Murder, She Told
Maine and New England True Crime
Kristen Seavey | Daylight Media · Kristen Seavey
Show overview
Murder, She Told has been publishing since 2020, and across the 6 years since has built a catalogue of 186 episodes, alongside 1 trailer or bonus episode. That works out to roughly 140 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence.
Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 38 min and 57 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. It is catalogued as a EN-language True Crime show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 2 days ago, with 12 episodes already out so far this year. Published by Kristen Seavey.
From the publisher
Maine and New England true crime with original interviews and detailed documentary style storytelling. Murder, She Told is an award winning, true crime podcast shedding light on the cold cases, missing persons, and crime stories that often get overlooked of Maine, New England, and small towns from away. Murder, She Told uses detailed storytelling with an investigative twist, and weaves in original interviews with friends, family, and investigators close to the case. Rooted in deep research, straightforward narratives, and the victims and their family at the center of every story, Murder, She Told will speak to any listener no matter where they call home. Murder, She Told is created and hosted by native Mainer and victim's advocate, Kristen Seavey. Connect at murdershetold.com and on instagram @MurderSheToldPodcast.
Latest Episodes
View all 186 episodesUPDATE: Arrest Made for the Murder of Alice Hawkes
The Unsolved Murder of Shana Renee Price
The Disappearance of Christopher Bird, Part Two
The Disappearance of Christopher Bird, Part One
Listen to My Victorian Nightmare: The Meeks Family Murders
The Murder of Deborah Lynne Bates
1993. Chelmsford, Massachusetts. 23-year-old Deborah Lynne Bates, known as Debbie, was trying to start over after leaving her abusive ex, George, with whom she shared a child. She wasn't perfect, but she was determined to build a better life. One February night in 1993, seven months pregnant, Debbie stepped out of her apartment for a pack of cigarettes and vanished. She never came home. Police treated her disappearance as routine, but her family knew she would never abandon her young son. The case lay practically dormant until 2004, when a gruesome discovery that was meant to stay buried turned up on the side of the hideaway—raising questions no one was ready to answer. If you have any information on what happened to Deborah Bates, please contact the Massachusetts State Police at the Middlesex District Attorney's office at 781-897-6600. Episode sources and photos: https://www.murdershetold.com/episodes/deborah-bates Support the show: https://www.murdershetold.com/support Instagram: @murdershetoldpodcast TikTok: @murdershetold Facebook: /mstpodcast Website: murdershetold.com ---- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Landscape Shifts: The Future of Investigative Genetic Genealogy
Back in November 2024, I spoke with investigative genetic genealogist Cairenn Binder of Ramapo College about the basics of investigative genetic genealogy and how it helps solve cold cases and restore the names of unidentified people. Now, in an interview with Laurah Norton of The Fall Line, Cairenn returns to discuss a recent development that has shaken the field. Changes to the terms of service at Ancestry affecting access to historical records and family trees could have major implications for investigators working to identify John and Jane Does and generate leads in homicide cases. Many genealogists fear the policy shift could impact both current investigations and cases still waiting to be solved. Cairenn helps break down the key updates—and what they could mean moving forward. Sources for The Fall Line: https://www.thefalllinepodcast.com/sources Mentioned in the episode: NYT article Read Laurah's book, Lay Them to Rest Revisit "Cracking Cold Cases Using Investigative Genetic Genealogy" originally published 11/5/2024: https://murdershetold.com/episodes/investigative-genetic-genealogy Support the show: https://www.murdershetold.com/support Instagram: @murdershetoldpodcast TikTok: @murdershetold Facebook: /mstpodcast Website: murdershetold.com ----- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Murder of Judy Lord: Cold Case Solved
