Crime and Conjure

To end the season, we are bringing you a case of what should be a joyful occasion that quickly turns into a mystery. What happens when your beloved neighbor goes missing? In today's world, we'd likely check our phones or security cameras for clues, but in the past, people relied on gut feelings and community awareness. But what happens when that trust is broken and the comfort of the community is replaced by fear?

Thursday November 28th 1991 was no ordinary Thanksgiving day. Sure, most American families were bustling around the kitchen preparing the big meal, socializing with the extended families they only entertain on holidays, or gathered around the TV watching the big game. But in Costa Mesa, California something far more disturbing was taking place.

Picture this: it's nighttime, and there's a knock at your door. You answer, only to find complete strangers standing there. In 2024, we'd probably check a doorbell camera or get a quick text from someone letting us know they were coming. Let's be real, most of us barely open the door during the day! But back in the 1990s, people usually answered without a second thought. It was a different time, with less to fear. But here's the question: could who's standing at your door sometimes make fear take over common sense? And in certain cases, could that fear be influenced by things like race or how someone looks?

Pregnancy is a difficult, vulnerable and beautiful time in a woman's life. The mother-to-be spends her time planning for the birth of her perfect little baby and trying her best to get through each day and each new struggle in her rapidly changing body. It is absolutely unthinkable that there are people out there so entitled that they would attempt to take everything from an innocent expectant family. Unfortunately that is exactly what happened in today's case.

When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time. Do not disregard their violent behavior, and step away before you become part of their path of destruction. Today, I want to share a case with you that didn't just impact the people directly involved but also sparked broader questions about legal processes and international cooperation. 

How does the perfect marriage suddenly devolve into anger, abuse and even murder? The answer, it doesn't. There are always signs. Sometimes they are well hidden, sometimes we just don't want to see them, but they're there. You tell yourself they didn't mean it, or it was just a joke. But When someone shows you who they really are, believe them.

Growing up in such a rural area, Farmland always surrounded me. We Washingtonians take full advantage of the harvest here, whether we are picking fresh produce or visiting the farmer's market on the weekends. Though we get to bask in the end result of a great growing season, we don't know all the work that goes into it. Farming is often cited as the most dangerous job in America, and the accidents that take place can result in severe injuries and sometimes even death. Today, I want to share a story that may leave you wondering, "Was this death just another unfortunate accident, or was something larger at play?"

Do we really know anyone fully? Celebrities present a persona we as fans feel connected to but what are they really going through behind closed doors? Even close friends keep secrets and paint a pretty picture to hide the hurt from those closest to them. This is a case of violence and anger behind closed doors, so carefully hidden that even those who knew the truth didn't believe it.

What begins as a simple evening with friends and a routine journey home would change the fabric of a community and ignite a nationwide outcry. Today, I want to share one woman's story that doesn't just account for personal loss but is also a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by women everywhere and the enduring quest for justice in the face of unspeakable violence.

If you Google America's first serial killer, it will tell you that a man named H. H. Holmes was the first. However, a few years before Holmes started his murder spree, Austin Texas was plagued by a nightmare of their own. In the span of 1 year, 8 innocent lives were taken by a brutal monster, but few bothered to notice. Even today, the reason you haven't heard of this case is steeped in a culture of racial ignorance.

We are all aware that appearances can be deceiving. Behind closed doors, the truth of someone's relationship remains hidden from public view. It's common to present a facade of happiness or normalcy to those around us, even when facing significant challenges. Today, I want to share a case where the details of manipulation and cruelty come to light, challenging conventional perceptions of domestic violence, shedding light on the often-overlooked plight of male victims in abusive relationships.

This case is special. We received a request from a loved one of a man that was convicted of murder back in 2003. They claim he is innocent and has spent the last 20 years falsely imprisoned for someone else's crime. Is this another case of a black man railroaded through the American legal system? Let's dive into the story and take a closer look at the evidence to judge for ourselves.

Rejection is a powerful force that often strikes fear into many hearts. It can be so daunting that some of us refrain from even asking a simple question, fearing the potential embarrassment it may bring. However, it's important to remember that everyone has the right to decline something or someone without facing repercussions. Sadly, we've witnessed the disturbing reality of women facing verbal or physical attacks for simply rejecting unwanted advances. In extreme cases, rejection has led to loss of life. Today, I'd like to share the story of a young woman whose journey in life was cut short because one person could not accept that she wasn't interested in him.

The Peace Corps is not an organization we often think of as sinister or corrupt, but lurking in the shadows is a troubling reality. Join us as we uncover the chilling details of how Kate Puzey's harrowing pursuit of justice ended in tragedy.

Bear Brook State Park is the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures and family picnics. But beneath its serene facade lies a mystery that has baffled investigators for years. Today, we're diving into the chilling saga of the Bear Brook Murders, a haunting tale that began with the unsuspecting discovery of two barrels hidden in the woods. As we peel back the layers of this mysterious case, we'll uncover the sinister truth lurking beneath the surface of what was once a serene sanctuary.

Picture for a minute your dream vacation. Maybe it includes wild adventures or serene beaches. We all have that special fantasy we conjure up when a hard day's work gets to be a little too much and we long for a break. One family's dream vacation became a reality but in a single moment it was transformed into a tragic nightmare.

