Carolina Crimes

In January of 1971, two young men hatched a plan to kidnap noteworthy and wealthy people from Bennettsville,SC. Their plan was going well until they picked the wrong house and the wrong man. Their plan was futile but their motives weren't just for ransom. They were looking to make waves on a national scale.

Edgefield County and much of South Carolina was compared to the wild wild west in the 1840's. A political disagreement led to violence leaving two men maimed. That event would prove to be a precurser to a historical conflict that served as a prelude to the US Civil War.Special Thanks to our guests Amanda Hall and Ashley Richards.

May is a month of graduations which are usually marked by family celebrations, but that was not the case in 2000. A Furman University Senior's father was excited and set to celebrate his son's big day but didn't make it. We examine this cold case and evidence presented in the death of Michael McCuen.

In 1989, construction crews in Augusta,GA made an unnerving discovery. Under an iconic building once used as an institution of higher learning were the remains of possibly hundreds of human beings. It wasn't the hiding place for a serial killer, nor a mass grave. So how and why were the bones found there?

A whirlwind romance and marriage between a young Simpsonville woman and an Army Recruiter soon soured due to his penchant for hosting underaged students in their home. After a separation, the wife went missing only be discovered inexplicably murdered. That left one question: Where was her estranged husband?

In the Spring of 2023, a budding romance was in play between a Greenwood man and a separated school teacher. They took great measures to be discreet and respectful in their relationship, but the woman's estranged husband did not see it that way. Things boiled over on a Saturday night in May resulting in a fatal ending.

In 1981, Columbia Police received a call about a woman in an automobile accident. Not only did she crash, but she was also suffering from a gunshot to the head. When officers went to her home, they found nothing less than pure carnage. The episode is full of twists and turns, fingerpointing, uncanny theives, and a sprinkling of voo-doo.

In 1947, a Greenville cab driver was robbed and stabbed to death by an unknown assailant. Once an arrest was made, an angry mob of the fallen's collegues chose to distribute justice in their own fashion. Instead of being held accountable in a court of law, an abomination of the legal system occured. 

In 1950, two friends in Walhalla got together for what seemed to be a friendly visit. After several drives around town and in the countryside, one of the men and his two daughters were never heard from again. Disturbing and twisted tales were told by both sides in court and the suspect's life had to be saved by the South Carolina National Guard. 

In 2019, a young man came home to discover an awful scene. His mother was deceased in the family's apartment, someone had tried to clean up, and his little sister was missing. Months of searching discovered the inevitable, all based on the story of an unhinged suspect.

In 1965, the discovery of a deceased young woman on Folly Beach shocked the community and her husband of two months. After an autopsy, what seemed to be a tragic drowning proved to be anything but.

A real estate disagreement between a West Ashley stepfather and stepson turned fatal in 2019. Multiple scuffles, calls to the police, and a turbulent home life build up to the unthinkable.

Recently, media worldwide has covered the execution of Brad Sigmon. In this episode, at the request of our listeners, we discuss the backstory and crimes that led to his execution while honoring the memory of his victims .

In 2018, officers in Florence were serving a warrant for heinous crimes against children. When they arrived at the residence, they were welcomed by a hail of gunfire. A two hour standoff and shootout ensued resuklting in the tragic deaths of 2 beloved officers.

A young couple in the 1980's were just starting out in life. They started a family. The husband started a promising career. They moved to a new home. But one night in February of 1989, it all came crashing down and "Danny" Starrett's world of deviance was exposed to all.

In April of 1956, a platoon of Marine Recruits were being put through the paces at Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island. On a fateful Sunday, some of the recruits were trying the patience of their Drill Instructor, which was ill advised. Diciplinary corrections were doled out, but unfortunately the discipline resulted in mutiple fatalities.

In 1990, the body of a reclusive 72 year old was found inside his home. No fould play was suspected, but as the Sheriff's Office and the Probbate Courts dug deeper, the more questions arose about a man that was way more than a mild mannered retiree.

