Crimes of Passion

Volatile and brash, John Wojtowicz lusted after a vibrant transgender woman named Liz Eden in the 1970s. They had a passionate relationship, but it soured — leaving Liz doomed to a hospital’s mistreatment, and John with an outrageous plan to get her out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Years of emotional abuse, combined with an addictive prescription from Dr. Herman Tarnower, led Jean Harris to become severely depressed. She decided to take her life in March 1980 — but not before seeing Herman one last time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the 1960s, Jean Harris and Dr. Herman Tarnower developed an unconventional open relationship. He strung her along as a romantic afterthought for years, while prescribing her methamphetamines — leaving her hopelessly devoted, dependent, and ultimately, doomed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the third and final part of this series, we’ll look at three more infamous romances between prisoners and civilians. And how some of them seemed to work… but only for a while. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part 2 of this series, we’ll look at three couples who risked everything to take their relationships to the next level… even if it meant facing jail time for them both. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Even the most sadistic killers have found love — or some distortion of it — in prison. Over the next three weeks, unravel the complicated dynamics that set these romances apart, and the high-profile cases of love gone right… and wrong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the morning of July 18, 1989, Bardo knocked on the door of Rebecca Schaeffer’s Hollywood home — not as a misguided fan, but a serial harasser. Their tragic encounter would change stalking laws throughout the U.S. for decades to come. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1989, after years of obsessing over actress Rebecca Schaeffer, 19-year-old Robert John Bardo boarded a bus and headed for West Hollywood. It wasn’t his first attempt at reaching through to the young star — but it would be his last. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Luring their friend deeper into Pennsylvania woods, Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf prepared to carry out their sinister plot. But only one of them was prepared for the aftermath of Skylar Neese’s disappearance. In January 2013, Rachel was finally ready to reveal the full depths of the trio’s dysfunction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In West Virginia, a once-inseparable trio of teenage girls became toxic after two of them struck up a secret romantic relationship. Fearing their friend would expose them, 16-year-olds Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf plotted to keep Skylar Neese silent for good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1838, an impoverished fourteen-year-old boy became obsessed with England’s young monarch, Queen Victoria. Edward Jones broke into Buckingham Palace repeatedly, hoping to get close to her. But with every trespassing, the Crown grew more desperate to stop him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On November 8, 2010, three armed men broke into the Pan family home. Bich Pan was shot and killed instantly, but her husband survived his gunshot wounds. Their 24-year-old daughter Jennifer had masterminded it all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hann and Bich Pan worked to give their daughter, Jennifer, every opportunity they never had. But when she failed to meet their high expectations, she turned to a life of deception, keeping her failing grades and forbidden romance a secret to all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The truth of his wife’s affair and son’s parentage uncovered, Eadweard shot off to Calistoga, California with murderous intent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the late 19th century, a conman came between frontier photographer Eadweard Muybridge and his young wife, Flora Downs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re bringing you a special two-part episode from another Spotify Original from Parcast. If you enjoy it, check out Solved Murders, free and only on Spotify. It became one of the most sensationalized cases of the late 19th century: The young wife of a playboy medical student died not long after a botched abortion. But it wasn’t the dangerous procedure that killed her. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we’re bringing you a special two-part episode from another Spotify Original from Parcast. If you enjoy it, check out Solved Murders, free and only on Spotify. It became one of the most sensationalized cases of the late 19th century: The young wife of a playboy medical student died not long after a botched abortion. But it wasn’t the dangerous procedure that killed her. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeannie Butkowski tried to break things off with Pernell in December 1988, but the ex-football player refused to let her go. Then, she disappeared. Police treated her as a runaway, not a victim — until a hunter’s hound confirmed the worst. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unable to kick his steroid addiction, college football star Pernell Jefferson sabotaged his chance to turn pro. He took up stalking, kidnapping, and assaulting women he was dating. And in 1988, he directed his focus on Jeannie Butkowski. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Susan Powell disappeared in December 2009 after telling her husband Josh she wanted a divorce. As authorities closed in on the truth of her disappearance, tragedy struck the Powell family once again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Susan Powell jumped into marriage quickly with her boyfriend Josh in 2000, missing numerous red flags that would soon threaten their relationship. By the time she realized her mistake, the wheels of a terrifying, real-life murder mystery were already in motion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Violence erupted in the Lannert home on July 4, 1990, leaving 44-year-old Tom Lannert dead. Local police launched an investigation, but the subsequent trial left a traumatized Stacey unable to explain her actions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1990, after a decade of abuse at her father’s hands—and a devastating incident involving her younger sister—18-year-old Stacey Lannert reached a tipping point. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a Harvard student struggling with social isolation and undiagnosed depression, Sinedu Tadesse committed one of the most violent crimes in the university’s history. In the aftermath, two families grieved as Harvard came under fire for its role in the tragedy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re looking at unrepentant criminals. Why do some criminals lack empathy over their actions? Clips featured: Crimes of Passion: Tyler Hadley Pt. 2, Female Criminals: “Lesbian Vampire Killer” Tracey Wiggington, Villains: Richard Kuklinski Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Along with her roommate Trang Ho, Sinedu Tadesse was a U.S. immigrant attending Harvard University on full scholarship. The two women seemed like they had everything going for them. But in 1995, on the day after final exams ended, they both were found dead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing cases of parent-child co-conspirators. What makes a parent recruit their own child into a life of crime? Clips featured: Espionage: Jim Nicholson Pt. 2, Con Artists: Sante Kimes Pt. 2, Female Criminals: “Torture Mother” Gertrude Baniszewski Pt. 1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1982, Sharon Nelson's brazen sexuality scandalized her tiny Colorado community. But soon, she wasn't just driving the local men wild—she was driving them to kill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing cases of unholy matrimony. We’ll dive into some examples of scandalous affairs and murderous marriages in true crime history. Clips featured: Unsolved Murders: Amy Robsart Pt. 1, Cults: “The Source Family” Pt. 1, Crimes of Passion: Lorena Bobbit Pt. 1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

She grew up desperate for love, but after several failed attempts at long-term relationships, Sharon Nelson settled for security instead. By the fall of 1982, she wanted what she thought she was due, and didn't care who got hurt in the process. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing prison escapes. How common are prison escapes, and what methods of escape are the most successful? Clips featured: Gone: The Alcatraz Escape, Serial Killers: Ted Bundy Pt. 2, Crimes of Passion: Bonnie and Clyde Pt. 1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The twisted obsessions of Nathan Matthews culminated in a violent attack on his stepsister, Becky Watts. In the aftermath of the crime, police were thrust into a tangled web of chaotic relationships… And when the truth finally came out, it chilled the people of Bristol to the bone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing cases of mass panic. What allows fear to spread so quickly amongst groups of people? Clips featured: Female Criminals: Salem Witch Trials Pt. 2, Serial Killers: Servant Girl Annihilator Pt. 2, Dark Side Of: Holidays: Deadly Non-Emergency Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bristol residents Nathan Matthews and Shauna Hoare met in 2008 when he was 21 and she was just 14. The pedophilic relationship continued for years. As Nathan's dark perversions grew, his stepsister Becky, then 16 years old, became his next target. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re diving into cases that ended with the death penalty, and exploring the ongoing debate around it. Is the death penalty cruel and unusual punishment, or a constitutional deterrent to the most violent crimes? Clips featured: Today in True Crime: The Eichmann Verdict, Serial Killers: John Wayne Gacy Pt. 2, Female Criminals: Mary Surratt Pt. 