Episodes

Scottsdale, AZ – 2015

EPISODE 192: In 2015, a young man arrived at his girlfriend’s house and found a horrifying scene. Allison Feldman was lying on the floor with a cloth wrapped around her head. It was obvious she was gone. After two years with no solid leads, Scottsdale PD decided to use genetic genealogy to help their case, the first time it was used by Arizona law enforcement. They got a match, but the case has been appealed all the way to the US Supreme Court. And just last week, the Court reached a decision.

Garden Grove, CA – 1985

EPISODE 191: In 1985, police responded to a 911 call to find a woman deceased in the bedroom, and a young teenage girl unconscious in the backyard doghouse after an overdose. The frantic husband of the woman was able to identify the teenage girl – and purported perpetrator of the crime – as his own daughter. And the truth was a story worthy of a Shakespearean tragedy.

Silver Lake, CA – 1922

Dolly & Fred Oesterreich

EPISODE 190: It was called the “Roaring 20s” for a reason… in 1918, Fred and Dolly Oesterreich moved to Silver Lake, CA – an upscale neighborhood in Los Angeles – for a fresh start after tragically losing their 9-year-old son. But just four years later, in 1922, another death in the family proved the adage that while home is where the heart is, home is also where our secrets are.

Van Nuys, CA – 1986

EPISODE 189: In late 1985, newlyweds John Ruetten and Sherri Rasmussen were looking forward to spending the rest of their lives together. But just months into their wedded bliss, Sherri’s life was tragically cut short after an intruder broke into their home and brutally ended her life. What kind of monster was behind the attack? And could detectives find them before the case went cold?

Duluth, MN – 1977

EPISODE 188: During the early 20^th century, Chester & Clara Congdon were one of the wealthiest families in Duluth, MN, and their opulent mansion reflected that status. And seven decades later, youngest daughter Elisabeth passed away at the age of 83. But it turned out, it wasn’t from natural causes. Who ended one of the last great American dynasties?

Huntington Beach, CA – 1968

EPISODE 187: In 2020, Huntington Beach, CA Police detectives solved the City’s oldest unsolved homicide that dated back over 5 decades. In 1968, the body of a young woman was found in a field by some boys looking for frogs. With no witnesses to the crime, and no fingerprint matches in the CA DMV or FBI databases, the case soon went cold.

Portland, OR – 2001

EPISODE 186: In 2001, Kate Johnson had just finished her junior year at the University of Portland and was spending the summer living and working in the Mehling Hall dorm. What should have been a fun summer with friends turned into a nightmare for everyone who knew and loved her. And thanks to the diligent work of police detectives, what could’ve turned into a cold case was solved with perseverance and ingenuity.

Beverly Hills, CA – 1989

EPISODE 185: In September 2023 , we kicked off Season 3 with an episode about the murders of Jose and Kitty Menendez. We went into detail about the arrest of their sons and new developments in the case. With a quickly approaching court hearing – and the Governor’s announcement that he’s asked his parole board to look into the case – we thought now was a good time to re-air the episode. Stay tuned for breaking news!

Chowchilla, CA – 1976

EPISODE 184: On a hot summer day in July 1976, 26 students from Dairyland Elementary School and their bus driver mysteriously disappeared. Within hours the bus was found… but it was empty. Along with their loved ones, the nation and the world were praying for their safe return.

Red Bluff, CA – 1977

EPISODE 183: In 1977, 20-year-old Colleen Stan planned to travel 400 miles to surprise a close friend on her birthday. It was the 1970s – lava lamps, bellbottoms and hitchhiking were all the rage, and the choice Colleen made that day changed her life forever.

Boston, MA – 1989

EPISODE 182: In 1989, Chuck and Carol Stuart had a wonderful life. They’d been married for four years, were successful in their careers and were expecting a baby in just a couple of months… until the tragic night in October that changed everything. Within a couple of months, police had arrested two suspects, but it wasn’t until the beginning of the new year that the real perpetrator was revealed.

Napa, CA – 2004

Leslie Mazzara (L) & Adriane Insogna (R)

EPISODE 181: In 2004, two families received tragic news. Their daughters had been brutally attacked in the middle of the night, and neither survived. The community was shocked and scared… were they next? Just as the case was about to go cold, police released a piece of evidence that they hoped would lead someone to turn in the perpetrator. What came next shocked everyone.

Boulder, CO – 1994

EPISODE 180: In 1994, a well-known member of the Boulder community lost his life after answering a knock at his door. Almost two decades would pass before new DNA technology was used to convict someone. However, at the end of 2024, a scandal at the Colorado Bureau of Investigation was made public – and one of their most respected DNA analysts, Yvonne “Missy” Woods, was accused of manipulating DNA results on possibly thousands of cases. If this is proven to be true, how many lives were destroyed as a result of her lies?

Manchester, CT – 1987

EPISODE 179: In 1987, the brutal death of the family matriarch fractured the family. Nobody could’ve anticipated just how long it would take – or what it would look like – when justice was finally served.

Louisville, KY – 1988

EPISODE 178: In 1988, Brenda Schaefer had a bright future ahead of her. She was engaged, had a job she loved and was part of a very close-knit family. When she suddenly disappeared, her family was frantic to find her… because this wasn’t the first time the family faced tragedy.

Venice, CA – 1985

EPISODE 177: In the early morning hours of New Year’s Day 1985, husband and father Vicente Gonzales was targeted by gang members and lost his life in a brutal attack. The attackers were quickly arrested, but it still took five days of deliberations to reach a verdict. AND WE HAVE ONE OF THE JURORS AS A GUEST ON OUR PODCAST! Listen for all the behind-the-scenes details about the trial… and what happened afterward.

Portland, OR – 1954

EPISODE 176: In 1954, 16-year-old Diane Hank wasn’t exactly a typical teenager. She’d just had to change schools after having a baby, and her closest friends were the couple in their early 20s whom she babysat for. Her life was a very small circle, which was why her mom was shocked when she was told her daughter had skipped school. And that shock resonated even more when she learned the secrets that Diane had been hiding.

Circleville, OH – 1977

EPISODE 175: The first letter arrived in Mary Gillispie’s mailbox in spring 1977 and threatened to expose an affair. Then more letters began arriving, not just addressed to Mary, but also to her husband Ron and hundreds of other residents who were accused of illegal or illicit behavior. This went on for years before someone was arrested. But was it the letter writer, or was it a set up?

Buffalo, NY – 2006

EPISODE 174: Whenever Joan Diver had a few minutes away from her busy life as a mom of four, she’d run on one of Buffalo’s bike path trails. But one day in 2006, she never returned home. Tragically, her body was found two days later underneath some heavy brush alongside the trail. Sketches were released, but did it lead them to her killer, or was it someone they never suspected?

Saanich, British Columbia – 1987

Tanya Van Cuylenborg & Jay Cook

EPISODE 173:  In 1987, Jay Cook and Tanya Van Cuylenborg had been dating for six months when they traveled from their home in British Columbia to Seattle, WA to run an errand for Jay’s dad. When they didn’t return from their overnight trip, their parents’ worst fears were confirmed. It would take 30 years and significant advances in DNA testing and genetic genealogy to bring a killer to justice.

Boulder, CO – 1996

EPISODE 172: The day after Christmas 1996, John and Patsy Ramsey woke up to their worst nightmare… their six-year-old daughter JonBenét was gone. When the little girl’s body was found, detectives immediately believed that the parents were responsible. But almost 30 years later, the case remains unsolved. The world wants to know… who killed JonBenét Ramsey???

Isleworth, England – 1974

EPISODE 171: Ten-year-old Alison Chadwick grew up in a tight-knit community just outside of London, England. Her family and friends lived close by and kids were always playing in the street together. Alison left home one morning to go to a friend’s house, but never returned. The police search was immediate and far reaching, but no one had seen anything… it was like she just disappeared off the face of the Earth.

Leicestershire County, England – 1986

Dawn Ashworth (L) & Lynda Mann (R)

EPISODE 170: In the mid-1980s, the murders of two teenage girls in England – Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth – shook their community and the country. No one could’ve predicted that a scientific breakthrough to catch their killer would forever change how killers were caught.

Tallahassee, FL – 2014

EPISODE 169: In 2014, Dan Markel was well-regarded and admired in the Florida legal community and had a dream job as a professor at Florida State. To him, however, his most important role was that of father, and he adored his two young sons. But how did a man loved by his family and friends and respected by his community wind up the target of a hit?

Omaha, NE – 2008

Clockwise from top left: Shirlee Sherman, Thomas Hunter, Mary Brumback, Roger Brumback

EPISODE 168: In 2008, 11-year-old Tom Hunter and the family’s housecleaner were found brutally murdered in the family home. Despite a massive search by police, the case soon went cold. Five years later, it looked like the killer had struck again. But what could have connected these two sets of murders? And why would a killer wait five years between attacks?

Oklahoma City, OK – 1995

EPISODE 167: In 1995, the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in the United States took place in Oklahoma City. 168 people were killed, including 19 children, 219 children lost at least one parent and 30 children were orphaned. Several hundred more were injured. When the tragedy occurred, the people of Oklahoma banded together in a community-wide display of spontaneous altruism – giving until there was no more to give. This became a statewide initiative known as the Oklahoma Standard.

San Fernando Valley, CA – 2003

EPISODE 166: In 2003, tragedy struck the Puebla family when their 16-year-old daughter was killed in front of her house. Within a few months, police arrested a man they believed committed the crime. But he swore he had an alibi. So, what do the 2024 World Series Champion L.A. Dodgers and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” have to do with this case? Everything!

Corona, CA – 2003

EPISODE 165: In 2003, after first liking each other in middle school, Kim Long and Ozzy Conde had re-connected and were building a life together. But after a day of barhopping and fighting, Kim came home to find Ozzy deceased. She was the most logical suspect… but did she really do it?

Rockford, IL – 2012

EPISODE 164: One morning in October 2012, Katrina Smith’s husband and family were alerted that she hadn’t shown up for work that day. When their fears turned into reality and their worst nightmares came true, detectives had several people to investigate, including an admitted stalker and possibly spurned paramour.

Sand Lake, NY – 1908

EPISODE 163: In 1908, the body of 20-year-old Hazel Drew was found floating in Teal’s Pond in Sand Lake, NY. A coroner’s inquest determined that she’d died before her body was left in the pond… but a team of 12 detectives were unable to determine whodunnit. This is the murder that inspired the TV show Twin Peaks… and two superfans may have finally solved the case.

Torrance, CA – 1979

EPISODE 162: Canadian Lynne Knight was outgoing, popular and loved by everyone. But despite being known by many, no one knew what happened in her final moments… And it would take police more than 3 decades to find the answers they’d been searching for.

Incline Village, NV – 1998

EPISODE 161: Rinette Riella Bergna had just arrived home after six weeks in Italy as part of her job as an international tour guide. Her husband Peter picked her up and took her to one of their favorite spots near Lake Tahoe to look at the lights in the city below. But on their way, tragedy struck. Their truck’s brakes failed, and it plowed through a guard rail before tumbling down the mountain. But was it an accident? Or was it murder?

Hollywood Hills, CA – 2003

EPISODE 160: In 2003, Kristi Johnson left her hometown of Holland, Michigan to seek fame and fortune in Hollywood. She was paying her dues, working in makeup and production as she waited for her big break. And then… it came. She met a man casting the newest James Bond movie, and he wanted her to audition for him. It seemed too good to be true. And tragically, it was.

Wichita Falls, TX – 2015

EPISODE 159: In 2015, Wichita Falls, Texas was rocked when former high school football star Domanic Thrasher was caught in the middle of a shootout between rival gangs. Slowly, the truth was revealed… proving the old adage that there’s no honor among thieves.

Boston, MA – 2008

EPISODE 158: The very carefully crafted image of a man named Clark Rockefeller – purportedly a member of the Rockefeller dynasty – came crashing down in 2008 when he was arrested for the parental kidnapping of his seven-year-old daughter. His fingerprints uncovered a trail of deception that had been in the works for decades. So, who was he really?

Blount County, AL – 1908

EPISODE 157: In 1908, Bill Wilson’s wife Jennie took the youngest of their three daughters and moved back in with her parents. But within a year, the rumor in the small community was that Jennie and their now 19 month old daughter had disappeared. After bones were found in the area four years later, all eyes turned to Bill. There was no other reasonable explanation… right?

East Cleveland, OH – 2001

EPISODE 156: Tonica Jenkins grew up in suburban East Cleveland, Ohio. That wasn’t where she committed her first crime – that was New Haven, CT. It also wasn’t where she committed her second crime – that was Tampa, FL. She saved the worst crime for her own hometown. And it would turn out to be her last.

Nashville, TN – 2009

EPISODE 155: In 2009, beloved Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve “Air” McNair was found deceased in a condo near the stadium. The woman he was with was not his wife. As the days passed, only one suspect emerged and within a very short time police closed the case. Fifteen years later, new questions have emerged about whether or not the case should be reopened.

Bradbury, CA – 1988

EPISODE 154: In 1960, Mickey Thompson was known the world over for his racing skills, innovative designs and showmanship. He met his soulmate in Trudy Thompson and together they created a multi-million-dollar business. Everyone loved Mickey. Everyone, that is, but the two gunmen who ended their lives. With no obvious suspects and few clues, the case soon went cold.

Newport, RI – 1980

EPISODE 153: Sunny and Claus Von Bulow were members of the wealthy New York elite during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Their second home was a gilded mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, where they loved to spend holidays with their children. But the solace they found at the home shattered after Sunny fell ill and Claus was accused. Did Sunny attempt to take her own life, or did Claus try to end it?

Bristol Township, PA – 1991

EPISODE 152: In 1991, there was a huge fire at the Bristol Township, PA home where Charlie and Joy Hibbs lived with their two children. The body of Joy, who was a beloved wife and mother, was found by firefighters in the room where the fire started. But what police initially thought was an accidental death, turned out to be something much more sinister.

El Dorado Hills, CA – 1985

EPISODE 151: In 1985, Jane Hylton was having problems in her marriage, so she and her youngest daughter went to stay at a friend’s house. Jane stayed home while the others went out that night, and it proved to be a fatal mistake. The case went cold for more than a decade before someone was convicted. But it didn’t end there…

Lansing, MI – 1993

EPISODE 150: In December 1993, after her boyfriend broke up with her, 18-year-old Rose Larner turned to her closest friends to keep her spirits up. But tragically she soon discovered that sometimes there’s a fine line between a friend and an enemy.

Canton, MA – 2022

EPISODE 149: In a case ripped from the headlines, in this episode we talk about the murder of Boston Police Officer John O’Keefe and the trial of his girlfriend Karen Read. By now, we all know the outcome of the trial. And in this episode, we cover what happened leading up to the trial and the significant events that played out in the courtroom.

Austin, TX – 1986

EPISODE 148: In August 1986, Michael and Christine Morton celebrated his birthday together with their young son. Little did they know that would be their last night together as a family. The next day Michael was given the horrible news that his wife was deceased. And just six weeks later he was charged with the crime. But this is just the beginning of his story…

Marinette Co., WI – 1976

EPISODE 147: As America was celebrating its bicentennial in 1976, newly engaged couple David Schuldes and Ellen Matheys set out for a weekend camping trip. They were never seen alive again. It would be 42 years before science advanced enough to lead detectives in the direction of the perpetrator.

Tinley Park, IL – 2008

Top row (L to R): Carrie Chiuso; Connie Woolfolk, Jennifer Bishop; Bottom row (L to R): Rhoda McFarland, Sarah Szafranski

EPISODE 146: In February 2008, police
responded to a 911 call from a women’s clothing store and walked into a horrific scene. Thousands of investigative hours were spent in the first week alone trying to find the perpetrator. To no avail. But what no one knew was that police had a secret witness.

Three Forks, MT – 1973

Suzie Jaeger & Sandra Smallegan

EPISODE 145: While “Criminal Minds” made the FBI’s BAU part of our vocabulary, it actually started back in 1974 in southwestern Montana. Over an 8 month period, one girl and one young woman were taken in the middle of the night, but there were no viable suspects. It took the emerging field of criminal profiling to track down the perpetrator and get justice for their families.

Gilgo Beach, NY –
1993 & 2003

Sandra Costilla & Jessica Taylor

BONUS EPISODE UPDATE: This is an update to our bonus episode from July 2023, about the arrest of Rex Heuermann for four murders that took place in Gilgo Beach, NY over the past two decades. But just a few days ago he was charged with two additional murders, one of which occurred more than 30 years ago. If convicted, this could make him the most prolific serial killer in New York’s history.

Kapoho, HI – 1991

EPISODE 144: In 1991, 23-year-old Dana Ireland had a bright future ahead of her. She’d just graduated from college and was living with her sister on the Big Island of Hawaii while deciding her next steps. Her parents flew out to spend the Christmas holidays with their daughters… but tragically it would be Dana’s last. Although it took years for someone to be charged, it still might’ve been a rush to
judgment.

Calumet City, IL – 1966

EPISODE 143: In 1966, the small town of Calumet City, Illinois was the site of a horrific crime. 18-year-old Karen Snider, a newlywed and mother of a 2 1/2-month-old daughter, was brutally killed in her home while her daughter slept downstairs. It’s been a cold case for almost six decades… but have detectives finally found their man?

Del Puerto Canyon, CA – 1978

EPISODE 142: In 1978, 15-year-old Mary Vincent ran away from home to escape an abusive parent. She first went to NorCal with a boyfriend, but soon found herself living on the streets, sleeping in garbage cans and unlocked cars. She was desperate for a place to live, so she decided to hitchhike to SoCal to live with her grandpa. She never saw evil coming until it was too late.

Randolph, VT – 2008

EPISODE 141: In June 2008, 12-year-old Brooke Bennett was dropped off at a convenience store to meet up with a friend. After leaving the store, she was never seen again. When her remains were found, the search for the perpetrator uncovered a shocking conspiracy that had operated in the shadows for years.

Dexter, ME – 1878

EPISODE 140: During the frigid winter of 1878, the small town of Dexter, Maine was the site of a horrifying bank robbery. John Wilson Barron, a prestigious member of the community and the treasurer of the Dexter Savings Bank, steadfastly refused to disclose the combination to the safe… a decision that cost him his life. Police didn’t find any evidence at the scene and quickly ran out of leads. It would take almost a decade to get to the rest of the story…

Libertyville, IL – 1980

Darlene & Bruce Rouse

EPISODE 139: In the summer of 1980, Bruce and Darlene Rouse had three kids and had worked hard to provide for their children what they’d never had themselves. The lived an affluent lifestyle and their perfect family was the envy of many in the community. But closed doors hide secrets, and nothing is ever as perfect as it seems.

Ellington, CT – 2015

EPISODE 138: In 2015, Ellington, CT residents were stunned when a well-known community member was slain during a home invasion. When a woman came home unexpectedly, her injured husband yelled for her to run… but she couldn’t get away from the monster pursuing her. But in this day and age, no one should ever underestimate the use of technology to solve cases.

North Canton, OH – 2020

EPISODE 137: In the summer of 2020, Morgan Fox and her daughter had just moved in with her boyfriend and she had a good job that enabled her to provide for her family. But just four months later, a 911 caller reported that Morgan had been found deceased in the driveway of her home. Tragically, someone had decided that if they couldn’t have her, no one could.

Leawood, KS – 2002

EPISODE 136: In 2002, Ali Kemp was home for the summer from college. She was working at a local pool with her boyfriend and her only plans were to spend time with friends and have fun. But her summer job turned into the place where she would fight for her life. Her father refused to let the case go cold and did everything he could to help police catch her killer. And along the way, he changed the way the public was made aware of predators.

Altrincham, England – 2003

EPISODE 135: In 2003, a call came into police dispatch in Altrincham, England. It was a teenage boy named Mark who said that his friend John had been stabbed in an alley. John was rushed to the hospital in critical condition while police brought Mark to the station for an interview. And then Mark told investigators an unbelievable story that was like nothing they’d ever heard.

San Diego, CA – 1986

EPISODE 134: In 1986, Cara Knott called her parents to let them know she was on her way home… but when she was more than an hour late, they knew something was horribly wrong. To make matters worse, four different law enforcement agencies declined to look for her citing department policies that she hadn’t been missing long enough. When her family took matters into their own hands, their worst nightmare came true.

Northport, NY – 1931

EPISODE 133: Our latest episode takes us back to 1931, where 38-year-old Benjamin Collings, his 29-year-old wife Lillian and their five-year-old daughter Barbara are spending the summer aboard their 30-foot cabin cruiser, Penguin. It’s an idyllic time for this small close-knit family; until late one night, two men board their boat. What happens next will cause this family of three to become a family of two.

Chapel Hill, NC – 2012

EPISODE 132: In 2012, UNC-Chapel Hill student Faith Hedgepeth was found murdered in an off-campus apartment. She was well-liked by all who met her, so the community was stunned when the alleged perpetrator was finally revealed.

Slough, England – 1961

Valerie Storie & Michael Gregston

EPISODE 131: On an August night in 1961, Valerie Storie and her married paramour Michael Gregston were sitting together in a car on a country road. A man with a gun came up to them, inflicting a life-ending injury to one and left the other with a life-altering injury. Many celebs and the public believed an innocent man was convicted. It would take 60 years to learn the truth.

Erie, PA – 2003

EPISODE 130: In 2003, Brian Wells walked into a bank with a note demanding $250K. With the bank manager away in meetings, the money couldn’t be accessed. So, he left with only what was in the tellers’ cash drawers.  When police pulled him over shortly after he left the bank, he admitted that he was the bank robber, but said he did it because he was forced to. However, there would be many twists and turns before investigators learned the whole story.

Barberton, OH – 1998

EPISODE 129: In 1998, Judith Johnson and her six-year-old granddaughter, Brooke, were having a sleepover. A noise in the middle of the night woke Brooke up, and what she saw was her worst nightmare. Her grandma was unconscious on the living room floor… and Brooke thought the perpetrator looked like someone she knew. The investigation would divide the entire family.

McLean, VA – 2017

Pamela (L) and Helen (R) Hargan

EPISODE 128: In 2017, the affluent enclave of McLean, VA experienced a horrific crime that sent shockwaves across the region. The deaths of two women – a mother and her daughter – looked like the daughter ended her mother’s life before taking her own. What could’ve happened to make this young woman snap?

Omaha, NE – 2013

(LtoR): Jorge Cajiga-Ruiz, Curtis Bradford, Andrea Kruger. (Not pictured: Juan Uribe-Pena)

EPISODE 127: In the summer of 2013, Omaha, Nebraska residents were horrified by the brutal slayings that took place within a span of 10 days. Detectives were able to quickly link three of the four slayings, but the fourth was an outlier. It was through the help of other family members arrested in connection with these crimes that revealed the insidious history that set the stage for these tragic deaths.

Villa Park, CA – 1997

EPISODE 126: In 1997, Janie Louise Pang was a stay-at-home mom of three living in the affluent Orange County suburb of Villa Park, CA. When her life was ended by a man who knocked on her door, police were at a loss for suspects. It took years for police to arrest someone… and when they did, was it the actual perpetrator or someone the killer set up to be the scapegoat?

Fernley, NV – 2013

(Clockwise from top left:) Larry Leibert, Eliazar Graham, Angie Duff, Bob & Dorothy Pape

EPISODE 125: The rural town of Fernley, NV was shocked by horrifying crimes that happened on May 13, 2013. One 911 call after the other came into sheriff’s dispatch and neighboring communities sent officers to assist. This close-knit community never imagined the day would end with five of their friends and neighbors gone. Did they have a serial killer stalking their small town?

Mountlake Terrace, WA – 2000

EPISODE 124: Anastasia King was just 18 when she decided she wanted to live the American dream and signed up for an online matchmaking service. Within just a few months she moved from her home country of Kyrgyzstan and was living with her new husband in Washington State. But when she disappeared after missing a flight home from Kyrgyzstan, police uncovered secrets that shocked everyone.

Sells, AZ – 1970

EPISODE 123: In 1970, Nancy Harwood’s body was found along a desolate stretch of the Ajo Highway in southern Arizona. To everyone’s horror, her young children were found playing in the sand next to the car. The victim was the second of two females killed two months apart – and it showed all the markings of a possible serial killer. With no witnesses, would detectives be able to solve the case before the person struck again?

Episode Updates!

EPISODE 122: We’re kicking off the new year by bringing you updates on three of our most noteworthy cases over the past 12 months. Our updates include Episode 71 – the murders of four young University of Idaho students; Episode 81 – the murder of Reeva Steenkamp and conviction of Olympian Oscar Pistorius; and Episode 112 – the disappearance of Suzanne Morphew and the discovery of her remains.

Salt Lake City, UT – 1983

EPISODE 121: This week’s episode is a flashback to one of our earliest episodes! It was the second episode we dropped more than two years ago (!!) and is one of our all-time favorites. This episode takes place in 1983 and is about Sidney Merrick, a young woman found stabbed to death in her car on the side of a major interstate freeway. Thanks to numerous witnesses coming forward, not only were police able to solve her case but also a cold case that happened in another state.

Acme, WA – 1989

EPISODE 120: In 1989, 18-year-old Mandy Stavik was home from college to spend Thanksgiving with her family. She was from a small town in Washington, where everyone knew each other and looked out for each other. Mandy was an avid athlete and went for a run with her dog… but only her dog returned home. After several days of searching, her body was found. And it would take an unlikely reunion to provide police the break they needed.

Hobbs, NM – 2002

EPISODE 119: In 2002, Elizabeth Garcia was working hard to create a better future for herself and her children. To keep her afternoons free for her kids, she took a part time job working nights at a convenience store. It was during her second overnight shift that she disappeared. The case went cold until another murder happened a year later. The cases didn’t seem to overlap… but was it possible they were looking for the same perpetrator?

Norman, OK – 1996

EPISODE 118: In December 1996, Juli Busken had just completed her studies at the Univ. of OK and was packing to go back to her native Arkansas and start graduate school. The day she was scheduled to leave, she did an early morning airport run to drop off a friend… and disappeared. Police contacted almost every person they could find who had ever known her, but there was never a DNA match. Finally there was a hit in CODIS – and it changed everything.

Deerfield, IL – 2007

EPISODE 117: Rhoni Reuter and her longtime boyfriend, former Chicago Bears player Shaun Gayle, were awaiting the birth of their first child. But one morning when Rhoni opened her front door to leave for work, someone was waiting for her. Police scoured the scene for clues, but when all of the suspects had alibis, investigators had to dig deeper to find the secrets that had been hidden from almost everyone.

Knoxville, TN – 2004

EPISODE 116: In December 2004, Johnia Berry was ready to start her life after college. She was applying to graduate school and was four months away from her dream wedding to her dream guy. And then her life was brutally taken. There were very few clues and even fewer suspects. How would detectives solve her murder?

Brownsville, TX – 1987

EPISODE 115: In an upscale suburb of Brownsville, Texas an urgent call came into 911. Prominent businessman Bill Mowbray was dead, and the coroner didn’t know if it was by his own hand or if someone else was involved. Bill’s wife Susie said it was the former, but law enforcement didn’t agree. She was arrested and went to trial. Bit was justice served or did they get it wrong?

Lakeland, FL – 1981

EPISODE 114: In 1981, Linda Slaten was found by her sister lying on the bed. She’d been dead for several hours. The window in Linda’s bedroom was wide open and the screen was on the grass outside. Despite an extensive investigation, the case went cold. With renewed attention to the case decades later, it was finally solved. And the perpetrator’s name had been in their case files the entire time.

Long Beach, CA – 1976

EPISODE 113: We couldn’t let a Halloween episode – especially one that has 13 in the number! – go past without telling a creepy story. This one takes us to Long Beach in 1976 – but the tale starts well before then, at a time when the public’s fascination with all things macabre reached a fever pitch. You’ll never go to a funhouse again without wondering just who’s in there with you…

Salida, CO – 2020

EPISODE 112: In May 2020, the headlines around the nation were about missing wife and mom Suzanne Morphew. She’d gone for a bike ride on Mother’s Day and never returned. Her husband, Barry, was the primary suspect and at one point was arrested before the District Attorney asked to have the case dismissed. But breaking news in September revealed that Suzanne’s remains had been found! Is Barry still a suspect? Or will new clues lead police in a different direction?

El Portal, CA – 1999

(L to R): Juli Sund, Carole Sund & Silvina Pelosso

EPISODE 111: In 1999, Carole Sund took her daughter Juli (15) and close family friend Silvina Pelosso (16), who was visiting from Argentina, on a trip to Yosemite National Park. When the trio disappeared, it set off a huge search and initially it was feared their car slid off the road. The cold snowy weather meant fewer tourists, but it also meant increased danger. Not from the hibernating animals… it was a much more dangerous predator.

Utica, NY – 2015

EPISODE 110: In 2015, Mary Yoder and her husband, Bill, owned a successful chiropractic business and were looking forward to a dream vacation in Europe. Mary, who exercised every day and was always the picture of health, suddenly passed away with no explanation. An anonymous letter to the Sheriff’s Office and Medical Examiner provided the answer as to how Mary passed away… but the person the letter named as being responsible wasn’t someone detectives had even considered.

Baton Rouge, LA – 1984

EPISODE 109: We’re back in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to bring you the story of Jody Plauche. In 1984, he (and his family) were groomed by someone they trusted. After he was taken, the authorities worked with the family to quickly find him. But no one imagined that the ending would be broadcast on live TV.

Cleveland, OH – 2005

EPISODE 108: In 2005, Rosemarie Essa was found unresponsive in her car after a minor accident. Everyone was stunned when she didn’t make it, and all of her toxicological screens came back negative. Until a friend of hers talked to detectives and shared a conversation she had with Rosemarie minutes before the accident. And that conversation gave investigators the break they needed.

Seattle, WA – 1980

EPISODE 107: In 1980, a young woman was the victim of a horrible crime but fortunately was able to get away and get help. Authorities immediately found the perpetrator and a trial ensued. But in an unexpected twist, a reporter did a deep dive into the case and uncovered information that hadn’t been revealed. And what happened at the end shocked everyone.

Chester Co., PA – 2023

BONUS EPISODE: After 14 days on the run, escaped prisoner Danelo Cavalcante was captured! In this bonus episode we talk about how the manhunt ended, the large contingent of law enforcement searching for him, and why he was able to stay hidden for so long.

Lucin, UT – 2022

Episode 106: This is the case of missing 19-year-old Dylan Rounds, who disappeared in late May 2022 from his farm in Lucin. Dylan’s mom said he always wanted to be a farmer and he was living out that dream. Although someone has been arrested in connection with his death, the family is still looking for Dylan. Go to the family’s Facebook page for more information about Dylan, their search and #dylanslegacy.

Beverly Hills, CA – 1989

Episode 105: We kick off Season 3 in Beverly Hills, CA. A city of luxury and glamour, residents are used to the city turning up in the headlines. But no one expected to wake up on the morning of August 21, 1989, to news about Jose and Kitty Menendez losing their lives in what was widely assumed to be a mob hit. Two trials were held that ultimately resulted in convictions. But more than 30 years later new information has come to light, leading to the question… was justice served?

Toms River, NJ – 1984

Episode 104: In 1984, Robert and Maria Marshall were living the American dream with their three sons in Toms River, New Jersey. But no one ever knows what goes on behind closed doors. And in this case, a gamble on a better life took a tragic turn.

Bonita Springs, FL – 2015

Episode 103: We all need friends… that community we’ve built to help us through hard times and celebrate with during the good times. Join us in Bonita Springs, FL to learn about the community Mark and Teresa Sievers built for themselves and how some of their friends responded when called upon for help.

Dallas, TX – 1984

Episode 102: In 1984, Angela Samota was a junior at Southern Methodist University with a bright future ahead of her. She was double majoring in electrical engineering and computer science, was active in her sorority and was well-liked by everyone she met. Until one night when she tried to help someone in need. After years spent investigating, the case went cold. And it would take an old college friend to provide the pathway needed to finally find justice for Angela.

Iron River, MI – 2014

Episode 101: In 2014, Chris Regan was looking forward to new beginnings. Although he enjoyed living in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, he’d just gotten a new job in North Carolina that would allow him to live closer to one of his sons. He was reported missing just two weeks before his big move. Eventually his case went cold. Until 2016, when the unexpected death of a former Michigan resident brought Chris’s case back to the attention of the authorities.

Charlottesville, VA – 2014

Hannah Graham (L) & Morgan Harrington (R)

Episode 100: In 2014, University of Virginia student Hannah Graham disappeared after a night out with friends. Her family and the university community held out hope she’d be found safe. Sadly, her remains were discovered five weeks later. Surveillance cameras provided authorities with not only a suspect, but with a clue to solving a similar disappearance that happened five years prior.

Tokyo, Japan – 2000

Episode 99: In 2000, Briton Lucie Blackman went to Tokyo, Japan with her best friend. They planned to get jobs as nightclub hostesses, make enough money to pay off some debt, and still have some savings left when they returned home. But they were unaware of what – or who – was lurking in the shadows. Lucie’s disappearance set off a frantic search by family and friends. And the evil they uncovered rocked an entire nation.

Orlando, FL – 1987

Episode 98: Have you ever wondered about the groundbreaking cases that have fundamentally changed our justice system? One central element that is now commonplace is the use of DNA evidence. The first U.S. court to use DNA took place in 1987 in Orlando, FL. This is the story of the scientific and legal pioneers who came together to help victims of a horrible crime find justice.

Gilgo Beach, NY – 2023

BONUS EPISODE: In 2010, human remains were found on Gilgo Beach, located on the south shore of Long Island, New York. In total, 10 sets of remains would eventually be uncovered. Police were unable to find the perpetrator or perpetrators and the cases went cold. A task force was created specifically to investigate the cases using updated technology, and the primary suspect in ALL of the cases was arrested in July 2023.

Houston, TX – 1982

Episode 97: In 1982, prominent attorney James Campbell and his wife, Virginia, were killed while asleep in their beds. Their two grandsons were sleeping at the foot of the bed but thankfully unhurt. After the case was declared cold, three of James and Virginia’s daughters hired a private investigator. Although some of the PI’s tactics were a bit unorthodox, in the end the family was able to hear not one, but two cell doors clang shut.