1975 - Concord, New Hampshire. In May 1975, a rent collector knocked on the door of 22-year-old Judith Lord’s apartment. There was no answer—only the sound of her baby crying. When he went inside, he found Judy dead in her upstairs bedroom. From the beginning, police had suspects. The case moved quickly. An arrest felt imminent. But then, a single scientific conclusion shifted the trajectory of the investigation. What should have been a straight path to justice became a decades-long detour. This is a story about a young mother, a community shaken, and a murder investigation steered off course by flawed forensics—a mistake that cost years, and a resolution that came far too late. Episode sources and photos: https://www.murdershetold.com/episodes/judy-lord Support the show: https://www.murdershetold.com/support Instagram: @murdershetoldpodcast TikTok: @murdershetold Facebook: /mstpodcast Website: murdershetold.com ---- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dark History: The Case of Margaret "Peggy" Mortimer
1937 - Mexico, Missouri On the eve of Thanksgiving in 1937, 46-year-old Margaret Mortimer, who went by Peggy, was just steps from her front door when she was attacked and killed by an unknown assailant. Investigators found few clues and no obvious suspects, despite a city-wide manhunt. And as early leads faded, local police turned to Ira Cooper, the St. Louis Police Department’s first Black lieutenant, hoping his sterling reputation could bring answers to a case already slipping away. The murder shocked the industrial town of Mexico, Missouri. Peggy was well known and widely liked, with no clear enemies. But on that cold November night, someone was waiting—and the question remains: who? Episode sources and photos: https://www.murdershetold.com/episodes/margaret-peggy-mortimer Support the show: https://www.murdershetold.com/support Instagram: @murdershetoldpodcast TikTok: @murdershetold Facebook: /mstpodcast Website: murdershetold.com ---- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Justice for Nancy Williams
1981 - Winchendon, Massachusetts. On January 30, 1981, 19-year-old Nancy Williams picked up a last-minute shift at the Cumberland Farms in Winchendon, Massachusetts. Just two hours before closing, an unknown assailant entered the store, robbed it, and brutally stabbed Nancy, leaving her for dead behind the counter. The crime stunned locals, who struggled to believe something so violent could happen in their quiet town. Even more unsettling was the thought that the person responsible may have simply blended back into the community—never identified, never held accountable. Now, 45 years later, Nancy’s case is being revived in the hope that renewed attention, advances in forensic technology, and fresh tips can finally bring justice for Nancy. Cumberland Farms is now offering a $25K reward for information that leads to the conviction in Nancy’s case. If you have info that can help, please contact the Massachusetts State Police Unresolved Case Unit at 1-855-MA-SOLVE (1-855-627-6583) or email [email protected]. Episode sources and photos: https://murdershetold.com/episodes/nancy-williams Support the show: https://www.murdershetold.com/support Instagram: @murdershetoldpodcast TikTok: @murdershetold Facebook: /mstpodcast Website: murdershetold.com ---- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Brutal Murder of Emil Martens
1963 - Wytopitlock, Maine. In April of 1963, a violent discovery was made inside a tiny, one-room cabin in the woods off Route 2A in Aroostook County. 68-year-old Emil Andrew Martens was found brutally beaten to death, setting off a brief and fragmented investigation that produced a swirl of suspects, rumors, and unanswered questions. Today, Emil Martens’ name does not appear on any official unsolved case lists in Maine. His life, his death, and the circumstances surrounding a brutal crime remain largely forgotten—buried in history… until now. This is the life and death of Emil Martens. Episode sources and photos: https://murdershetold.com/episodes/emil-martens Support the show: https://www.murdershetold.com/support Instagram: @murdershetoldpodcast TikTok: @murdershetold Facebook: /mstpodcast Website: murdershetold.com ---- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A Conversation with Generation Why and Wine & Crime
This special episode to kick off the New Year brings together fellow true crime podcasters Aaron Habel of Generation Why, and Lucy Fitzgerald from Wine & Crime for a wide-ranging, candid conversation. We dive into our work as podcasters, the very real flaws of the justice system, debate the possibility of quantifiable alien activity, relive Kristen's hilarious and slightly surreal encounter in Ireland, and unpack what genuinely unnerves us most (spoiler: ghosts). Learn more about Gen Why and Wine & Crime: Gen Why: https://genwhypod.com/ Wine & Crime: https://wineandcrimepodcast.com ---- Support the show: https://www.murdershetold.com/support Instagram: @murdershetoldpodcast TikTok: @murdershetold Facebook: /mstpodcast Website: murdershetold.com --- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bonus: Real Life Grinch with Javier Leva of Pretend & Sins and Survivors
Tis the season for true crime chaos! Hosts Kristen Seavey from Murder, She Told, Javier Leiva from PRETEND, and Shaun from Sins & Survivors join forces to explore Christmas crimes gone horribly wrong. From a bath salts-fueled home decorator in suburban Ohio to a serial burglar stealing Robert De Niro's wrapped presents right from under his tree, these real-life Grinches prove that the holidays bring out the worst in some people. The hosts also dive into the disturbing case of postal workers who intercepted letters to Santa meant for underprivileged children...stealing laptops, iPads, and gift cards intended for kids in need. But the main event is a fresh-off-the-press case from Bangor, Maine. When a couple woke up to find a stranger sleeping on their couch surrounded by their unwrapped Christmas presents. Police body cam footage reveals just how terrifying this "funny" story really was. Follow Pretend and Sins and Survivors wherever you're listening now. Support the show: https://www.murdershetold.com/support Instagram: @murdershetoldpodcast TikTok: @murdershetold Facebook: /mstpodcast Website: murdershetold.com ---- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Off Script: Pretend, Murder, She Told & Sins and Survivors Spill the Tea
Special bonus episode! Kristen is joined by fellow true crime podcasters Javier Leva from Pretend, and Shaun from Sins and Survivors for a special "Podcasters on Podcasters" style crossover conversation where we let our guard down and talk shop. Follow Pretend and Sins and Survivors wherever you're listening now. Support the show: https://www.murdershetold.com/support Instagram: @murdershetoldpodcast TikTok: @murdershetold Facebook: /mstpodcast Website: murdershetold.com ---- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Unsolved Murder of Scott Sampson
1990 - Portland, Maine. When Portland Police responded to a call of a man lying on the sidewalk in front of Pine Street Variety on a chilly November night in 1990, they initially assumed he’d simply passed out after drinking. But 26-year-old Scott Sampson—a father of two young boys—was already dead, and had been for hours, with no one calling for help. 35 years have passed, yet Scott’s sister remains anchored to the same questions that rose the moment his death was discovered. Imperfect but deeply loved, Scott was a devoted father, friend, brother, and son. And his mother’s dying wish remained heartbreakingly simple: to know who was responsible, and to know why. If you have information on the murder of Scott Sampson, you can call the Portland Police anonymous crime tip line at 207-874-8584. You may also text keyword “PPDME” and a message to 847411 (TIP411). Episode sources and photos: https://murdershetold.com/episodes/scott-sampson Support the show: https://www.murdershetold.com/support Instagram: @murdershetoldpodcast TikTok: @murdershetold Facebook: /mstpodcast Website: murdershetold.com ---- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Suspicious Death of David Braley
1989 - Concord, New Hampshire. When the bouncer at Take Five Music Hall in Concord, NH saw 21-year-old David Braley darting into the woods after being kicked out, he thought little of it and moved on. But that fleeting glimpse would turn out to be the last time anyone saw David alive. Months of frantic searching ended on a cool spring day in 1990, when a body appeared along the Merrimack River. David’s discovery answered one question—but raised countless others. What exactly happened on the night of November 10, 1989? And who were the two men last seen with him at the bar? Were you at Take Five the night David Braley was killed? If you have any information that can help, please submit a tip to the NH Cold Case Unit tip line at 800-525-5555, email [email protected] or submit a tip online at https://business.nh.gov/ColdCaseTips. Episode sources and photos: https://www.murdershetold.com/episodes/david-braley Support the show: https://www.murdershetold.com/support Instagram: @murdershetoldpodcast TikTok: @murdershetold Facebook: /mstpodcast Website: murdershetold.com ---- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Justice for Charlene 'Chay' Holmes
2012 - Cambridge, Massachusetts. On a June evening in 2012, 16-year-old Charlene Holmes, who went by Chay, was exactly where she was supposed to be—walking home with friends in her own neighborhood in Cambridge—when a car crept down Willow Street. Moments later, shots rang out. She wasn’t the intended target. She was a bright, hopeful teenager caught in someone else’s crossfire. More than a decade later, police and Chay’s family still search for answers — and for the mysterious dark car seen circling the block that night. If you have any information on the murder of Charlene Holmes, please contact the Massachusetts State Police at (781) 897-6600, or Cambridge Police Investigations Section at (617) 349-3370. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by calling (617) 349-3359 or online at https//www.cambridgepolice.org/tips. Episode sources and photos: https://murdershetold.com/episodes/charlene-holmes Support the show: https://www.murdershetold.com/support Instagram: @murdershetoldpodcast TikTok: @murdershetold Facebook: /mstpodcast Website: murdershetold.com ---- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Halloween Bonus: The Connecticut Witch
This week I wanted to bring you a spooky and fun Halloween season bonus from my friend, Laurah Norton of The Fall Line. This is One Strange Thing: a podcast that brings you witty true stories of ghost sightings, strange disappearances, supernatural events and famous crypitds, creatures, and lore from small town America. This episode is The Connecticut Witch: “In Southwestern Connecticut, in a little village tucked into Monroe, there’s a legend of a local witch named Hannah Cranna—a woman who killed her husband and got away with it. But that’s just the start of trouble caused by an elderly woman who ran circles around her neighbors.” Hosted and Written by Laurah Norton Research by Laurah Norton and Bryan Worters Produced by Maura Currie Engineered by Brandon Schexnayder at Southern Gothic Media Sources for OST: https://www.onestrangethingpodcast.com/ Support the show: https://www.murdershetold.com/support Instagram: @murdershetoldpodcast TikTok: @murdershetold Facebook: /mstpodcast Website: murdershetold.com ----- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Major Update: Renee Freer Will Never Get Justice
1977 - Monroe, Connecticut UPDATE: This week brought a major development in the long-unsolved murder of 8-year-old Renee Freer, who was brutally killed behind her home in Monroe, Connecticut, in June 1977. After nearly 50 years, Renee's case has taken a stunning turn—and it’s not the resolution anyone wanted. The original episode on Renee Freer was released on March 25, 2025 in collaboration with the Monroe Police Dept. Revisit the episode at the link below. Original episode sources and photos: https://www.murdershetold.com/episodes/renee-freer Listen to the original episode: https://tinyurl.com/ReneeFreer Original show notes: "In June of 1977, on the eve of her last day of third grade, 8-year-old Renee Freer went outside to play and never came home. Hours later, her body was discovered in the woods near her house, shaking the tight-knit community of Monroe. Investigators exhausted every lead in their pursuit of justice for Renee, yet decades later, the case remains unsolved. But today’s detectives have one advantage their predecessors never did—21st-century technology. Armed with cutting-edge forensics and a renewed determination, they are closer than ever to unmasking her killer." Support the show: https://www.murdershetold.com/support Instagram: @murdershetoldpodcast TikTok: @murdershetold Facebook: /mstpodcast Website: murdershetold.com ----- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Disappearance and Murder of Kitty Wardwell
Holden, Maine - 1983 In the summer of 1983, Kitty Collins Wardwell vanished after a fight with her much older boyfriend and business partner, Francis ‘Frank’ Julian. Kitty was only weeks away from turning 30—ambitious, full of plans, and then, without warning... she disappeared. For years, her family searched and speculated. Rumors spread, and the truth seemed to slip further away with every passing year. What began as a missing person’s case soon unraveled into something darker. But time has a way of surfacing what’s been hidden—even when someone goes to great lengths to keep it buried. Episode sources and photos: https://www.murdershetold.com/episodes/kitty-wardwell Support the show: https://www.murdershetold.com/support Instagram: @murdershetoldpodcast TikTok: @murdershetold Facebook: /mstpodcast Website: murdershetold.com ----- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices