Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan

When Joseph Scott Morgan was on his first date with his wife Kim she asked him what he did for a living. When he responded by telling her that he worked for the Medical Examiner, essentially the coroner, examining dead bodies and performing autopsies, she looked at him with a puzzled expression…We all have aspects of our lives that are unusual, whether it’s our family, our habits, or our jobs. But when we do these things every day, they become so normal to us that we don’t even question them anymore. In this special episode of Body Bags, forensics expert Joseph Scott Morgan and Jackie Howard go into depth on the touchstone of forensic death investigation: autopsies. They discuss what an autopsy is, who can order one, the different kinds, and how Joe ended up in this unique profession.  Show Notes :0:00 - Intro 2:07 - What is an autopsy? 4:10 - Who determines when an autopsy is done? Why would you not do one? 7:40 - Can an autopsy be done even if the family doesn’t want it? 9:58 - Gloria Satterfield’s cause of death 12:45 - Are there different kinds of autopsies? 17:55 - Joe’s experience in the autopsy room 18:56 - What is a full autopsy and how long does it take? 26:50 - Can certain autopsies be prioritized? 30:22 - Is an autopsy considered surgery? 34:05 - How did Joseph Scott end up working in a morgue? 38:50 - Seeing bodies in all different kinds of states 41:40 - How does Joe’s family deal with his line of work? 43:45 - Joe’s take on his career 45:21 - Wrap upSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The body of Melody Hoffman is discovered on a cold February morning. The person who finds her body calls 911 and describes her beautiful skin, she has all kinds of marks on her back, "like slashes" and her hands are curled in a way they shouldn't have been. She has been left in the freezing cold with nothing on but her underwear. Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how it is possible that the 20-year-p; has slashes across her back and has lost a lot of blood, but that isn't what killed her. Dave Mack digs into the different relationships that led to the murder of a 20-year-old woman who just wanted a boyfriend to care about her.           Transcript Highlights 00:01.16  Introduction 04:29.89 Melody Hoffman is missing 09:45.20 Melody might have been pregnant 14:30.41 Buy killing supplies 19:19.24 Picture on phone of Melody beaten, crying, tape over mouth 25:49.51 Murder happened February 18th, very cold 30:46.08 Does weather impact dead body 35:26.44 How much abuse had boyfriend put her through 39:39.14 Melody was strangled to death 47:58.86 Why was body left where it would be found ConclusionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17-year-old Esther Gonzalez is walking from her parents house to her sister's house, and she never arrives. The next day her body is found in a snowpack on the side of the road. She has been raped and bludgeoned to death. The man who finds the body, Randy Williamson, talks to police and is described as argumentative. He ends up taking a polygraph and passes. With the only person of interest eliminated, the case goes cold. Joseph Scott Morgan explains what happens to a body over time and how the evidence gathered by detectives in 1979, made it possible to solve a cold case 44-years later. To learn about the incredible work being done by Othram labs take a look at www.othram.com. Othram: A revolution in Cold Case Resolution.   Transcript Highlight 00:01.65 Introduction02:58.10 Geography of California05:00.02 Snow and Surf on the same day09:56.34 No surveillance cameras, easy dumping ground15:01.25 Body of Esther found in snowbank20:00.88 Why was "the finder" arguing with police?25:18.98 Esther Gonzalez was raped and bludgeoned to death30:00.11 The "finder" passes a polygraph test35:44.63 Hairs that co-mingle40:09.99 Detectives never gave up, kept investigating44:59.73 Othram got a match to Randy Williamson.  He was the killer. He died in 2014.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dead bodies and romance.....in Horry County South Carolina, Meagan Jackson is a contractor for the county delivering dead bodies to the morgue of the funeral home. She and her longtime boyfriend Gregory Rice have broken up and they are negotiating custody and support for their four children. Deputy Coroner Christopher Dontell is married to a school teacher and they have two children. The deputy Coroner and the woman bringing dead bodies to the morgue strike up a romance. When Gregory Rice goes missing and turns up dead, suspicion falls on his ex, Meagan and her new boyfriend, the very married Deputy Coroner, Christopher Dontell. Joseph Scott Morgan will explain what happens in the world of death investigation and how people can grow close to their coworkers under extreme circumstances. Joseph Scott Morgan will also take a close look at Meagan Jackson and Chris Dontell - did she think Dontell, because of his occupation, would know better how to get rid of a dead body? Dave Mack will help untangle the web of lies as Joseph Scott Morgan explains why Dontell has changed his plea and what will happen when he testifies against the woman who was carrying his child when her ex-boyfriend is found dead. Transcribe Highlights 00:00.50 Introduction 03:29.84 South Carolina has rich Coroner history 05:12.67 Elected Coroner in Horry County 10:03.41 Explaining "Livery" service 14:52.41 Deputy Coroner having affair with woman who delivers bodies 20:11.42 An affair the includes death and getting rid of body 24:25.02 Special training, would a deputy coroner have a better idea how to get rid of a body 29:57.62 Questions of a death investigator 35:05.65 Digital evidence puts suspect at the scene of where body is found 41:08.05 Conclusion - Deputy Coroner cuts a deal and will testify for the stateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We revisit the Murdaugh trial in which South Carolina lawyer, Alex Murdaugh, is currently facing trial for the murder of his wife Maggie, and his son Paul. As the trial continues, we are learning more information about the nature of the crimes and how exactly they played out.In this episode of Body Bags, forensics expert Joseph Scott Morgan and special guest co-host Dave Mack discuss the specifics of both Paul and Maggie’s injuries, why the prosecution uses diagrams vs. photographs when showing evidence in court, whether Paul had any defensive wounds, and much more. Show Notes: 0:00 - Intro1:18 - Background and overview of the case 2:35 - Using diagrams in court vs. photographs 6:05 - Paul Murdaugh’s injuries 11:15 - The second shot to Paul Murdaugh’s head 14:50 - Paul’s face left intact 19:25 - Were there any type of defensive wounds on Paul? 20:30 - Maggie Murdaugh’s injuries 23:30 - Stippling around Maggie’s wounds 26:00 - Shot to the abdomen 29:00 - Was this overkill? 31:00 - Wrap up and outroSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November 22, 1963: John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, was shot and killed during a presidential motorcade in Dallas, Texas.The President is taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital. By law, Dallas County Coroner Dr. Earl Rose had jurisdiction over the case and should have performed the autopsy. However, against Dr. Earl Rose's protestations, the body of President Kennedy was wrapped in a sheet, placed in a casket with a broken handle, and flown over 1,300 miles away to Washington DC, where 2 naval doctors, who had never conducted a forensic autopsy performed the autopsy on John F. Kennedy. Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they take a close look at the autopsy that was so bad, 60years later questions are still being asked. Time Code Highlights00:00:10 Introduction 00:01:21 The ripple effect of the assassination of JFk00:04:31 The moments following the shooting of JFK in Dealey Plaza00:06:02 Talk about how autopsy "Standard Procedures" were not followed 00:06:51 Texas state law and jurisdiction over investigation and autopsy00:07:58 Board Certified Forensic Pathologist Doctor Earl Rose was chief medical examiner for Dallas, Texas at the time and was at Parkland Memorial Hospital00:09:22 JFK body taken from Dallas to Washington DC for autopsy00:10:59 Secret Service preparing for President trips.00:11:36 JFK physical condition after being shot.00:12:52 Injuries to JFK, at least 2 gunshot wounds. 00:13:31 Tracheotomy that was performed to establish an airway00:15:04 Dr. Earl Rose and how his experience was dismissed00:16:23 Dr. Earl Rose KNEW he was looking at a Murder Investigation.00:17:47 Discussion Dallas County had jurisdiction over the body.00:19:03 Talk about autopsy of JFK should have taken place in Dallas00:20:08 Previous Presidential assassination, Lincoln, Garfield, and McKinley and their autopsies.00:22:10 Dr. Earl Rose did the autopsy for Oswald, Officer Tippit, and Jack Ruby.00:23:36 JFK body being taken to Washington DC 00:25:16 Comparing Bethesda Naval Hospital to Walter Reed Hospital 00:26:04 doctors chosen to perform JFK autopsy00:28:42 why doctors turned bullet wound into tracheostomy00:29:55 Presidents body wrapped in sheets. Head wrapped in gauze00:31:09 JFK clothing, tie changed the trajectory of round.00:32:58 Other clothing worn during the assassination00:33:44 "magic bullet" going through JFK and Governor Connally, 00:35:08 Secret Service agents washed interior of Presidential limo. 00:36:03 Talk about crime scenes - bone fragments found and turned in later00:37:02 Description of President's head, skull came apart in doctors hands.00:38:04 Discussion of Assessment00:40:02 Talk about x-rays that were done on body00:41:58 Description of the Bethesda autopsy suite 00:43:51 Ballistics expert Dr. Pierre Fink, forensic pathologist, came to Bethesda 00:44:53 JFK brain was removed before Dr. Fink arrived00:46:05 Description of "Brain Loafing".00:47:22 The autopsy of JFK was not a complete autopsy00:49:21 Discussion of "family wishes" as it applies to the murder of the president.00:50:48 Compare autopsy of John F. Kennedy and Robert F Kennedy00:52:36 Discussion about other pathologists available to do autopsy on JFK00:55:09 No way to know if other injuries suffered by JFK could have been lethal00:56:04 Commentary - no excuse for what happened with autopsy of JFKSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the summer of 1989, a construction crew working in the basement of a building at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta stumbled across thousands of human bones. The acquisition and disposal of the remains has been kept secret. It happens again in 1994, a crew discovered an old well containing human remains while constructing a new medical sciences building on the campus of the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) at Virginia Commonwealth University. The well is called the Limb Pit. It happened one more time at Harvard in 1999. During renovations at Harvard’s Holden Chapel in 1999, a worker operating a mini bulldozer stumbled across human remains when his machine broke through a wall into an old well. Joseph Scott Morgan explains how it's possible to find human bones that have been hacked, cut with a saw, chisel, or knife, and then hidden so the law can't find them.....and it isn't a crime. Transcript Highlight00:00.01 Introduction 04:35.58 Resurrection - Grave Robbing 09:40.88 Studying medicine, finding bones14:08.17 Doctors who have never dissected a body 19:18.35 Bones used by medical schools23:17.45 Medical college paying grave robbers28:16.99 Getting rid of bones without getting caught 32:11.18 Doctors had no opportunity to study the human body38:59.35 The Limb Pit - Chris Baker MCV40:17.79 Harvard had name for club that dug up bodies44:00.58 Mass burial of bones, no names 47:27.15 ConclusionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Piketon Massacre happened when 8 members of the Rhoden family were wiped out in one night at four different locations. Billy Wagner, the patriarch of the Wagner family, and the accused leader of the murderous rampage, is finally going to trial next month. With 8 murders and four crime scenes, Joseph Scott Morgan has a lot to explain. He will take you inside the trailers and talk about how forensic evidence was damaged by law enforcement. As in all cases a person is innocent until proven guilty and Billy Wagner continues to plead not guilty to all 22 charges including eight counts of aggravated murder from the execution-style slayings of his son’s ex-girlfriend and seven of her family members in April 2016. Transcript Highlights 00:02.98 Introduction 02:12.91 The Piketon Massacre 05:32.43 Who Could have pulled off killing 8 people in one night 10:04.49 Killer lays baby next to dead mothers' breast so he wouldn't go hungry 15:02.77 Billy Wagner trial coming up next year 19:53.21 Wagner's in Alaska,, woman escapes in fear 25:02.16 Baby Sophia was not in trailer, she was with grandmother 30:08.95 Billy Wagner had moved away from family 35:09.77 So many oddities in the Piketon Massacre 40:13.85 How will Billy Wagner be defended 42:33:26.ConclusionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joseph Scott Morgan has covered the Missing Kansas Moms story on Body Bags since it began. He continued that coverage with the autopsy report of Jillian Kelley a few weeks ago, and now Joseph Scott Morgan breaks down the 16-page autopsy report of Veronica Butler that begins with the Circumstances of death, then moves into the Assault with a knife, including THIRTY (30) Sharp Force Injuries, defensive wounds, and much more. Transcript Highlights 00:04.93 Introduction 02:19.20 Life of Veronica Butler ending at age 27 04:27.17 Recovery from addiction issues 09:09.39 Requests to review autopsy reports 14:27.64 Defining "full thickness" 21:53.93 6 defensive injuries on Veronica's right hand 27:58.81 Autopsy report as a life road map 33:31.71 Appears someone was trying to cut her throat 38:09.54 Hemorrhages communicating, happened while alive 41:51.46 Why is Obesity mentioned in report 45:05.53 ConclusionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One year ago, Joseph Scott Morgan explained the death of Reeva Steenkamp at the hands of the "Bladerunner", Oscar Pistorius. One month after the episode dropped, Oscar Pistorius was released from prison on parole in January of 2024. We thought it would be a good time to review the case and see what Pistorius has been doing since his release from prison. Based on his conditions of parole, Pistorius is not allowed to do interviews, but his lawyer, Julian Knight, told People he spent the first four months out of prison getting settled into a quiet life in Pretoria where he is living with his Uncle, Arnold Pistorius. The home is a 24-room Mansion, a fortified compound located with armed guards, electronic defenses, and attack dogs.Although he is not required to wear an electronic monitor, a parole officer checks on him at random hours of the day or night. He is not allowed to drink alcohol or do drugs. He cannot be on social media and is forbidden from contacting the Steenkamp family. A Tabloid headline about Pistorius screamed: From Olympics to Prison to Janitor - and that is somewhat accurate as he is doing some janitorial work. According to his parole paperwork, Pistorius has listed his volunteer work at NG Kerk Waterkloof, the Dutch Reformed Church attended by his uncle. He does light maintenance and janitorial work and quietly attends services. Parishioners told The New York Post that he is serious and doesn’t interact with others. Transcript Highlights 00:00.96 Introduction 01:00.02 Update on Pistorius out of prison 06:17.82 Explaining the tibia 12:04.25 Pistorius and Steenkamp dated 90 days 19:17.30 Shooting through a door 24:41.68 Shot through hip - loud scream 28:18.94 Pistorius one of the most famous people in the world 32:39.17 Steenkamp bled to death 34:04.17 Pistorius Update See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part two of the New Jersey Mansion Murders, Joseph Scott Morgan explains how investigators determined the fire in the mansion is actually arson to coverup the brutal murders of Keith and his family. The fire at Paul Caneiro's home is quickly determined to be arson and Paul Caneiro is arrested the day after the fire. Paul Caneiro's wife and adult daughters think he is a hero for waking them up and getting them out of the house safely and vow to testify on his behalf. A few days after Paul Caneiro is charged with setting fire to his own home, he is charged with the murder of his brother and Keith Caneiro's family. Prosecutors say Paul Caneiro was motivated by greed. Three days before the killings, Keith Caneiro told his father-in-law, Vlassis Karidis, that Paul had stolen $90,000 from the children's college funds, and that he was planning to cut off the $225,000 salary that Paul drew from a family business. Autopsies show that Keith, Jennifer, and Jesse Caneiro all died instantly, but Sophia lived for 9 hours and died from smoke inhalation. This has led Sophia Caneiro's maternal grandfather, Vlassis Karidis, to file a wrongful death lawsuit against Paul Caneiro. Because Sophia survived her parents, she inherited their estates and died intestate, passing the estates to her grandparents, and Karidis has standing to bring the claim. Transcribe Highlights 00:02.96 Introduction Part Two, New Jersey Mansion Murders 04:53.02 Shooting adults, stabbing the children, 8 and 11 10:17.82 Keith Caneiro shot in head and lower back 15:06.25 Projectile investigation 20:17.30 Fire started in early morning, not reported until after 12 noon 25:45.68 Fire Hose would go right over a body in the yard if needed 30:28.94 When door opens, fire hit with oxygen 35:04.17 20 different fire companies involved for hours to put out mansion fire 40:15.09 Investigators knew the scene was more than just a fire 47:02.93 Autopsy determines Sophia lived 9 hours, died from smoke inhalation 49:41.57 Conclusion - waiting for trial See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul and Ketih Caneiro are brothers and business partners. They live 10 minutes from one another in New Jersey and on November 20, 2018, both of their homes were on fire. About 5 a.m. the police received a report of a fire burning at 27 Tilton Drive in Ocean Township, Paul Caneiro's home. Arriving on the scene police and fire fighters find Paul, his wife, and two adult daughters , all safe outside the home. In the first hours of the investigation officials determine the fire at Paul Caneiro's home appears to have been intentionally set and gas cans are found on the premises. While the investigation is taking place at Paul Caneiro's home, a fire is reported at the home of Keith Caneiro. While the fire at Paul Caneiro's home consisted of two fires near the perimeter of the home, the fire at Keith Caneiro's home takes 20 fire companies hours to get under control. Investigators quickly discover the fire at Keith Caneiro's mansion was staged to cover up the murder of Keith Caneiro, his wife, Jennifer, and their two young children, Jesse, 11 and Sophia, 8. Keith's body is found in the front yard, dead from multiple gunshot wounds to the head and back. The body of Jennifer Caneiro is found inside the house with a gunshot wound to the head and multiple stab wounds. The bodies of the children are found inside with multiple stab wounds. Joseph Scott Morgan will explain the different scientific disciplines used in solving a murder or multiple murders when fire is used to destroy evidence. Transcript Highlights 00:00.54 Introduction, 02:00.69 Joe's respect for firefighters 04:55.44 Fire and murders took place in November 2018 10:04.10 Fire started on purpose 15:16.22 DNA expert from New Zealand 21:01.75 A financial motivation to the murders 24:56.51 Paul accused of taking money from college accounts for Keith's children 30:13.51 Data presented in court will be very complex 35:10.18 Fire at Paul Caneiro home, two set in perimeter areas of home 39:59.24 Mansion is not close to neighbors 42:43.90 Keith shot multiple times, no gun found See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov. 19, 1978The remains of Theresa Marcoux and Mark Harnish were discovered after an officer from the West Springfield Police Department located a 1967 green Dodge pickup truck owned by Harnish, parked in a roadway rest area on Route 5/Riverdale Street. Their bodies were lying by a nearby guardrail." "The officer saw that the driver's side window of the truck was damaged and noticed blood in and around the vehicle," the police post added, stating the victims — who had last been seen alive at approximately 12:30 a.m. that morning when leaving a friends' party — "appeared to have sustained gunshot wounds." No Firearm is found at the scene but investigators do find a fingerprint...the suspects' left thumb print is found. The "latent print" is found in what appeared to be blood on the passenger-side vent window.....but no match is found and the case goes cold. Joseph Scott Morgan breaks down fingerprints and how they are of no use if you don't have something to compare it to. Joe will also show how the suspect almost got away with a double homicide. Transcript Highlights 00:00.00 Introduction 04:04.70 Changing from analog to digital 05:30.85 History of fingerprinting 10:04.68 Truth about fingerprints 15:15.96 A print on the scene 19:26.74 Old Truck with bullet could be old 24:34.49 There was an "ear witness" 29:17.43 Blood and drag marks 35:03.19 Was glass embedded in the bodies 40:01.98 A match 42:45.74 Conclusion - arrestSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When a body is found in a trashcan by workers of the Canton Parks Department, it doesn't matter that the park is called City Field Park. For decades City Field Park was known as "Mother Goose Land" so when the workers call 911 to report a dead body in a trashcan, they tell 911 to send help to Mother Goose Land. Joseph Scott Morgan will turn the pages of his own storybook to find out how a simple "wellness check" turns so evil, so fast. How did a 24-year-old woman wind up dead and thrown away like garbage and who is responsible for such a horrible murder. Transcribe Highlights 00:00.00 Introduction 05:02.22 Joe relives childhood in New Orleans 10:00.21 Mother Goose Land and a body in the trashcan 15:09.92 Making a welfare check, door is open, nobody is home 20:21.00 After getting search warrant, deputies proceed into apartment, signs of bloody fight 25:09.76 Workers find body and call 911 30:10.14 Sean Goe cut holes in Raychel's car tires 34:56.46 Raychel's body wrapped in plastic 40:01.86 Raychel has 10 specific blunt force injuries, one from hammer 45:02.88 Raychel died from blunt force traumaConclusion - Sean Got convicted in her death See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Madeline Jane Kingsbury, 26, and Adam Fravel, 29, are no longer a couple but they are still living together while Kingsbury looks for a place to live. Kingsbury and Fravel take their two children, ages 5 and 2, to daycare on March 31, around 8am and return home at 8:15am. Madeline Kingsbury is never seen leaving the house, but she mysteriously vanishes. Just over two months later, on June 7, 2023, the remains of Madeline Kingsbury are found near property owned by the parents of Adam Fravel. Joseph Scott Morgan takes a look at the case and determines what caused the death of a 26-year-old mother of two whose remains have been left to decompose for over two months. Transcript Highlights 00:10.14 Introduction 05:00.51 Madeline Kingsbury - vanishes after dropping children off at daycare 10:02.20 Madeline and Adam Fravel are breaking-up but still living together 15:02.91 Investigators build a timeline starting with March 31, 2023 20:02.78 Population density of Winona, farming communities, big search area 25:06.37 Early into investigation police said her disappearance is involuntary 30:30.69 Body found obscured in a culvert 35:20.79 Madeline's body wrapped in fitted sheet matching other sheeting used in her home 40:01.77 Cause of death - homicidal violence 43:03.24 ConclusionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jillian Kelley, 39, and Veronica Butler, 27, disappeared in late March while on a trip from Hugoton, Kansas, to pick up Butler’s children. Their abandoned car was found 3-miles from their intended location and there are signs of struggle near and in the vehicle. On April 14, nearly two weeks after they went missing, investigators discovered their bodies sealed inside a freezer and buried under concrete in a remote area of a leased field. Joseph Scott Morgan will explain the details of Jillian Kelley's autopsy, what it is like to find two bodies in one location, buried together, and what new information is known after going over the autopsy report. Transcript Highlights 00:00:11.31. Introduction - update Kansas Moms 00:01:31.84 Jillian Kelley Autopsy 00:03:18.70 Explanation of custody arrangements 00:06:47.31 Autopsy room 00:11:28.26 Freezer with bodies inside dropped into a hole that is 10 feet deep 00:16:12.44 Looking at the tracks around the area where freezer was buried 00:21:31.67 Opening the freezer in the lab 00:26:29.62 Know idea of what type of evidence will be recovered 00:31:30.98 Veronica Butler Autopsy expected later, Jillian Kelley Autopsy now 00:36:02.75 Veronica Butler body on top of Kelley. Bodies removed 00:41:04.70.Kelley has defensive wounds, grabbed blade of knife with her hand 00:46:03.01 Difficult to determine the order of when injuries occurred 00:51:02.87 Injury with hemorrhage 00:54:54.03 Conclusion: another update when Veronica Butler autopsy releasedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On a hot August day in the Nevada desert, two hikers find the body of a young woman about 20 miles east of Las Vegas near the Gypsum Wash in Clark County. The next day, August 28, the Clark County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 27-year-old Melonie White. Her death is listed as homicide due to strangulation and blunt force trauma to the head and police say she was also dragged behind a car before her body was left in the desert. Melonie and her infant son moved to Las Vegas with her boyfriend four months earlier from Phoenix, Arizona. But the boyfriend doesn't get a job and leaves Melonie alone with her baby in Las Vegas. Police investigate the case but fail to develope a viable suspect and the case turns cold. Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how the case that went unsolved for 30 years has finally been solved with DNA, gentic genealogy, and Othram. Transcript Highlights 00:00.00 Introduction - First trip to Las Vegas 02:21.07 Death of Melonie White, 30 year mystery 05:06.81 Melonie White beaten, strangled, dragged by car into desert 10:12.12 Brothers report Melonie missing 16:26.41 Police say Melonie was tied to back of car and dragged 21:11.46 Las Vegas is an Oasis surrounded by nothingness 26:05.98 Joe describes other evidence needed 31:22.50 No Lack of trauma 35:19.83. Very personal attack 40:16.59 Describing solving cold case 41:34.76 Genetic Genealogy solves murder 44:27.92 Conclusion: Case solved after 30 yearsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sara Bermudez, 38, and her three children, Madison, 8, James, 6, and Michael, 2, are viciously attacked in the middle of the night while they sleep. The murderer Sexually assaults Sara and her 8-year-old daughter, with a knife and stabs the family to death before setting them on fire. Sara's father finds the carnage and calls for Help. Investigators catch a break in that the killer tried to use diesel to fuel the fire but it burned itself out before totally destroying all the evidence. Joseph Scott Morgan is going to take you inside the master bedroom and explain how investigators find a suspect from a portion of body fluid left behind at the scene. And the suspect isn't just close to the family, he is family. Transcript Highlights00:00.96 Introduction - chewing and identity04:20.45 Somebody breaks into a home in the middle of the night Slaughters the mom, daughter, two boys09:20.18 Family murdered and set on fire14:12.60 Disturbing element to the case 18:12.07 Setting up a line to prevent contamination22:57.18 Evidence of sexual assault28:07.64 Knife used in sexual attack32:56.90 Blood stains found on walls, carpet, lamp, other items37:12.63 Finding blood in the fire42:00.92 Mother defended her children44:58.66 ConclusionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How does a 130 pound, 58-year-old woman, put her 6'3", 300 pound husband on a burn pile? When law enforcement was called to a farm outside of Atlanta, they were told a body was found burned up in a burn pile. Taking a quick look around, the body is burned beyond recognition, but it is probably 58-year-old Gary Farris. He and his wife Melody live on the 10-acre farm. Gary Farris is a big man, 6 foot 3 inches tall, 300 pounds, it looks like he might have had a heart attack and fallen into the burn pile, dead. His body is burned to the bone and he is identified by dental records. But before this death can be written up as a natural death, a bullet is found lodged in one of his ribs! Joseph Scott Morgan will unpack what it's like to investigate a death that starts in a burn pile and Dave Mack will share how investigators put together a case that ends up with Gary Farris wife, Melody, convicted for his murder. Transcript Highlights00:00.47 Introduction - moving heavy weight 04:31.17 How to move 300 pounds of dead weight 09:45.12 What happens to a body when it is burned 14:06.78 Melody Farris burns body of husband 19:01.72 Can't get a height on a body that's been burned 25:52.49 Collecting body from burned area 30:37.21 How big is a bullet? 34:34.87 What was used to start fire? 39:29.36 Smell of Citronella at burn pit 42:02.85 Conclusion See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shayna Hubers calls 911 from Ryan Poston's condo in Highland Heights, Kentucky, and tells dispatch "I killed my boyfriend in self-defense". Hubers tells police Ryan Poston had been beating her all day long, tossing her around like a rag doll, and when he pulled out his gun, she grabbed it and shot him in the face. Police read Shayna Hubers her "Miranda" rights, and Hubers asks for a lawyer. Even though Shayna Hubers has just been told she "has the right to remain silent" she lacks the ability, and tells investigators that she shot him twice in the face, then, as he was twitching, she said she thought he was going to die anyway or his face would be really deformed so she shot him 4 more times to make sure he was dead. Shayna Hubers tells police "I gave him the nose job he always wanted." Joseph Scott Morgan explains how the crime scene and Ryan Poston's clothes tell a different story than the one Shayna Hubers is telling and Dave Mack digs into the background of an 18-month relationship that ended in the murder of a man who seemed to be everyone's favorite person. Transcribe Highlights 00:03.40 Introduction - Rhinoplasty 04:55.81 Hammers, Chisels, and black eyes 09:27.14 Hubers gave boyfriend the "nose job he always wanted 14:58.88 Shayna Hubers and Jody Arias 20:15.42 What happened when Ryan Poston was murdered 25:04.98 True case of domestic abuse 30:20.01 Difference in bullet size 35:01.84 Stippling present on Ryan Poston 39:38.81 Hubers claims of abuse unfounded 44:21.70 Blood on shirt and pants indicates Poston seated 48:14.50 Conclusion See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Skinner begins doing some work inside his home outside of Chicago when he finds a human skull stuffed in a wall! Not wanting to be accused of a murder, Skinner calls police and they investigate as far as they can in 1978, and after identifying the skull as human, the case goes cold and police send the skull to the Batavia Depot Museum for storage. The skull was forgotten until March of 2021 when supervisors at the museum discovered a box with the skull inside. Joseph Scott Morgan will take you through the investigation that identified the skull and Dave Mack will tell the backstory of the 17-year-old girl, Esther Ann Granger, who died in 1866 and how did her skull end up inside the wall of a home outside of Chicago. A cold case solved with Othram Labs. 00:00:04.46 Introduction 00:04:09.88 A Human skull found inside a wall 00:10:20.41 Explaining what happens to bones that are protected from elements 00:14:14.68 Joe talks anthropology 00:19:09.14 Other than bones, a Bonet was discovered with skull 00:24:31.45 Discussion of Dr. Clyde Snow and his work 00:30:10.59 Age of bones determination 00:34:04.70 Othram Labs identifies a living relative 00:40:36.81 Esther Granger identified, died during childbirth 00:42:36.56 Conclusion - Othram Labs www.dnasolves.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Delphi Murder Trial: What REALLY Happened to Libby and AbbyBody Bags Delphi Murders Part 2 Libby German and Abby Williams vanished from a public park area in broad daylight on February 13. Witnesses were all around, but nobody saw what happened to the girls. The girls were on the High Bridge at 2:13 pm taking pictures and posting them online. By 3:15 Libby isn't answering her phone and nobody can find the girls. Police are called early but Libby and Abby are nowhere to be found. The bodies of Libby and Abby are found on February 14. They were murdered. Joseph Scott Morgan has been involved in the case since it began and has met with Family members but waited until some of the forensic information was available so he could break it down and explain what the science tells us about the deaths of Libby German and Abby Williams Transcript Highlights00:00:00.89 INTRODUCTION: Delphi Murder Trial PART TWO 00:02:00.29 Delphi Case-specifics of the box cutter 00:04:19.95 Blood four feet up from the ground 00:10:15.62 Recording Bridge Guy 00:15:10.56 Law Enforcement knows evil is in the area 00:20:16.14 Other suspects, Keegan Kline 00:25:11.54 Describing the bodies 00:30:10.84 Libby was outgoing, Abby was quiet 00:35:02.39 How could one person control both girls 00:40:20.38 Discussion of the unfired bullet 00:45:00.12 Conclusion Trial is ongoing See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Liam Payne became a huge star as a member of One Direction and he hasbeen very public about his struggles with alcohol and depression. He recent death shocked millions of fans around the world. Joseph Scott Morgan takesa close-up look at "Pink Cocaine" and other drugs rumored to be in Liam Payne'sHotel room and what really happened in the moments before Liam Payne plunged to his death from his hotel balcony. Transcript Highlights00:14.53 Introduction - celebrity deaths 03:02.27 The death of Liam Payne 05:06.76 Living Recovery 10:02.36 Why do musicians have issues 14:08.85 Pink Cocaine - New? 20:15.60 Walter White - Blue Meth 24:58.34 Liam Payne talked about his life with alcohol 29:24.53 Autopsy 34:35.74 Hotel was warned about a guest and balcony 39:13.93 Looking for security cameras 43:28.79 Was his death witnessed? 