Brooklyn, IA – 2018

Episode 96: On July 18, 2018, Mollie Tibbetts was spending the summer before returning to college working at a local day care. She had been on the track team in high school and still kept up with her daily runs. But on this day, she never returned. Even with local, state and federal law enforcement searching alongside many volunteers, they didn’t find her. It would take tracking down the perpetrator to finally bring her family, friends and the community a sense of justice.

Emporia, KS – 1983

Sandra Bird & Martin Anderson

Episode 95: Emporia is a beautiful city in eastern Kansas. But in 1983, some of the community’s secrets became very public when a twisted tale of lust and betrayal made its way to the headlines. It was so scandalous that it became a CBS Movie of the Week just a few years later.

Petaluma, CA – 1993

EPISODE 94: In October 1993, 12-year-old Polly Klaas was having a sleepover at her house with two of her friends. They were trying on possible Halloween costumes, not aware of the danger that was lurking just outside her bedroom door. When Polly was abducted, the search for her soon became the largest manhunt in US history. The tragic outcome of the search became the catalyst for California’s Three-Strikes law.

Monroe Co., MO – 2018

Episode 93: In 2018, Molly Watson was days away from her dream wedding. Everything was taken care of – she had the venue, two dresses (!) and had just picked up her wedding license. Then late one night, someone came across Molly’s car on a back road. She was lying on the ground in front of it, and she was no longer living. Who was responsible for ruining Molly’s hopes and dreams? And what would lead investigators to the perpetrator?

Savannah, GA – 2003

Episode 92: In 2003, Nikki Redmond graduated from the prestigious Spelman College in just three years, assumed the Miss Savannah title after being a runner up in the pageant after the original winner was crowned Miss Georgia and became engaged to her long-time boyfriend. No one could have predicted how horrifically her year would end after the sudden death of her fiancé.

Jacksonville, FL – 1993

Episode 91: In 1993, 23-year-old Bonnie Haim was married and the mother of a 3-year-old son when late one night she vanished. But without any solid evidence of a crime, the case went cold. It would be 21 years before her family knew the heartbreaking truth of what really happened and where Bonnie had been for all those years.

Costa Mesa, CA – 2010

Sam Herr and Julie Kibuishi

Episode 90: In 2010, detectives found a young woman deceased in a friend’s apartment – and the friend was nowhere to be found. Costa Mesa PD detectives immediately started looking for clues and talking to friends of the missing man. And it was one of these friends who unwittingly led investigators to the person responsible.

Kamas, UT – 2022

Bonus Episode: It’s a story ripped from the headlines – Utah mom Kouri Richins, who wrote a book on grief after her three sons struggled with their dad’s death, was arrested and charged with her husband’s murder. Police were unsure what caused the healthy 39-year-old Eric RIchins to die suddenly, but the toxicology report had all the answers.

Youngstown, OH – 1985

Episode 89: In 1985, Youngstown State University sophomore Gina Tenney was living off-campus in an apartment on the top floor of a duplex. Over winter break, she thought she heard someone trying to break into her apartment several times, but she never saw anyone. Four days later, her body was found floating in an icy river. With DNA testing in its early stages, it would take the Youngstown PD’s perseverance to bring the perpetrator to justice.

Welch, OK – 1999

Ashley Freeman (left); Lauria Bible (right)

Episode 88: In 1999, a 911 call came into the Craig Co., Oklahoma Sheriff’s Dept. – the Freeman family’s mobile home was on fire. Found in the burning rubble were parents Danny and Kathy Freeman. But their 16-year-old daughter Ashley, and her best friend Lauria Bible, vanished. Despite intensive searches, the two teenage girls were never found. It would take authorities decades to learn what likely happened to them… in a town where fear and intimidation trumped justice.

Big Bear Lake, CA – 2013

Clockwise from top left: Riverside Police Officer Michael Crain, San Bernardino Co. Sheriff’s Detective Jeremiah Mackay, Keith Lawrence, Monica Quan

Episode 87: In 2013, southern California residents were scared. The Los Angeles PD was scouring the region for a suspect who was targeting members of law enforcement and their families. For more than a week he eluded authorities, popping up in a different county every day or so. And you never knew where he would strike next. It took the largest manhunt in southern California’s history to bring an end to his reign of terror.

Louisville, KY – 1924

Episode 86: On March 8, 1924, the Louisville Police Department received a report of a man who had been shot in an upscale neighborhood. Following these early 20^th century detectives as they navigated the intricate plot twists and myriad of characters could make anyone involved in this case believe they were living the real-life version of a classic film noir movie.

Fox Lake, IL – 2015

Episode 85: In 2015, a decorated police lieutenant radioed that he was pursuing 3 suspects and requested backup. When officers arrived, they heard two loud bangs. A few minutes later they called dispatch and said the two most dreaded words: officer down. A huge manhunt was formed to find the suspects, but somehow, they eluded police. It would take two months before police announced the person responsible. And it sent shockwaves through the community.

Jonestown, Guyana – 1978

Episode 84: The Reverend Jim Jones grew from an impoverished, lonely child in Indiana to the dynamic and charismatic leader of his own religious movement. His dream of creating a socialist utopia for his followers became a reality when he built a compound in Guyana. But all was not as joyful as it seemed. When the truth was finally revealed, the shock of Rev. Jones’ end game reverberated across the nation and the world.

Warwick, RI – 1989

Episode 83: In 1989, Victoria Cushman had been secretly seeing a married police detective who she believed was going to leave his family so they could be together. Before he could do that, her lifeless body was found on her apartment floor. From the start, there were rumors of a cover up by higher ups at the police department after it turned out her married lover lied about their relationship. It took years, but the perpetrator finally heard the cell doors slam shut.

Baltimore Co., MD – 1984

Episode 82: In 1984, the body of nine-year-old Dawn Hamilton was found in the woods behind her apartment building. Two young boys helped police come up with a composite sketch, leading to the arrest and conviction of Kirk Bloodsworth. He was sentenced to death row. After years of maintaining his innocence, DNA testing gave him the chance to prove he didn’t harm Dawn. Or did it prove his guilt instead?

Pretoria, South Africa – 2013

Episode 81: Anyone who remembers the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London will recognize the nickname the Blade Runner. It was given to South African Oscar Pistorius, who was the first amputee to compete in an Olympic Games and did so on legs made of carbon fiber. Five months later, the golden glow of the Olympics lost its luster… Oscar had mistaken his girlfriend for an intruder and accidentally killed her. Was it an accident? Or was it intentional?

Nashville, TN – 1996

Episode 80: Y’all, this one is a special episode because we recorded it last week LIVE in Chattanooga, Tennessee! And while this episode doesn’t take place in Chattanooga, it happened just a couple of hours northwest. It took almost a decade to find out what happened, and what sealed the fate of the accused came from a very unexpected source.

Fayetteville, NC – 1985

Episode 79: In 1985, a husband and father on assignment more than 500 miles away from home received a devastating phone call. He rushed home to find his wife and two of his three children gone forever. The only thing his 22-month-old daughter could tell them was they needed to hide from the burglar.

Dallas, TX – 1987

Episode 78: In 1987, a preacher’s wife in Dallas, Texas was found unresponsive on the floor of her garage. Her husband held vigil at her bedside for more than a week, with rumors swirling in the community that he was somehow involved. Did rumors drive his downfall or was he actually responsible?

Isla Vista, CA – 2014

Top row (L to R): David Wang, George Chen, James Hong; Bottom row (L to R): Christopher Michaels-Martinez, Katie Cooper, Veronika Weiss

Episode 77: In 2014, a college student living in the trendy Isla Vista community of Santa Barbara was struggling to fit in. Throughout his education, he just wanted to be popular. But that never happened. He wrote pages and pages in his journal about the day he would seek retribution. That tragic day was May 23, 2014.

Pleasant Prairie, WI – 1998

Episode 76: In 1998, Mark and Julie Jensen had been married for 14 years and were devoted to their two sons, ages eight and three. On December 3rd, Mark and the boys came home to find Julie had passed away. Police did not suspect foul play, until the Jensen’s next door neighbor handed them a letter from Julie naming the perpetrator. Had Julie really solved the case with a letter from the grave?

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada 2013

(LtoR) Laura Babcock, Wayne Millard, Tim Bosma

Episode 75: What happened to Tim Bosma in 2013 could have happened to anyone. He was selling his truck and went for a test drive with a prospective buyer. He never came home. But no one expected the investigation into his disappearance to uncover a web of lies that left the community and the country in shock.

Fort Worth, TX – 1992

Episode 74: We are back in Texas, y’all for a shocking case of betrayal and greed. In 1992, Fort Worth, TX socialites Jack and Caren Koslow were ambushed in their home. Tragically, Caren did not survive. And just when police were ready to arrest their suspect, they received information from an unexpected source that changed everything.

Chino Hills, CA – 1983

(left) Peggy and Doug Ryen; (top right) Christopher Hughes; (bottom right) Jessica Ryen

Episode 73: In 1983, three members of the Ryen family and their son’s friend were killed in a brutal attack in the Ryen home. Despite initial reports that up to three men were involved, only one man was arrested and convicted. Kevin Cooper has maintained his innocence for the past 38 years. In 2021, the CA governor ordered an independent review of the case and on Jan. 13, 2023, the results were made public. Is Kevin Cooper innocent?

Portland, OR – 2018

Episode 72: In 2018, Daniel Brophy was a chef and instructor at the Oregon Culinary Institute in Portland. Early on a Saturday morning, students found his body on the floor of one of the school’s kitchens. Daniel’s wife, Nancy, became an early suspect, in part because she was an author and had a lengthy online search history involving different ways to kill someone. Was she really researching plotlines or was she guilty?

Moscow, ID – 2022

Episode 71: We’ve all heard bits and pieces about the tragic murders at the University of Idaho. But now that the Moscow Police Department has made their probable cause affidavit public, we can bring you the facts – from what happened that terrible night to how they tracked down the now-infamous white Hyundai Elantra to the arrest in Pennsylvania. And, what happens next.

Episode Updates!

Episode 70: We’re starting the new year by bringing you updates on four cases we’ve covered over the past year. Our updates include Episode 41 – the murders of Mike Sisco and Karen Harkness in Topeka, KS; Episode 18 – covering a suspected serial killer police have dubbed “The Shopping Cart Killer”; Episode 29 – which discusses the case of the first person to be tried and convicted using genetic genealogy; and Episode 11 – the case of a missing 12-year-old girl and how it involves a two-time gubernatorial candidate.

Newport Beach – 1991

Episode 69: This week’s episode is a remastered version of our favorite episode to-date – Episode 1, the 1991 disappearance and murder of Denise Huber in Newport Beach, CA. It was a special episode for a couple of reasons. This happened in our own backyard when we were growing up, so of course it had an impact on us. And Kathy’s mom talked to us a lot about how to keep ourselves safe, which kind of formed the basis for our interest in true crime. 

Tulsa, OK – 1982

Episode 68: Michele Rae Powers was the mother of a 3-year-old son, and in January 1982, after fighting for two years, was finally given visitation rights. Which her son’s father was NOT happy about. She told her twin sister she was worried about her safety. And unfortunately, it turned out that her instincts were correct.

Pontiac, MI – 1997

George (left) and Melvin (right) DeJesus

Episode 67: In 1997, brothers Melvin and George DeJesus were arrested and convicted of murdering their next-door neighbor – and the mother of a childhood friend – Margaret Midkiff. They became targets of the investigation after a jailhouse snitch gave police information that only someone present at the scene would know. Did police arrest the right perpetrators?

Richmond, VA – 2006

Episode 66: The Harvey family home in Richmond, Virginia was where friends and neighbors gathered every New Year’s Day for food and fun. But in 2006, arriving guests found emergency vehicles and crime scene tape surrounding the house and property. They stood together as they waited to hear news about their friends. The answer was more horrific than any of them imagined.

Chicago, IL – 1966

Episode 65: In July 1966, five student nurses and three exchange nurses from the Philippines were sharing a dorm-style townhouse in Chicago, Illinois. All of the young women were smart, caring and had bright futures. They had no way of knowing someone had been watching them for days, and learning their routines, before breaking into the townhouse late one night. He was smiling and kind as he told them he wouldn’t hurt them. He lied.

Tacoma, WA – 1986

Episode 64: In 1986, 13-year-old Jennifer Bastian rode her bike to Tacoma’s Point Defiance Park and never returned. The investigation into her disappearance uncovered similar crimes targeting young teenage girls. The determination of cold case detectives eventually led to the clang of a prison cell door.

Monte Sereno, CA – 2012

Episode 63: In November 2012, a 911 call was placed from a home located in the upscale northern California suburb of Monte Sereno. Raveesh Kumra and his ex-wife Harinder were the victims of a brutal home invasion robbery. Both had been tied up, and when police arrived Raveesh was unresponsive and cold to the touch. As investigators searched for a possible motive, they uncovered secrets that led to an unthinkable betrayal.

San Diego, CA – 1984

Episode 62: In November 1984, Anne Swanke, a University of San Diego honors student and music major, went to San Diego State University to hang out with her boyfriend and some friends on her way home from a sorority function. She left to go home about 1:30am… and vanished. The investigation into Anne’s disappearance led detectives to cross paths with David Allen Lucas. And what they uncovered sent shockwaves across San Diego County. 

Newport Beach, CA – 2012

Episode 61:  Quee Choo “Q.C.” Chadwick was smart, talented and above all else, devoted to her husband, Peter, and their three sons. When Q.C. and Peter did not pick up their sons after school, it was so unlike the couple that neighbors were quick to call the authorities. Q.C.’s body was found a week later in a dumpster more than 100 miles away from her home. The roadblocks to justice that popped up along the way would take the combined resources of the Newport Beach Police Dept., the US Marshals, Homeland Security, Interpol, along with the creation of a true crime podcast, before the perpetrator would see the inside of a jail cell.

Woodland Park, CO – 2018

Episode 60: In 2018, Kelsey Berreth lived in Woodland Park, Colorado, and she and her fiancé had a 13-month-old baby girl. On Thanksgiving Day, Kelsey disappeared. Police were unable to locate her, but nonetheless believed that her life ended inside her condo. Despite never finding a body, a suspect was arrested and the case was taken to trial. Was there justice for Kelsey, or were authorities too quick to judgment?

Salem, OR – 1989
Part 2

Episode 59:  In Part 2, we continue our deep dive into what happened to Michael Francke. We talk about possible suspects, how the person who was charged became the focus of the investigation and the outcome of the trial. Did they arrest the right person? Did they convict the real killer? And what did Michael Francke’s family believe really happened to him?

Salem, OR – 1989
Part 1

Episode 58:  Michael Francke moved to Salem, Oregon to be the director of the State  Department of Corrections and address problems in their prison system. Michael was the perfect candidate… he was an honorable and fearless leader who believed honesty was a requirement for every public servant. Tragically, in 1989 he was found murdered. In Part 1, we follow detectives as they search for possible suspects and determine if it was a robbery gone wrong or if there were more nefarious forces at work.

Brighton, NY – 1982

Episode 57: In 1982, James Krauseneck left work and went home to his wife Cathleen and young daughter in Brighton, New York. He went upstairs and found Cathleen dead in their bedroom with an ax embedded in the side of her head. The case remained cold for almost four decades until 2019 when the Brighton Police Department finally made an arrest. Trial began in September 2022. Did they finally get their man? Or did the jury disagree?

Clark County, WA – 2002

Episode 56: In 2002, Marlyne Johnson was 58 years old and looking forward to the arrival of her first grandchild. When she missed lunch with her daughter-in-law – with whom she was very close – her son and daughter-in-law went to check on her and found her body in the basement of the family home. Marlyne was kind and caring and everyone liked her. So who could have committed such a heinous crime? And when police found the perpetrator, would the family finally find justice?

Las Vegas, NV – 2022

Episode 55: Over Labor Day weekend 2022, Las Vegas Review-Journal investigative reporter Jeff German’s body was found next to his house by a neighbor. Throughout Jeff’s long career, his reporting had exposed organized crime, corrupt officials and unethical government agencies. With all of these potential adversaries, where do police start looking for a suspect?

Memphis, TN – 2022

 Episode 54: Eleven days ago, Eliza Fletcher was abducted during her regular early morning run near the University of Memphis. Quick work by Memphis PD, with the assistance of county, state and federal authorities, enabled them to arrest their suspect the next day. Sadly, her body was found three days later, leaving behind her husband and two young children. Who did police arrest and how did they find him so quickly?

Georgetown, IL – 1993

Jessica Roach (left) and Tricia Reitler (right)

Episode 53: We kickoff Season 2 with the true story behind the Apple TV+ crime drama Black Bird. In 1993, two young women went missing – college freshman Tricia Reitler disappeared after taking a study break to buy some snacks at a market near her dorm. Police believe she was abducted and has never been seen again. Jessica Roach was 15 years old when she was abducted near her home, and her remains were found six weeks later. Is one man responsible for ending the lives of both young women? And are there more victims to be found? 

Dickinson, TX – 1990

Episode 52:   In 1990, 8-year-old Jennifer Schuett was taken in the early morning hours from her bedroom in Dickinson, TX. She was found 12 hours later in a field with her throat slit and barely clinging to life. Investigators found clothing nearby that they assumed belonged to the perpetrator, but it didn’t provide a large enough DNA sample for 1990 technology. Despite the police department’s best efforts, the case went cold.

Sacramento, CA – 1988

Episode 51: In 1988, social workers in Sacramento, CA went to police asking for help finding one of their clients – a man named Bert Montoya. It was unlike Bert not to be in touch with them, and after receiving an odd phone call they were worried something was wrong. Investigators went to the old Victorian boardinghouse where Bert was living to dig up some information. And it was there they uncovered secrets of a violent past that had been buried for years.

Weymouth, MA – 1993

Episode 50: In January 1993, Jennifer Mullin was late coming home from a friend’s party. Her parents weren’t too worried when she missed curfew, but when she wasn’t home the next morning her parents reached out to friends and neighbors. When no one reported seeing Jennifer after she left the party the night before, they filed a missing persons report. Tragically her body was found later that day just a few miles from her home. It took years for her family to finally get justice. But… will an August 2022 court ruling pave the way for her killer to walk free?

Ripley, OH – 2013

Episode 49: On August 28, 2013, 22-year-old Brittany Stykes was shot and killed while driving on US Route 68 near Ripley, Ohio. Her 14-month-old daughter, who was in the car with her, was gravely injured by a gunshot wound to her forehead, but thankfully survived and is thriving. Almost nine years later, this case is still unsolved and Brittany’s loved ones don’t have any answers as to who did this or why. Someone knows something – or knows someone who knows something. Help police solve this case.

Manor Township, PA – 1975

Episode 48: In 1975, Lindy Sue Biechler was recently married, had just started a new job and was looking forward to a bright and happy future. When Lindy met a horrific end, her husband was certain the perpetrator was someone they both knew. Was he right? Or would this whodunit prove to be an even bigger mystery? 

St. Johnsbury, VT – 2012

Episode 47:  In 2012, Melissa Jenkins lived in St. Johnsbury, Vermont and was a single mother with a 2-year-old son who she adored. Melissa was friendly and well-liked by everyone who met her. She was also a science teacher at the prestigious St. Johnsbury Academy, a soccer and basketball coach, studying for her master’s degree, and working part-time as a waitress. Melissa never hesitated to help those in need. But no one was there to help her when she needed it most and was never seen alive again.

Cherry Hill, NJ – 1994

Episode 46:   In 1994, Carol Neulander lived in the affluent suburb of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, with her husband of 29 years. She was the mother of three children who adored her, a savvy businesswoman, and a pillar of her community. One night, her husband came home to find her lying face down in a pool of blood. It had to have been a random act… Carol was loved and respected by everyone who knew her. But was it random??? It would take years before the truth came out.

Tucson, AZ – 2004

Episode 45: In 2004, Dr. Brian Stidham and his young family were living in his adopted hometown of Tucson, Arizona. He loved his family, was devoted to his patients, and was greatly admired by the medical community. When he was found murdered in the parking lot where he worked, ‘whodunit?’ was the question on everyone’s mind… until police uncovered a tale of sex, lies and revenge.

Lakeland, FL – 2006

Episode 44: In 2006, Abraham Shakespeare was living everyone’s dream… he won $30 million in the Florida lottery. He was generous with his winnings and gave money to family, friends and even acquaintances. But when he trusted the wrong person, his dream became the ultimate nightmare.

Signal Mountain, TN – 1988

(LtoR): Kenneth Griffith, Earl Smock,
Richard Mason

Episode 43: In July 1988, three men – Kenneth Griffith, Earl Smock and Richard Mason – set off from Richard’s house on ATVs to beat the Tennessee heat at a local swimming hole. When they didn’t return, searchers fanned out across the wooded terrain to find them. Tragically, the men’s bodies were found four days later… but it would take almost a decade before justice was finally served in this case.

Wood Lodge, ID – 2005

(LtoR): Brenda Groene, Dylan Groene,
Slade Groene, Mark McKenzie

Episode 42: The Groene family lived in rural Wolf Lodge, Idaho. Their home was surrounded by beautiful countryside and the three Groene children spent their time outdoors fishing, camping and looking for crawdads. On May 15, 2005, the family hosted a barbeque for a few friends and neighbors. It was the last day the Groene family would enjoy each other’s company.

Topeka, KS – 2002

Karen Harkness and Mike Sisco

Episode 41:   In 2002, longtime couple Mike Sisco and Karen Harkness were killed in her home after winning big at a casino. Was robbery the motive or was there something more sinister involved?

Anniston, AL – 1975

Carol Hilley (left); Frank Hilley (right)

Episode 40:   In the 1970s, at least two members of the Hilley family were poisoned. When one of them died, the other was the key to helping police stop and catch the perpetrator.

Portapique, Nova Scotia –
2020

Episode 39: In 2020, bucolic Portapique, Nova Scotia was the epicenter of a gruesome rampage that would take 22 lives in 13 hours, making it the largest mass murder in Canadian modern history.

Woodburn, OR – 2008

Thomas Tennant (top left); William Hakim (bottom left); Scott Russell (right)

Episode 38: Woodburn, OR is a close-knit community south of Portland in the beautiful Willamette Valley. One morning in 2008, an unusual metal box was found outside of a downtown bank that employees and landscapers did not recognize. By the time they realized it was a bomb… it was too late.

San Jose, CA – 1980

Episode 37: Howard Witkin lived in San Jose, California and managed his family’s thriving glass and mirror business. He had three young children and was known as a humble, fun guy who people liked to be around. In 1980, he was found shot to death in his own home, and it would take decades before the real killer was finally revealed.

Riverton, WY – 2004

Episode 36:  Riverton, Wyoming is the site of the State’s minimum-security prison Honor Farm. In 2004, nurse Tammy Watts was murdered by one of its 176 inmates. But how do you find the killer when everyone is a suspect?

Wylie, TX – 1980

Episode 35:  In 1980, Candy Montgomery was accused of killing her friend, Betty Gore. Find out the shocking revelation made at trial and what the jury concluded was the truth.

Tallahassee, FL – 2000

Episode 34:   Mike Williams was a local Tally boy, marrying his high school sweetheart after graduating from Florida State Univ. and having their first child five years later. He was an outdoorsman by nature and loved the quiet early morning hours he spent alone hunting for ducks in one of Tally’s many lakes. When he went missing in 2000 after a morning at the lake, was it an accident… or a murder most “fowl?”

Pocahontas, AR – 2019

Episode 33: Linda Collins served in the Arkansas State Senate from 2015-2019. After losing her reelection bid, she returned to her rural hometown of Pocahontas to be with her family and focus on the small business she owned. But six months after moving home, her death made the small community wonder who among them was capable of such viciousness.

Baton Rouge, LA – 2009

Episode 32:   In 2009, Chiquita Tate was a rising legal star in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She was a newlywed, was close with her family, and had just taken the big step of opening her own law practice. But during a late night at her office, she couldn’t defend herself against the evil she encountered.

Oklahoma City, OK – 1978

Terri Horst (top left); David Salsman (top right); Isaac Freeman (bottom left); Louis Zacarias (bottom right)

Episode 31:   Oklahoma City is often associated with the shocking act of domestic terrorism in 1995 with the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah federal building. But in 1978, Oklahoma City residents were rocked by the incomprehensible mass murders of four adults and five teenagers, which at the time was the worst the state had ever seen.

Memphis, TN – 2010

Episode 30:  In 2010, Lorenzen Wright was a retired NBA star with a bright future ahead. Although recently divorced, he loved his six children and was close with his family. Lorenzen was missing for nine days before being found murdered – but the case went cold. In 2019, two arrests were made and the shocking truth of who killed Lorenzen Wright was finally revealed.

Saanich, British Columbia –
1987

Tanya Van Cuylenborg and Jay Cook

Episode 29:    In 1987, Jay Cook and Tanya Van Cuylenborg had been dating for six months when they traveled from their home in British Columbia to Seattle, WA to run an errand for Jay’s dad. When they didn’t return from their overnight trip, their parents’ worst fears were confirmed. It would take 30 years and significant advances in DNA testing and genetic genealogy to bring a killer to justice.

Albuquerque, NM – 2021

Althea Oakeley (top left); Stella Gonzalez (bottom left); Kaitlyn Arquette (right)

Episode 28:   In the late 1980s, Althea Oakeley (age 21), Stella Gonzales (age 13), and Kaitlyn Arquette (age 18) were murdered in Albuquerque, NM, but their killers were never caught, Fast forward 22 years, in April 2021 a homeless man with a history of violent crimes against women confessed to all three murders. Will police be able to prove they caught the killer who’d been living in their midst?