In this episode, the most vulnerable of victims was found in February of 1990. DNA played a huge role in finding who was responsible with very questionable, if any, justice being served.

For eight years, beginning in the mid 1990's, a serial rapist terrorized women in Spartanburg County. Leaving his DNA at the crime scenes proved futile when investigators had no one to link it to. That was until a new fad in genealogical research came about to catch the monster.

In March of 1989, a Monck's Corner 5 year old did not get off the bus from Kindergarten. Searches ensued with a grizzly and puzzling discovery. Decades have passed, inquests performed, indictments issued then cancelled. Trials set, then cancelled. Suspects arrested and then released with political mudslinging to boot. But still, no justice for Justin.

In 2016, the Lexington County Sheriff's Office received a "not so frantic" call reporting a suicide at a home. When investigators arrived, there were several curiosities that made them reconsider what many thought was a stable relationship. 

Horrendous crimes perpetrated over 45 years in the past catch up with a Columbia man who thought he'd escaped the long arm of the law. Evolving technology and bulldog-like detectives were not going to let that happen.

In 1972, two best friend in Junior High vanished into thin air. Found over a decade later, their families still yearn to know what happened that fateful November day.

During the early morning hours of July 1, 2013, a trusted hardworking baker in Columbia, SC started her daily routine. Little did she know that 3 very young men were on a mission to crate chaos. What started as a random robbery attempt ended in utter tragedy.

On a sweltering June night in Charleston South Carolina, a 21 year old monster entered a Bible study that welcomed him with open arms and love. When he left, the hatred in his heart had ended the lives of 9 beautiful souls.We will go into the crime, capture, trial and background of this terrible day that we will never forget. Please continue to pray for the families of the fallen who only wanted to love others and worship together.Sources:https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/pictures/church-shooting-victims/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/amp/nation/dylann-roof-expected-plead-guilty-state-trial-charleston-church-massacrehttps://abcnews.go.com/US/police-documents-reveal-deadly-minutes-inside-south-carolina/story?id=34836336https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/dylann-roof-charleston-church-shooting-prosecutors-give-timeline-actions/https://www.wrdw.com/content/news/EXCLUSIVE-Aiken-man-former-officer-first-on-scene-at-Charleston-church-shooting-410685715.htmlI could murder a podcast Episode Season 8 Episode 13Court Junkie June 25, 2017

In the late 80's and early 90's a predator stalked women around South Carolina's Lowcountry. Under the cover of darkness, he selected his victims and attacked them in the homes that they believed were safe. A chilling tale about the years long investigation pursuit and eventual capture of The Lowcountry Rapist.

A troubled father who had reached the end of his rope, made a selfish and tragic decision in 1996 that caused innocent people their lives. We dive into the background of the tragic event that rainy Monday morning in North Augusta.

In the Summer of 2000, a young wife and mother was found shot at her home in Cherokee County. She was able to provide some clues before her passing, but a cryptic note found in her front yard led police to her killer. That's when things really started to not make sense.

In Lexington County, SC , a father is forced to adapt to having custody of his five young children. Feeling overwhelmed and instead of asking for help, he does the unthinkable. *This week's episode includes crimes against children. Please use discretion when listening.

Tales of fratenity pranks, mishaps, revelry, and hazing have been told for decades. In 2014, tragedy befell a fraternity pledge at Clemson University which has spurned more questions than answers.

When a Chester County wife, mother, and grandmother went missing, a series of events started to unravel. What started as a kind soul helping others turned tragic.

This week, we dive into some of South Carolina's better known paranormal stories and some location that are sure to creep you out. Matt and Danielle also discuss the films that they find the scariest!

In the gritty 1970's a band of teens, which were uncharacteristically led by a near 30 year old soldier, let drugs and a disregard for human life guide their judgement. The results were fatal and unbelievable.This was originally "Episode 2", but this is the representation (finally) due to audio issues.

Our rhearts go out to those affected forever by Hurrican helene in Western North Carolina and right here in the Palmetto State. In this episode, we go north of the border for the first timne ever to cover a North Carolina Crime as a tribute to those still struggling. We hope this can bring them some escape from their current reality and maybe a small bit of entertainment.As for the story, we cover a 19th century libertine with an eye for the ladies. Things go awry when one of his paramours ends up missing.

This week, we get in the Halloween Spirit with stories of South Carolina spectres, ghosts, hauntings from murders past, and even a foul mouthed 16th century dwarf.

In 1987, a couple was found murdered in their rural Spartanburg County home. Investigators were able to deduce that the perpetrator was someone close to the two. Years went by with no leads, until fresh eyes were laid on the case.

A Dorchester County woman and two of her teenage children were the victims of a senseless murder at home. A trail of clues and links to other crimes in the area led to the perpetrator being brought to justice.

In July of 1998, the unthinkable happened. A newborn baby was kidnapped from a Jacksonville,FL hospital. Simutaneously, a lowcountry mother was raising her own newborn in a nurturing home...until their paths intersected 18 years later.

This week, we examine cold cases that have perplexed law enforcement and caused two families the unlimate anguish from two separate sides of the Palmetto State. Our hope is to bring their families answers and solace.

A mystery patient at Orangeburg Regional Medical Center spurs questions about her condition, who dropped her off, and why he wanted to make a quick exit. Once investigators got involved and after a litany of changing stories, police were able to discern quickly the responsible party.Get your Carolina Crimes Apparel at www.carolinacrimesstore.comFollow us on social media:Facebook: Carolina Crimes PodcastTwitter: @SCcrimespodSources:Orangeburg Times & DemocratSouthern Fried True CrimeThe Town of Vance Sourh Carolina

A mysterious shooting in 2012 lead to years of anguish for the family and friends of a beloved resident of Piedmont,SC. It took a new "cold case" unit to dig deep into the situation to finally discover the answers to what happened that fateful morning.

This week we take a break from the macbre an hit reset on one of our favorite South Carolina legends. In 1988, the world was taken by storm with reports of a "Lizard Man" reeking havoc near Scape Ore Swamp in Lee County. Stories, sightings, and fables all came out of this event with one resulting in an arrest.

A lovely aspiring singer in Spartanburg County vanished without a trace in 2004. All of the usual suspects were investigated an her disappearance remained a mystery until a physical key unlocked the answers.

This is a tragic taleof how substance abuse can ruin the minds of individuals to the point of committing heinous acts. The generosity of a kind soul is taken advantage of ending in a deadly way.

In early 2017, a young father uncharacteristically stopped communicating with his children. It was odd for the good man and good father to do so, especially when it went on for weeks. A gruesome discovery in a local fishing hole led to a mindbending investigation full of finger pointing, misplaced blames and unfounded suspicions.

In 2017, a Conway couple has found their second chance at love. In the process of building a beautiful life for themselves, they went missing. Days went by and convoluted stories about their whereabouts perplexed their dear family. Clues began to fall together when their pickup was discovered in the possession of the last person anyone would imagine doing them harm.

In 1961, a Columbia cab driver vanished after his last fare for the night. Several days later he was found miles away from his vehicle launching a murder investigation. After suspects were questioned, and the evidence was poured over the case went cold for 40 years, until the science of ballistics caught up to the accused killer.

All relationships have there up's and downs. The Fowlers in Boiling Springs were no exception. The high school sweethearts turned married parents had their issues but always seemed to work things out. That was until an evil plan fueled by greed and infidelity reared its ugly head.

In the 1980's, Hilton Head Island was the scene of a vicious murder of a beloved senior citizen newspaper carrier. With little in the way of clues, and no one in the enemy department, authorities had to wait 13 years for technology to help. Investigators were shocked to learn that the perpetrator was even allowed to walk the streets.

In 2011, a Newberry father of three was reported missing when he was absent from Sunday lunch. For weeks, investigators received leads and observed suspicious behavior, but never could get enough to crack the case. Once they started looking into a rekindled relationship, things began to be pieced together.