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Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan

Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan

540 episodes — Page 8 of 11

Abused at 8, Murdered at 13; The Sad, Short Life of Madeline Soto

AUTOPSY REPORT WILL NOT BE RELEASED. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will explain what happened to Madeline Soto and Dave Mack will dig into the back story of the entire family. You will find out by the time she reached 13-years-old, Madeline Soto had already been sexually abused for years. When she was a “missing 13-year-old" from Florida, the news covered every tidbit of information about the search for the teen. One piece of evidence that made it to the press was how Madeline Soto told a friend when she turned 13, she was going to live in the woods. That is why police searched the woods for Madeline. Transcript Highlights 00:00:28 Introduction, talk about parents protecting children 00:04:28 Talk about Madeline Soto saying she wanted to live in the woods 00:05:31 Discussion of ages 12 and 13 00:09:04 Discussion of Madeline not taking cell phone 00:12:29 Talk about family being told about evidence 00:16:42 Discussion of time children go to school 00:20:07 Discussion of Madeline Soto seen in vehicle 00:21:49 Talk about being haunted by evidence 00:26:26 Discussion of Madeline Soto 00:30:26 Talk about video surveillance of suspect 00:33:22 Discussion of 60 charges against suspect 00:37:32 Discussion of evidence of previous abuse See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 10, 202439 min

Pregnant EMT Dies in House Fire - Tragic Accident or Murder?

The fire department shows up at the home of one of their own and find Melissa Lamesch unconscious on the kitchen floor as her home goes up in flames around her. She is on maternity leave from her job as an EMT and is expecting her baby to be born any day. Melissa Lamesch and her unborn baby die in what authorities believe is asphyxiation from the fire. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will breakdown how trying to burn evidence of a crime, oftentimes creates the evidence needed for conviction. Transcript Highlights 00:00:08 Introduction of fire set to cover-up a murder 00:01:18 Talk about fire and smoke 00:03:10 Discussion of smoke as evidence 00:05:05 Discussion of woman, 9 months pregnant, dying in a fire 00:08:35 Talk about how healing takes place after being burned 00:11:26 Discussion of hair catching fire in bathroom 00:14:43 Victim is on maternity leave from job as EMT 00:18:53 Discussion of the mother and her baby 00:22:53 Discussion of monoxide 00:28:01 Talk about suffocation 00:33:33 Discussion of fire splash patterns 00:36:55 Talk about the family talking to officials after the fire 00:40:46 Discussion of dealing with the death of pregnant mother 00:43:10 Conclusion, Matthew Plote convicted for Murder See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 9, 202443 min

Home Invasion Hoax: The Death of Thomas Waddell

Deborah Frazier calls 911 and tells them two burglars have shot her boyfriend, and as she is on the phone, a gunshot is heard and Frazier tells the dispatcher she has been shot in the leg by one of the burglars. Police arrive and discover the first person shot, Mr. Thomas Waddell, is in the back room of his apartment, wrapped in a blanket and a garbage bag and secured with duct tape. On this episode of Body Bags Joseph Scott Morgan will explain all of the things police will have to believe for Deborah Frazier's story to be true and Dave Mack will explain how Frazier was using a second boyfriend to con Mr Waddell out of his life savings! Transcript Highlights 00:00:42 Talk about everything that has to be believed for the story to be true 00:02:48 Discussion of not believing a story 00:04:20 Discussion of “victim” shooting her boyfriend in the head 00:05:53 Talk about cases too difficult to believe 00:10:54 Talk about self-inflicted gunshot wound 00:14:19 Discussion of the victim who just retired 00:18:54 Talk about determining how long person has been dead 00:23:19 Discuss investigation of digital background 00:28:34 Talk about GSR test 00:33:02 Discussion of police on scene, gunshot recorded 00:37:57 Discussion of what has to be believed by investigators 00:40:12 Talk about Pictures of a life shared, scattered on the floor See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 4, 202439 min

Jack-in-the-Box Murder Mystery Becomes Fugitive Wife Murder Trial

Burned remains of a man found inside a foot locker and left in a blueberry field in Michigan were not identified for 13 years. In 2015 the case was called "The Jack-in-the-Box Murder because it was a catchy title. The remains were not identified until the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office received a tip in 2015 that gave them the information they needed to use dental records to identify the deceased as Robert Caraballo. Investigating Caraballo's life at the time of his death took investigators to the home he shared with his wife and stepdaughter. Joseph Scott Morgan will break down the forensics that brought this case to a conclusion and Dave Mack will help tell the story of how the Jack-in-the-Box Murder became The Fugitive Wife Murder Trial. Transcript Highlights 00:00:44 Introduction of story a burned body in a trunk found in blueberry field 00:02:40 Talk about conspiracy and escaping to other side of the planet 00:05:28 Discussion of victim being alive with hammer stuck in skull 00:08:02 Discussion of injury caused by falling downstairs 00:12:34 Talk about how remains could not be identified 00:15:11 Discussion of evidence in hammer attack 00:19:49 Discussion of hitting head with a hammer 00:23:51Talk about how the skull breaks 00:28:19 Discussion of destroying a body 00:32:37 Discussion of “old school” identifying remains 00:35:15 Talk about the plan to push victim down the stairs, hit him with a bat 00:35:53 Talk about the conspiracy 00:38:01 Discussion of law in Italy for hotel guests 00:39:15 Discussion of cover-up 00:40:06 Beverly McCallum guilty on all charges 00:40:42 Talk about keeping a secret See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 2, 202441 min

Dead in a Bathtub: Warm Water, Cold Body - Suicide or Murder?

Suicide or Murder? Kendy Howard is found in a bathtub full of water with a gunshot wound to the head. His body is cold, but the water in the tub is warm! Red Flag number one. On this episode of Body Bags Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will take a look at all of the "Red Flags" present in the reported suicide of Kendy Howard. Why is there so little blood in the water? Why is her ex-trooper husband arrested at the airport? The biggest question of all, is the death of Kendy Howard a Suicide or Murder? Transcript Highlights 00:00:27 Joe talks about admiration for Troopers 00:03:03 Discussion of law enforcement 00:05:59 Discussion of “Red Flags” 00:08:14 Talk about the water is warm, body is cold 00:12:23 Investigation of suicide/murder 00:16:33 Discussion of damage caused by gunshot in mouth 00:17:49 Talk about direction of bullet 00:21:26 Comparing murder of Travis Alexander 00:25:53 Defining different types of asphyxiation 00:30:08 Talk about injuries “frozen in time” 00:35:33 Discussion of how much blood would be expected See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 28, 202436 min

Headless Corpse Autopsy: Victim Alive When Head was Severed?

The victim was alive when her head was cut from her body. As disturbing as that sounds, today's episode of Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan will attempt to breakdown the just released autopsy report of Mei Li Haskell. Her husband, Samuel Haskell IV is accused of killing her, removing her head from her torso, placing the torso in a bag and dropping it in a trash bin where a homeless guy would find it 14 hours later! Joseph Scott Morgan will breakdown the forensics that will come into the trial and Dave Mack will dig deep in the Hollywood that can give us a true horror story that is scarier than anyone would ever dare put on film. Transcript Highlights 00:00:49 The son of a hotshot 00:03:04 “Don’t you know who I am?” 00:05:03 Discussion of “the finder” 00:08:58 Talk about the bags felt like meat 00:09:26 Discussion of workers bring back bags 00:12:20 Discussion of cross contamination 00:16:58 Talk about hiring workers 00:20:56 Discussion of what police can do 00:26:22 Talk about the person who found the body 00:30:54 Mentions victim’s parents still missing 00:33:01 Discuss autopsy report, victim alive when head cut off 00:38:20 Discussion of using power tools in dismemberment 00:42:54 Mentions trial will be all forensics See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 26, 202443 min

The Monster is Real: Dad's New Girlfriend Kills Baby with Nail Polish Remover

Iris, 1, comes home from a weekend with her father and his girlfriend and mom finds a water bead in her diaper. Taking her to the hospital, the toddler passes more water beads, button-shaped batteries, and a screw. Thinking she was finding things and putting them in her mouth, nobody realized a monster was watching the baby. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack break down the case that is more than the murder of a toddler, it's how evil came into the child’s life and plotted and planned her death for more than half of her life. Transcript Highlights 00:00:20 Introduction 00:02:39 Discussion of toddlers 00:04:22 Talk about items in diaper 00:07:34 Discussion of beads, batteries, screw 00:10:12 Talk about toddlers putting things in their mouth 00:14:34 Discussion of solvent 00:16:18 Discussion of evil 00:18:27 Talk about taking child to hospital by plane 00:22:08 Explaining a subdural hematoma 00:24:01 Discussion of optic nerves 00:27:16 Talk about how healthy baby dies in 4 days 00:30:15 Discussion of notes made by doctors and nurses 00:32:54 Talk about children swallow everyday items 00:35:31Discussion suspect researched how to beat a polygraph See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 21, 202436 min

Real Amityville Horror – Two Heads, Other Body Parts Scattered in Long Island

Two severed heads, an arm here, a leg there, on this episode of Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan, the Reel Amityville Horror will meet the Real Amityville Horror. A group of Long Island High School students find a severed left arm on the side of a road in Babylon on their way to school. While Police investigate the scene, a K-9 officer locates a leg sticking out of a pile of leaves in a wooded area, not far from the original scene. Over time more body parts were found in multiple areas. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will detail what was found and where and what the suspects were up against when they began writing their own Amityville Horror. Transcript Highlights 00:00:07 Introduction – to horror 00:01:39 Discussion about charges for dismembering a person 00:04:48 Talk about how the bodies were treated in death 00:08:03 Discussion of arm with tattoo found in tree limb 00:11:51 Body part found by high school students on the way to school 00:15:16 Parts of 2 bodies found, 4 people charged 00:15:17 None of the 4 people is charged with murder 00:16:14 Discuss what the ME will have to do with parts 00:18:04 Talking about Black Dhalia 00:19:49 Discussion of none of the drains work in the rental 00:21:30 Discussion of body parts from more than one person 00:25:11 Talk about unique case 00:28:51 Joe describes investigation taking place 00:31:30 Discussion of dismemberment 00:34:01 Discussion of blood, muscle, skin, hair, Drano won’t work 00:37:13 Talk about revisiting the case in the future See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 19, 202436 min

Murder-For-Hire: The Senseless Death of Pregnant Teacher

School Principal Cornelius Green arrives at the Amtrak train station in St. Louis after spending a few days in Chicago. Leaving the train station Green goes to straight to the apartment of his girlfriend, 3rd grade school teacher, Jocelyn Peters. Arriving at her apartment Green finds Peters, who is 7-months pregnant, in bed. He immediately calls 911 and tells them his girlfriend has been shot in the head, send help now! Jocelyn Peters is pronounced dead on the scene and the investigation begins with the person who found her, Cornelius Green. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will break down the story that leads to stolen school funds, a hitman, and a potato gun silencer, on this episode of Body Bags. Transcript Highlights 00:00:57 Joe talks about the impact of 3rd grade teacher 00:03:12 Discussion of victim 00:08:54 Discussion of Green sending money to Cutler 00:11:23 Talk about alibi set up by Green taking train to Chicago 00:14:20 Discussion about finding pregnant woman shot in the head 00:16:02 Talk about investigation, alibi 00:19:50 Talk about no sign of forced entry 00:23:18 Discussion of “potato silencer” 00:28:12 Talking about objects changing trajectory 00:32:30 Discussion of Federal and State charges 00:36:29 Discuss Phillip Cutler in court See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 14, 202437 min

At The Hands of The Student: The Murder of Colleen Ritzer

When Phillip Chism, 14, doesn't come home from school, his mother calls the police to report him missing. As the town begins to look for the 9th grader, word spreads around town that a 24-year-old teacher, Colleen Ritzer, is also missing. Chism is found walking along a road just after midnight. After a quick search of his backpack, he is arrested. Later in the morning, Colleen Ritzer's body is found on school grounds, sexually positioned with a folded note next to her body that says, "I hate you all." Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack break down the story of the student from Tennessee and the horrifying final moments in the life of Colleen Ritzer. Transcription Highlights 00:01:00 Introduction of location, suspect, and victim 00:02:53 Suspect is student, 14, victim is a teacher 00:04:04 Discussion of suspect family 00:08:22 Talk about motive and possible “trigger” 00:11:49 Discussion of why victim went to public bathroom 00:15:28 Discussion of witness and surveillance video 00:19:07 Talk about investigation, pinging cell phones 00:21:47 Discussion of suspect on surveillance video 00:27:25 Talk about body being covered 00:30:36 Breaking down the evidence 00:34:35 Discussion of sentence See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 12, 202430 min

Jealousy, Murder, Death Sentence: The Conviction of Christa Pike

Christa Pike was 18-years-old when she thought her 19-year-old job corps classmate, Colleen Slemmer, was trying to steal her boyfriend, Tadaryl Shipp. Pike spent over 30-minutes beating Colleen Slemmer with her hands and feet, as well as a box cutter and a meat cleaver. Slemmer tried to escape. Shipp,17, caught her so Pike could continue the beating. Pike carved a pentagram into Slemmer's chest, used the box cutter to slice her throat. When she didn't die, Pike picked up a chunk of asphalt and slammed it onto Slemmer's head. The next day Pike brought a piece of Slemmer's skull to breakfast and told classmates what she had done. Convicted of murder and sentenced to death, Christa Pike now wants a judge to vacate her death sentence. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack detail the story that Joe Scott says is the worst case he has ever seen. Transcript Highlights 00:00:31 Joseph Scott Morgan says he has never seen a crime so vile 00:02:10 Woman on death row in Tennessee 00:05:16 Talk about dynamic between suspects and victim 00:10:09 Description of box cutter and meat cleaver 00:15:03 Discussion of pentagram carved into chest 00:20:56 Description of wounds to victim 00:25:15 Talk about how to occult and satanism factor into case 00:30:40 Description of taking piece of skull as a trophy 00:35:50 Discussion about letting murderer out of prison 00:39:15 Talk about sadistic murder See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 7, 202439 min

Murdered While Jogging: The Death of Laken Riley

The senseless murder of Laken Riley on the campus of the University of Georgia has the nation talking about everything from safety on a college campus to immigration. Laken Riley didn't know the man who killed her, but she knew she was in a dire situation when they met. Jose Antonio Ibarra, 26, allegedly attacked and killed the 22-year-old while she was out for a jog in Athens. Joseph Scott Morgan will explain how the evidence in the case points to Laken Riley attempting to call 911 and Dave Mack will fill in the blanks on the timeline on this edition of Body Bags. Transcript Highlights 00:15.71 Joseph Scott Morgan talks about college life 02:39.50 Talk about nursing school, education 05:33.55 Discussion of victim 09:56.27 Talk about timeline 14:03.73 Talk about seeing victim as an object 18:54.67 Discussion of blunt force trauma 22:13.70 Suspect arrives in USA illegally 31:20.86 Talk about apartment search 36:08.59 Discuss How suspect and victim were strangers 40:30.36 First Homicide at UGA in 30 years See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 5, 202436 min

Murder or Suicide: The Wild Life and Sad Death of Alex Pennig

A Minnesota man claims his mistress fatally shot herself with his gun. The question of Murder or Suicide plays out in this episode of Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan. Joe will walk you through all of the forensic problems with the story being told. And when everything is said and done, you decide, was it murder, or suicide? Transcript Highlights 00:01:20 Would a right-handed person use left hand to shoot 00:02:19 Discuss murder or suicide 00:04:15 Talk about “accidental” 00:05:51Discuss science and determination 00:11:16 How quick does a body become stiff 00:13:50 Different jurisdictions 00:18:25 Talk about the scene 00:21:40 Difference in suicide among genders 00:26:27Discuss drying blood 00:29:31Discuss ER Nurse can’t do CPR 00:33:14 Talk about short timeline 00:38:50 Discuss can you wash away evidence? 00:41:36 Talk about skin, brain, muzzle flash 00:44:14 Discuss desire to help people and achieve and throw it all away See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 29, 202444 min

A Rope, Rock, and a River: The Death of Audrii Cunningham

Audrii Cunningham leaves for the school bus stop just like every morning, but she doesn't get off the bus that afternoon. The family panics. Police are called, and an Amber Alert goes out. Neighbors go door to door. A family friend living in a camper in the backyard of Audrii's house joins in the search. Police find out McDougal was the last person to see Audrii, when he was supposed to take her to the bus stop. Audrii never got on the bus. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will break down the story of the search and ultimate discovery of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham, found tied to a rock and thrown in the Trinity River in this edition of Body Bags. Transcription highlights00:20.72 Introduction of the case of Audrii Cunningham 01:54.67 Audrii's body tied to rock 03:57.40 Suspect was supposed to drive Audrii to bus stop05:50.16 Audrii was found in general area where her backpack was found 08:31.50 Officials had to ask for river flow to be reduced 12:08.84 Different groups have to share credit in finding Audrii 15:55.43 How will they figure out what McDougal did? 20:14.33 Investigators have not told us the condition of Audrii's body 24:14.42 Discussion of what may have happened to Audrii 28:09.19 Discussion of the company we keep, did her dad know what kind of criminal McDougal is 33:50.15 Talk about how her body may been like a kite on a string 38:07.95 Discussion about DNA under fingernails of Audrii See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 27, 202435 min

Man Beats Girlfriend to Death, Drops Sofa on Her Body and Sleeps

Annabel Meenan was only 21, but she had been romantically involved with 33-year-old Leroy Brahm since she was in high school. Their relationship was filled with abuse but on the final night of her life, video cameras placed around the home recorded every hit with a fist and kick with a foot. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will break down what happened when Leroy Brahm beat his girlfriend unconscious, dropped a couch on top of her, then laid down on the couch and went to sleep as the weight slowly crushed Annabel. Transcript Highlights 00:01:42 Discussion of age 00:03:00 Talk about Annabel 00:06:07 Victim had sofa dropped on her 00:09:24 Talk about cameras recorded every punch 00:13:38 Discuss the cameras everywhere 00:18:51 Talk about contusions 00:21:36 Discuss injuries suffered by the attacker 00:23:54 Talk about evidence all over the house 00:28:38 Discussion of ruling death a heart attack 00:32:23 Surveillance cameras record everything 00:35:37 Discuss domestic abuser calls 911 00:37:23 Talk about Annabel is gone too young 00:38:50 Domestic Abuse Hotline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 22, 202438 min

The tragic life of Lacey Fletcher, the woman who melted into the couch

Lacey Fletcher was on the volleyball team when she is in 9th grade, and she looks like any other healthy teen. But her parents say she is "on the spectrum" and take her out of school and take her home. For the next 20 years, they don't take their daughter to the doctor, they don't do anything with her until she becomes totally non-verbal. For the last 12 years of her life she didn't move from her spot on the couch, she slept in her spot, she ate in her spot, she went to the bathroom in her spot, and it was rarely cleaned. Lacey Fletcher dies at 36, after withstanding years of pain and suffering. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack take a look behind the sofa to answer the questions about the woman who melted into the couch. Transcript Highlights 00:02:40Talking about melting 00:06:22 Talk about smell of urine, feces, nothing cleaned 00:09:46 Talk about staying in same spot for years 00:12:46 Discussion of healthy and active to dead on the couch 00:15:14 Talk about Lacey Fletcher on the couch 20 years 00:19:25 Discuss bed sores joining with other bed sores 00:23:15 Talk about chronic bone infection 00:27:17 Describing her condition at 36-years-old 00:31:10 Discussion of weight as Lacey Fletcher weighed 96 pounds 00:34:53 Talk about maggots in her body 00:38:56 How did Lacey Fletcher get covid? 00:42:01 Discussion – she is non-verbal, always in pain, and trapped See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 20, 202442 min

Missing 2-years before anyone looked; what happened to Harmony Montgomery?

Harmony Montgomery was missing for two years before anyone looked for her. Police began looking for a 7-year-old girl and soon realized they might really be looking for remains of a 5-year-old girl. She is still among the missing but presumed dead. Her father is on trial for her murder. Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they investigate the heartbreaking story of a little girl who never had a chance, and the forensics that just might get justice for her yet. Transcript Highlights 01:34.45 Joe talks about memory 04:22.26 Discussion of years since Harmony has been seen 07:22.44 Talk about Harmony, looked nervous 10:09.25 Harmony was never enrolled in school 14:36.89 Discussion of police find Harmony's Dad 20:32.13 Talk about moment of clarity 25:22.45 Discussion of what really happened to Harmony 31:02.25 Discussion of waiting 2 years to call about child 35:18.87 Discussion about life lived in a car 38:25.26 Talk about neither adult checking on Harmony 43:49.54 Discussion of carrying Harmony 45:43.17 Finally went too far, hit too hard 50:51.68 Discussion perfect hiding spot was found 54:25.15 Discussion about how body is stored 59:33.43 Talk about using bathtub for dismemberment 59:19.23 Discussion of what might be found of Harmony See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 15, 202459 min

SHOCK! The Things Left Behind

The new owners of a house in Colorado are pleasantly surprised to find the previous owners left behind a working freezer in the garage. Pleasure turns to horror as they begin removing bags of frozen meat, and find a human head and hands! Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will explain what it will take to solve the mystery. Transcript Highlights 00:01:27Talk about gruesome discovery 00:02:05 Discussion of yard sale 00:02:58 Talk about hoarder 00:04:10 Talk about free working freezer 00:07:36 Discussion of frozen head 00:09:23 Talk about getting more than you bargained for 00:11:21Discussion of calling 911 00:14:27Discussion about dismemberment show 00:18:17 Talk about previous homeowners 00:21:23Discussion about finding the rest of the body 00:24:28 Neighborhood people talk about coroner on site 00:27:49 Discussion about all the items that left the area C00:30:47Discussion of wrapping the head 00:33:51Talk about investigation of body parts 00:37:43 Discussion about freezer slowing decomposition 00:39:25 We're going to need to follow up on this case. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 13, 202437 min

Online Life-Real Life Murder: The Death of Kat West

Jeff and Kat West are a typical American couple living just south of Birmingham Alabama. They have a 12-year-old daughter, Jeff works in security, Kat is a stay at home mom, but she has developed a very successful online business, in adult entertainment. She posts sexy photos on multiple sites and has her own pay site that provides even more adult photos. Jeff often takes the photos for his wife, and she is becoming quite popular online. Everything seems fine when Jeff and Kat go out for date night, photos of the couple in a store that evening show them lovingly touching one another. How is it possible that the next morning as the sun comes up, Kat West's lifeless body is found laying out in the front yard of her house with a bottle of absinthe placed on her broken phone right next to her posed body. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack take you through the last night in the life of Kat West. Transcribe Highlights 00:00:05 Origin of things 00:01:46 Talk about a different kind of fairy 00:02:29 Discussion of life 00:03:16 Talk about very special drink 00:05:59 Discussion setting up a scene 00:10:54 Talk about date night 00:12:50 Discussion strong alcohol 00:16:48 Talk about Jeff and Kat playful at store 00:19:42 Discussion of intimate photos, sharing 00:22:32 Talk theory Jeff West beat his wife 00:25:32 Discussion of Stalkers 00:29:37 Talk tiny details in investigation 00:34:02 Discussion of two primary spots of blood 00:38:58 Talk about holding bottle as weapon See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 8, 202438 min

Abandoned in Concrete: Georgia's Baby Jane Doe

A road crew in south west Georgia finds on old console tv at an illegal dumpsite on the side of a country highway. As they try to move the tv, the workers find a suitcase inside, and it is too heavy to just be filled with clothes. As they open the suitcase they open up a mystery that will last decades. Inside the suitcase is cement, and poking out of the cement, the body of a small child. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will help tell the story of Baby Jane Doe, the girl thrown away like garbage, and the people who spent 35-years trying to find out her name. Transcribe Highlights 00:00:37 Trash Dump off the side of road 00:01:46 Talk about abandoned child 00:02:29 Discussion of life 00:03:16 Talk about the case, started in 1988 00:05:59 Discussion of area 00:10:54 Talk about getting body out of cement 00:13:30 Discussion of cement wouldn’t encase everything 00:16:48 Talk about mixing concrete and body 00:19:42 Evidence at scene leads to home 00:22:32 Talk about body breaking down in cement 00:25:32 Discussion of investigators 00:28:37 Talk about technology catching up 00:31:02 This case hasn’t been to trial yet 00:33:58 Talk about Genetic Genealogy 00:35:39 Discussion can there be justice See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 6, 202435 min

Humane Death or Dangerous Experiment: Nitrogen Gas Execution tried for first time

Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will tell the story of a murder and why the man convicted of the murder will be put to death in a very unique way. Kenneth Eugene Smith was convicted of the 1988 murder-for-hire of Elizabeth Sennett. Pastor Charles Sennett recruited Billy Gray Williams to kill his wife Elizabeth and Williams hired John Forrest Parker and Kenneth Eugene Smith to carry out the murder. A week after the murder, Charles Sennett confessed to his family and then shot himself in the head. Williams, Parker, and Smith were arrested, charged and convicted. Williams was sentenced to life and died in prison in 2020. Parker and Smith were sentenced to death. Parker was executed by lethal injection in 2010. Smith was scheduled to be executed in November of 2022 but the execution team was unable to connect the intravenous lines before time ran out. After much debate, the state agreed not to try lethal injection again on Smith but would instead use a method of execution: Nitrogen Hypoxia. Joseph Scott Morgan will explain what it is and why it is being tried for the first time...ever. Transcript Highlights 00:02:29 Joe talks about travel 00:05:55 Talk Investigation of murder 00:06:41 Talk about experience as death investigator 00:08:37 Discuss sharing PTSD 00:12:18 Talk about nitrogen 00:14:21 Discussion Death Penalty 00:18:56 Talk about execution used to be public 00:21:30 Discussion about new method 00:23:13 Talk about the Crime 00:25:51 Talk Murder-for-Hire plot 00:27:31 Discussion public execution 00:30:24 Talk about the debate to come 00:35:17 Discussion Is there a “best way” to kill somebody 00:38:22 Talk about assisted suicide See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 1, 202440 min

Mystery Deepens as 4 KC Fans Watch Game, 3 Die "Frozen" in Backyard While Friend Sleeps Warm Inside

What really happened when four lifelong friends gathered to watch their Chiefs play the Chargers? After the game, one guy goes to sleep inside and his three friends go outside and die in the backyard. And for two days their bodies lay frozen while their friend continues to sleep inside, ignoring calls and texts from friends and family worried about their loved ones. And WHY are the police called to do a "welfare check" when there are three dead men in the backyard? Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack cover the story inside and out to find out what happened when four friends gather to cheer for their favorite team, and three end up dead in the backyard. Transcript Highlights 00:02:29 Joe shares childhood memories 00:05:55 Talk Saints Football 00:06:41 Discussion watching football 00:08:37 Discuss NFL fans 00:12:18 Talk about friends 00:14:21 Discussion weather, first night not cold 00:18:56 Talk about working multiple deaths 00:21:30 Discussion about “mystery person” 00:23:13 Discuss medical issue, hypothermia 00:25:51 Talk is it possible to sleep 48 hours? 00:27:31 Discussion of how come they guys didn’t break-in? 00:31:21 Talk about calling it a “welfare check” 00:35:17 Discussion Jordan Willis is brilliant scientist 00:40:35 Talk Jordan Willis talks to police without lawyer 00:45:21 Discussion of Fentanyl 48:30.84 No Trauma, no gunshots, 3 dead See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 30, 202440 min

Missing Mom Murder Trial: Blood Evidence Could Prove She's Not Missing

When Connecticut mother-of-5 Jennifer Dulos suddenly vanished, the world stopped to look. While the world was looking for the missing mom, her estranged husband, Fotis Dulos, and his girlfriend, Michelle Troconis, drove around town dropping off bags of trash in public trash bins. Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they break down the story of the missing mom and the people who betrayed her. Transcript Highlights 00:02:29 Joe shares childhood memories 00:05:55 Talk about family 00:06:41 Discussion of Troconis trial 00:08:37 Discussion of Dulos marriage 00:12:18 Discussion of what the Nanny notices 00:14:21 Talk about paper towels used to clean 00:18:56 Talk about police body cam footage 00:21:30 Discussion of testimony 00:23:13 Talk about several types of tests 00:25:51 Talk about stains and what they mean 00:27:31 Discussion of blood drops 00:29:42 Description of different cast-off blood trails 00:31:21 Joe talks about blood 00:35:17 Discussion about determining death 00:40:35 Talk about blood and DNA locations 00:45:21 Discussion of amount of blood 00:50:38 Joe talks about suicide See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 25, 202449 min

Alec Baldwin Indicted on Manslaughter Charge: What really happened on the set of "Rust"

Alec Baldwin has been indicted again for Involuntary Manslaughter. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will pull back the curtain on the "Rust" movie set and explain what really happened, who is lying, and will there ever be justice. Should somebody go to jail, or was it a horrible accident? Listen and decide for yourself. Transcript Highlights 00:01:29 Describing the shooting location 00:04:45 Talk about the victims 00:05:31 Discussion of responsibility on set 00:08:37 Joe talks about being a producer 00:11:08 Talk about armorer 00:13:45 Discussion Alec Baldwin charged 00:15:38 Joe breaks down angles of shot 00:21:00 Talk about producer role on set 00:22:44 Dave tells story about loaded gun in house 00:24:59 Discussion of handling a gun 00:27:21 Talk about Baldwin interview about shooting 00:29:24 Joe talks forensic science ballistics 00:31:48 Discussion of accountability 00:34:07 Talk about shooting cases 00:40:48 Joe talks about the 44 Magnum 00:45:37 Description of shooting of Brandon Lee 00:48:18 Discussion about handling firearms on set See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 23, 202445 min

Sweet Grandmother Has Arm Torn Off During Carjacking, But Where is the Blood? The Horrifying Death of Linda Frickey

The last thing Linda Frickey heard as she lay beaten, bruised, with her arm ripped off her body, was a friendly voice saying, "we'll pray for you," The 73-year-old woman was the victim of a carjacking that was pre-planned by a group of 4 thugs in New Orleans, the oldest only 17 years old. Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they go behind the headlines on the story of a loving grandmother that died in a gruesome way, with her arm torn off her body. But witnesses ask; Where's the blood? Transcript Highlights 00:01:29 Talk about Grandmothers 00:04:45 Joe doesn’t want his hometown tarnished 00:05:31 Discussion about Carjacking 00:08:37 Talk about 18-year-old taking a life 00:10:20 Joe talks about living in this area of NOLA 00:11:08 Discussion about witnesses 00:13:45 Talk about ringleader John Honore 00:15:38 Talk about being dragged two blocks 00:21:00 Talk about criminals attacked woman from behind 00:22:44 Discussion of being stuck, drug down the block 00:24:59 Discussion having arm ripped off your body 00:27:21 Talk about how witness covered her body 00:29:24 Discussion of damage done to police officer drug in similar way 00:31:48 Talk about the last thing Mrs. Frickey heard was “we’re praying for you 00:34:07 Discussion of what happened to the blood? 00:40:48 Talk about determining cause of death 00:45:37 Talk about how Mrs. Frickey was beaten in car, then drug down street 00:48:18 Discussion about CCTV cameras 00:49:44 Suspect has been sentenced to prison See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 18, 202446 min

Murder or Suicide? The Death of Jeffrey Epstein

The death of Jeffrey Epstein has been debated since the minute it was announced to the world. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan will share what it was like to be on the air with the news and notice "red flags" as certain parts of the death story didn't seem to be correct. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will break down the death of Jeffrey Epstein. Did Jeffrey Epstein commit suicide, or was he murdered? Transcript Highlights 00:01:17 Joe hears story about where the meanest men in America live 00:04:47 Joseph Scott Morgan talks about covering Epstein death 00:08:23 Discuss first attack/suicide attempt 00:11:45 Talk about unusual circumstances 00:14:37 Discuss conflicting statements about noose 000:17:15 Talk about Epstein allowed unmonitored phone call 00:18:23 Discuss no cellmate to attack or stop suicide 00:20:33 Talk about two nooses in the cell 00:22:42 Discussion of cell condition and contents 00:25:49 Talk about July 23rd event 00:29:25 Discuss observing body at time of death 00:32:25 Talk about putting hospital gown on Epstein 00:34:03 Mark Epstein told his brother may have been dead 2 hours or more 00:37:40 Talk about Epstein body wheeled into hospital 00:40:34 Discussion of hyoid bone 00:42:05 Discuss facts of the body at time of death 00:44:24 Discuss agreement overturned regarding suicide 00:45:14 Talk about autopsy, who was present 00:47:00 Discuss distribution of force 00:48:16 Mentions that noose wasn't collected for evidence. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 16, 202448 min

Testimony from Beyond the Grave: The Suspicious Death of Maria Muñoz

When a panicked husband calls 911 for help saying his wife has overdosed the first officer on the scene notices some pretty big red flags. The forensics tell the story of what killed Maria Munoz, but Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will dig deeper to find out what really happened to a Texas mom with a penchant for writing in her journal, about everything. Transcript Highlights 00:01:29 Talk about nurses, great investigators 00:03:21 Discussion of body cam 00:04:45 Talk about scene, shadows 00:05:31 Talk about what police expect based on 911 call 00:06:55 Discussion of relationship 00:08:37 Talk about surgery, different duties 00:10:20 Talk about steroid use 00:11:08 Talk about husband being suspicious 00:12:06 Discussion of red flags 00:13:45 Talk about husband pockets pill bottle 00:15:38 Talk about medicine bottle on scene 00:21:00 Talk about medical pro letting police officer take over cpr 00:22:44 Discussion of husband talking to police 00:24:59 Discussion of Police body cam 00:27:21 Talk about how to find needle hole in arm 00:29:24 Discussion of suspect 00:31:48 Talk about scenes involving drugs 00:34:07 Discussion of home dynamics 00:35:55 Discussion of medical careers 00:40:48 Talk about tox screen 00:43:52 Discussion of toxicology report 00:45:37 Talk about how drugs were used 00:48:18 Discussion about Maria diary entries 00:49:44 Diary and Toxicology gave jury no choice See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 11, 202447 min

Couple expecting baby shot to death at Christmas: The Life and Death of Savanah Soto and Matthew Guerra

Savanah Soto, 18, and her boyfriend Matthew Guerra, 22, are reported missing the day before Savanah is to have labor induced for their baby. Their car is found, and Savanah is found dead in the front passenger seat with Matthew shot to death in the back seat.On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack break down the truth from fiction in the saddest story from what should be the happiest of times. Transcript Highlights 00:01:54 Talk about having a child 00:03:23 Talk about responsibility 00:05:53 Discussion of age of victims 00:07:49 Talk about family dynamic 00:09:24 Discussion about safety 00:12:53 Talk about location of bodies in the car 00:14:33 Discussion of Matthew being drug into back seat 00:16:12 Discussion of what long hair means to crime scene 00:18:42 Talk about where victims were murdered 00:19:46 Windows in the kia are dark 00:22:01 What is being said between truck driver and kia? 00:23:48 Discussion of people traveling with body in car 00:25:52 Baby is autopsied too 00:26:59Talk about Baby birth after death 00:28:23 Talk about Matthew identified quickly 00:32:36 Kia Optima located 00:34:58 Phone Pings will help find more cameras 00:35:55 Talk about bad cameras, great picture of suspects 00:37:01 Discussion of DNA that will likely be found See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 9, 202437 min

The House Is Gone: The Idaho Student Murders

The Idaho house where Madison Mogen , Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin were murdered has been demolished. Prosecution and Defense were both in agreement about the resident being demolished before the trial. Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they discuss what might be missed and who might be helped by the biggest pieced of evidence being destroyed. Transcript Highlights 00:01:08 Talk about why the odd shaped home had to come down 00:02:18 Discussion about destroying house before trial 00:03:47 Compare being able to visit the home of Lizzie Borden 00:05:47 Discussion of taking down horrible crime scenes 00:08:33 Comparing evidence like knife to house, would a picture of knife be sufficient 00:09:06 Discussion of both sides in agreement in taking building down 00:11:28 Talk about how to tell if someone could hear noise from top to bottom of house 00:13:36 Discussion of first-person perspective 00:15:48 Discussion of Parkland scene 00:17:42 Talk about taking jury to crime scene 00:19:26 Discussion of house layout – would killer have to be familiar 00:20:39 Talk about moving around rooms in the dark 00:21:53 Discussion about seeing size of rooms and 'ear' witness 00:24:15 Talk about effective documentation 00:26:23 Discussion about where suspect entered home 00:27:07 Discussion about room size 00:29:51 Talk about dynamic distribution of blood, being able to see it in context 00:31:32 Discussion of Jeffrey MacDonald case, jury saw murder scene in house 00:32:4 Talk about without house, no way to know where sound would go 00:33:51 Discussion comparing Gettysburg site to a house See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 4, 202434 min

Hot Sauce on Bread For Dinner, Ice Baths For Punishment: The Shocking life and death of Disabled Teen Timothy Ferguson

Timothy Ferguson's mother calls police. Her son is unresponsive. Timothy Ferguson is also 15-years-old weighing just 69 pounds when he died of malnutrition and hypothermia. Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they detail -Timothy Ferguson's painful life at the hands of his evil mother and brother. The teen lives on a diet of water and bread soaked in hot sauce, followed by ice baths. Transcript Highlights 00:00:00 Joseph Scott Morgan shares memories of Grandmother cooking chicken 00:04:15 Discussion of Timothy Ferguson, 15, starved to death by his mother 00:05:37 Discussion of food being used as mechanism for torture 00:06:52 Talk about Shanda Vander Ark fled Oklahoma with children 00:08:56 Explanation of how using food as a ‘kindness’ 00:11:05 Talk about dark choices made by Shanda Vander Ark regarding her son 00:13:05 Discussion of Timothy’s older brother Paul being involved in the abuse 00:14:51 Joseph Scott Morgan describes “impact: injury – slapped, punched. 00:15:28 Talk about how common that one child will be chosen for abuse while other siblings abuse victim as well 00:16:14 Discussion about abuse, malnutrition impossible to hide 00:17:15 How to determine how long Timothy was abused 00:18:35 Description - malnutrition can “stunt growth”. 00:20:40 Discussion of Shanda Vander Ark Defense, claims she had PTSD 00:21:51 Joseph Scott Morgan explains how Timothy Ferguson was digesting his own fat cells due to malnutrition 00:22:58 Timothy Ferguson’s body already compromised 00:26:41 Timothy Ferguson was given bread and water, and hot sauce for torture 00:27:56 Talk about hot sauce “Carolina Reaper” being placed on bread for Ferguson to eat 00:29:00 Discussion of Timothy Ferguson being kept in tiny room under stairs, developing bed sores 00:30:56 Description of Timothy Ferguson breathing out of his mouth like fish out of water 00:32:09 Discussion of Ice Bath’s used to punish Timothy Ferguson 00:33:28 Timothy Ferguson never recovered from last Ice Bath, cause of death – hypothermia and malnutrition 00:36:02 Discussion of food – mother chained refrigerator and cabinets in kitchen 00:38:00 Verdict - Shanda Vander Ark, guilty of murder, son Paul guilty of Child Abuse See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 2, 202438 min

The New Epidemic: Fentanyl

The opioid crisis has brought death and devastation to families all over the world and fentanyl has only made things worse. On this episode of Body Bags, Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack will take a close look at three very different cases involving fentanyl that all have the same end result, death. A wife allegedly uses fentanyl as a weapon to kill her husband, a 20-year-old faces second-degree murder for giving a teen girl a pill with fentanyl, and a toddler is dead when he comes into contact with fentanyl in his daycare. Transcript Highlights 00:00:00 Discussion: To be free from pain. 00:01:44 Talk about from Tylenol to Fentanyl 00:02:53 Discussion of population desiring to be free from pain, self-medicating 00:04:43 Talk about the opioid crisis 00:07:28 Discussion about the strength of fentanyl 00:10:16 Joe points out how fentanyl can be pressed into other drugs 00:11:51 Description of what an overdose from opioid looks like 00:13:01 Discussing three fentanyl related cases today; Kouri Richins, NYC daycare, and 15-year-old dead from pill 00:14:38 Talk about murder charge in death of 15-year-old girl 00:16:46 Discussion of coroner ruling drug overdose as a “homicide” 00:18:35 Talk about California case, 15-year-old dies from fentanyl 00:22:35 Discussion of pills made in a garage rather than a laboratory 00:23:43 Talk about a 22-month-old child in a daycare exposed to fentanyl 00:26:49 Discussion of “binders” used in making the pills 00:28:48 Description of toddlers in daycare with fentanyl kept directly underneath “nap mats” 00:30:58 Fentanyl used as weapon, tasteless, odorless 00:32:36 Talk about Kouri Richins alleged attempts to poison husband 00:34:33 How to determine if drug was taken as recreation or used as weapon 00:36:01 Discussion of opioid deaths 00:38:36 Talk about tox screen 00:40:28 Discussion of Fentanyl and therapeutic levels See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 28, 202336 min

The unimaginable case of Francisca Monteiro-Balla

When Camille Balla calls a coworker and says "I think I killed my mother", the coworker calls 911 on her way to Balla's mother's house. Police find a scene straight out of a horror movie as the follow a blood splatter trail leading to the body of Francisca Monteiro-Balla. Checking the body for vitals an officer notices something on a box a few feet away. It isn't something anyone expects to see, two eyeballs, sitting on a box, appearing to watch the officers as they try to save the life of Francisca Monteiro-Balla. Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they take a close-up look at a case that is just as scary and strange at the beginning as it is in the end. Transcript Highlights 00:01:26 Joseph Scott Morgan compares Lewis Powell screaming “I am Mad” to Camille Balla screaming “I am a murderer” 00:02:50 Talk about Police arrive to scene and find woman’s eyes removed 00:04:05 Dave Mack breaks down story of Camille Balla calls co-worker and tells her “I think I killed my mother” 00:06:12 Talk about County Jail versus prison 00:08:05 Discussion about Camille Balla screaming “I’m a murderer” 00:10:08 Discussion of bloody crime scene, eyeballs removed from victim, placed on cardboard box 00:11:25 Describing difference between blood “spatter” and blood “splatter” 00:13:46 Discussion about victim’s injuries 00:16:01 Talk about the fight between mother and daughter, and eyeballs removed from victim 00:17:56 Joe describes removal of eyeball 00:20:37 Discussion of suspect removing eyes from the front 00:22:43 Talk about Camille Balla claims to have smoked marijuana laced with Flocka prior to attack on her mother 00:26:12 Discussion of charges being reduced from First-Degree Murder to Manslaughter 00:28:34 Talk about broken glass around scene, blood from perpetrator and victim co-mingled making thing forensically more complicated 00:29:06 Camille Balla pleaded guilty to manslaughter, sentenced to 15-years in prison followed by 15-years on probation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 26, 202332 min

The Faceless Frozen Body in the Ditch: The Ilene Gowan Story

An adult female body is found outside of Council Bluffs city limits. The body was found with bruises all over her body, a large laceration on her head, her body was found frozen to the ground. Also, her face is missing. The body is of a woman who has been missing for 11 days, 60-year-old Ilene Gowan. Investigators will use everything at their disposal to determine how the grandmother ended up dead in a ditch without her face, and who is responsible for her death. Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they breakdown a case that includes forensics of a frozen body as well as the latest video surveillance tools that creates a timeline that builds a map leading right to the killer. Transcript Highlights 00:00:06 Joseph Scott Morgan talks about scene of crime 00:02:42 Victim 60-year-old woman, without a face 00:04:00 Talk about victim and suspect relationship 00:06:22 Brammer does not report girlfriend missing 00:07:44 Talk about remains being discarded like trash 00:09:48 Discussion about alcohol and relationships 00:11:21 Victim is missing for 11 days 00:12:49 Talk about remains still frozen at autopsy 00:16:46 Discussion of weather on decomposition 00:18:32 Talk about arriving to scene of crime 00:22:54 Discussion about Pathologist in the field 00:24:01 Victim face is missing 00:27:19 Timeline: victim last seen on 13, reported missing on 15th 00:30:37 Discussion of Post-Mortem and Anti-Mortem 00:31:36 Video evidence of Brammer in truck with victim 00:33:34 Discussion of victim cause of death 00:34:39 Talk about wounds 00:37:10 Discussion about Dr. Michael Baden brought in for second opinion 00:38:50 Brammer deposits $1,500 in his bank account day Ilene is reported missing 00:39:46 Discussion about face missing due to animal life 00:41:46 Brammer has truck crushed and shredded 00:42:08 Brammer was found guilty of second-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, and second-degree theft. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 21, 202341 min

Gone Without A Trace - Where are Joey and Jaclyn?

In Battle Creek, Michigan, Chad Allen Reed is the owner of a property. He lives on the bottom floor and rents out the top floor. He complains to everyone about the couple renting his upstairs, Joe Soule and Jaclyn Lepird are loud at night and Reed doesn't like it. When Joe and Jaclyn vanish, everyone is looking for them, except for Chad Allen Reed. He is too busy trying to hide what he has done. His property burns 5 times in 7 days but Chad Allen Reed is being haunted by the smell. Two bodies, wrapped in plastic, hidden in the back of a pickup truck. When nobody solves the mystery of what happened to Joe Soule and Jaclyn Lepird, Chad Allen Reed calls the tip line himself, and tells them what happened! Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack break down the story of the Murdering Landlord and find out what evidence is left behind when two people are murdered on grass in a yard. Transcript Highlights 00:00:07 Joseph Scott Morgan shares a renting nightmare 00:04:23 discussion of landlord complaining about tenant 00:05:20 Joe talks about trauma and evidence left behind at the scene 00:07:58 Landlord confronted tenants over noise 00:10:37 Discussion of the matter of cutting and bludgeoning someone 00:12:25 Talk about postmortem interval 00:13:23 Chad Allen Read shoots Joe Soule, shoots Jaclyn Lepird in the back 00:15:38 Discussion about Read beating Lepird with a pipe 00:16:37 Joe explains “Bullet Wipe” 00:18:32 Discussion about evidence left in yard 00:19:42 Talk about 2 people missing 00:21:51 Evidence left behind by 2 victims 00:23:31 Explanation of how bodies are examined in morgue 00:25:44 Discussion about perpetrators not putting distance between themselves and their victims 00:27:49 Bodies wrapped in plastic create more evidence 00:29:18 Talk about 5 fires in 7 days 00:30:13 Chad Allen Read calls the tipline himself See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 19, 202330 min

Married Couple Missing 3 Weeks, The Torture death of the Josephs

Joseph Scott Morgan takes you on a trip to Louisiana, and a young couple, tied up, with kettlebells tied to their feet, being driven up a high bridge, and pushed out at the apex, not to die from falling 10 stories, but to drown after the fall. Join Joe Scott Morgan and Dave Mack for a show that stretches from Louisiana to Atlanta, a recording studio, a Walmart, a side hustle in prison, and great police work to bring to justice the evil that wants to be a star. Transcript Highlights 00:00:46 Talk about Gravity = the dominant force in our life. 00:02:09 Talk about Gravity, leading up a bridge 00:03:13Discussion about murder by drowning 00:03:54 Talk about being In Louisiana. 00:05:21 the death of Lakeitha and Kenneth Joseph. 00:06:16 Couple missing three weeks 00:07:14 Talk about searching for missing couple 00:08:55 Discussion of levels of grief 00:11:52 Joe shares knowledge of the geography of the area 00:14:22 Talk about “prune” fingers as a child in pool 00:15:02 The lake is brackish, salt and fresh 00:17:14 Is it possible to determine how long a body has been in water? 000:20:58 Kenneth borrows a van, becomes big clue 00:24:37 Police work: Kettle Bells branded by golds gym, only at Walmart 00:25:46 How long does it take for a body to come to surface 00:28:42 Discussion about rope 00:30:12 Talk about Lakeitha leg being broken 00:31:31 Discussion of kettle bells 00:35:19 Talk about bodies in water 00:36:40 Borrowed van turns up in Atlanta 00:37:44 Discussion about Rapper managed by ex-convict 00:39:44 Prison Guard in relationship with prisoner 00:41:56 Murdered for being a witness 00:43:06 Talk about worst way to die See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 14, 202340 min

Girl missing 173 days, found less than 100 feet from home

A family moves to the country to get away from the crime of the big city only to find that evil exists in small towns and big cities alike. A 17-year-old girl develops a close bond to a harmless older neighbor. But the harmless old man is really a wolf in sheeps clothing and when the 17-year-old goes missing the neighbor helps look as hard as anyone. As long as nobody comes to his house to look too close. For 173 days the girl is missing, her heartbroken parents don't realize she is only 100 feet away from their front door. Buried in a homemade box, just for her. Joseph Scott Morgan breaks down the case of the teen girl hidden away in a homemade coffin and how difficult it will be to get the evidence to determine what really caused her death. Dave Mack joins in on the search for facts, and Valerie Tindall. Transcript 00:01:02 Discussion of 173 days without knowing location of your child 00:02:26 Valerie Tindall, 17, and missing 00:03:29 Mother said Patrick Scott acted like jealous boyfriend 00:04:21 Discussion of age difference 00:06:55 Valerie Tindall is missing 00:10:00 Talk about Forensic Anthropology 00:11:28 Disturbed areas of soil in backyard 00:12:30 17-year-old girl bonds with 59-year-old man, odd 00:13:22 What does FBI mean to a case 00:14:32 The neighbor Valerie has “bond” with charged with lying to police 00:16:03 Discussion of providing false hope to lure out suspect 00:17:24 Investigators wonder if someone is helping her stay gone 00:18:29 Victim has been missing since June 00:22:24 Bright Orange fingernail polish Valerie Tindall was wearing 00:23:29 Taking down a structure, burning, why? 00:27:17 Talk about the VHS tapes found in box 00:29:11 Discussion of murder weapon, a belt 00:30:56 Suspect claims he is the victim? 00:32:29 Discussion about condition of the body 00:33:39 Why did the suspect dig holes in his property? 00:35:17 Talk about the story from the suspect does not make sense 00:36:35 Some evidence might have been lost See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 12, 202335 min

Peaceful Commune to Violent Murder: The Ezra Ralston Story

Ezra Ralston, 29, moves in with his grandparents on their beautiful property on the water in the Pacific Northwest, and repays their love and kindness by coming up with a plan to create a commune on his grandparents property. The only thing he needs to do is kill his grandparents and steal their property to make his dreams come true. Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they take an in-depth look at death, fire, and the lies of Ezra Ralston on this episode of Body Bags. Transcript Highlights 00:00:19 Joe Talks about finding save place for your family 00:01:18 Grandparents welcome 29-year-old grandson 00:02:15 Discussion about early 70s 00:03:47 Talk about the murder of Grandparents 00:04:46 Discussion of fire and explosion 00:06:16 Talk about arson, murder, investigation 00:09:02 Discussion about origin of fire in the house 00:11:05 Joe shares insight into recurring nightmare 00:13:09 Talk about finding the bodies of Joanna Gormley and Ted Ralston. 00:17:40 Discussion about gasoline used in fire 00:19:14 Joe explains assessing the bodies 00:23:02 Explaining what happens working a fire scene 00:24:54 Discussion of when to examine bodies 00:26:36 Looking around a fire scene is very confusing 00:27:47 Talk about the victims' wounds 00:32:03 Talk about plan to kill victims in their sleep 00:35:45 Ezra Ralston being encouraged by girlfriend 00:37:04 Discussion of using bleach to get rid of evidence 00:39:15 Fire creates more evidence See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 7, 202338 min

Oscar Pistorius: Superhero 'Blade Runner' to Calculated Murderer

Oscar Pistorius became famous for not allowing a handicap to stand in his way of track and field success. After becoming a Paralympic Champion, he fought his way through the courts to be allowed to compete in non-disabled competitions. In 2012, he competed in the Summer Olympics in London and became one of the most famous people in the world, earning the nickname "Blade Runner" for the prosthetic legs he uses to run. Less than six months after the Olympic Games, Pistorius claims he hears a noise in the middle of the night and thinks someone is breaking in, but what happens next lands him in jail, charged with murder! Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they break down the case of Oscar Pistorius. Did he kill his girlfriend in cold blood or was it a horrible mistake? Transcript Highlights: 00:01:11 Oscar Pistorius getting out of prison 00:03:11 Pistorius fought to compete in non-disabled competition 00:04:02 Discussion of who Oscar Pistorius is and his fame at the time of this incident 00:06:58 Discussion of legs being amputated at 11 months old 00:10:56 How to figure out directionality of weapons that are fired 00:12:40 Pistorius and Steenkamp had dated only 90 days 00:13:45 Body Bags and Domestic Disputes 00:14:52 Discussion of waking up, hearing something 00:16:05 Pistorius claims he heard things, overcome with fear 00:17:37 Talk about Pistorius and guns 00:19:15 What happens when victim is in bathroom? 00:21:51 He claims that he shot her after he had put his legs on. 00:22:06 Story told by Pistorius doesn’t match facts 00:24:12 Discussion of victim being shot through the door 00:25:57 Discussion of stomach contents of victim 00:26:15 Time of morning, 3:19am 00:26:41Said there were four quick shots. 00:28:14 Did he retrieve his legs at this point in time and come back to? 00:29:34 Talk about scene, towels, debris, trying to stop bleeding 00:30:29 Discussion of the Blades giving him and advantage 000:31:33 Pistorius remains on scene, in kitchen, should have been in back of squad car 00:32:26 Three components in gunshot residue. We look for antimony, we look for barium and we look for lead. 00:33:43 Talk about prosthetics and if he had them on 00:34:38 Discussion about suspect is not in charge of investigation 00:35:35 Pistorius claims he kept her airway open with his fingers 00:36:35.Pistorius is scheduled to be released from custody in January of 2024 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 5, 202336 min

Sins of the Father: The Death of Dylan Redwine

Dylan Redwine is forced to spend Thanksgiving with his father in Colorado. He doesn't want to be there because he knows some things about his father, secret, disgusting things, and he just doesn't want to be around him. But due to his parent divorce he has to go. Dylan Redwine goes missing, his dad suggests a bear might have got him. It takes time, but in the end, Forensics will tell the entire story of what happened to Dylan Redwine. Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they break down a story that took years to finish and includes blood, sex, knives, and bones. Time Code Highlights. 00:01:40 Redwine Murder was one of the first Joseph Scott Morgan covered in media 00:04:00 Dylan must go to his father’s house in Colorado for Thanksgiving 00:05:08 Mark Redwine house burned down previously 00:07:03 Discussion of children of divorce, Dylan did not want to be with his father 00:08:20 Talk about pictures Dylan and his brother saw on their dad’s computer 00:09:30 Joe talks the information he was given to cover story on network show 00:11:03 Pictures of Mark Redwine in lingerie, makeup, eating out of diaper 00:13:09 Joe tells story of being embarrassed comparing it to how Mark Redwine was embarrassed his children found out about secret pictures 00:15:00 Discussion about the boys confronting their father over his pictures 00:16:50 Talk about Mark Redwine responding to Corey about the pictures 00:19:25 Joe talks about Mark Redwine being humiliated and angry 00:20:45 Redwine claims he went to store, Dylan was gone when he got back 00:21:35 Discussion about Corey Redwine being several years older than Dylan 00:22:45 Talk about forensics and how nothing is ever hidden 00:24:04 Joe talks about a dog finding blood in the home 00:26:05 Blood from Dylan would have to have been from recent visit 00:30:04 Joe talks about a murder case without a body 00:31:00 Both femurs of Dylan Redwine found 8 miles from Mark Redwine home 00:32:43 Bones found on a road could have been drug by an animal 00:34:14 Determining whether the bones were separated by human using tools 00:36:05 Talk about Mark Redwine mentioning something to a friend about blunt force trauma and they would need to find his head 00:37:45 Dylan Redwine skull found 00:39:00 No animals in the area that would drag remains up the mountain 00:40:10 Talk about surface deposition 00:41:05 Mark Redwine said Dylan may have been attacked by a bear. 00:43:50 What the skull tells investigators. Took several months to identify 00:45:12 Joe explains using sinus for identification 00:46:45 Skull fractures show blunt force trauma. Two linear marks consistent with a knife blade found on skull. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 30, 202346 min

A Bad Grade, Cause for Murder: The Brutal Murder of Nohema Graber

Nohema Graber is a beloved Spanish teacher in the small town of Fairfield, Iowa. When she goes missing during her everyday after school walk in the park, the small town is worried. When her body is found in the park, hidden under a tarp, the town of less than 10,000 is shocked. Shock turns to disgust when police arrest two 16-year-old students for the murder after one of them writes on snapchat about the planning, execution, and disposal of evidence. Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they break down the story of Nohema Graber, a beloved teacher who deserved a much better fate and the two 16-year-olds that broke the heart of a small town. Time Code Highlights. 00:02:54 Nohema Graber goes missing during her regular walk in the park 00:03:06 Body of Nohema Graber found in park under a tarp, Two 16-year-old students arrested 00:05:19 Joseph Scott Morgan talks about first homicide he worked was a brother who beat his brother to death with a baseball bat 00:07:11 discussion about what teachers are faced with every day 00:08:47 Talk about how this case begins with a bad grade 00:10:11 Talk about two students feeling like they were owed something 00:11:44 Discussion of Timeline of events 00:14:24 Talk about two friends decide to murder teacher 00:15:20 Discussion of the plan the perpetrators had and that it wouldn't change the grad 00:16:22 Talk about the type of weapons teens might have access, baseball bat is weapon of opportunity the routine of victim 00:19:40 Discussion of Both perpetrators were tracking victim in park 00:21:10 The perpetrators discuss the plan on snapchat 00:22:23 Discussion of Nohema Graber and people seeing Chaiden Miller arguing with her about his grade 00:24:03 Discussion of Nohema Graber van being driven away from park by two males and how perpetrators hide her body 00:25:11 Joseph Scott Morgan points out how everything used in a crime can be traced 00:26:27 Discussion of perpetrators taking the bloody bat, bloody clothes, back home. Friend shows snapchat messages to law enforcement 00:28:08 Discussion of damage bat can do to a body 00:30:44 Description of the marks the bat will make with contact 00:34:11 Talk about is it possible to determine who swung the bat 00:35:45 Discussion about Jeremy Goodale sentenced to life with possible parole after 25 years, Chaiden Miller sentenced to life with possible parole after 35 years See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 28, 202337 min

JFK: 60 Years of Questions

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 Highlights 00:01:21 Discussion about the ripple effect of the assassination of JFk 00:04:31 Discussion of the moments following the shooting of JFK in Dealey Plaza 00:06:02 Talk about how autopsy "Standard Procedures" were not followed 00:06:51 Texas state law and jurisdiction over investigation and autopsy 00:07:58 Board Certified Forensic Pathologist Doctor Earl Rose was chief medical examiner for Dallas, Texas at the time and was at Parkland Memorial Hospital 00:09:22 Discussion JFK body taken from Dallas to Washington DC for autopsy 00:10:59 Talk about Secret Service preparing for President trips. 00:11:36 Discussion of JFK physical condition after being shot. 00:12:52 Talk about injuries to JFK, at least 2 gunshot wounds. 00:13:31 Discussion of tracheotomy that was performed to establish an airway 00:15:04 Discussion of Dr. Earl Rose and how his experience was dismissed 00:16:23 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 Dallas 00:20:08 Talk about previous Presidential assassination, Lincoln, Garfield, and McKinley and their autopsies. 00:22:10 Discussion of Dr. Earl Rose did the autopsy for Oswald, Officer Tippit, and Jack Ruby. 00:23:36 Discussion of JFK body being taken to Washington DC 00:25:16 Comparing Bethesda Naval Hospital to Walter Reed Hospital 00:26:04 Discussion about doctors chosen to perform JFK autopsy 00:28:42 Talk about why doctors turned bullet wound into tracheostomy 00:29:55 Presidents body wrapped in sheets. Head wrapped in gauze 00:31:09 Discussion of JFK clothing, tie changed the trajectory of round. 00:32:58 Discussion about clothing worn during the assassination 00:33:44 Talk about "magic bullet" going through JFK and Governor Connally, 00:35:08 Discussion Secret Service agents washed interior of Presidential limo. 00:36:03 Talk about crime scenes - bone fragments found and turned in later 00:37:02 Description of President's head, skull came apart in doctors hands. 00:38:04 Discussion of Assessment 00:40:02 Talk about x-rays that were done on body 00:41:58 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 arrived 00:46:05 Description of "Brain Loafing". 00:47:22 The autopsy of JFK was not a complete autopsy 00:49:21 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 Kennedy 00:52:36 Discussion about other pathologists available to do autopsy on JFK 00:55:09 No way to know if other injuries suffered by JFK could have been lethal 00:56:04 Commentary - no excuse for what happened with autopsy of JFKSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 23, 202356 min

The Piketon Massacre: 1 night. 4 crime scenes. 8 Murders.

Hanna Rhoden,15, gives birth to a daughter. 2-years later, Rhoden and the baby's father, Jake Wagner, fight over custody. A custody battle begins and the Wagner family pressures Hanna to give up her daughter. The Wagners hack Hanna Rhoden's Facebook account and read a private message in which Hanna vows she will not give up the child, quote "they (the Wagners) will have to kill me first." That is exactly what happens. The Wagner family decide to not only kill Hanna Rhoden, but the rest of her family, anyone who might stand in the way of the Wagner family gaining custody of the little girl. The Wagner family plan is to take out the Rhoden family in one night, four locations, eight murders. Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they dig deep into the Pike County Murders. Joseph Scott Morgan gives a firsthand account of the crime scenes and the forensic evidence left behind. Time code highlights: 00:00:02 Joseph Scott Morgan asked to take part as a forensic expert in a complex case 00:02:12 Discussion about the investigation of the Pike County Murders 00:02:37 Description: One night. Four Scenes. Eight Murders 00:03:09 Description of two families that have been friends a long time 00:03:16 Discussion about Hanna Rhoden becomes pregnant with Jake Wagner's baby when she is 15-years-old. Hanna Rhoden breaks up with Jake Wagner 00:04:01 The Wagner's tried to force Hanna Roden to sign papers to turn custody of Sophia over to Jake. 00:04:22 Discussion of Wagner family plan to kill Hanna Rhoden to get custody 00:05:01 Discussion of the first person to be murdered and location of murder scene 00:06:50 Discussion of shots fired through wall first, Chris Rhoden was shot 9 times 00:07:36 Discussion of second victim, Gary Rhoden, visiting from Kentucky 00:10:06 Talk about the injuries to Chris Rhoden's arm 00:11:01 Description of head shots to both Chris Rhoden and Gary Rhoden 00:12:24 Talk of how Wagner Sr said "I just killed my best friend" 00:16:25 The Wagner's didn't know Gary Rhoden would be at the scene 00:17:30 Discussion of the Wagner's make silencers for their weapons 00:19:38 Joseph Scott Morgan talks about being at the site and what it looked like, 00:21:56 The Wagner's arrived at Chris Rhoden's house barefoot but put on shoes inside the house. 00:22:44 Investigator researched shoe print found in Rhoden trailer and found a match 00:24:45 The forensic shoe print match the best evidence used to convict 00:25:34 Description of second murder scene. Frankie Rhoden, Hannah Gilley, and two small children. 00:25:26 Older child came to door (the next morning) and said "daddy's playing zombie" 00:27:10 Discussion of Hannah Gilley was shot 5 times in the head 00:30:25 Discussion of distance from Frankie Rhoden's house to Dana Rhoden home 00:32:37 Dana Rhoden's home was unlocked, Dana Rhoden's face was illuminated by her phone, made eye contact with Jake Wagner and he shot and killed Dana Rhoden 00:33:40 Discussion of Hanna May Rhoden being the reason for the murders 00:34:00 Discussion of Hanna Rhoden had baby 4 days earlier 00:34:15 The child Hanna Rhoden had with Jake Wagner was with the Wagner family at the time of the murders 00:34:35 Discussion of Jake Wagner placing baby next to body of Hanna May Rhoden so the baby could feed off the dead mother 00:36:01 Discussion of Hanna Rhoden and Hannah Gilley both shot 5 times in the head 00:36:45 Chris Rhoden jr, 16, shot dead in bed 00:37:45 Discussion of Kenneth Rhoden living in travel trailer 7 miles from the other scenes, shot once in head. 00:41:22 Discussion of Jake Wagner and his brother going to great lengths to get rid of weaponsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 21, 202344 min

Dismemberment and the Desecration of the Dead | Body Bags Live at CrimeCon 2023

Over the last few years, more and more death scenes involve dismemberment. An "obsessed" true crime fan in South Korea thinks she can pull off the perfect murder, so how did Jung Yoo-Jung get caught? Taylor Schabusiness tells police she doesn't remember strangling her boyfriend, but it felt good. She leaves his severed head in a bucket for his mother to find. And in Tennessee, prosecutors say Joel Guy Jr created a "diabolical stew of human remains" with his mother's head when he finds out his parents are cutting him off. Joseph Scott Morgan breaks down the forensics and Dave Mack keeps the stories moving in this fast-paced edition of Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan in front of a live audience at CrimeCon 2023 in Orlando, Florida Time Code Highlights. 00:02:50 South Korean Woman Jung Yoo-Jung is said to be an obsessed crime fan 00:03:17 Discussion of how 23-year-old woman pretends to be a 14-year-old school girl 00:04:19 Jung Yoo-jung wants to commit a homicide and dismember the victim to try and get away with murder.. 00:05:33 Her plan is to kill, dismember, and dispose of the victim. 00:06:27 Talks about the tools needed to do the job she wants to do 00:10:19 What would she used to clean up the area? 00:12:00 Talk about Gilgo and Rex Heuermann 00:12:44 Talking about the getaway and getting rid of the remains 00:12:57 To commit the perfect crime she uses a cab as a getaway car, leads to her capture 00:14:39 Joseph Scott Morgan tells story of transporting a head as a young man working in New Orleans with the coroner. 00:15:52 Under no circumstances are you to allow this bot this head out of your sight. 00:16:23 Had to use a cooler with ice to transport the head 00:18:40 Discussion about Taylor Schabusiness case. 00:19:14 The mother of the victim finds his head in bucket 00:20:20 Discussion of the relationship between suspect and victim 00:21:56 Schabusiness told police she didn't remember strangling him, but she remembered liking it. 00:23:16 She told police, you found this part of him, good luck finding the rest 00:25:48 Discussion about the types of knives needed to do what was done to the victim 00:27:46 Talk about the forensics of different types of blades 00:30:47 Joe Scott Morgan talks about the time it takes to dismember a body 00:32:09 Joel Guy Jr, created a game plan for what he was going to do to his parents 00:32:23 Discussion about Joel Guy Jr and why he killed his parents 00:34:18 Joel Guy Jr stabbed his parents to death, then cut them up. 00:35:04 Talk about police interrupted Joel Guy Jr and found his "list" of things to do 00:39:42 Discussion of the medical examiner at the trial 00:40:09 Talk about anti-mortem and post-mortem 00:43:11 Joseph Scott Morgan explains the way a body can be disarticulated See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 16, 202343 min

A Cold-Blooded Murder: The Case of Maleesa Mooney

Maleesa Mooney's family hasn't heard from the 31-year-old model for several days. Worried, they ask police to do a welfare check. Los Angeles police let themselves into her apartment with a key obtained from the manager. The air conditioner has been turned down and the apartment is very cold. Police discover the beaten and bruised body of Maleesa Mooney, with her hands and feet bound, wedged into the refrigerator. There is blood underneath her body. Join Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack as they discuss how this beautiful and talented woman died. Time Code Highlights. 00:02:30 Family of Maleesa Mooney ask police to check on her. 00:03:06 Police find Maleesa Mooney, 31, bound, gagged, stuffed in refrigerator with blood 00:04:19 The police are working as a homicide. 00:05:25 Family gets answers from mortuary 00:07:11 Joe Scott Morgan shares story of mistake he made notifying a mother of how her son died 00:08:27 The victim was greatly traumatized. 00:09:39 What it would take to put a person inside a refrigerator 00:11:44 Victim was beaten and broken. 00:14:24 Mooney seen walking into her building on surveillance camera 00:14:42 No forced entry into apartment 00:15:20 The air conditioning in apartment had been turned down and it had been flooded 00:18:00 Items on the table that are commonly associated with needing to be refrigerated, as if the refrigerator been cleaned out. 00:18:58 Is running water an effort to destroy evidence? 00:19:40 Details on the last time anybody talked to Melissa Mooney. 00:21:27 There's a six day window between last communication and when body is found. . 00:22:23 Victim has multiple trauma about her head and her neck. 00:24:03 Victim is pregnant. 00:27:27 Family received vague text messages. 00:30:08 Victim is bound ankles and wrists. 00:33:11 Victim is gagged. 00:35:15 How would body be examined at the morgue? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 14, 202338 min

A Not So Natural Death: The Murder of Betty Bowman

On the evening of August 15, Connor and Betty Bowman stay home and have drinks together. The last drink Betty remembered having was a smoothie. The next morning Betty Bowman is sick. So sick she goes to the hospital where they admit her and treat her for what seemed like food poisoning. Betty Bowman is 32 and healthy but over the next 4 days her condition worsens and she dies. When her husband, Connor Bowman, tries to have her cremated right away with no autopsy, alarms bells go off and police are called. It seems that Connor Bowman was researching a particular medication used to treat gout, and what would be the lethal amount for someone the size of Betty Bowman. Join forensic expert Joseph Scott Morgan and co-host Dave Mack as look into the almost perfect weapon and crime. Time Code- Highlights 00:00:00 Some natural remedies have been know to humanity for thousands of years. Could one have been used for murder? 00:04:46 Discussion of Betty and Connor Bowman's educations and professions. Both are pharmacists. 00:07:59 Bowman marriage difficulties discussed. 00:09:08 Betty Bowman hospitalized with what is thought to be food poisoning and dies 00:09:12 Connor Bowman has to be smart, based on educational accomplishments 00:09:15 32 years old Betty Bowman found a way to travel. She traveled the world. 00:09:20 Betty went to Hawaii, the Caribbea, Iceland, Grand Canyon. 00:09:35 Connor had such massive debt from college that they kept their money separate 00:09:44 Conner Bowman told a friend there was $450,000 life insurance on Betty Bowman 00:10:05 Betty Bowman was in good health. She and Conner talking about divorce. 00:10:12 August 15, Betty and Connor Bowman at home, drinking and watching movies 00:10:39 Betty wakes up sick, thought food poisoning, went to Mayo clinic, St Mary Hospital August 16 00:10:59 Betty admitted to hospital and they treat her for food poisoning 00:11:05 Treat her for gastrointestinal distress and dehydration 00:11:14 After treatment, nothing gets better and she dies after four days. 00:11:58 Marriage on downhill slope 00:35:21 Connor Bowman says no autopsy, wife doesn't want to be a cadaver. 00:39:02 Connor Bowman asked if cremation would cause more "in depth" tox screen 00:41:35 Bowman looked up colchicine on laptop. What's a lethal dose? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 9, 202332 min

Death by Ice Axe: The Murder of Katie Pham

Kathryn Pham, 21. had been dating Daniel Gunnarsson, 23, hardly a month, but the 23-year-old's obsession with Pham grew quickly. He would get angry if anyone else had the young woman's attention. Gunnarsson confided to his stepfather that he thought Pham was breaking up with him. The stepfather's advice? Apologize. Gunnarsson did and somehow convinced Pham to go with him to his stepfather's home. Once there, painters were on the scene. The couple went in to the garage. Soon after the painters hear screaming, but wait an hour before going to check. Inside the garage, Kathryn Phan is laying on the floor, naked and bloodied. Daniel Gunnarsson struck Pham with an ice axe at least 10 times. Join forensic expert Joseph Scott Morgan and co-host Dave Mack as they look at the destruction and mayhem caused by one tool. Time Codes-highlights 00:00:00 Joseph Scott Morgan discusses what it's like to receive a jury duty letter in the mail only to find the possible case is murder. 00:02:29 An ice axe is not a tool found in most homes. Usually it is only in locations with colder temperature. How could it be used for murder? 00:04:14 Description of an ice axe 00:06:50 Dating relationship between Daniel Gunnarsson and Katie Pham introduced 00:07:56 Daniel Gunnarsson red flag behavior details. 00:09:06 Katie Pham's trip to Gunnarsson's stepfather's garage 00:09:38 Painters start hearing a girl's screams. Body is discovered. Scene described. 00:12:28 Katie Pham's injuries described 00:15:56 Injuries occurred in the upper body, the chest, the neck and the head. . 00:20:08 Dead body touched in sexual manner 00:21:34 Suspect was wearing gloves. 00:24:45 Jurors had to hear details of an ice axe murder. 00:25:34 Victim was struck at least 10 times. 00:28:36 Is it possible to determine the order of injuries? 00:29:41 Defense strategy was that someone else snuck into the garage. 00:31:01 Jurors wept 00:31:20 Daniel Gunderson was found guilty. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 7, 202331 min

Uncovering the Mystery: Kara Nichols' Disappearance and a Broken Family

Kara Nichols is found dead, strangled and buried alongside a horse on a property owned by her murderer's parents, several years after she has been declared missing. Confessed killer Joel Hollendorfer is at the center of this tale that explores not just the murder itself, but its far-reaching repercussions. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack traverse the winding roads of Kara's life and the cold case that took years to solve. They discuss the forensics of strangulation, the ethics of grief, and the complexities of moral responsibility. Dave delves into the timeline of Kara's last days, while Joseph navigates the complicated web of legal hurdles that investigators faced. This episode also questions whether it's possible to die of a broken heart, highlighting the psychological and emotional toll a murder can take on the families involved. Mentioned Podcast: Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum on Apple Podcasts Time-coded Highlights: 00:00:43 — Joseph Scott Morgan discusses the theme of the episode, which is whether people can die of a broken heart, or from grief. He introduces a case where a murderer believes his father died from the shock of his confession. 00:02:03 — Dave Mack shares his philosophical views on the overwhelming power of grief. 00:03:20— Details about the murder of Kara Nichols are shared. 00:05:00—Joseph Scott Morgan talks about the emotional burden for the perpetrator's parents. 006:10, Dave questions the moral responsibility of those who know about the crime. 00:07:58—The close relationship between Kara and her brother is spotlighted. 00:08:27—The discussion shifts to the challenging circumstances of Kara's life. 00:09:14—Joe Scott Morgan reveals that persistence and hard work solved this cold case. 00:10:05 — Dave Mack expresses admiration for cold case workers like Cheryl McCollum. 00:15:05 — The movements of Kara are traced back to a specific suspect via her phone. 00:16:40 — Joel Hollendorfer’s conversation with Detective Gugliotta is discussed. 00:18:20 — The complexities of obtaining a search warrant are outlined. 00:23:11 — Morgan discusses the complexities of using ground penetrating radar in investigations. 00:24:14 — Dave Mack reveals that Joel Hollendorfer confessed to his parents about killing a young woman. 00:28:08 — Explaination of the use of lime on a body to speed up the decompositional process. 00:36:48 — Morgan explains the intricacies of strangulation and the role of the hyoid bone in determining the cause of death. 00:38:20 — The trial and conviction of Joel Hollendorfer are dissected, leaving listeners with the unsettling thought that he still has a chance at a life outside prison.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 2, 202339 min

Decomposing Silence: The Zion Staples Case with Joseph Scott Morgan

In an unfathomable act, the lifeless body of young Zion Staples is discovered abandoned in a trash can. The grim finding sends waves through the community, raising existential questions on human morality. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack dissect the intricacies of the case, exploring topics ranging from the science of decomposition to the societal implications of how we treat our deceased. While Morgan brings his forensic expertise to the table, offering unique insights into time of death estimation and the decomposition process, Mack provides additional context, revealing dark layers of the family's involvement. Time-coded Highlights: 00:00:20 — Joseph Scott Morgan sets the tone by musing on the value of life. 00:01:20 — The tragic story of Zion Staples is introduced. 00:01:54 — Taking out the trash is discussed as an everyday act with dark implications in the Zion Staples case. 00:03:00 — Dave Mack contextualizes the focus on garbage and decomposition in the case. 00:03:50 — The connection between smell and taste in the context of decomposition is explained by Joe Scott. 00:04:08 — Society's treatment of the deceased is examined. 00:07:14 — Dispelling a common misconception, Joseph Scott Morgan talks about the challenges in determining the exact time of death. 00:09:11 — Morgan shares details about another mysterious case involving a person missing for seven months. 00:14:37 — A detailed explanation of body tissue disintegration after death is given. 00:16:22 — Cause of death's impact on decomposition rates is discussed after Dave Mack brings up the example of a gunshot wound to the head. 00:21:14 — Significant changes that a decomposing body undergoes are highlighted by Morgan, emphasizing the importance of evidence preservation. 00:29:00 — New information about Zion's mother, Sushi Staples, and her history with child services is revealed. 00:30:40 — Joe Scott Morgan discusses the challenges of the investigation due to the time elapsed since the incident and the lack of concrete evidence. 00:32:08 — Morgan reveals that Sushi Staples has only been charged with concealing the body of her 10-year-old son in a garbage can, not with his death.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 31, 202332 min

The Unthinkable Crimes Against Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom: A Forensic Dive

Two horrific murders shake a university town to its core, as Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom fall prey to a monstrous crime. In a dilapidated house in East Knoxville, Tennessee, the young couple are kidnapped and tortured in an environment that can only be described as hellish. In this gripping episode, Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack unravel the gruesome details, chilling forensics, and unfathomable cruelty behind the case. With firsthand experience and unsettling revelations, they bring you closer to understanding the harrowing ordeal these victims went through. The episode delves into forensic complexities, offers insights into the minds of the perpetrators, and discusses the pivotal moments that led to their capture. Brace yourselves for a haunting journey through one of the darkest chapters of true crime. Time-coded Highlights: 00:00:20 — Joseph Scott Morgan sets the stage for the episode’s chilling focus: two horrific murders in a university town, considered among the most horrifying covered by Morgan. 00:01:20 — The names of the victims, Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom, are introduced alongside the setting—a rundown house in East Knoxville. 00:01:40 — Joseph Scott Morgan discloses his personal involvement in covering the Eric Boyd trial. 00:03:00 — A visceral account of the kidnapping and the setting is provided by Dave Mack. 00:04:40 — It's revealed that the atrocities committed against Channon and Christopher are akin to acts of “Satan himself." 00:07:31 — The suffering endured by Christopher Newsom, including torture and being set on fire, is hauntingly detailed by Dave Mack. 00:08:04 — The agonizing torment Channon Christian went through is elaborated upon by Joseph Scott Morgan. 00:08:46 — The seclusion and inaccessibility of railway tracks as common dumping grounds for victims are discussed. 00:10:02 — Dave Mack specifies that Christopher was not killed at the house but was later taken to the railway tracks. 00:10:54 — Dave Mack reveals that unusual activities at the house on the night of the crime were noticed by a dump truck driver. 00:11:27 — Treatment of the victims is equated to "torture," akin to how prisoners of war are treated. 00:15:04 — The crime scene’s dehumanizing aspects and the extreme physical abuse suffered by the victims are dissected. 00:23:05 — Psychological manipulation used on the victim by promising release is exposed. 00:30:27 — The discovery of the female victim's body in a garbage can, constricted into a fetal position, adds another layer of horror to the narrative.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 26, 202332 min

Fatal Embrace: Unraveling the Crime Against Dorothy Dusold

Dorothy Dusold's life comes to a chilling end, her body marred by manual strangulation and the telltale signs of anoxic encephalopathy—a gruesome testament to oxygen deprivation and ensuing cardiac arrest. True crime experts Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack join forces to dissect this unsettling narrative, where familial love crumbles into fatal brutality. Diving deep into the psychosocial underpinnings, forensic evidence, and medical realities of the case, they guide us from the eerie echoes of the 911 call to the contentious forensic findings that sway the court. Through their exhaustive analysis, they illuminate not only Dorothy's agonizing final moments but also the grim medical trajectories that culminated in her tragic demise. This episode serves as a poignant and intellectually rigorous examination of the shadowy corners where family ties fray into lethal violence. Time-coded Highlights: 00:00:20—Joseph Scott Morgan introduces the unique case of a daughter allegedly squeezing her mother to death. 00:02:40—Joe Scott and Dave Mack discuss the physical strength required to squeeze someone to death. 00:03:20 — The 911 call made by Cassandra Dusold is discussed. 00:04:20—Morgan lauds the invaluable role of first responders in high-stakes situations. 00:06:20 — The concept of deception in the case is introduced. 00:07:04 — Joe Scott Morgan explains what a 'code' means in a hospital setting, specifically a 'code blue' which indicates cardiac arrest. 00:08:31— The crucial steps in emergency cardiac care are outlined. 00:14:09 — Dave Mack opens up a dialogue on the unusual circumstances surrounding Dorothy Dusold's death. 00:16:40—Dave highlights inconsistencies in Cassandra's story, creating doubt about her credibility. 00:18:40, the possibility of Dorothy having bilateral black eyes and ear bleeding is explored. 00:27:49 — A medical breakdown of how the victim's throat was constricted is presented. 00:30:00, Joe Scott delves into various methods of manual strangulation, questioning the story told by Cassandra. 00:31:40 — The episode wraps up with the conviction of the perpetrator, Cassandra Dussault, for manslaughter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 24, 202332 min