Sioux Falls, SD – 1995

Episode 27: In 1995, Mary Ross was a single mom of a 13-month-old baby girl and working towards an associate of arts degree in paralegal studies. Everyone who knew her said she was kind and caring with a bubbly personality. When she was murdered in the middle of the night, police shared very little information about their investigation with the public. Which made it all the more shocking when they announced the arrest of not one, not two, but FIVE men accused of causing her death.

Chicago, IL – 1946

Episode 26:   In 1946, Suzanne Degnan was six years old and living in Chicago with her parents and older sister, Betty. The night before she was supposed to return to school following Christmas vacation, Suzanne disappeared out of her window in the middle of the night. Under intense nationwide scrutiny, the Chicago Police Department worked around the clock to catch the killer. Did they arrest the right person or were they simply trying to close the case?

Wilmington, DE – 1996

Episode 25:   In 1996, Anne Marie Fahey loved her tight-knit family, had a great job working for the Governor of Delaware and had just started a relationship with someone she saw a future with. When she disappeared without a trace, a secret she’d kept from her family turned out to be the key to finding out what happened.

St. Michaels, MD – 1998

Episode 24:  In 1998, Steven Hricko arranged to spend a romantic Valentine’s weekend with his wife Kimberly in St. Michaels, MD. Their first night became their last when an evening spent participating in a murder mystery dinner theater had an ending that shocked everyone.

Fort Collins, CO – 1987

Episode 23: In 1987, 37-year-old Peggy Hettrick’s body was found in a field in Fort Collins. High school sophomore Timothy Masters saw the body on his way to school but didn’t call police because he thought it was a mannequin. Police were convinced Tim was the only suspect, and after more than a decade they finally arrested Peggy’s killer. Or did they?

Columbus, GA – 1985

(LtoR): Ann, Erika and Ryan Curry

Episode 22: In 1985, Ann and Michael Curry lived in Columbus, GA and had two children – 4-year-old Erika and 20-month-old Ryan – and Ann was 8 months pregnant with another son they were planning to name Tyler. They couldn’t have known that all of their dreams for the future were about to come to a violent end.

Columbia, SC – 2019

Episode 21: In 2019, Samantha Josephson was about to graduate from the University of South Carolina and had just been accepted with a full scholarship to law school at Drexel University. She couldn’t have known that a night out celebrating with friends would have a tragic ending.

Columbus, OH – 1982

Episode 20: In 1982, Patricia Shannon was smart, kind, loved animals – especially her horse, Oakie – and had big dreams and a very bright future. It all came to a violent end the night she crossed paths with Jack Limle.

Fayetteville, NC – 1993

Episode 19: James Jordan, the father of NBA superstar and G.O.A.T. Michael Jordan, went missing just outside of Fayetteville, NC while traveling home from the funeral of a close friend. Twenty-eight years later, the man who was convicted of his murder has been granted a hearing of new evidence that could prove he was sent to prison for a crime he didn’t commit.

Harrisonburg, VA – 2021

Allene Redman (top left); Cheyanne Brown (bottom left); Tonita Smith (right)

Episode 18: On Nov. 23, 2021, Harrisonburg, VA police arrested Anthony Robinson for the murder of two women. Police dubbed him the “Shopping Cart Killer” for how he moved his victims to their final resting places. Two more women were found a few weeks later, and Virginia police now believe that Anthony Robinson is a serial killer who likely has more victims waiting to be found.

Rock Hill, SC – 2021

Robert and Barbara Lesslie (left);
Noah Lesslie (5) and Adah Lesslie (9) (right)

Episode 17: Former NFL player Phillip Adams killed six people in April 2021, including two small children. Additional forensic evidence was made public on December 14th, leading some to speculate that this was a repeat of what happened to former New England Patriot’s player Aaron Hernandez. Is it a valid argument or simply an excuse?

Cancun, Mexico – 2021

Episode 16: Sativa Transue and her boyfriend Taylor Allen went on a last-minute getaway to Cancun, Mexico over the long Thanksgiving weekend. Sativa had plans to end the three-year relationship when they returned to the U.S., but tragically she never got the chance.

Lakewood, CA – 2001

Episode 15: Bruce and Jana Koklich were prominent members of the Lakewood, CA community in 2001 – they had lucrative careers as realtors, operated a software development company they’d started a few years prior, and they lived in the upscale Lakewood Country Club neighborhood. But when one of them disappeared, it would take more than two years before the community found out what happened.

Oxford, MI – 2021

Hana St. Juliana (top left); Justin Schilling (top right); Tate Myre (bottom left); Madisyn Baldwin (bottom right)

Episode 14: In this week’s episode, we talk about the school shooting at Oxford High School in Michigan and the role the shooter’s parents may have allegedly played in this tragedy.

Tortola, BVI – 1999

Episode 13: Shelley Tyre and David Swain were on a dream vacation to Tortola, British Virgin Islands. After a day of scuba diving, only David made it back to their boat. Was it an accident, or was it murder?

Los Angeles, CA – 2021

Christy Giles (left) and Hilda Marcela Cabrales-Arzola (right)

Greeley, CO – 1984 & 2021

Episode 11: Jonelle Matthews was 15-years-old when she went missing in 1984. Remains found in a Greeley, CO oil field in 2019 were positively identified as Jonelle and her alleged killer was brought to trial in Oct. 2021. Listen to Episode 11 to hear the shocking conclusion.

Los Angeles, CA – 2021

Episode 10: Heidi Planck disappeared on Sunday, October 17, 2021, in Downey, CA after leaving her young son’s football game with her dog. Her family and friends need everyone’s help to bring her home. She has a young son and would never willingly leave him. If you have seen Heidi or have information that may help find her, please call Los Angeles PD Robbery/Homicide at (213) 996-1800 or LA CrimeStoppers at (800) 222-8477 or LAcrimestoppers.org.

Houston, TX – 2020

Episode 9: Alexis Sharkey was living in Houston, TX with her new husband, Tom. She had a close circle of friends, a thriving career, and had achieved success as a social media influencer. But her death in 2020, confronted us with the reality that an onscreen persona does not reflect the reality hidden behind closed doors.

Portland, ME – 2001
Part 2

Episode 8: Amy St. Laurent was 25 years old when she disappeared from the Old Port area of Portland, Maine. In Part 2 of the Amy St. Laurent story, we follow the police investigators as they continue their search to find Amy and build a case that will bring the perpetrator to justice. 

Portland, ME – 2001
Part 1

Episode 7: Amy St. Laurent was 25 years old when she disappeared from the Old Port area of Portland, Maine. The police weren’t lacking for suspects. In Part 1, we do a deep dive into the police investigation to find her. Who knew what happened to her – the ex-boyfriend, the rejected suitor or the last person to see her that night? That question and more will be answered in Part 2, which will be available next week. 

Brooks, WI – 1974

Episode 6: Kenny Ray Reichhoff was 19 years old and had grown up in the small rural community of Brooks, Wisconsin. He’d dropped out of high school during his junior year and had been living on his own since he was 17. In December 1974, Kenny was arrested for a brutal double murder in which one of the men killed was someone he considered to be like a second father to him. Was it rage that drove him to kill or something else entirely? 

New Britain, CT – 1992

Episode 5: Patricia Urbanski was a kind and studious 15-year-old girl who had emigrated from Poland with her family in 1988. She liked caring for others and wanted to become a nurse when she grew up. But a savage early morning attack on December 21, 1992, put an end to her dreams and those of her family.

Joplin, MO – 1993

Diana Kelley (left); Christy Kelley (right)

Episode 4: Diana Kelley and Christy Kelley didn’t know each other and had never met. But they did have three things in common that led to both of them being murdered.

Reno, NV – 2006

Episode 3: In 1998, Kathy Augustine was elected as Nevada’s first female State Controller, but her tenure was not without problems.  In the early morning hours of July 8, 2006, Kathy was found unconscious in her Reno, Nevada home and died three days later without regaining consciousness. Was it natural causes or had she been sleeping with the enemy?

Salt Lake City, UT – 1983

Sidney Merrick (left); Lisa Lynne Chambers (right)

Episode 2: In 1983, Sidney Merrick was found stabbed to death after her car broke down on the side of Interstate 80 in Utah. Police were able to find her killer quickly thanks to numerous witnesses coming forward with detailed information, and just nine days after the horrific crime, an arrest warrant was issued for Wesley Allen Tuttle. In 2007, just as Tuttle thought he might have a shot at being granted parole, advances in DNA testing conclusively linked Tuttle to the shocking murder of a child that had been unsolved since 1982.

Newport Beach, CA – 1991

Episode 1: In 1991, a young woman named Denise Huber vanished into thin air from the shoulder of a Southern California freeway. Despite extraordinary efforts by her family and the police, the trail went cold. It would take a woman listening to – and more importantly acting on – her instincts to finally discover what happened to Denise.