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1906, Harry Thaw took his revenge on Stanford White for the rape of Evelyn Nesbit. The incident was the first-ever scandal to be termed “the crime of the century.” Afterward, Harry faced lifelong consequences for his actions, while Evelyn struggled to put her ruined modeling career back together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing cases of drug use and drug dealers. What kind of psychological motivators are present in someone who is using or selling drugs? Clips featured: Kingpins: Rayful Edmond Pt. 1, Unsolved Murders: Sonny Liston Pt. 1, Sports Criminals: Lance Armstrong Pt. 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sixteen-year-old model and actress Evelyn Nesbit took New York by storm in the early twentieth century. Her celebrity led to relationships with architect Stanford White and railroad heir Harry Thaw, who competed for her affection, and formed a love triangle which turned deadly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re looking at commentary from people who surrounded killers and criminals. Many times, serial killers are able to shield themselves from detection. Friends, neighbors, and coworkers might not have any idea that they’re in the midst of a monster. How does this happen? We’ll take a closer look using clips from shows across the Parcast Network. Clips featured: Serial Killers: Ted Bundy Pt. 1, Female Criminals: Brenda Spencer Pt. 1, Con Artists: Stephen Glass Pt. 1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After Marvin Gaye was murdered by his father in 1984, his family was torn apart. As Marvin Sr. found himself embroiled in a high-profile legal battle, the rest of the family struggled to grieve and untangle the singer’s complicated legacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing cases of post-traumatic stress disorder. What horrific events led to this diagnosis in victims, and what can be done to relieve symptoms? We’ll take a closer look using clips from shows across the Parcast Network. Clips featured: Female Criminals: Treva Throneberry, Serial Killers: Amelia Dyer, Hostage: James Riley Pt. 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marvin Gaye was one of the most famous singers in American history, but not everyone was enamored with him—specifically his father, Marvin Gay Sr. Eventually, their contentious relationship hit a boiling point... and in 1984, Marvin Junior paid for it with his life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing accomplices of criminals. What leads someone to assist another person in a crime? Even if they don’t pull the trigger, are they still guilty? We’ll take a closer look using clips from shows across the Parcast Network. Clips featured: Con Artists: Jeanne De La Motte Pt. 1, Hostage: John Wojtowicz Pt. 1, Serial Killers: Carol M Bundy Pt. 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In January 1993, increasingly anxious over being found out, Romand went on a killing spree that left five people dead. Imprisoned for his crimes, with all his secrets unraveled, Romand turned to religion—though some fear it was yet another screen for him to hide behind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing criminal warning signs in childhood. What acts did criminals perform in their childhood that may have pointed to their future murders in adulthood? We’ll take a closer look using clips from shows across the Parcast Network. Clips featured: Serial Killers: The Candyman Pt. 1, Crimes of Passion: Larry Swartz Pt. 1, Villains: Richard Kuklinski Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, he convinced everyone in his life that he was an accomplished doctor and savvy investor. In reality, Jean-Claude Romand was a chronically unemployed swindler living a secret double life. And eventually, his lies caught up with him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing cases of killers poisoning their victims. What motivates someone to use poison? We’ll take a closer look using clips from shows across the Parcast Network. Clips featured: Female Criminals: Marjorie Congdon Pt. 1, Medical Mysteries: President Harding Dies, Today in True Crime: Poisoned Umbrella Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Sarah Pender and Richard Hull killed their roommates in the fall of 2000, police initially arrested Richard and released Sarah after her cooperation. But as time went on, authorities started to suspect that Sarah was not as innocent as she seemed… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In addition to new episodes of Crimes of Passion each week, you’ll now also hear Crime Bites every Friday. Each Crime Bites episode gives you a deeper, yet brief look into true-crime topics covered at Parcast. Today we’re discussing cases of criminality inspired by economic misfortune. What happens when a person who has fallen on hard times turns to a life of crime? We’ll take a closer look using clips from shows across the Parcast Network. Clips featured: Crimes of Passion: Bonnie and Clyde Pt. 1, Con Artists: Anna Anderson Pt. 1, Espionage: George Troflimoff Pt. 1 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

They were a hard-partying couple who frequently experimented with drugs. In the year 2000, Pender and Hull moved in with two escaped prison inmates, Tricia Nordman and Andrew Cataldi. The situation quickly unravelled, leading to horrific violence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices