Michigan Monsters

When a young girl from a small town in the south fell in love with an international con-man and jewel thief, madness ensued. A gruesome discovery at a New York City train station in 1920 led to one of Michigan's most mysterious unsolved mysteries.Case: The Trunk Murder MysteryTheme Song: "Crowd Hammer" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 LicenseIntro/Outro Edits: Ben GoldmanRESOURCES:The Disappearance of Agnes Tufverson (The History Press)Missing or Murdered: The Disappearance of Agnes Tufverson (R. Barri Flowers) Daily News (8/16/1919), The Oregon Daily Journal (8/16/1919), The Oregon Daily Journal (8/20/1919), The Evening World (7/23/1920), The Washington Times (7/24/1920), The New York Times (7/24/1920), Lancaster Intelligencer (7/24/1920), Buffalo Morning Express (7/25/1920), Buffalo Courier (7/26/1920), New York Tribune (7/26/1920), The Selma Times Journal (7/27/1927), The Boston Globe (7/27/1920), The Birmingham News (7/27/1920), The Ogden Standard Examiner (7/29/1920), San Francisco Chronicle (7/29/1920), Ironwood Daily Globe (7/29/1920), The Hanford Sentinel (7/30/1920), The Cincinnati Enquirer (7/30/1920), The Post Crescent (7/30/1920), The Town Talk (7/31/1920), The Morning Call (9/10/1920), Detroit Free Press (12/22/1921), Detroit Free Press (12/23/1921), Sioux City Journal (2/15/1925), The Oklahoma News (6/29/1934), The Spokesman Review (8/26/1934)Support the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

Two girls were killed in the same small town following a night out dancing. Their bodies were found in the same park the day after Whit Monday. The prime suspect in each case was a man by the name of Thornton, who was later acquitted. The catch? These crimes occurred over 150 years apart. A quick look at the strange tale of the Erdington Murders. Case: The Erdintgon MurdersTheme Song: "Crowd Hammer" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 LicenseIntro/Outro Edits: Ben GoldmanRESOURCES:mysteriousuniverse.org (Brent Swancer 4/29/19)thelineup.comfindagrave.comWikipediaSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

It began with a sexual assault in the dead of night in 1998, and ended with a gruesome mid-day murder in 2007. Over the span of a decade, the women of Lansing lived in fear of a violent predator. More than a dozen women were attacked. Seven were murdered. Multiple men were suspected, arrested, and convicted of the crimes during the reign of a corrupt prosecuting attorney. Now, over ten years later, we reexamine this dark chapter in Lansing's history, and ask questions that may never be answered. Case: The Capital City KillerTheme Song: "Crowd Hammer" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 LicenseIntro/Outro Edits: Ben GoldmanRESOURCES:City Pulse: Todd Heywood (8/24/17) Lansing State Journal: Dan Poorman (10/11/78), Hugh Leach (4/7/80), Louise Knott (5/21/98, 9/10/99, 9/28/99), Christine MacDonald (9/14/99, 3/29/00, 7/20/00), Christine MacDonald and Dominika Proctor (9/16/99), Robert Snell (3/11/00), Kelly Hasset and Adam Emerson (7/22/03), Kelly Hassett (7/29/03), James McCurtis Jr. (12/22/04), T.M. Shultz (7/8/05), Kevin Grasha/Christine Rook/Derek Wallabank (8/30/07), Kevin Grasha and Christine Rook (9/6/07, 1/20/08), Kevin Grasha (3/2/10) Detroit Free Press: Jim Schaefer and Suzette Hackney (9/9/07), David Ashenfelter and L.L. Brasier (9/9/07) WILX: Adela Uchida (5/6/08)Support the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

New trailer, who dis? Season two begins February 11, 2020!Theme Song: "Crowd Hammer" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 LicenseMix by Ben Goldman, Afterlife RoadSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

Please listen to this brief announcement about the future of So Dead. Theme Song: "Crowd Hammer" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License Support the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

When 73 people were trampled to death during a Christmas party in 1913, a small mining town in Michigan's upper peninsula was left devastated. Was it a tragic accident, or something more sinister?Case: The Italian Hall DisasterSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

As the end of 2019 approaches, Jenn and Dani reflect on the stories that meant the most for them to be able to share.Support the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

A young family annihilator and a father in the throes of mental illness are responsible for two of the most tragic events to occur in the town of Muskegon, Michigan- both on Thanksgiving Day.Cases: The Privacky Family Murders, The Foundry Ladle MurdersSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

In honor of National Epilepsy Awareness month, the ladies spit some knowledge about the commonly misunderstood disorder, and Jenn shares her family’s personal journey while doing her best not to sob like a blubbering mess. Support the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

Happy Halloween, Deadheads! This week, Jenn and Dani share ghost stories sent in by listeners, including a haunted college and the legend of Stony Boy.Cases: Olivet College, Bailey House, Stony BoySupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

In the 1970s, Priggooris Park in Bath was a dangerous place, connected to the disappearances of three Mid-Michigan teenagers. Today, their spirits are said to haunt the park, along with something much more sinister.Cases: Martha Sue Young, Maureen Nichols & Stacie RostSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

Marshall, Michigan is a strange little town with a dark past. In this episode, we discuss some of the weirdness Marshall has to offer- including the magic museum with a tragic connection to Harry Houdini, and a vintage mail-bombing murder. Cases: Harry Houdini, Nola PuyearSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

When a family man is murdered in his own home, the investigation into his death uncovers a shocking secret that a troubled young couple has been hiding.Cases: Larry Koehler, Jeff KeblerSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

When a St. Clair Shores man accuses his mother of killing his father, it ignites a feud that results in one of the most shocking murders Michigan has seen. And based on a listener suggestion, we cover the case of Hastings mother Grace DeMott, who brutally murdered her two young daughters in the 1940s- or did she?Cases: Donna Scrivo, Grace DeMottSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

A beautiful young woman enjoying the 4th of July with her fiancee and a family man on his way to work in the early morning hours fall victim to random gun violence, with devastating results. Today's episode is an emotional one, so brace yourselves. Cases: Michelle Packard, Wayne DibeanSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

Baseball, false prophets, amusement parks, sex scandals, long hair, and liars. An up close and personal look at the strangest cult you've never heard of- The House of David.Support the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

When a young wife and mother is shot to death in her own home, there are two suspects- her police officer husband and her two year old son. And a robbery gone wrong becomes a fight to the death between a police officer turned carnival wrestler, and a World War II hero turned judo expert.Cases: Clayton Smith Jr., Anthony FartroSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

Traverse City is known for its picturesque beaches, rolling hills, and abundant supply of cherries. It was also once home to the Northern Michigan Asylum and a depraved criminal that hid in plain sight.Case: The River Mystery SlayerSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

When Selina Vercruysse was burned alive in what would become known as the "Mason Torch Murder," her husband of 20+ years claimed it was a horrible accident. But before she died, Selina told officials a very different story. Yolanda Perna was just 27 years old when she was gunned down in the Lansing apartment she shared with her husband and their two young children above the grocery store they owned and operated. Her husband insisted it was an accident- that his wife was shot by mistake- TWICE. Locals believed something else entirely. "The husband did it," that's usually true. It's the "why" that can sometimes be complicated. Cases: Mason Torch Murder, Jolly Superette MurderSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

An eerily accurate prediction, and a friendship that has transcended the spiritual world. In this episode, Dani and Jenn talk about the intensely personal experiences they've had with psychics, and the moments that turned them into believers.Support the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

Things get uncomfortable this week as the girls talk about one of the most gruesome murders in Mid-Michigan history and the horrifying urban legend that resulted from it.Case: Kip's Pizza Taco HouseSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

Dani and Jenn discuss two eerily similar cases in which young Michigan mothers disappeared, seemingly into thin air. Dawn Magyar was 20 years old when she disappeared from an Owosso shopping center in broad daylight in 1973. 40 years later, 25 year old Jessica Heeringa disappeared from a convenience store in Norton Shores. Both women left behind little boys that adored them. Both families waited years for answers- only to find themselves wholly unprepared for the horrific truth. Cases: Dawn Magyar, Jessica HeeringaSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

Irish Hills is an unusual region in Southeast Michigan, home to life-sized dinosaurs, abandoned old west towns, cursed lakes, and a monstrous serial killer that history has forgotten about. Case: Gary Addison TaylorSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

The tradition of the modern circus dates back 250 years, and has a history rife with tragedy. In this episode, Jenn and Dani discuss the time a dancing elephant went on a rampage in South Lansing, and a cursed traveling circus that left a trail of death and destruction across the midwest.Cases: Rajee the Dancing Elephant, Durand Circus Train Wreck, Hammond CIrcus Train Wreck Support the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

When the mother of a teenage criminal manipulates him and his young wife into forming a suicide pact, a horrific chain of events follows. Did Kathleen Holey get away with murder? And what became of the couple's innocent children? Case: The Holey FamilySupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

A crazy connection between an unsolved murder and an urban legend, close calls with serial killers, Velma the Theater Ghost, and more. Jenn and Dani collect stories from listeners about the cases they've covered on So Dead- personal connections, insights, etc.Deadhead Confidential is a bonus feature for Patreon subscribers, but the girls wanted to make this first episode available to all of their listeners. For future episodes of Deadhead Confidential, visit the So Dead Patreon page. Support the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

Before you head up to Mackinac this summer, there are some things you should know. The girls discuss murder, mayhem, witchcraft, and more.Cases: Frances Lacey, The Drowning PoolSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

What's your biggest fear? Jenn dissects her fear of flying, while Dani tells a story that combines two of her greatest fears.Cases: The Crash of Northwest Airlines Flight 255, The S.S. Noronic DisasterSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

Fathers are supposed to protect their families. But what happens when Dad is the most dangerous person in a child's life?Cases: The Skelton Boys, Gregory GreenSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

A gruesome beheading. A brutal double-murder. A diabolical serial killer. Jenn and Dani talk to true crime author Rod Sadler about the cases covered in his books.Cases: Martha Haney, Nealy Buchanan, Donald Gene MillerGuest: Rod SadlerSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

