Criminology

In 2002, 14-year-old Elizabeth Smart was abducted from her home near Salt Lake City, Utah. Elizabeth's younger sister was in the same room when a man came and took Elizabeth. Her captors kept her up in the mountains for much of the time she was held. All the while, her case received a lot of media attention and many people were searching for her. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the infamous abduction of Elizabeth Smart. She experienced unspeakable acts during the nine-month period of time that she was held. During that time, a number of police officers encountered Elizabeth and her captors Brian Mitchell and Wanda Barzee. But, Elizabeth was kept covered and was so fearful of her captors that she was unable to ask for help. After she was finally rescued, Elizabeth's inner strength was on full display as she stared down her abductor in court and detailed what he had done to her. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1986, 19-year-old Keith Warren was found hanging from a tree in Silver Spring, Maryland, and the police quickly ruled it a suicide. Keith's family didn't believe that he had taken his own life. They found the actions of the police suspicious. This included sending Keith's body to a funeral home and having him embalmed without giving the family any type of notice. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the mysterious death of Keith Warren. Keith's mother fought to uncover the truth for years before she passed away. Keith's sister, Sherri, has continued the fight to have investigators reopen Keith's case and change his death ruling to undetermined. Sherri joined us for an interview so you'll hear from her during the episode. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just after Christmas in 1993, Latricia White was found murdered and her boyfriend Dub Wackerhagen and his son Chance went missing. Police encountered a very bloody scene including what appeared to be a footprint in blood they believed belonged to Chance. But, they have very few clues with which to work. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the murder of Latricia White and the disappearance of Dub and Chance Wackerhagen. The police initially theorized that Dub killed Latricia and then abducted his son Chance to keep him away from his mother. They went as far as to put out an arrest warrant for Dub. But, over the years, the police changed their minds and started to believe that Dub and Chance were more likely victims. There are still a lot of unanswered questions in this case. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1979, 16-year-old Kim Bryant was abducted and murdered on her way home from school in Las Vegas, Nevada. She called her boyfriend to come to pick her up, but when he arrived Kim was gone. Several factors delayed the search for Kim. Someone found her backpack but didn't know she was missing. Her boyfriend didn't come forward for days. The police believed she was a runaway. They also had a lot on their plate as Las Vegas was experiencing a high number of unsolved murders. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the abduction and murder of Kim Bryant. The police had very few clues in Kim's case even after it was discovered that her backpack had been found. There were some eyewitnesses who saw some men in a vehicle talking to Kim. Years later, killer Ronnie Lee Fain became a suspect after he murdered Bobby Gene Thomas, who he said confessed to him that he murdered Kim. Recently, DNA from Kim's case was tied to a man named Johnny Blake Peterson. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Monique Figueroa's 2015 disappearance is shrouded in mystery. Her family has said that she battled drug addiction but was set to go to rehab. It also came out that Monique sold methamphetamine as well as using the drug. This put her in contact with some very dangerous people. This has led to a number of different theories about what happened to Monique. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the disappearance of Monique Figueroa. Most people doubt that Monique would have voluntarily left her 2-year-old daughter behind. Many have theorized that her involvement in the drug trade had something to do with her disappearance. There are some who believe a gang may have thought that Monique was about to inform on them as part of a plea bargain on a drug charge. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On August 29, 2014, the Friday before Labor Day, 23-year-old Christina Morris met up with some of her old friends from high school in Plano, Texas, for a night out. She never made it back to the residence that she shared with her boyfriend. Investigators looked at several suspects during their investigation. Christina's boyfriend was evasive when questioned. But, it was a person who Christina knew, Enrique Arochi, that police really began to suspect. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the disappearance and murder of Christina Morris. Enrique Arochi escorted Christina to her car the night she vanished. But, he told a number of different stories to police, friends, and co-workers. The police had to use text messages, video surveillance, and other pieces of evidence to finally figure who was responsible for what happened to Christina that night. You can support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lori Erica Ruff was a secretive person. She was very private and didn't open to people about her past. In 2010, after she took her own life, secrets were revealed and the truth about her past began to unravel. But, it didn't happen easily and it took the hard work of a number of people and a little bit of luck to learn the truth. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the mysterious Lori Erica Ruff. After her death, Lori's husband found a lockbox with papers inside that shed light on his wife's past. It took hard work on the part of investigators and some unique forensic genealogy for the truth to come out. Lori definitely was not who she portrayed herself to be, so who was she? And, why had she changed her identity and hid her past from those closest to her? You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1995, 29-year-old Mary Ann Holmes was murdered in her rented Thatcher, Arizona home. It was a very brutal murder that police believe was carried out in front of Mary's two young children. During their investigation, the police investigated a number of potential suspects, but one, in particular, is believed by many to be the killer. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the mysterious unsolved murder of Mary Ann Holmes. Her ex-husband was looked at as was the son of her landlord. In the beginning, he was very suspicious because he had knowledge of the fact that her back door wouldn't lock and this is how the police believe the killer gained entry. But, it's a man named Phillip Turley that many people believe is the most likely culprit. Will the authorities be able to put together enough evidence to charge him with the crime? You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Larry Sarvey, the general manager of the Atchison Daily Globe newspaper was murdered in 1989. Larry was shot in the head twice with a 12-gauge shotgun inside his Kansas home. But, police had very little to go on besides some screens on the home that had been cut in an apparent effort to gain entry. There was no sign of a struggle inside the house. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the mysterious murder of Larry Sarvey. Larry's love interest Sandi was the person who found Larry inside his home just on the other side of the front door. What emerged was a love triangle/square of sorts. Sandi was pregnant with Larry's child, and Sandi's ex-husband Lloyd was eventually linked to Larry's ex-wife. It didn't take police long to arrest Lloyd Heaver for the murder of Larry Sarvey. At Lloyd's trial, a possible hitman emerged but it wasn't Lloyd. The jury had their hands full trying to figure out who murdered Larry Sarvey. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 2014, the Broaddus family encountered a nightmare after buying what they thought was their dream home in Westfield New Jersey. It was a home that they never even moved into. Shortly after buying the home, a mysterious letter appeared in the mailbox. Its tone was extremely ominous and it was signed by someone calling themselves The Watcher. Join Mike and Morf for their Halloween episode where they discuss the spooky case of The Westfield Watcher. More letters followed and the terror grew with each letter. The family decided not to move in after a few of the letters mentioned their children in a threatening way. There are many theories on who The Watcher could be but so far that person has yet to be identified. Netflix bought the rights to the story and is set to make something on it soon. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

25-year-old Joan Webster vanished in 1981 in Massachusetts and was later found murdered. She was headed back to Harvard following the Thanksgiving break but never made it to her dorm. She was last seen outside of the airport trying to catch a cab in the company of a mysterious bearded man. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the disappearance and murder of Joan Webster. There are many twists and bizarre clues in Joan's case. It received quite a bit of coverage but has never been solved. Over the years many theories have been proposed involving CIA connections, conspiracy theories, and even a connection to the Zodiac killer. Joan's sister-in-law Eve Carson joined us for this episode to help shed light on the case. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Marc O'Leary was a serial rapist who committed his crimes in multiple states. His very specific M.O. included taking digital pictures of his victims which ultimately led to his downfall. It took some good police work and DNA to finally capture him. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the crimes committed by O'leary. But, this episode is about much more than just him. It's about his victims and one in particular named Marie who reported her assault in Washington. But, the police didn't believe her and said that her story didn't line up with the evidence. Feeling immense pressure, this woman recanted her story. Ultimately it was discovered that she was an early victim of Marc O'leary and that if police had taken her seriously they may have been able to stop a large number of sexual assaults from occurring. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In September 2015, Asha Kreimer disappeared in California. Her boyfriend, friends, and family had been worried about her in the days and weeks leading up to her disappearance. They said that Asha was acting strangely. She was definitely not herself. She was withdrawn and her behavior was described as strange and bizarre. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the disappearance of 26-year-old Asha Kreimer. Asha's strange behavior reportedly included statements that she had killed a neighbor but this neighbor was definitely alive. Asha was involuntarily committed before she disappeared but it appears that little was done for her. The mysteries, theories, and questions abound in Asha's case. What was she acting so strangely in the days before she disappeared? Was she suffering from some type of mental illness? And, did she voluntarily runoff, or was she taken against her will? You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before he was known as the "Golden State Killer", Joseph DeAngelo terrorized people all over the state of California. It was in Orange County that he was known as the Night Stalker. But while Joseph DeAngelo's reign of terror was winding down in the mid-1980's, another killer in the Los Angeles area was just getting started. He too would be given the name 'The Night Stalker.' Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the frightening and bizarre crimes of serial killer Richard Ramirez. The details of the crimes committed by Ramirez are brutal. Descriptions provided by survivors were eery right down to their description of his rotting teeth and horrible breath. It took some incredible police work to identify Ramirez and an angry mob to bring him down. Once images hit the newspapers and television, it was evident that Ramirez looked the part of a serial killer and he made sure to play that image to the hilt. But what drove Ramirez to kill? Events that unfolded during his younger years may have played a pivotal role in his murderous desires. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The death of Gabby Petito has captured the attention of the world. She disappeared while on a trip with her fiance/boyfriend Brian Laundrie. They were traveling the country in a van and documenting their travels for a YouTube channel. But, when Brian returned to Florida without Gabby, the mystery of what happened to Gabby Petito began to unfold. When Gabby's was found the case really began to heat up and has dominated the news cycle for some time now. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the death of Gabby Petito. So many people are following this case closely and new details are continuing to emerge. Brian's silence about the situation has caused many to question what role he played in Gabby's death or at the very least what he knows. Then, when Brian vanished, the speculation about him really ramped up. There are many questions in this case. Where is Brian Laundrie and what really happened to Gabby Petito? You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The case of the Murdaugh family has captivated the nation and has dominated the headlines. The Murdaugh family has been influential in the town of Hampton, South Carolina for over a century. But a series of scandals over recent years has swirled around the Murdaugh name. In 2019, 19-year-old Paul Murdaugh crashed a boat that ended the life of 19-year-old Mallory Beach. In June 2021, Paul and his mother Maggie were found dead. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss this fascinating case out of South Carolina. There are a lot of twists and turns involved. Alex Murdaugh, the father of Paul and husband of Maggie, has been accused of embezzlement and insurance fraud. He recently turned himself into place on the latter. But, because of the Murdaugh name and their clout, many people believe they've gotten away with more than other families would have. Rumors are still flying as to who may have killed Paul and Maggie and the reason for the murders. Are they connected with some of the other allegations that have been levied against their family members? You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

35-year-old Claudia Lawrence disappeared in England in 2009. She was scheduled to be at work at 6 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2009, but failed to show up. The investigation into her disappearance that resulted has been heavily scrutinized. One thing many people have pointed out over the years is the lack of seriousness that the police initially placed on Claudia's disappearance. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the mysterious disappearance of Claudia Lawrence. Theories abound in this case from the probable to the highly unlikely. Even with CCTV footage, fingerprints, and DNA evidence, the police have not yet been able to piece together what happened to Claudia. Some news outlets have even reported that the police have dragged Claudia's name through the mud because they don't approve of the way she lived her life. She deserves justice and her family deserves to know what happened to her and who is responsible. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 2010, Joseph and Summer McStay and their two young children vanished in California. The police had trouble figuring out exactly what happened to the family of four. Over the years, many theories were floated including that a grainy video showed the family fleeing to Mexico. Many theories revolved around Summer having something to do with Joseph's murder and then taking off with the children. But, when the bodies of the family were found years later, those theories were dispelled. In the end, the police pieced together that one of Joseph's business associates was involved. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the bizarre case of the McStay family murders. Joseph owned a business and there were a number of financial transactions that didn't quite add up. But, the police had an uphill battle. The McStay home had been cleaned up by family members. Eyewitnesses came forward to give a description that police followed up on for yes, only to find out later that it was based on lies. They worked through all of this until they were finally able to pin down one man, Chase Merritt, as the culprit responsible for murdering all four of the McStays. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

16-year-old Karlie Guse disappeared from her Chalfant, CA home in October 2018. She had just moved in with her father and stepmother a couple of months prior to her disappearance. Karlie's stepmother, Melissa Guse, claims that she woke up to find Karlie gone early on October 13th. But, she has told differing stories to different outlets leading many, including Karlie's mother, Lindsay, to suspect that there is more to the story. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the disappearance of Karlie Guse. It has been reported that Karlie was acting strangely the night before she disappeared. Three different eyewitnesses claim to have seen Karlie walking near a highway clutching a piece of paper in her hand on the morning she disappeared. The police conducted searches but the area is fairly remote and it's not known how far the searches extended. There are a lot of rumors surrounding this case and many people question whether those involved have told the truth, or at the very least, the full extent of what they know. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On February 10th, 1990, two men entered the Las Cruces Bowl, a family-run bowling alley, and held everyone inside the building at gunpoint. The two men stole some cash, shot all seven people inside the building, including young children, and then set the place on fire. 12-year-old Melissa Repass was able to call 911, even though she had been shot multiple times, and give the authorities vital information. Her courage was amazing in the face of the pain and fear she must have been experiencing during that time. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the tragic case of the Las Cruces bowling alley massacre. It's a tragic and horrifying case. The two perpetrators most likely hid potential evidence when they set the bowling alley on fire. People have had trouble developing a motive and the case has been unsolved for over 30 years. Motive is tough in this case because the killers didn't empty the safe of all of the money inside. Were they looking for something else or using robbery to mislead police as to the true reason for the murders? There are a lot of questions in this case and many theories that have been floating around for a long time. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're tackling two different cases in this episode. Both of them deal with men who perpetrated unspeakable violence against people who loved them. Both cases involve young survivors who lived through their attacks and were able to take the stand and testify against the men who tried to kill them and succeeded in killing their family members. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss two very emotional cases. The attacks carried out by Jermain Agee and Ronald O'Neal were vicious and despicable. But, the courage displayed by two of their victims, Alexis Taylor and Ronnie O'Neal, is awe-inspiring. Both of these young children lost members of their families to violence. They both were able to testify in court and help put away the man responsible for the crime. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On July 3, 2014, 15-year-old Megan Nichols disappeared from her Fairfield, Illinois home. Megan was dating an 18-year-old named Brodey Murbarger, and the relationship had caused a rift between Megan and her mother. There were a few cryptic clues left behind at the home, one was Megan's cell phone which had been completely wiped. Another was a note that Megan had written that contained very strange word choices and phrasing. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the disappearance and murder of Megan Nichols. Megan's body was more than four years after she disappeared. After she was discovered, the police quickly zeroed in on her boyfriend Brodey Murbarger, who, by that time, had moved on with his life. Brody has been arrested and charged with Megan's murder, but his case has taken quite some time to get through the courts. This is a case that we'll have to watch closely to see what comes out at trial and whether a jury finds Brodey guilty or not. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1960, three young people, Maila Bjorklund, Anja Tuulikki Maki, and Seppo Boisman were murdered in Finland while they were camping. A fourth person, Nils Gustafsson, who was with the group was injured but survived, and later became a suspect. This is one of Finland's most infamous unsolved murder cases. It rocked the country at the time it occurred and some people are still wary, to this day, about camping because of the stories that have been told over the years. Join Mike and Morf as they cover this infamous unsolved murder case out of Finland. A blond man was seen by a number of eyewitnesses walking away from the campsite. Some eyewitnesses were put under hypnosis. The police centered their suspicion on the lone survivor Nils Gustaffson. They took him to trial but he was ultimately acquitted. But Nils was not the only person around Lake Bodom to garner suspicion over the years. There were a number of people who have been linked as possible suspects to these horrific murders. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 2011, Florida teenager Tyler Hadley killed his parents and then held a massive party at his house. Many people, including Tyler, called it the party of a lifetime. What the other partygoers didn't know was that Tyler's parents, Blake and Mary-Jo Hadley, were dead inside their master bedroom at the time. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss this infamous story out of the state of Florida. Tyler had been on a downward spiral, and his mother was so concerned she'd had him involuntarily committed to a mental health facility. His parents thought he was in the process of turning things around, but they were wrong. Tyler had been planning to kill his parents for some time. And, he had told some friends of his plans, including the fact that he would end his life. What went so wrong to cause a teenager to murder the two people who loved him most in the world in cold blood? You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology. An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1973 two teachers were murdered, one in New York City, and the other in Indiana. While both murders were extremely brutal, they were covered very differently. A Catholic school teacher named Roseann Quinn was murdered in New York City. Her murder became the basis for the book, "Looking for Mr. Goodbar" and later a movie by the same name. 26-year-old Ann Kline was a mathematics professor who was murdered in Evansville, Indiana. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss these two cases. Roseann's murder received extensive coverage. But, the way she was portrayed, a Catholic school teacher by day and a bar-hopper by night, angered many. Ann's murder received much less coverage which, in some part, may have been because it occurred in Indiana rather than New York City. The result in each case was the same, a well-respected teacher was murdered and thousands of kids were robbed of their wisdom, guidance, and teaching. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On August 30th, 2019, the body of Autumn Lee Stone was found in Green Lake in Seattle, Washington. She was found by a man paddleboarding who thought at first that she was a turtle in the water. When the police pulled Autumn's body out of the water, they found her shoelaces tied together around her neck. Within just an hour of Autumn's body being found police said there was no foul play and told journalists that Autumn had taken her own life. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the mysterious death of Autumn Lee Stone. Did Autumn really take her own life or was she the victim of foul play? There are many questions that surround this case. Autumn allegedly told a friend that she was meeting her ex-boyfriend out at Green Lake. There were allegations that this man abused their 5-week-old child. Autumn's family does not believe she ended her life and thinks the police called it a suicide too quickly. Notes written by Autumn and mishandled evidence from the crime scene cloud this baffling case. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Manuel Gehring was a man who was not happy with his life. He had a hard time holding down a job. He wasn't happy that his marriage to his wife Teri had ended and that she had found and married another man. Manuel was also not happy with the custody and child support arrangement that he had with his wife. He wasn't happy that in June 2003, Father's Day fell on Teri's weekend with the kids. And, when Sarah and Philip disappeared over the Fourth of July holiday, Teri and the police feared the worst. Unfortunately, they were correct; Manuel Gehring had done the unthinkable. Join Mike and Morf as we discuss the case of Manuel Gehring, a man who took the lives of his two innocent children. When police finally found him after a cross-country trip, Manuel confessed to the murders. But, he could not remember or would not tell the police where he buried the bodies of his children. Teri never gave up hope, and, to her rescue, came an unlikely hero. A woman in Ohio worked diligently as an amateur detective, and along with her dog Rico, she helped find Sarah's and Philip's bodies and return them to their mother. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1958, 10-year-old Bobby Bizup went missing while at a Catholic summer camp in Boulder County, Colorado. It was assumed he had wandered off and searchers would find him quickly, but, that didn't happen. Parts of Bobby's remains were later found as were bits of his clothing. Some were found 3 miles up Mount Meeker. Bobby's skull was never found. Investigators determined that Bobby most likely died of exposure to the elements. But, there were conflicting reports about Bobby's activities leading up to his disappearance. There were also some strange sightings of Bobby reported in locations as far as 15 miles away from the camp. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the mysterious disappearance and death of Bobby Bizup. There have been revelations that have come out over the years that allege some of the men working at the camp at the time of Bobby's disappearance had molested campers. This had led to speculation that Bobby was either running away from something or someone and that he was perhaps killed because of something he saw. This case has heated up over the past year as a skull that may prove to be Bobby's was brought forth and given to police. DNA testing may soon reveal whether it is Bobby's skull or not. If it is, will it give the authorities the lead they need to finally determine what happened to Bobby Bizup? You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The town of Speedway, Indiana is known for racing with the Indianapolis Speedway being a huge attraction. But, in 1978, Speedway gained attention for a number of high-profile crimes. In September of that year, a serial bomber terrorized the area by detonating eight separate bombs. A month after the bombings, the murder of four young Burger Chef employees rocked the area. Known as the Burger Chef murders, Jayne Friedt, Daniel Davis, Mark Flemmonds, and Ruth Shelton were murder as they were closing up the restaurant. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss these crimes that occurred in Speedway in 1978. The police focused on a suspect in the Speedway bombings. But, the Burger Chef murders remain unsolved to this day. There are a slew of questions to be answered and just as many shady characters that have been linked in some way. Were drugs involved in the murders or was this a case of trying to scare someone into paying a debt that led to murder? You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Christy Crystal Creek was the name given to an unidentified female murder victim found near the town of Bonner in Missoula County, Missouri in 1985. She was named after the road near where she was found. Investigators had very little to work with in trying to identify her and went down a lot of avenues that turned out to be incorrect. A number of varying models and composites hindered the identification efforts. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the case of Christy Crystal Creek. It took investigators 36 years, and the help of advancements in DNA, to make the announcement that Christy Crystal Creek was actually Janet Lee Lucas. All efforts then switched to trying to identify Janet's murderer. Police had no idea why Janet was in Montana or even how she got there. But, one name kept popping up in the investigation, suspected serial killer Wayne Nance. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1966, Anita Taylor was murdered inside her home in Springfield, Ohio. Her husband came home from work to find her clinging to life and their infant son in his crib, alive, but with a broken leg. Anita was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. The investigation into Anita's murder began and a number of persons of interest were ruled. Join Mike and Morf as they dive into this baffling case. Anita's son, Aaron, who as a baby survived the attack that killed his mother, joins us for this episode and provides his insight into the case. Aaron has been searching for his mother's killer for many years. Over time, some revelations have come to light, and they have provided additional insight into possible motives for Anita's murder. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Serial killer Richard Cottingham earned the moniker of "The Torso Killer" for his crimes. To the outside world, Richard seemed like a professional and a family man. But, he was unfaithful to his wife and he had urges deep inside that eventually resulted in a number of murders. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss serial killer Richard Cottingham. He operated in his home state of New Jersey but also ventured into New York to select his victims. Papers began calling him "The Torso Killer" when two victims were found missing their heads and hands. Richard targeted sex workers and later said that violence was the only thing that aroused him. After he was caught, he began confessing to murders that he committed in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nick and Lisa Masee were living what appeared to those around them to be a great life in Vancouver, Canada. But, even though they brought in a substantial income, they were deeply in debt. In 1994, the two began acting strangely in ways that were noticeable to those around them. In August of that year, they disappeared and have never been heard from or located. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the mysterious disappearance of Nick and Lisa Masee. Some of the details of their actions before they disappeared are troubling. This is a case that many people have speculated on over the years. Those speculations run the gamut from the Masees being killed over a business deal to them running off and setting up new lives somewhere in the world. Hear the facts for yourself and try to answer the burning question: What happened to Nick and Lisa Masee? You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Baby Hope was the name given to a four-year-old little girl found dead in a cooler near the Henry Hudson Parkway. Baby Hope's body was found by construction workers in Manhattan, New York, in 1991. Authorities found witnesses but were unable to figure out who Baby Hope was or what exactly had happened to her. It wasn't until 2013 that police caught a break in the case and the pieces started to fall into place. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the case of Baby Hope. Police learned that her real name was Anjelica Castillo. As they unraveled the mystery of her identity, they also zeroed in a suspect in her murder. It turned out that Baby Hope was victimized by relatives, the very people that should be there to help keep a little girl like Anjelica safe. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 2019, Canadian teenagers Bryer Schmegelsky and Kam McLeod embarked on a deadly crime spree. They told their families that they were headed to the Yukon territory to look for work. But, after stopping to buy a semi-automatic rifle, they started their killing spree. Their victims were selected at random and included a young couple whose van broke down on a road trip to Alaska and a botany professor and husband in his sixties. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss these two Canadian killers. It later surfaced that they had been thinking about murder. At first, the authorities believed they were in danger. But, as more information surfaced, it became clear that they were the killers and one of the largest manhunts in Canadian history began. Authorities were shocked when they finally caught up with the teenagers. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1987, the small town of Ina, Illinois was rocked by the senseless and brutal murders of the Dardeen family. When 29-year-old Keith Dardeen failed to show up for work, his parents called the police. The police made a shocking discovery at the Dardeen home. Keith's wife Elaine, who was seven months pregnant, and their 3-year-old son Peter were found bludgeoned to death. Elaine delivered a baby girl during the attack and police found the infant deceased as well. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss this infamous case out of the Midwest. Keith was nowhere to be found and he was initially thought of as a suspect in the murders by police. That thought disappeared, however, when Keith's body was found in a field not far from the home. He had been shot in the head and his genitals had been mutilated. Police scrambled to try to figure out who could have committed these heinous murders. One serial killer took credit but police don't believe he had anything to do with the case. But who did? You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Nevada, Interstate 80 runs through stretches of desert. The desert can be a very unforgiving place with temperature swings and dangers that await those who venture through it. There have been a large number of unexplained disappearances and deaths along a certain stretch of I-80. Pumpernickel Valley's Exit 205 is extremely interesting because it leads to nowhere. But, there have been some very mysterious disappearances that appear to have occurred at this exit. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss a number of mysterious deaths and disappearances. The details of these cases are as fascinating as they are mysterious. In many of them no body was ever found, although one was ruled a suicide. Did these cases involve a predator along I-80 or even multiple predators, or, were these cases where individuals ventured into the desert, got disoriented, and succumbed to the elements. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1976, residents of Circleville, Ohio began receiving obscene and threatening letters that contained details and rumors regarding some of the residents in town. For residents of Circleville, it wasn't a serial killer that shattered their sense of safety and neighborly closeness. It was a serial writer - a writer who by the time he or she was done, had sent over 1000 letters targeting many of Circleville's residents, but seemingly targeting one resident more than the rest. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the mysterious and fascinating case of the Circleville writer. One man, Paul Freshour, was convicted of attempted murder and sent off to prison. It was thought that he was the Circleville writer, and handwriting analysis of some of the letters seemed to back that up. But, people continued receiving letters after Paul went to prison, something that the warden insists was impossible. Who was the original writer of the letters and just how many writers were there. One man died under mysterious circumstances. And, a woman who seemingly was the focus of early letters was seen as a target. How much misdirection was there in this case and did one or more persons conspire to frame Paul Freshour. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

High school senior Holly Branagan was murdered inside her Bethlehem, Pennsylvania home on March 28, 1979. She was brutally stabbed to death in a horrific manner, but, her murder case was overshadowed by the partial meltdown that same day at Three Mile Island. The police pieced together the timeline of Holly's murder through phone calls that she made that day. But, they have been unable to catch her killer. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the brutal murder of Holly Branagan. The police believe that Holly's killer used her home as an advantage. The two-story home had a strange layout and it was very secluded and sat away from the road. There were no signs of a sexual assault and this teenager didn't have to seem to have any enemies, so, developing a motive has been difficult. The one thing that seemed to be true is that, from the manner of the stab wounds, this murder appeared to be very personal. But, the question still remains over 40 years later, who killed Holly Branagan? You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 2018, an unidentified hiker, which many began called Mostly Harmless, was found in Florida and what followed was a search for his identity. It was discovered that the hiker had been traveling the Appalachian Trail. People began to come forward with information about their encounters with Mostly Harmless after the story took hold on social media and people around the world started working on the mystery. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the mysterious case of the man known to many as Mostly Harmless. It took a lot of work by law enforcement, journalists, and amateur online detectives to help solve the question of the man's identity. It was announced in early 2021 that Mostly Harmless was a man named Vance Rodriguez. But, that wasn't the end of the story. Vance led an interesting life and the stories that emerged didn't always line up with the man that many hikers had met on their journeys. Also, many questions remain including exactly what happened to Vance Rodriguez on his long hike that ended with his death? You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1982, 29-year-old Barbara Jo Oberholtzer and 21-year-old Annette Kay Schnee were both last seen in the town of Breckinridge, Colorado. Both were found murdered and their cases were linked by a pair of orange socks. A matching orange sock was found on or near each of the murdered women's bodies. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss these tragic murders out of Colorado. Investigators were stumped for years as to the murderer's identity. It took advancements in the area of forensic genetic genealogy to match DNA to a suspect. Alan Lee Phillips was arrested earlier this year and has been charged with both murders. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Between 2005 and 2009, 8 women were found murdered in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana. There were eight women from Jennings, Louisiana who were murdered in those four years and they are referred to collectively as "The Jennings 8" or "The Jeff Davis 8." 14 agencies from the federal level down to the local level worked together to hunt a serial killer operating in Jefferson Davis Parish. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss this infamous unsolved series. Many thought that a serial killer was operating in Jennings and was responsible for these murders. But, as details began to emerge, it came to light that there were many connections between the victims and a number of persons of interest. Reports of corruption and malfeasance began to surface within the law enforcement of Jefferson Davis Parish. This has led many to speculate what involvement if any, the police played in the deaths of these 8 women. There remains a lot of unanswered questions in this series of murders. Did these women all know something that was so damning that someone felt they had to be silenced? And if so, who was it? You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Tiede family spent quality family time each year at their cabin in Oakley, Utah. Rolf and Kay Tiede had two daughters, Linae and Tricia, and a son named Shaun. In December 1990, The Tiede family went to their cabin and were joined by Kaye's mother, Beth Potts, and a number of other family members. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the Tiede family murders. Their 1990 Christmas at the cabin was interrupted by two men intent on murder. 26-year-old Von Taylor and 23-year-old Edward Deli had both been recently paroled and were living in the same halfway house. They both decided to flee and eventually ended up in the Tiede's cabin, waiting for the family to come back. You can support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On January 21, 1998, 12-year-old Stephanie Crowe was found dead in her bedroom. She had been fatally stabbed multiple times while her family slept. Multiple people would eventually be charged with her murder, including members of Stephanie's own family. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the mysterious murder of Stephanie Crowe. Police initially suspected Stephanie's brother and some of his friends. The tactics used by investigators against these young boys were ruthless and caused them to say what they had to after hours of food and sleep deprivation. They should have been looking at a 28-year-old man named Richard Tuite who was in the Crowe neighborhood that night. Blood evidence would later send Tuite to trial for Stephanie's murder. But, could prosecutors make a case against Richard Tuite stick? You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Thanksgiving holiday in 2018 should have been a joyous time for 29-year-old mother, Kelsey Berreth. She was engaged to be married and had a little girl with her fiance Patrick Frazee. But, Kelsey went missing and the police began to suspect that Patrick was somehow involved. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the disappearance and murder of Kelsey Berreth. The details that emerged were so salacious that some seem almost made up. Patrick had reunited with an old flamed named Krystal Kenney. She was a nurse from Idaho who had an on-and-off relationship with Patrick for years. Prior to that fateful Thanksgiving, Patrick had been telling anyone that would listen that Kelsey was unstable. But, it's the fact that he was able to manipulate Krystal into helping him with his murderous plans that shocked everyone. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In August 1976, two bodies, one male and one female, were found off the side of the road east of Sumter, South Carolina. Neither of the bodies had any identification with them. Police determined that both individuals had been shot to death. They had very little evidence to use to solve the two most crucial questions in this case. Who were the two victims, and who was responsible for their murders? Join Mike and Morf as they discuss these two individuals who became known collectively as the Sumter County Does, and individually as Jock and Jane Doe. Police tried everything they could to identify the pair, including publishing dental charts in the hopes their dentists may recognize the information. It took more than 40 years before genetic genealogy determined the pair as James Freund and Pamela Buckley. But, would the police be able to find their killer or killers now that they knew their identities? You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

31-year-old Blair Adam's death in July of 1996 is as mysterious as a case can get. It has baffled investigators and fueled speculation by online sleuths for years. Much of this has to do with Blair's erratic behavior during the time before his death. He had mentioned to a number of people that he was afraid of something or someone. His movements from his home in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada to Knoxville, Tennessee, where his body was found, are perplexing. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the case of the mysterious death of Blair Adams. He tried several times, unsuccessfully, to cross the border into the U.S. He purchased an expensive ticket to Germany that he never used. Instead, he took his money and valuables and flew to Washington D.C. From there, he made his way to Knoxville, TN where his body was found by a construction crew. So many years later, the same nagging questions remain. Why did Blair Adams take the actions he did that led him to Knoxville? And, was he murdered by someone that had followed him or was he killed by someone he met in Knoxville? Or, was he a victim of some type of accident that led to his death? You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Samuel Little may very well be the most prolific serial killer in the history of the United States. His murder claims have reached triple digits, but, unlike a lot of serial killers, the FBI has been able to substantiate a large number of claims. He selected his victims carefully, preying on women who he believed didn't have many people in their lives who would come looking for them. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the infamous serial killer Samuel Little. He traveled all over the country and used a number of aliases while committing his murders. But, Little spent a lot of time incarcerated for various crimes. Unfortunately, the sentences were light and each time he was let out early to commit more crimes. You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Valentine's day, Feb 14, 2000, 9-year-old Asha Degree vanished. The circumstances around her disappearance are extremely mysterious. It seemed as though this little girl walked away from her North Carolina home in the dark in the early morning hours, never to come home. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the disappearance of Asha Degree. Police found no signs of forced entry at the home or any indications that she had been taken. Two different people came forward and said they saw her walking by herself in the early morning hours. Over the past 21 years, the police have found a few clues related to her disappearance. But they've never had enough to put the entire story together, and no arrests have ever been made. You can support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Dec. 6, 2014, in Courland, MS, a horrible murder occurred. First responders were called out to a scene that they thought was just a car fire. But, then they found 19-year-old Jessica Chambers who had severe burns on over 90% of her body. Emergency personnel tried to get information from Jessica on what happened to her but she could barely speak and she died later at the hospital. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the tragic murder of Jessica Chambers. Investigators struggled to piece together what happened to Jessica and who was involved. A lot of rumors swirled around Courtland and the surrounding towns. Police centered their attention on a man named Quinton Tellis, who was with Jessica that day. They have tried him twice, but, both juries failed to reach a verdict. Tellis has also been charged with the murder of Mandy Hsiao in Louisiana. That trial has yet to occur and it remains to be seen whether Mississippi will try him a third time. You can support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices