Carol Costello Presents: The God Hook

A preview of Carol and Emily's full interview with Richard Beasley's public defender, Rhonda Kotnik. She shares her previous interactions with Beasley, who served as a jailhouse minister and a constant courthouse presence, and shares her perspective on his complex personality, particularly his manipulation of religion to build rapport and exert influence. To hear the full episode, please subscribe via Apple Podcasts or Supporting Cast. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder GUEST Rhonda Kotnik - Summit County Public Defender Additional info at ⁠(www.carolcostellopresents.com⁠). Do you have questions about this series? ⁠Submit them for future Q&A episodes. Subscribe to ⁠The God Hook’s YouTube channel ⁠for videos, photos, and additional conversations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Carol introduces a segment produced by her former student, Luke, titled "The Cost of Innocence." The episode explores the death penalty from a perspective that challenges its justification, featuring a story about a man whose brother was on death row, and highlighting a botched execution attempt. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder GUEST Luke Antaky - Former President of Associated Students of Loyola Marymount University Gallup Death Penalty Polling (2025) ACLU reports on execution methods Additional info at ⁠(www.carolcostellopresents.com⁠). Do you have questions about this series? ⁠Submit them for future Q&A episodes. Subscribe to ⁠The God Hook’s YouTube channel ⁠for videos, photos, and additional conversations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Carol and Emily examine the complexities of America's death penalty system, exploring legal, moral, and practical challenges, and discuss whether convicted killer Richard Beasley will ever be put to death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Criminologist Dr. Volkan Topalli joins Carol and Emily to analyze Richard Beasley’s jailhouse phone calls to his mother, revealing the disturbing psychological dynamics that underscore a manipulative relationship. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder GUESTS Volkan Topalli - Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology Additional info at ⁠(www.carolcostellopresents.com⁠). Do you have questions about this series? ⁠Submit them for future Q&A episodes. Subscribe to ⁠The God Hook’s YouTube channel ⁠for videos, photos, and additional conversations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

The Knife: A True Crime Podcast is a weekly true crime podcast from journalist/producers Hannah Smith and Patia Eaton (formerly of The Opportunist). The Knife is a show about people who’ve been dropped into a story they didn't start, but are left to finish. Through empathetic, in-depth interviews, Hannah and Patia find the untold stories of people who’ve been touched by crime. On November 23, 1985, Jackie Pflug took her seat aboard EgyptAir Flight 648. When the plane reached flying altitude, several men forcefully took control of the plane. Jackie’s flight was being hijacked. Jackie miraculously survived, but many others did not. Decades later, she tells a story of bravery, profound loss and hope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Carol and Emily interview “The Knife” podcast hosts Hannah Smith and Patia Eaton about empathetic storytelling and the delicate nature of telling survivors’ stories. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder GUESTS Hannah Smith and Patia Eaton are the hosts of The Knife, a weekly podcast that reveals the ripple effect of crime through empathetic, solution-oriented journalism. Additional info at ⁠www.carolcostellopresents.com⁠. Do you have questions about this series? ⁠Submit them for future Q&A episodes. Subscribe to ⁠The God Hook’s YouTube channel ⁠for videos, photos, and additional conversations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Carol and Emily discuss human trafficking with podcaster Ellyn Marsh, exploring the disturbing parallels between the allegations against Sean “Diddy” Combs and Richard Beasley. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder GUEST Ellyn Marsh is a co-host of the I Think Not! podcast, which blends true crime with comedy. Additional info at ⁠www.carolcostellopresents.com⁠. Do you have questions about this series? ⁠Submit them for future Q&A episodes. Subscribe to ⁠The God Hook’s YouTube channel ⁠for videos, photos, and additional conversations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Carol interviews Emily Pelphrey and Paul Scarsella, two of the special prosecutors on the Beasley death penalty case. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder GUEST Paul Scarsella - Former special prosecutor for the Beasley case Additional info at ⁠(www.carolcostellopresents.com⁠). Do you have questions about this series? ⁠Submit them for future Q&A episodes. Subscribe to ⁠The God Hook’s YouTube channel ⁠for videos, photos, and additional conversations. For early and ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content, subscribe to the podcast via Apple Podcasts or Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Hear firsthand about the survival bonds formed by victims and their families, and how they will face Brogan Rafferty’s potential parole. Amy never received justice – listen to her surprising message to Richard Beasley. Investigators share their feelings about the religious conman turned serial killer. Former prosecutors reflect on the systemic issues within the justice system, and the need for change. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder GUESTS Debra Bruce - David Pauley’s twin sister Amy - A victim of Beasley’s alleged sex trafficking operation Paul Scarsella - Former special prosecutor for the Beasley case Captain Terry Pasko (Ret.) - Led the vice unit investigation into Richard Beasley’s alleged sex trafficking operation Sheriff Jason Mackie - Led the investigation into the murders in Noble County Amir Hussain - Professor of Theological Studies Additional info at ⁠www.carolcostellopresents.com⁠. Terry Pasko’s first novel, “Knights of the Graveyard Watch.” Devin Friedman’s GQ piece, “The Craigslist Killers.” Do you have questions about this series? ⁠Submit them for future Q&A episodes. Subscribe to ⁠The God Hook’s YouTube channel ⁠for videos, photos, and additional conversations. For early and ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content, subscribe to the podcast via Apple Podcasts or Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

In this series finale, special prosecutors Emily and Paul reflect on the murder trial, and its lasting personal impact on them. Brogan Rafferty turns down a plea deal. Richard Beasley takes the stand, blaming everyone but himself for the murders. Watch the video trailer ⁠here⁠! EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder GUESTS Paul Scarsella - Former special prosecutor for the Beasley case Rhonda Kotnik - Summit County Public Defender Debra Bruce - David Pauley’s twin sister Additional info at ⁠www.carolcostellopresents.com⁠. Do you have questions about this series? ⁠Submit them for future Q&A episodes. Subscribe to ⁠The God Hook’s YouTube channel ⁠for videos, photos, and additional conversations. For early and ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content, subscribe to the podcast via Apple Podcasts or Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Prosecutors utilize old charges to keep Beasley locked up while they carefully construct their case. Investigators uncover disturbing details about the Craigslist murders from Richard Beasley’s alleged accomplice, Brogan Rafferty. Beasley cooks up one final con in the Summit County Jail while awaiting trial. Watch the video trailer ⁠here⁠! EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder GUESTS Rhonda Kotnik - Summit County Public Defender Sheriff Jason Mackie - Led the investigation into the murders in Noble County Paul Scarsella - Former special prosecutor for the Beasley case Captain Terry Pasko (Ret.) - Led the vice unit investigation into Richard Beasley’s alleged sex trafficking operation Additional info at ⁠www.carolcostellopresents.com⁠. Do you have questions about this series? ⁠Submit them for future Q&A episodes. Subscribe to ⁠The God Hook’s YouTube channel ⁠for videos, photos, and additional conversations. For early and ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content, subscribe to the podcast via Apple Podcasts or Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Unlawful Acts is a weekly true crime podcast hosted by Susan Davis, offering condensed yet compelling storytelling that dives deep into some of the world’s most fascinating criminal cases. From elusive serial killers to decades-old mysteries, each episode peels back the layers to uncover the truths often left untold. Gerard Schaefer joined the police force to serve and protect—at least, that’s what he told everyone. He wore the badge, filed the reports, and pulled over young women under the pretense of safety. There was just one problem. He wasn’t there to protect them—he was hunting them. When bodies started turning up, fiction and reality became impossible to separate. Join host, Susan Davis, every week on Unlawful Acts as she digs into stories just like Gerard's -- ones that look one way on the surface—but reveal something far more sinister underneath. She's not here just to recount crimes. She's here to understand them — one episode at a time. As one listener put it, this is the podcast for people who crave the full story—without the filler. Tune in to Unlawful Acts wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

After months on the lam, Richard Beasley is apprehended by a special task force. Detective Mackie interrogates both Beasley and teenager Brogan Rafferty about the Craigslist murders. Tim Kern becomes the final victim, though the manner of his death raises questions about who pulled the trigger. Watch the video trailer ⁠here⁠! EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder GUESTS Sheriff Jason Mackie - Led the investigation into the murders in Noble County Paul Scarsella - Former special prosecutor for the Beasley case Captain Terry Pasko (Ret.) - Led the vice unit investigation into Richard Beasley’s alleged sex trafficking operation Additional info at ⁠(www.carolcostellopresents.com⁠). Do you have questions about this series? ⁠Submit them for future Q&A episodes. Subscribe to ⁠The God Hook’s YouTube channel ⁠for videos, photos, and additional conversations. For early and ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content, subscribe to the podcast via Apple Podcasts or Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Scott Davis escapes his attempted murder, but law enforcement are about to discover that other victims were not so fortunate. Deb Bruce notifies authorities in Noble County that she hasn’t heard from her twin brother David since he left to take a job he found on Craigslist. Detective Mackie's search for a missing ball cap in the woods takes a dark turn with the chilling discovery of a freshly-dug grave. Watch the video trailer here! EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder GUESTS Sheriff Jason Mackie - Led the investigation into the murders in Noble County Paul Scarsella - Former special prosecutor for the Beasley case Debra Bruce - David Pauley’s twin sister Additional info at (www.carolcostellopresents.com⁠). AI Disclosure: This episode contains an element of AI-created content. Do you have questions about this series? Submit them for future Q&A episodes. Subscribe to The God Hook’s YouTube channel for videos, photos, and additional conversations. For early and ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content, subscribe to the podcast via Apple Podcasts or Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

In August of 2011, Richard Beasley murders Ralph Geiger in the woods of Noble County, Ohio, and assumes his identity. Months later, Scott Davis responds to a Craigslist ad for a farm caretaker and ends up narrowly escaping his own death after being lured into those same woods. Then-detective Jason Mackie investigates Davis’ story, and begins his search for the crime scene. Watch the video preview here! EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder SPECIAL THANKS Kevin Huffman Zoe Louisa Lewis GUESTS Sheriff Jason Mackie - Led the investigation into the murders in Noble County Paul Scarsella - Former special prosecutor for the Beasley case Additional info at (⁠www.carolcostellopresents.com)⁠. AI Disclosure: This episode contains an element of AI-created content. Do you have questions about this series? ⁠Submit them for future Q&A episodes. Subscribe to ⁠The God Hook’s YouTube channel ⁠for videos, photos, and additional conversations. For early and ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content, subscribe to the podcast via Apple Podcasts or Supporting Cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Richard Beasley is on the lam, with his young acolyte Brogan Rafferty in tow. Now the killing starts. The first victim? A man seeking redemption. Carol & Emily travel to Noble County, Ohio to meet Sheriff Jason Mackie, who led the investigation into the murders. Watch the video trailer here! Stay tuned after the credits for a preview from our YouTube channel. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder Additional Music Provided by Thrumm (https://thrumm.audio/) SPECIAL THANKS Kevin Huffman Zoe Louisa Lewis GUESTS Captain Terry Pasko (Ret.) - Led the vice unit investigation into Richard Beasley’s alleged sex trafficking operation Volkan Topalli - Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology Amy - A victim of Beasley’s alleged sex trafficking operation Sheriff Jason Mackie - Led the investigation into the murders in Noble County Additional info at ⁠www.carolcostellopresents.com⁠. Do you have questions about this series? ⁠Submit them for future Q&A episodes. Subscribe to ⁠The God Hook’s YouTube channel ⁠for videos, photos, and additional conversations. For early and ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content, subscribe to the podcast via Supporting Cast or Apple Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Chaplain Rich is arrested, and investigators gather evidence from his so-called halfway house. Due to prior convictions, he faces the possibility of extradition out of state, and a lengthy prison sentence. Yet against all odds, a judge grants him release. And with the help of a young friend, Richard Beasley vanishes. Watch the video preview here! Stay tuned after the credits for a preview from our YouTube channel. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder SPECIAL THANKS Kevin Huffman Zoe Louisa Lewis GUESTS Volkan Topalli - Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology Captain Terry Pasko (Ret.) - Led the vice unit investigation into Richard Beasley’s alleged sex trafficking operation Jennifer Rausch - Prosecutor and Human Trafficking Expert Amy - A victim of Beasley’s alleged sex trafficking operation Additional info at ⁠www.carolcostellopresents.com⁠. Do you have questions about this series? ⁠Submit them for future Q&A episodes. Subscribe to ⁠The God Hook’s YouTube channel ⁠for videos, photos, and additional conversations. For early and ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content, subscribe to the podcast via Supporting Cast or Apple Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Akron detectives begin listening to recorded phone calls from the Summit County Jail, hoping to track down a predatory jailhouse pastor known as “Chaplain Rich.” Amy places her trust in Lieutenant Detective Terry Pasko, a vice detective slowly building a trafficking case. Investigators learn what goes on at Chaplain Rich’s halfway house and respond to an unexpected Christmas incident. Watch the video trailer here! Stay tuned after the episode for a sneak peek from our YouTube channel. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder SPECIAL THANKS Kevin Huffman Zoe Louisa Lewis GUESTS Amy - A victim of Beasley’s alleged sex trafficking operation Detective Terry Pasko (Ret.) - Led the investigation into Richard Beasley’s alleged sex trafficking operation Samantha Salamon - Executive Chair, The Summit County Collaborative Against Human Trafficking (https://sccaht.org/) Jennifer Rausch - Prosecutor and Human Trafficking Expert Additional info at ⁠carolcostellopresents.com⁠. Do you have questions about this series? ⁠Submit them for future Q&A episodes⁠. Subscribe to ⁠The God Hook’s YouTube channel ⁠for videos, photos, and additional conversations. For early and ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content, subscribe to the podcast via Supporting Cast or Apple Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

In Akron, Ohio, Richard Beasley gains the ear of the most powerful and the faith of the most vulnerable. A twist of fate provides him the opportunity to purchase a home that he puts to nefarious use. Amy, a familiar face at the Summit County Jail, falls prey to Beasley’s scheme. But she ultimately makes a courageous choice that she hopes will bring him to justice. Additional info at carolcostellopresents.com. Do you have questions about this series? Submit them for future Q&A episodes. Subscribe to The God Hook’s YouTube channel for videos, photos, and additional conversations. For early and ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content, subscribe to the podcast via Supporting Cast or Apple Podcasts EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder SPECIAL THANKS Kevin Huffman Zoe Louisa Lewis GUESTS Rhonda Kotnik - Summit County Public Defender Doug Oplinger - Former Managing Editor of the Akron Beacon Journal Jennifer Rausch - Prosecutor and Human Trafficking Expert Volkan Topalli - Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology Amy - A victim of Beasley’s alleged sex trafficking operation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

In this premiere episode of "The God Hook," host Carol Costello introduces the chilling story of Richard Beasley, infamously known as the Ohio Craigslist Killer. In previously unreleased jailhouse recordings, Beasley portrays himself as a devout Christian, concealing his manipulative and predatory behavior. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Beasley's deceitfulness extends beyond the victims he buried in shallow graves. Listen to the preview of a bonus conversation between Carol and Emily available after the episode. Additional info at carolcostellopresents.com. Do you have questions about this series? Submit them for future Q&A episodes. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see additional videos, photos, and conversations. For early and ad-free episodes and exclusive bonus content, subscribe to the podcast via Supporting Cast or Apple Podcasts. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Co-Host - Emily Pelphrey Producer - Chris Aiola Sound Design & Mixing - Lochlainn Harte Mixing Supervisor - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder SPECIAL THANKS Kevin Huffman Zoe Louisa Lewis GUESTS Doug Oplinger - Former Managing Editor of the Akron Beacon Journal Volkan Topalli - Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology Amir Hussain - Professor of Theological Studies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Carol Costello Presents is back on April 29th with an all new season exploring the Ohio Craigslist killings. Carol Costello, along with the prosecutor who put Richard Beasley on death row, are determined to tell this cautionary tale in all of its tawdry and poignant details. After 20 years reporting on domestic and international stories for CNN, Carol broke into the podcast space with Series One: Blind Rage, a multi-award winning true crime podcast in 2022 (ranked #22 on Apple) about the story of Phyllis Cottle, who survived an attack in which she was assaulted, burned, and blinded, determined to put her attacker behind bars. Now, with an established following, Carol has uncovered a case that exposes the dark side of prison ministries who send chaplains into thousands of prisons across the country in an effort to reduce recidivism. “This is a story about the Christian belief in redemption - and how that belief is exploited by criminals like Richard Beasley,” says host, Carol Costello. About the Host: Carol Costello is an award-winning journalist and a former CNN anchor known for her in-depth reporting and engaging storytelling. With a career spanning several decades, Carol has become a respected voice in the news industry, covering some of the most significant historical events. Tune in on April 29th for season two: The God Hook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

In this episode of Blind Rage, Carol gains insight into Samuel Herring's bid for exoneration from the man who heads Ohio's Innocence Project, attorney Mark Godsey. Despite the initial intrigue, DNA evidence led to a perplexing ending: Herring's guilt was confirmed beyond a shadow of a doubt. Godsey, a former prosecutor turned innocence advocate, explains how and why the organization took up Herring's case, reveals how DNA evidence was discovered, shares the history of the nationwide effort to overturn wrongful convictions, and addresses the emotional toll on victims' families. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Producer - Chris Aiola Audio Engineer - Sean Rule-Hoffman Contributor - Nijah Golliday Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder Guest: Mark Godsey (https://law.uc.edu/faculty/directory/mark-godsey.html) Ohio Innocence Project at Cincinnati Law (https://law.uc.edu/real-world-learning/centers/ohio-innocence-project-at-cincinnati-law.html) Ohio Innocence Project Application: (https://law.uc.edu/content/dam/refresh/law/pdfs-temporary/oip-inmate-screening-application.pdf) For additional information about Phyllis Cottle’s case, please visit our website (www.carolcostellopresents.com), Carol’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/CarolLMU) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/carolcostello). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Carol shares the results of DNA testing on newly recovered evidence in the case of Phyllis Cottle’s brutal assault. The results are infuriating and…baffling. The Ohio Innocence Project prompted a forensic review of evidence, raising the possibility that Samuel J. Herring, the man convicted of the crime, may be innocent. Herring, now 67 years old and wheelchair-bound, has spent nearly 40 years behind bars. He has maintained his innocence. Today we know the truth. And while it leads to a man who is definitely guilty, it also raises questions. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Producer - Chris Aiola Audio Engineer - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder Cleveland Channel 5’s story on Samuel Herring: https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/investigations/new-testing-shows-dna-of-akron-rapist-found-on-victims-clothing The Marshall Project’s story on Samuel Herring: https://www.themarshallproject.org/2023/12/06/dna-ohio-innocence-project-conviction-integrity-unit-prison For additional information about Phyllis Cottle’s case, please visit our website (www.carolcostellopresents.com), Carol’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/CarolLMU) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/carolcostello). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Carol shares a shocking development in the case of Phyllis Cottle's brutal assault, one that she knew might come. The Ohio Innocence Project has prompted a forensic review of evidence, raising the possibility that Samuel J. Herring, the man convicted of the crime, may be innocent. Herring, now 67 years old and wheelchair-bound, has spent nearly 40 years behind bars. He has maintained his innocence. Now DNA testing of recently unearthed evidence may reveal the truth. So, what if the justice system got it wrong? And if Herring is innocent, then who did it? EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Producer - Chris Aiola Audio Engineer - Sean Rule-Hoffman Contributor - Nijah Golliday Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder The Marshall Project’s story on Samuel Herring: https://www.themarshallproject.org/2023/11/09/after-nearly-40-years-behind-bars-in-ohio-dna-testing-is-finally-underway? For additional information about Phyllis Cottle’s case, please visit our newly-launched website (www.carolcostellopresents.com), Carol’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/CarolLMU) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/carolcostello). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Phyllis and her family felt ambushed by the media during what was an incredibly difficult and delicate time in her life. The relentless pursuit of her story interrupted her recovery at home. In this bonus episode, Carol interviews her former colleague, producer Ronni Berke, about what it’s like to interview victims. Ronni is an award-winning journalist and producer, who spent 17 years at CNN covering some of the biggest stories, including the September 11th terrorist attacks, Hurricane Katrina, and the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting. She’s also the Director Of Development And Communications for the LAM Foundation, the leading nonprofit in the fight against lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) - a rare lung disease affecting primarily women. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Producer - Chris Aiola Audio Engineer - Sean Rule-Hoffman Contributor - Nijah Golliday Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder Guest: Ronni Berke (www.ronniberke.com) The LAM Foundation (https://www.thelamfoundation.org/) For additional information about Phyllis Cottle’s case, please visit our newly-launched website (www.carolcostellopresents.com), Carol’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/CarolLMU) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/carolcostello). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Phyllis Cottle nearly killed herself when she found out she would never be able to see again. She had a plan, and was about to follow through with it, until she felt a “warm hand on her shoulder,” one that she was convinced was divine. Was she right? Was God intervening? And, if so, what should she do with that sign from above? In this bonus episode we explore those questions with Larry Vuillemin, Phyllis’ good friend who says he also heard God speak to him after a pivotal, life-changing health scare. Larry is a former Senior Trial Attorney with the Summit County Prosecutor’s office, an Akron City Councilman, and former Adjunct Professor at the University of Akron School of Law. In 1990, he co-founded Heart to Heart Communications, which focuses on personal and spiritual development as a foundational way empowering leaders and enriching workplaces EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Producer - Chris Aiola Audio Engineer - Sean Rule-Hoffman Contributor - Nijah Golliday Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder Guest: Larry Vuillemin, Attorney at Law (https://www.ohiodefensefirm.com/about/lawrence-vuillemin) Heart to Heart Leadership: https://www.htohleadership.org/ For additional information about Phyllis Cottle’s case, please visit our newly-launched website (www.carolcostellopresents.com), Carol’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/CarolLMU) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/carolcostello). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Phyllis Cottle said if she “had just been raped,” she may not have gone to police. “I didn’t want the hassle,” she said. But it was more than that: shame, blame, disbelief — reasons that still resonate with survivors today. In this bonus episode, host Carol Costello sits down with Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh, who has created a campaign that aims to change the way society talks about sexual assault. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Producer - Chris Aiola Audio Engineer - Sean Rule-Hoffman Contributor - Nijah Golliday Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder Guest: Sherri Bevan Walsh, Summit County Prosecutor (https://prosecutor.summitoh.net/pages/About-Prosecutor-Sherri-Bevan-Walsh.html) Start By Believing Campaign (https://startbybelieving.org/home/) For additional information about Phyllis Cottle’s case, please visit our newly-launched website (www.carolcostellopresents.com), Carol’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/CarolLMU) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/carolcostello). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

The trial is over, but the hard work continues. Phyllis feels a newfound purpose in life, and manifests unexpected forgiveness. Her family continues her fight for justice, vowing to keep her convicted attacker behind bars. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Producer - Chris Aiola Audio Engineer - Sean Rule-Hoffman Contributor - Nijah Golliday Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder For additional information about Phyllis Cottle’s case, please visit our website (www.carolcostellopresents.com), Carol’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/CarolLMU) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/carolcostello). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Now the defense makes its case. As witness Chili Mo enters the courtroom, prosecutor Bob Bulford notices something remarkable unfold before his eyes. Phyllis braces for the moment Samuel Herring takes the stand, a questionable move on the part of his attorney. Criminologist Casey Jordan breaks down the defense’s lines of questioning. Will Herring’s testimony be enough to convince the jury of his innocence? EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Producer - Chris Aiola Audio Engineer - Sean Rule-Hoffman Contributor - Nijah Golliday Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder For additional information about Phyllis Cottle’s case, please visit our website (www.carolcostellopresents.com), Carol’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/CarolLMU) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/carolcostello). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Phyllis steels herself for the long-awaited trial. Law enforcement reaches out to a potential star witness. And prosecutors hope Phyllis’ testimony sways the jury enough to overlook their lack of physical evidence, before she faces a rapid-fire cross examination. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Producer - Chris Aiola Audio Engineer - Sean Rule-Hoffman Contributor - Nijah Golliday Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder Episode Image ©Marcy Nighswander – USA TODAY NETWORK For additional information about Phyllis Cottle’s case, please visit our website (www.carolcostellopresents.com), Carol’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/CarolLMU) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/carolcostello). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Phyllis receives a grave medical update, and begins to question her very existence. As she searches for a way out of the darkness, the media looks for her. And at the urging of her boss, Phyllis decides to take the narrative into her own hands. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Producer - Chris Aiola Audio Engineer - Sean Rule-Hoffman Contributor - Nijah Golliday Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder For additional information about Phyllis Cottle’s case, please visit our website (www.carolcostellopresents.com), Carol’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/CarolLMU) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/carolcostello). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Police continue their search throughout Akron for a blue house with a black eagle, which they hope will lead them to the scene of the crimes. But will Phyllis’ descriptions prove accurate? And detectives dig deep to learn more about their suspect’s past — but how will they link him to the crime scene? EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Producer - Chris Aiola Audio Engineer - Sean Rule-Hoffman Contributor - Nijah Golliday Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder For additional information about Phyllis Cottle’s case, please visit our website (www.carolcostellopresents.com), Carol’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/CarolLMU) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/carolcostello). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Detectives zero in on their suspect, Samuel Herring, whose rap sheet stretches back to childhood. But how will they confirm he’s their guy when Phyllis cannot see? EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Producer - Chris Aiola Audio Engineer - Sean Rule-Hoffman Contributor - Nijah Golliday Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder For additional information about Phyllis Cottle’s case, please visit our website (www.carolcostellopresents.com), Carol’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/CarolLMU) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/carolcostello). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Calls flood the hotlines as Akron PD conducts a citywide manhunt to find Phyllis’ attacker. Phyllis’ description of the house fuels the search, though police cannot ask her — blinded and still recovering — to point out the location. And a particular tip leads Detective Chris Contos to a group of witnesses and his first compelling suspect. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Producer - Chris Aiola Audio Engineer - Sean Rule-Hoffman Contributor - Nijah Golliday Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder For additional information about Phyllis Cottle’s case, please visit our newly-launched website (www.carolcostellopresents.com), Carol’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/CarolLMU) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/carolcostello). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

This week, we present a pair of extended interviews with two of the voices in our series: former prosecutor Emily Pelphry, and criminologist Dr. Casey Jordan. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Producer - Chris Aiola Audio Engineer - Sean Rule-Hoffman Contributor - Nijah Golliday Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder Guest: Emily Pelphry (https://denison.edu/people/emily-pelphrey) Guest: Dr. Casey Jordan (https://www.drcaseyjordan.com) For additional information about Phyllis Cottle’s case, please visit our newly-launched website (www.carolcostellopresents.com), Carol’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/CarolLMU) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/carolcostello). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Recovering in her hospital room, Phyllis mines her memory for any details that might help apprehend her attacker. Detective Chris Contos develops theories about what kind of perpetrator the Akron Police Department is dealing with. Carol talks to criminologist Dr. Casey Jordan about the mindset of such a criminal, and discusses the question that’s on everyone’s mind: who would do this? EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Producer - Chris Aiola Audio Engineer - Sean Rule-Hoffman Contributor - Nijah Golliday Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder For additional information about Phyllis Cottle’s case, please visit our website (www.carolcostellopresents.com), Carol’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/CarolLMU) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/carolcostello). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Police, firefighters, and reporters descend on the smoldering crime scene. In an emergency room at Akron City Hospital, medical staff tend to Phyllis while detectives attempt to interview her. The biggest question of all isn't whether she'll lose her vision, but whether her memory superpowers will be enough to catch the bastard who did this to her. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Producer - Chris Aiola Audio Engineer - Sean Rule-Hoffman Contributor - Nijah Golliday Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder For additional information about Phyllis Cottle’s case, please visit our newly-launched website (www.carolcostellopresents.com), Carol’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/CarolLMU) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/carolcostello). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Ninety minutes after her abduction, Phyllis, bound and lying down on the back seat of her car, is brutalized and left for dead. Good samaritans rush to her rescue. And host Carol Costello recounts how, as a 22-year-old reporter at WAKR/TV23, word of something strange in East Akron began to spread through the newsroom. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Producer - Chris Aiola Audio Engineer - Sean Rule-Hoffman Contributor - Nijah Golliday Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder For additional information about Phyllis Cottle’s case, please visit our newly-launched website (www.carolcostellopresents.com), Carol’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/CarolLMU) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/carolcostello). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Phyllis’ nightmare has only just begun. Crumpled onto the floorboard of her Buick, she begins to mentally catalog every detail she can about her knife-wielding attacker as he drives toward an unknown destination where she endures horrible consequences. But a request from the assailant and an eye-catching object provide her with the ammo she needs to not only survive, but to “fry the bastard.” EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Producer - Chris Aiola Audio Engineer - Sean Rule-Hoffman Contributor - Nijah Golliday Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder For additional information about Phyllis Cottle’s case, please visit our newly-launched website (www.carolcostellopresents.com), Carol’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/CarolLMU) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/carolcostello). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

March 20, 1984 started out as a promising spring day for a single mom from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. It wouldn’t end that way. Phyllis Cottle is assaulted in broad daylight as she leaves work, forced into her car at knifepoint, and left wondering why no one came to her aid. We recommend you first listen to the Prologue. *2024 Update: Based on listener feedback, we've revised a portion of this episode. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Producer - Nijah Golliday Audio Engineer - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder The History of Mass Incarceration (https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/history-mass-incarceration) For additional information about Phyllis Cottle’s case, please visit our newly-launched website (www.carolcostellopresents.com), Carol’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/CarolLMU) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/carolcostello). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

Veteran journalist Carol Costello introduces the story of Phyllis Cottle, examining the case itself and its unimaginable cruelty, as well as the story of the victim who became a determined, heroic detective in the pursuit of justice. EPISODE CREDITS Host - Carol Costello Producer - Nijah Golliday Audio Engineer - Sean Rule-Hoffman Production Director - Brigid Coyne Executive Producer - Gerardo Orlando Original Music - Timothy Law Snyder For additional information about Phyllis Cottle’s case, please visit our newly-launched website (www.carolcostellopresents.com), Carol’s Facebook page (Facebook.com/CarolLMU) and Instagram page (www.instagram.com/carolcostello). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/

In 1984, Phyllis Cottle was tortured, then left to die in a burning car, yet she survived. For one reason: “To fry the son-of-a-bitch.” Detectives called Phyllis a “living homicide victim” because she could not identify her rapist, but Phyllis was no victim. Throughout her hours-long ordeal she never panicked, opting instead to channel a sort of controlled rage to, as she put it, “catch the bastard.” As a reporter and former CNN anchor, I (Carol Costello) covered every kind of vicious crime imaginable. Most stories I was able to leave at work. But not this one. Phyllis gets under your skin. She was one badass woman. You must know her name. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://carolcostellopresents.supportingcast.fm/