Teenage love is intense and often fleeting. But sometimes, it leads to obsession or even violence. In this episode, the girls talk about the killer in Jenn’s family and the time Dani’s mom nearly became a murder victim.Cases: The Jonas Brother Killer, The Ferris State KillerSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

An abandoned institution that’s rumored to be haunted and a militant school where wayward boys were trained to be Civil War soldiers. Dani and Jenn discuss the dark history of The Abigail and the Michigan State Reform School.Support the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

A young man disappeared from the Electric Forest Festival in 2018, never be heard from again. A single mother hasn't been seen since walking away from her Marshall, Michigan home following an argument with her fiancee in 2004. In this episode, Jenn and Dani discuss the missing persons cases of Kevin Graves and Mary Lands.Cases: Kevin Graves, Mary LandsSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

Jenn and Dani discuss how some of America's most infamous serial killers are connected to Michigan.Cases: Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy, Charles Manson, Jeffrey DahmerSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

Just ahead of their visit to the Toledo Yacht Club for the Midwest Parafest, the girls talk about the building's haunted history and chat with event organizer Chad Dye.Guest: Chad DyeSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

The Michigan Asylum for Insane Criminals in Ionia was part of Mid-Michigan’s landscape for over 90 years. During its reign, the institution treated thousands of patient. But its walls weren’t the strongest, and sometimes inmates disappeared. The results were often disastrous. In this episode, Dani and Jenn talk about two tragic cases in which escaped mental patients preyed on Mid-Michigan’s most vulnerable residents.Cases: Rona Rae Cypher, Stan Casey, Ionia AsylumSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

The girls discuss the worst loss of life disaster in Lansing's history, and tell stories about the haunted land where the tragedy took place.Case: Hotel Kerns DisasterSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

The loss of a child is every parent’s worst fear. But the events that unfolded after a tragic auto accident in 2006 plunged two families into an absolute nightmare. Join Jenn and Dani as they break down the facts of this shocking case. Case: Whitney Cerak and Laura VanRynSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

Did you know that the first woman ever convicted of murder in Michigan was actually innocent? Jenn and Dani discuss the maddening case of Mary Brooks and interview the curator of the haunted courthouse where her trial took place.Case: Mary BrooksGuest: Julie KimmerSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

True crime investigative journalist Billy Jensen talks to the girls about his new podcast, his new book, and what it takes to solve unsolvable crimes. (And maybe a little bit about Paul Holes and the My Favorite Murder ladies.)Update: As of July 2022, this episode has been removed from our feed.Guest: Billy Jensen Support the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

Dani shares her favorite local case featured on America’s Most Wanted, while Jenn talks about the time she almost helped catch a serial killer. Cases: The Zodiac Killer, Dean ParkerSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

Dani and Jenn deconstruct local urban legends and reveal the shocking truth behind some of Mid-Michigan’s most haunting tales.Cases: Seven Gables Road, Blood CemeterySupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

The hosts of Girlfriends Happy Hour Podcast join Jenn and Dani in the So Dead lair to bring attention to the unsolved murders of Mid-Michigan women. Cases: Sunmi Lee, Amanda Davies, Karen Oatley, Bernita White, Jeanette KirbyGuests: Monica Harris, Ashley Killips, Melanie McNamaraSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

Al Capone, Mickey Cohen, The Purple Gang. Join Dani and Jenn as they discuss some of the most infamous gangsters ever to terrorize Mid-Michigan.Support the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

Just ahead of their team-building trip to see My Favorite Murder live in Detroit, Jenn and Dani pay homage to the queens of true crime by discussing the best (or worst?) Michigan cases covered by MFM.Cases: The Jenny Jones Murder, Oakland County Child Killer, North Fox IslandSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

A love triangle turned Old West-style shootout in 1800s Ingham County. Dani and Jenn deconstruct the crime and discuss the Marble legacy with Carol Koenig, the current owner of the estate where the murders took place. Case: The Marble MurdersGuest: Carol KoenigSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

One community. Two horrific crimes. One last name. Jenn and Dani discuss the connection between two of Mid-Michigan’s most notorious criminals. Cases: Bath School Bombing, Murder of Rose LarnerSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

From the moment it opened its doors, Stimson Hospital in Eaton Rapids seemed to be cursed. Tragedies befell the patients and staff that were beyond comprehension. Now undergoing renovations to become a historic bed and breakfast, Old Stimson Hospital and its ghosts have found new life- and new people to torture. Join Dani and Jenn as they talk to owner Pam Sturgill about the goings on at Stimson, and plans for the building's future.Guest: Pam SturgillSupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

What could possibly be worse than being murdered by a member of your own family, someone you loved and trusted? How about being buried beside them for all eternity? Jenn and Dani vent about this horrific practice while discussing the cases of murderous family men.Cases: John List, William LonsberrySupport the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)

Who doesn’t love a good ghost story? Dani talks about the ghost that haunted her childhood home while Jenn shares stories about living in one of the most haunted private residences in Michigan.Support the show (http://patreon.com/sodeadpodcast)