterious demise in the Canadian wilderness sparked allegations of murder, madness, and cover-ups within the Hudson’s Bay Company. Tune in as we unpack the eerie parallels between historical and contemporary mysteries—where truth proves as elusive as the men and women at their heart.Read more about these tales This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

In this episode, we explore two shocking cases—one from the UK and one from Austria—both tied to dark secrets and horrifying crimes behind closed doors.The story of Virginia McCullough, who brutally murdered her elderly parents and concealed their remains for years, raises unsettling questions about hidden family violence and deception. Next we’ll dive into the case of Elisabeth Fritzl, a horrifying account of prolonged captivity, where she was imprisoned in a basement by her own father for 24 years, enduring unimaginable abuse before her eventual rescue.Both cases reveal the darkest aspects of human cruelty and survival. We explore the psychological impact, investigative breakthroughs, and legal outcomes that followed. These stories serve as chilling reminders of the hidden horrors that can exist behind closed doors.Subscribe for more true crime deep dives and share your thoughts in the comments. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

In this episode, we dive into two chilling cases that gripped the nation.First, we examine the 2015 disappearance of Crystal Rogers, a mother of five who vanished from Bardstown, Kentucky. With her boyfriend, Brooks Houck, as the prime suspect and her father later murdered in an unsolved shooting, this case remains an open investigation full of twists, family tragedy, and unanswered questions.Then, we rewind to 1978 and the shocking crime of Theodore Streleski, a Stanford graduate student who brutally murdered his professor after years of academic struggles. Streleski’s calculated reasoning behind the attack and his refusal to express remorse sparked debates on justice, revenge, and the pressures of academia.What do these cases reveal about human nature, obsession, and crime? Join us as we uncover the details. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

In this gripping episode, we dive into two of history’s most daring jailbreaks. First, the legendary escape from Alcatraz—five men, an impenetrable prison, and a mystery that still haunts investigators today. Who were they? How did they manage the impossible? And did they survive the treacherous waters of the San Francisco Bay?Next, we uncover the story of Sarah Chandler. Passing off counterfeit banknotes, Sarah was sentenced to death in England. But before the noose could tighten, she pulled off a bold prison break that left authorities stunned. How did she do it, and what became of her?Join us as we unravel these incredible true crime tales of ingenuity, resilience, and the unbreakable will to be free. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

In this thrilling episode, we dive into two of the most audacious jailbreaks in history. First, we recount the legendary escape of John Dillinger, the infamous Depression-era bank robber who broke out of an Indiana jail. His bold getaway cemented his status as America’s most wanted fugitive.Then, we fast-forward to 1973 for the dramatic Mountjoy Prison Helicopter Escape. In a scene straight out of an action movie, the IRA orchestrated a daring plan to extract three of their own from a high-security prison in Dublin—by hijacking a helicopter.Uncover what these escapes reveal about the ingenuity and determination of those desperate for freedom. Tune in to uncover the fascinating details behind these real-life great escapes. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

In this episode, we explore the legacies of two men whose actions left deep scars—Liberian warlord Prince Johnson and U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Robert Bales.Prince Johnson, once a rebel leader in Liberia’s brutal civil war, became infamous for his role in the torture and execution of President Samuel Doe. Despite his violent past, he has remained a powerful political figure, raising questions about justice and accountability.Robert Bales, a U.S. soldier, committed one of the worst war crimes by an American in recent history—the 2012 Kandahar Massacre, in which he slaughtered 16 Afghan civilians, including women and children. His actions shocked the world and exposed deep issues within military culture.How do we reconcile their crimes with the legacies they left behind? Join us as we dive into the disturbing histories of these two men and their lasting impact. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

Warning: This episode contains graphic descriptions of war crimes, violent acts, and disturbing historical events. Discretion is strongly advised.In this gripping episode, we explore two dark chapters in history - the Nazi looting of priceless art during World War II and the brutal actions of Arkan’s Tigers during the Balkan Wars. First, we uncover the Nazi regime’s systematic theft of art during World War II, a campaign that saw millions of priceless works stolen from Jewish families, museums, and private collections. We’ll uncover how these treasures were hidden, lost, and in some cases, recovered decades later.Next, we unravel the story of Arkan’s Tigers, a notorious paramilitary group during the Yugoslav Wars, and their leader, Željko Ražnatović, better known as Arkan. Known for war crimes and ruthless operations, Arkan’s Tigers left a bloody legacy in the Balkans. Join us as we examine these crimes revealing how history's shadows still influence today. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

Warning: This episode contains explicit descriptions of child sexual abuse, criminal violence, and disturbing historical events. Listener discretion is strongly advised.In this gripping episode, we delve into the tumultuous lives of two infamous figures: Gary Glitter, the disgraced glam rock icon, and Tony Sirico, the actor who played Paulie Walnuts in The Sopranos.Gary Glitter, once adored for his glittering stage persona, fell from grace after his horrifying crimes were exposed. We explore his meteoric rise to fame, his shocking conviction for child sexual abuse, and the cultural reckoning that followed.Next, we will explore the story of Tony Sirico. Before becoming a beloved TV star, Sirico was deeply entrenched in organized crime. Arrested numerous times, he eventually turned his life around, channeling his past into his role as the sharp-tongued, complex Paulie Walnuts.Through these stories, we discuss themes of fame, morality, and the duality of human nature. What drives some to betray trust and others to seek redemption? Join us as we navigate the dark and fascinating lives of these two famous figures.In This Episode* The full timeline of Gary Glitter’s abuse, exile, arrests, and reoffending* How his fame shielded him—and how justice finally caught up* Tony Sirico’s criminal past and transformation through art* Behind-the-scenes stories from The Sopranos and his friendship with Woody Allen* The difference between monsters who hide and men who change This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