47:48.18 Conclusion - Dial 988See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Libby German and Abby Williams vanished from a public park area in broad daylight on February 13. Witnesses were all around, but nobody saw what happened to the girls. The girls were on the High Bridge at 2:13 pm taking pictures and posting them online. By 3:15 Libby isn't answering her phone and nobody can find the girls. Police are called early but Libby and Abby are nowhere to be found. The bodies of Libby and Abby are found on February 14. They were murdered. Joseph Scott Morgan has been involved in the case since it began and has met with Family members but waited until some of the forensic information was available so he could break it down and explain what the science tells us about the deaths of Libby German and Abby Williams. 00:00:00.89 INTRODUCTION: Delphi Murder Trial 00:02:36.29 Delphi Case - getting to know Libby's grandparents 00:07:19.95 Who knows about a "snow day" "teacher day" 00:12:15.62 By 5pm Libby and Abby are missing 00:17:10.56 Libby and Abby not dressed for running off 00:22:16.14 Elderly gentleman finds the girls, turns his back, waits for police 00:27:21.54 Trial underway: More info available 00:32:10.84 The Reason a large crime scene is created 00:37:02.39 Libby's shirt found tossed in tree 00:40:20.38 Trial is ongoing, this is the first show on DelphiThere will be more shows coming upSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anthony Maggio has two children with his fiancé and has another child with his girlfriend. After a discussion about child support, Ashtin Eaton is found dead on her kitchen floor by her 11-year-old daughter. Her 14-month old daughter Hazel is found smothered to death on her bed. What looks like a possible murder suicide turns out to be a double homicide. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how investigators knew in the first few minutes that Ashtin Eaton did not kill her baby and commit suicide, and Dave Mack will break down the family dynamic that Anthony Maggio created, then destroyed. Transcribe Highlights 00:00:08.88 Introduction - Jury Duty 00:05:01.57 Anthony Maggio is engaged and has a girlfriend 00:09:52.16 Maggio's girlfriend and daughter are both killed 00:15:23.08 The "Finder" is 11-year-old daughter of girlfriend 00:19:57.83 Daughter sees purple discoloration on face and injury to left arm 00:25:13.33 Box cutter creates the injury on the victim 00:30:48.67 Smothering is an action that takes place 00:35:04.18 Reports mentions no sexual assault 00:40:17.40 Suicide by cutting wrist would not cause head to turn purple 00:41:45.79 Conclusion - The man called for jury duty passes outSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Montana man, Dustin Kjersem, sets off on a camping trip. When he doesn't meet up with his friend at an appointed time and location the friend goes looking for him. When the friend makes it to Dustin, he calls 911 and reports his friend is dead from a Bear Attack! Joseph Scott Morgan explains how experts determine the shocking attack that caused the death of Dustin Kjersem was not done by a bear, it was someone swinging some type of weapon in a "chopping" motion. Transcript Highlights00:20.21 Introduction 02:00.71 Savage Death 04:56.01 Joe talking about Bear story 09:38.49 Victim is a "Man's Man" 15:01.06 The "Finder" and the "victim" both experienced No sign of bear activity 19:48.73 Injuries so shocking it must be a Bear Attack 25:13.58 A Bear would tear down tent in an attack 30:12.97 A Bear is constantly looking for food 34:27.69 Weapon like a hatchet 39:45.60 Expect fractured, fragmented bone 43:22.39 Chopping motion would cause blood spatter 47:25.54 Conclusion - not a bear attackSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The murder of Michael Jordan's father, James Jordan, was a very sad story that led to Michael Jordan retiring from Basketball in 1993. In 1996 Daniel Green was convicted for the murder based on the testimony of Larry Demery who took a plea deal and testified against his childhood friend, Green. Green was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. 28 years later, the judge who sentenced Green to prison for life believes he was wrong, and wants to help get Daniel Green out of prison. Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how James Jordan ended up cremated as a an unidentified homicide victim "John Doe" in South Carolina, and Dave Mack look behind the headlines to find out what really happened when the father of the most popular man on the planet vanished into thin air. Transcript Highlights 00:26.31 Introduction - Being a Dad 04:14.50 James Jordan, father of Michael Jordan 09:11.94 James Jordan is missing, July 23, 1993 14:04.27 Using a swamp to get rid of evidence 19:01.45 Condition of James Jordan's body 23:10.14 Identifying a body. Jordan identified with dental records 27:23.88 James Jordan's body cremated as a "John Doe". Head and hands removed, kept for identification 32:36.18 Post-Mortem death investigation. Death was from gunshot wound to chest 37:01.94 County did not have cooler to store body 41:13.25 Car is found stripped down and stashed in the woods 46:00.01 Judge wants Daniel Green released, says evidence didn't support conviction 49:57.53 Blood evidence found in backseat 50:21.30 ConclusionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crystal Rasch is missing and her husband is using her bank card to purchase cleaning supplies. He also fails to report his estranged wife missing. Joseph Scott Morgan explains the cleaning materials used as well as the type of experts that have to be brought in when investigators suspect a victim has been cremated in a backyard burn pile. Dave Mack will help uncover the relationship that left Crystal Rasch identified by a single tooth and her husband in jail. The trial has yet to happen but this is the first part of the story of Crystal and Zachariah Rasch. Transcribe Highlights00:13.30 Introduction - back from London 01:00.71 Strangers in London tell Joe to watch for "pickpockets" 05:03.49 The married couple had separate bank accounts 09:55.96 Working a case from back to front 15:08.97 CCTV Records coupled with receipts from purchases 20:29.75 Wife missing, husband admits spending her money with her card 25:57.18 List of searches done on phone, gunshot wound to head vs chest 29:51.13 Search warrant explanation 35:07.58 Evidence found in a car, what to take out 39:31.91 Relationships between law enforcement and experts 44:02.09 Investigators find a tooth See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Quinton Simon is just 20-months old when he vanishes from his home. His mother and her boyfriend claim they Woke up, the front door was ajar, and Quinton was gone. Searches are conducted, the mother's story is vetted. Eight days into his disappearance, law enforcement announces they do not expect to find Quinton alive and his mother,Leilani Simon, is a suspect. Joseph Scott Morgan goes deep into the investigation, explaining what it is like to look for a child.What do searchers hope to find in a landfill and what can they expect to find. Joe Scott explainsDave Mack will fill in the background on all of the adults involved as this case continues to move through the system.Will there ever be justice for Quinton Simon?Transcript Highlights 00:00.01. Introduction - Liars 01:20.05 The death of Quinton Simon 05:08.07 Detective says within every lie is a nugget of truth 10:07.10. Story about someone coming into house makes no sense 15:35.82. Talking about death investigations of children 20:21.01. Looking for a child, close look. Finding Quinton, alive. 26:08.66 Perpetrator will take everything wrapped around victim 31:18.61. Garbage trucks push down on the waste, compressing 36:39.54 In a landfill, everything looks the same 40:26.66 Dealing with skeletal remains, what will you find? 45:04:13 Conclusion - Mom and Grandma drinking in bar while people are looking for QuintonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In April of 1982, Velma Nesset was attacked while she walked to work. When the 64-year-old woman didn't arrive at her job in the Permian Mall in Odessa, Texas, co-workers knew something was terribly wrong. Velma Nesset is a reliable, well-liked employee and co-workers, friends, and family begin searching immediately. Police are contacted and a missing person report is filed. Hours after she should have arrived at work, the partially nude body of Velma Nesset is found in a drainage culvert. Joseph Scott Morgan will explain what took place in the investigation from the moment her body was found all the way through more than 20 years of investigation. Dave Mack helps explain how a suspect who confessed to the murder was acquitted in a jury trial a year after the murder, and how a very cold case became very hot - 20 years after the murder. Transcribe Highlights00:29.66 Introduction - walking for fun01:45.05 Velma Nesset, 64, walks to and from work04:55.58 You can tell a lot about the suspect by how they treat the dead09:06.25 Being stabbed or choked is intimate 14:40.57 Velma Nesset was stashed in a culvert 18:44.62 The suspect grabbed Velma Nesset in broad daylight21:23.40 Blood would be everywhere, especially on the suspect25:28.52 In 1982, DNA was not part of the solution for crimes29:21.02 Description of evidence that would be gathered from body 34:23.78 Texas has a program to test old sexual assault kits38:07.00 Comparing DNA to unsolved cases43:32.59 Cold Case Murder solved with genetic genealogySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nancy Grace joins Joseph Scott Morgan to talk about their years working together in front of the camera as well as their time BEFORE they were both on TV. This is the first episode to be recorded in the brand new facility at Jacksonville State University, where Joseph Scott Morgan is the Distinguished Scholar of Applied Forensics. Nancy Grace talks with Joe about Chris Watts, Ellen Greenberg, and the most recent events in the Scott Peterson case. Recorded Live at JSU on October 9, 2024 00:57.81 INTRODUCTION 02:33.81 When did Nancy Grace and Joseph Scott Morgan meet? 05:08.13 Talking about working with Nancy Grace on HLN 10:16.87 Nancy talks about victim families. Kaylee Goncalves in particular 15:07.06 What is the biggest need for prosecutors from Forensics, be prepared 20:26.83 Talking about people coming from rural areas and metro areas 25:55.57 Processing an outdoor scene 30:19.17 The importance of the right time of death 35:42.26 Talking about Ellen Greenberg case. 40:24.33 Scott Peterson and the new testing of duct tape 45:19.91 Training Evidence custodian and the chain of evidence 50:16.21 Multiple areas of Forensics 52:47.16 Conclusion - Thanks to Nancy Grace See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shortly before 11 pm on a Sunday night, Annette Jackson calls the Calhoun County Sheriff's office to report her daughter missing. Living in the town of Farnhamville with a population of just 400 people, Annette Jackson and another daughter set out on foot to see if they can find Luna. As they are walking, calling out for Luna, they come upon a man, Nathaniel Bevers-McGivney, who appears to be covered in blood and he is in possession of Luna's scooter and other personal effects. When Police find Bevers-McGiveney, they read him his Miranda Rights and he immediately asks for a lawyer. Questioning ends before finding out where Luna is. Joseph Scott Morgan will dig into the forensic evidence to identify what could have happened to the teen as well as where it happened. Transcript Highlights 00:00:00.00 Introduction 00:04:03.54 Mom reports daughter, 17, missing, starts looking 00:08:04.52 Mom sees a man, appearing to be covered in blood, with Luna's scooter 00:12:19.82 Description of passive action, preventing finding of body 00:17:45.25 Location of body 00:22:15.61 Is there an attempt to obscure who Luna was? 00:27:01.48 How did perpetrator know about location to hide body 00:32:18.54 Was this a sexual assault gone "bad"? 00:36:40.66 Very Personal, cutting of a throat is intimate 00:40:20.04 Prosecutor possibly seeking oversight due to size of community 00:42:43.14 Conclusion, will continue to update See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lisa Snyder calls 911 after discovering her 8-year-old son Connor and 4-year-old daughter, Brinley, hanging in the basement. When EMTs arrive, the children are still hanging....and still ALIVE. Today on Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will share his personal experiences with hangings and explains what is to be learned from the scene as Dave Mack takes a look what the mother claims and what the facts of the case prove. Murder or Suicide, the deaths of Conner and Brinley Snyder. Transcript Highlights 00:20.99 Introduction 01:39.59 Two Children found hanging in basement 04:19.14 Suicidal ideation with vocalization 09:37.34 Discussion of death by hanging 14:59.93 Children were hanging but still alive 19:49.57 Not an accident 24:50.58 8-year-old Connor has dexterity issues 29:02.38 Children fully aware of what was happening to them 33:28.72 Description of what would have taken place if Snyder is telling the truth 38:24.73 Struggling with issues Crisis line 988 39:05.42 Conclusion See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On a Friday afternoon in North Myrtle Beach a 911 call comes in about a person apparently injured on the side of the road under an overpass. By the time help arrives, the victim is dead and the person that called 911 has vanished. No eyewitnesses but lots of information. The victim appears to have been shot in the face, her car is still running, her phone is inches away from her fingers and is working as there are messages and email chimes going off. The woman's purse with cash is inside the car, her name is Amber Berbiglia, 23-years-old. Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how the first impression that Amber was shot in the face with a gun turns out to be wrong and Dave Mack will breakdown the timeline on a murder that happened on a sunny afternoon near the beach that has gone as cold as a winter snow storm. 00:00 Introduction 02:06 Amber Berbiglia Unsolved murder 05:05 How paying a bill in person plays into the story 09:20 Encampents under overpasses 15:11 Woman laid out dead on side of road 19:28 Amber's Cell Phone used up until 2:3024:30 What made Amber stop her vehicle 28:51 Wound so bad it was assumed to be gunshot wound 33:23 First Responder would not see the bones underneath 36:25 Whoever called 911 did not wait for help to arrive 41:49 Conclusion - Horry County, South Carolina still asking for tipsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After Judge Richard Mrazik ruled that there was probable cause to try Kouri Richins for aggravated murder and aggravated attempted murder and other charges, Joseph Scott Morgan decides to take a deeper look at the case against Kouri Richins. The Prosecution claims Kouri Richins tried to kill her husband Eric on Valentines day using a sandwich as the delivery method for the deadly fentanyl. But when Eric felt the effects, he put down the food and the attempt on his life falls short. After the failed attempt, Kouri decides to try again, this time with more fentanyl and a different delivery method, the "Moscow Mule." And this time Eric Richins dies. Kouri Richins defense team will certainly have answers for most of the charges against her and that is for the jury to decide. What is not in dispute is that Eric Richins died from Fentanyl, and that is what Joseph Scott Morgan is talking about on this episode of Body Bags. Transcript Highlights 00:20 Introduction 02:30 The "Moscow Mule" delivery method 05:20 Talking about comparing drug strength to Morphine 08:00 Fentanyl is applied to other drugs as a "sales pitch" 11:34 Indicators of trauma15:04 Congestive heart failure 20:05 Autopsy Reports talking about odors 23:49 Fentanyl comparison to size of penny 27:50 Adding Fentanyl to other drugs for bigger "kick" 31:36 Update of the case: Kouri Richins left forensic bread crumbs 34:25 Using direct injection into heart 36:30 Conclusion: timeline will be powerful at trialSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan Recorded in Front of a "LIVE" audience at CrimeCon London, 2024. Joseph Scott Morgan is joined by Jo Millington. Jo Millington is a Forensic Scientist and has been using science to help solve major crimes for over 25 years. She is a renowned specialist in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (BPA) and delivers a range of training courses on the subject to professionals and true crime fans, including online and internationally. Transcript Highlights 00:00. Introduction 05:00 Discussing training in forensics 09:35 Blood Spatter analysis 15:00 Correcting miscarriage of justice 19:00 Different methods in the UK 24:00 Discussion of velocity patterns 30:00 Identifying features in blood 35:00 conclusionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ana Walshe disappears in the first week of 2023. Her husband claims she caught a ride share to Logan Airport before flying to Washington DC. Ana Walshe never boarded the flight and has been missing ever since. Today on Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan talks about how investigators look through garbage at a landfill, and what is expected from the crime lab report at the next hearing in October. Transcribe Highlights 00:00:37 Introduction - DNA Lab results 00:01:46 Case goes quiet 00:03:46 Karen Read Case trooper also involved in Walshe 00:06:49 Victim allegedly dismembered, nothing found but blood 00:10:54 Blood has to be verified, it isn't automatic 00:13:30 Discussion of decay in different environments 00:16:48 Investigators found very small amount of blood 00:19:42 Photographic evidence of Brian Walshe 00:22:32 Biological evidence is very fragile 00:25:32 Difficult to imagine what a perp is going to do 00:28:37 Body Parts in a landfill 00:32:02 Conclusion: Lab results coming in OctoberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OnlyFans and Instagram model, Courtney Tailor, is rich and famous. She is living in a luxury high-rise in Edgewater, Miami, Florida and has banked over $3 Million dollars in the two years leading up to the death of her boyfriend, Christian Obumseli.Her real name is Courtney Clenney and she is charged with second-degree murder with a deadly weapon in the death of Christian Obumseli, 27, in her high-rise Miami-area apartment on April 3, 2022. Clenney claims she killed Obumseli in self-defense. Joseph Scott Morgan takes an up-close look at recently released information about what happened that fateful night and provides new insight into the death of Christian Obumseli. Was it self-defense or murder? Transcript Highlights 00:00:00 Introduction of case - why would you throw your only weapon? 00:02:00 A single stab wound by a thrown knife 00:06:37 Courtney Clenney and boyfriend fought 00:10:56 Funny stuff about throwing knives 00:15:26 911 call, victim says "I'm going to die" 00:19:43 Clenney claims she through kitchen knife from 10 feet away 00:24:16 Discussion of laptop, text messages, email 00:28:26 The Love of Money 00:30:55 Courtney Clenney, drunk, approaches teen in parents neighborhood 00:33:23 Conclusion – portent of things to comeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harmony Montgomery was 5 years old when she was last seen in December of 2019, but she is not reported missing for two years. When police track down Adam Montgomery and ask about Harmony, he tells them Harmony is with her mother in Florida. Police inform him that Crystal Sorey, Harmony's mother is the one who asked for them to check on Harmony, Adam Montgomery doesn't cooperate, but the media catches on to the story and pressure is brought to find the special needs girl with the beautiful smile. To this day, Harmony Montgomery is still missing. A judge declared Harmony dead in March 2024, clearing the way for Harmony's mother, Crystal Sorey to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the state of New Hampshire alleging systemic failures in the state's child protection system. The lawsuit seeks monetary damages and answers from the state of New Hampshire surrounding Harmony's disappearance and death. Adam Montgomery was sentenced to 56 years to life in prison for the murder of Harmony Montgomery as well as second-degree assault, witness tampering, falsifying physical evidence, and abuse of a corpse. Transcript Highlights 00:00.00 Introduction - update Harmony Montgomery case02:39.79 Crystal Sorey, Harmony's mother, files lawsuit against New Hampshire05:00.76 Family called about abuse, nothing was done09:03.23 Judge declared Harmony dead, body still not found14:04.73 Adam Montgomery beats Harmony in back seat of car18:57.46 Family told social services, Adam blackened her eye24:28.68 Description of Harmony dying in backseat of car27:46.64 Kayla Montgomery told police about beating in car32:42.38 Conclusion - Hope someone listensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More evidence has come out in the case of the shooting death of Jared Bridegan. There is now more evidence with the tire found in the road and other tires found at a suspects house and Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how all the numbers actually mean something and can become very compelling evidence. 00:00 Introduction 02:45 Bridegan executed at close range 07:37 Sharing custody of children 11:42 Bridegan shot twice on left side 16:36 Numbers on tires mean something 21:53 multiple gunshots heard by witnesses 25:53 Wound Tracking 30:44 Bridegan injuries were not survivable See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After response to the Body Bags episode about decomposition called "The Smell Of Death", Joseph Scott Morgan realized he left our a couple things that are very important in the world of decomposition whether out in the field trying to solve a homicide, or in the cottage of a loved one who dies of old age in their favorite chair, bodies will decompose. And the rate of decomposition is dependent on many factors. Joseph Scott Morgan takes a close up look at decomposition and what it tells investigators who are looking for answers 00:00:00 Introduction 00:02:23 Explaining skin slippage 00:05:27 Wearing skin like a glove 00:09:34 Examination of body on the scene 00:13:36 Preserving the body 00:18:39 Body decomposition inside a house 00:23:15 Landfill with everything breaking down 00:27:58 Body preserved when barely covered 00:31:24 Body preservation in frozen area , 00:34:15 Conclusion See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an update to the story of Madeline Soto and her heartbreaking death, allegedly at the hands of her mother's boyfriend. A cause of death has been released but not the autopsy report due to the victim's age and it is a case of domestic violence. Joseph Scott Morgan pours through investigators reports to shed new light on what happened to Madeline Soto in the time before she was murdered as well as the days before her body was found. 00:00 Introduction, life of Madeline Soto04:54 Madeline made to sleep with mom's boyfriend10:24 No Autopsy toxicology record available14:15 Cause of Death; strangulation18:28 Comparing injuries to neck23:46 Suspect called "Master Manipulator", grooming27:36 Madeline's body was tossed over fence31:51 Conclusion See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the worst thing you have ever seen on the job? This is one of the most common questions asked of Joseph Scott Morgan. Today on Body Bags, the professor breaks down the stages of decomposition while sharing his firsthand accounts of working the scene of bodies that have been decomposing in the heat from a day to a month or more. This is a can't miss episode that provides an up close look at those who deal with death and the very natural things that take place in every person when they die. Transcription Highlights 00:00:00 Introduction - What is the worst thing you have ever seen?00:03:45 Sensory Memories and human remains00:05:06 Talk about the "smell" of burning flesh00:09:25 Particular smells, burning tires00:15:25 Life and Death are natural00:20:18 Description of decomposing body in a bed00:25:07 Smelling coworkers for the smell of decomposition00:30:14 Different levels of decomposition00:35:38 Environmental temperature impacting decomposition00:40:36 Looking at decomposition hiding injury00:42:48 ConclusionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 1977, an unidentified body is pulled out of a septic tank and given the name, "Septic Tank Sam". The body had been burned before being wrapped in a yellow bed sheet and tied up with a nylon rope. Today, Joseph Scott Morgan explains how it was possible that over four decades passed before "Sam" got his real name back. Attempts were made to find out the name of the man they called "Septic Tank Sam," but it wasn't until the scientists at Othram Labs got involved in the case that an answer was found. Using genetic genealogy, Othram Labs was able to change the name of "Septic Tank Sam" and provide answers for the community that wondered, "whatever happened to Gordie?" "Septic Tank Sam" was actually Gordon "Gordie" Sanderson. Please check out Othram: A Revolution in Cold Case Resolution. Transcript Highlights00:00:05.95. Introduction - waste00:04:14.33 The story of Septic Tank Sam00:07:23.77 A couple looking in a septic tank finds a body00:12:40.12 The body is protected00:17:17.25 Environment helped preserve body00:21:43.62 Discussion of desiccation00:24:29.47 Body misidentified as caucasian00:30:01.26 Cause of death, gunshot wound 00:35:04.01 Defining prone and supine00:40:00.92 Identification of bodies00:45:40.95 Identifies body as indigenous00:47:11.38 Conclusion, Othram providing answersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ethan Katz and Savannah Roberts are the proud parents of twin boys, Ari and Leon. The twins are just six-weeks-old when family friend, Nicole Virzi, comes to visit and help with the babies. Virzi is a PHD candidate at UC San Diego in the Clinical Psychology program on break from school and she is welcomed with open arms. Days later, Ari Katz is at the hospital with injuries to his penis and Leon is fighting for his life with massive head trauma. And all of the injuries suffered by the twins happened when they are left alone in the care of Nicole Virzi. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how the injuries suffered by the twins don't match the description of what happened as told by Nicole Virzi. Transcript Highlights 00:00.00 Introduction02:13.27 Talk about the Death Penalty05:13.45 Description of injuries suffered by Ari09:16.23 The is not a "sids" case14:47.53 Nicole Virzi is not a stranger, she is a friend19:07.90 Ari has bruises below belly button24:15.22 Scratches don't appear to be "baby scratches"29:09.13 Injuries to Leon's head34:47.86 Joe describes how the skull grows40:34.63 Virzi told 911 baby feel out of bassinet44:45.67 Conclusion - will continue to follow story See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An unidentified body is found in August 2005, in the picnic area of a rest stop off of a highway between Guelph and Rockwood in the Canadian province of Ontario. At the time, authorities determined the remains belonged to a woman who was potentially as young as 25 or as old as 45 when she died. In this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan sheds light on the remains known as Rockwood Jane Doe and how the scientists at Othram solved a missing person case that went unsolved for 18 years. Transcribe Highlights00:00.01 Introduction - Family DNA04:57.36 Discussion of Rockwood Jane Doe found in 200509:47.82 Discussion of Remains15:35.81 Talk about the science of aging20:23.69 Discussion How teeth wear down is a clue 24:54.52 Discussion Broken Bones of victim, clues30:14.10 Discussion Body Found in area under sleeping bag34:11.55 Talk about suspicious death42:13.81 Conclusion victim was Tammy Penner See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Silver Alert was issued for 76-year-old Jackie Glynn. Her husband, Joe Glynn, tells the family their mother had terminal cancer and left home to attend a support group so she could die on her terms. Joe Glynn had been married to Jackie Glynn for 24 years and her adult children don't believe what they are hearing from their mother's husband. On this Episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan explain how the killer helped law enforcement by they way he chose to dispose of the body and the evil weapon he chose to carry out his murderous plan. Transcribe Highlights 00:00.01 Introduction; Cancer breaking a Big Man04:57.36 Discussion of using cancer as reason for disappearanceJoseph09:47.82 Discussion of Jackie Glynn, an accomplished woman15:35.81 Talk about "Amber Alert" "Silver Alert"20:23.69 Discussion investigation targeting intimate24:54.52 Discussion of Joseph Glynn killing wife30:14.10 Discussion of getting innocents involved34:11.55 Talk about recently turned earth42:13.81 Discussion of suspect admitting everything42:17.33 Conclusion, guilty plea, life in prisonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sandra Birchmore is 23-years-old and 3-months pregnant when she is found dead in her apartment. Her death is ruled a suicide, but her family doesn't believe it so they hire world renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Baden, to review her death. The former chief medical examiner of New York City writes a letter of his findings in which he details why he believes the death of Sandra Birchmore is not a suicide, it is a homicide. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how Dr. Baden came to his conclusion and how the Federal Government got involved in the case that ended up with the arrest of Police Detective Matthew Farwell who is now charged with Murder and staging the crime scene. Transcript Highlights00:42.43 Introduction: Trust02:12.59 Discussion of becoming numb to investigations04:57.94 Discussion of "explorer" group07:37.19 Discussion of police officers involved with children10:01.54 Talk about investigation of suicide15:01.44 Discussion of getting all possible info at scene20:08.48 Discussion of Post Mortem Lividity in seated position25:15.37 Talk about conversations among those who work closely30:09.57 Discussion of victim being involved sexually with police officer, allegedly35:21.22 Discussion about autopsy40:04.86 Talk about what level of contact between law officers in different departments44:17.43 Conclusion - Will Update See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mother of two, Melissa Wolfenbarger is missing. Her husband doesn't report her missing and tells investigators that they always talked of changing their names, getting fake identification and going "off-grid" out west, and that is what he thinks she did. A skull is found near where Chris Wolfenbarger works, but it is identified as the skull of a man. Years go by before the skull and other bones found near her husband's former workplace are identified as Melissa Wolfenbarger. But the case remains unsolved. Investigator Sheryl McCollum devotes years on the case and documents it in her incredible podcast called Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will give you the complete story and explain how a Serial Killer helped break the case in an attempt to get justice for his daughter. Transcribe Highlights 00:11.82 Introduction - Avon Avenue and Melissa Wolfenbarger05:03.78 Discussion of a skull and a missing mother of two09:43.56 Discussion a head found in the road, where is the rest15:02.40 Discussion of family and contact 19:53.10 Talk about the "finder"24:57.23 Discussion of what to do when you find part of a body29:47.38 Discussion of skull identified as male34:41.20 Discussion of arms and legs found39:51.28 Discussion of investigation45:29.76 Discussion of serial killer helped solve crimeConclusion - listen to Zone 7 podcast for detailsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1973, Martha and Flora Helmick went to a family reunion with Martha's employer, World War I War Hero, John Keyton. The trio left Bridgewater, Virginia on August 3, 1973, but never arrived in Kentucky for the family reunion. As word spread about the WW1 War Hero and sisters vanishing, a search was conducted, but nothing was ever found. On this episode of Body Bags Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how a bone found in a car that was found by firefighters during a training exorcise in the Kentucky River helped solve a 45 year old mystery. Transcript Highlight00:12.74 Introduction - Vanishing act circa 197305:00.88 Discussion of World War I veteran, Hero 09:42.25 Discussion of Ford Fairlane, driving at night 14:05.07 Discussion of 3 people vanishing on a trip 20:07.28 Talk about finding a bone 25:26.24 Discussion calling in expert 30:05.68 Discussion of broken bone not healing properly 35:01.86 Discussion of confirmatory evidence 40:02.16 Talk about sisters vanish, firefighter helps solve case 42:15.31 Conclusion remains tell the final tale See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.