Warning: This episode contains mature themes including organized crime, violent threats, and celebrity home invasions. Listener discretion is advised.In this episode of Tales From the Underworld, we look at two stories where crime and celebrity culture collide—one from the golden age of Hollywood, the other from the tabloid-drenched 2000s.First, we trace the complicated and controversial history of Frank Sinatra’s alleged mafia connections. From his early days in Hoboken to his meteoric rise to stardom, rumors followed Sinatra everywhere—especially those suggesting he was aided by mobsters like Willie Moretti, Sam Giancana, and others. We explore claims of backroom contract negotiations, political favors for JFK, and connections to infamous gangland figures like Lucky Luciano, Bugsy Siegel, and Carlo Gambino. Was Sinatra just a performer caught in a mafia-run nightlife scene—or was he more deeply entangled than the public ever knew?Then, we jump to Los Angeles in the early 2000s, where a group of fame-obsessed teenagers took “steal their look” to a criminal extreme. Known as The Bling Ring, these teens stalked celebrities online, broke into their homes, and walked out with millions in designer clothes, jewelry, and cash. Their victims included Paris Hilton, Rachel Bilson, Orlando Bloom, and Lindsay Lohan—all targeted for what they wore and how they lived. What began as a twisted form of fashion envy ended in arrests, media spectacle, and prison time.Together, these stories show how close the line can be between admiration and obsession—and what happens when that line is crossed.In This Episode* Frank Sinatra’s ties to mob figures like Moretti, Giancana, and Luciano* The real story behind The Godfather’s Johnny Fontaine character* The FBI’s 40-year file on Sinatra* The rise and fall of Rachel Lee and the Bling Ring* How celebrity obsession turned into real-life heists—and a movie deal This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

Warning: This episode contains graphic descriptions of violent crimes, including mass murder and postmortem sexual assault. Listener discretion is advised.In this episode of Tales From the Underworld, we dig into two chilling tales from America’s past—one driven by raw brutality, the other by organized chaos.First, we trace the path of the Midwest Axeman, an unidentified killer who roamed the country in the early 1900s, leaving entire families butchered in their beds. From Oregon to Kansas, and finally to the infamous Villisca Axe Murders, this killer struck with terrifying precision and a disturbingly consistent method: covered bodies, shrouded windows, and an escape along nearby rail lines. Some believe this was the work of Paul Mueller, a German immigrant who may have killed more than 100 people—and possibly even committed the Hinterkaifeck murders in Germany.Then, we shift to southern Illinois, where the Shelton Gang rose from rural obscurity to control bootlegging, gambling, and organized crime during Prohibition. These brothers weren’t just racketeers—they went to war with the KKK, created homemade armored cars, and even forced Chicago’s syndicates to tread carefully. But their reign wouldn’t last forever. After a bloody feud with fellow gangster Charlie Birger, and a fall from political grace, the Sheltons became yet another cautionary tale in America’s criminal underworld.Together, these stories explore two very different kinds of terror—one fueled by silence and isolation, the other by ambition and power.In This Episode* The multi-state timeline of the Midwest Axeman’s brutal murders* Patterns connecting Villisca, Paola, Monmouth, and more* The theory behind Paul Mueller as America’s most prolific killer* The rise and fall of the Shelton Gang, southern Illinois’ underworld empire* The gang’s war with the Ku Klux Klan and the violent betrayal by Charlie Birger This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

Warning: This episode contains graphic content and descriptions of violent crimes. Listener discretion is advised.In this chilling double feature, Tales From the Underworld explores two of the most haunting unsolved cases in American true crime history.First, we travel to the desolate stretch between Houston and Galveston, Texas, known as the Texas Killing Fields—a place where more than 30 young women and girls were found murdered over two decades. Who was responsible for these brutal crimes? Was it one killer—or many? And why has justice remained elusive, even after DNA breakthroughs and decades of investigation?Then, we turn back the clock to 1912 and visit the small town of Villisca, Iowa, where the Moore family and two visiting children were slaughtered in their sleep by an unknown axe-wielding killer. Was it a jealous rival, a traveling preacher, or something even more sinister? Over a century later, the Villisca Axe Murders remain one of America’s most gruesome—and baffling—cold cases.Step into the shadows with us as we uncover the connections, the theories, and the terrifying unknowns that still hang over both of these infamous scenes. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe

In this episode, we explore the dark legacies of Elizabeth Bathory, the "Blood Countess," and Gilles de Rais, a knight turned murderer. Bathory is said to have killed hundreds of young girls in pursuit of eternal youth, while de Rais allegedly performed horrific rituals after fighting alongside Joan of Arc. Were these tales exaggerated over time, or is there truth to the legends? Join us as we separate fact from fiction and discuss what makes their stories lasting symbols in true crime history. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.talesfromtheunderworld.com/subscribe