High school is a time of budding relationships, unchaperoned adventures, and the much-anticipated prom night. It's an era where we yearn to live carefree lives with friends and create unforgettable memories. However, today's tale delves into a chilling incident that shattered the dreams of one teenager and extinguished a precious life, casting a shadow over what should have been a joyous occasion.

Investigators often have to make assumptions during an investigation in order to narrow down leads and keep things moving forward. However, making assumptions based on bias, runs the risk of leading the investigation in the wrong direction. This is one of those cases. In fact, if the killer hadn't tried so hard to misdirect investigators that never even looked in their direction, they probably would have gotten away with the crime altogether.

Ever get that unsettling feeling in parking garages? The one that makes you quicken your pace to your car, glancing over your shoulder, fearing the vulnerability of being alone. If you've ever experienced this, you're not alone. Today, let's delve into the chilling crimes of one man whose actions have etched this fear into the hearts of both women and men alike.

An innocent young woman, looking for love was targeted and lured to her death by a sadistic couple online. This case highlights the horrifying dangers of online dating. You never really know who you're talking to. If only Sydney had swiped left, maybe her life would have been spared.

This case reveals a chilling plot driven by hatred, perceived burdens, and financial motives by one of their own. It's is a haunting reminder of the concealed darkness within seemingly ordinary households. Trust no one, even your own family can betray you.

A decades old unsolved murder where a complete lack of evidence and motive, swirl in contrast with rumors of witchcraft. The brutal Valentines day slaying leaves everyone who learns of it asking “Why”...

Christmas can be a magical time of family, traditions and celebration. Children excitedly wait for Santa to bring special gifts. Families gather to share food, memories and laughter. Sadly for some the joy of Christmas only reminds them that their life is not what they had hoped it would be. For you this Christmas we have a tale of a Christmas Eve when Santa brought horror instead of joy.

For most of us, thanksgiving is simply a time to connect with your loved ones you don't see every day. It's the time to put away your daily distractions and sit at a table while you share memories, food, and laughs. Well, today I want to share the story of a family who didn't even make it to the dinner table because one of them was anything but thankful.

Halloween is synonymous with costumes, candy, scary movies and haunted house attractions, at least here in the US. Scary can be fun, especially when it's all pretend. Unfortunately in this case, three young women were forced into an all too real slasher film of their nightmares one Halloween night, but only one would make it out alive.

A whirlwind romance between a young ballerina and a successful businessman led to big dreams and even bigger allegations. This golden couple seemed to be finally working things out, when it all came crashing down. Was it all a series of unfortunate events beyond their control or was it really one big game of smoke and mirrors from the beginning?

Why did she stay? She could've just left. What was she thinking? She's better off without him. I would never put myself in that situation. We hear this all the time when it comes to a person trapped in an abusive relationship by force, manipulation, and control. Unless it has happened to you or a loved one you will never truly understand the isolation a domestic violence victim endures. So today I am switching it up because the quote unquote criminal is in fact the victim in this case.

We have a very exciting announcement! Refresh your memory of the first case we ever investigated before our TV debut on the case, September 18th, 2022! Was it jealousy or witchcraft that led a group of friends to attack a sleeping family in the middle of the night late one August? In this week's episode we explore the motives behind the 2005 murder of Joshua Bennett. Who was the real target? Was someone casting hexes in this small Illinois town? What had they done to invoke the wrath of five people they didn't know?

All couples fight, the dumbest arguments can feel so important in the heat of the moment. Those are usually the arguments you can laugh about later, once you cool down. In the story we have for you today, a young couple never got the chance to make up after one such silly fight. A mysterious killer took that from them and got away with it for decades. The real question though, is has this case truly been solved or are there still questions that need to be answered?

In this self proclaimed land of the free we have been indoctrinated to associate terrorism with anyone outside of America, anyone foreign trying to attack us. The truth is this country is filled with individuals who are determined to terrorize anyone who doesn't fit what they deem pure or superior. Today I want to tell you about about one American Terrorist who made sure he not only spoke his version of what is right but acted on it to.

Teenagers can be thought of as selfish, spoiled, lazy, and irresponsible. The Hollywood stereotypical angsty teenager loves to drink, skip school and rebel in any way possible. If we're honest with ourselves though I think we can all agree, the teenage years are hard. Almost adults, with little to no control over their own lives. Most teenagers make at least a few bad choices along the way. But in today's case we are going to tell you about some choices they could never come back from.

There's some cases where one might say you are putting yourself in harm's way. Whether that means saying yes to a stranger, going on a date with someone you never met, or leaving your doors unlocked. In today's case I want to tell you about 10 women who did nothing other than be polite and that led to them being attacked in their own homes.

The case we have for you today is one that is easy to get lost in. Nothing is what it seems and no one is telling the whole truth. Somehow everyone is at fault and no one can be trusted. In this case a family goes through the unimaginable but is then given a miracle beyond belief. Only to have their joy ripped away from them once again.

Everyone who's gone to public school knows that most of the dances that are thrown aren't the main event. The most exciting experiences happen before and after the dance itself. Today I want to tell you a story about a beautiful young lady that didn't make it home from what should have been a normal high school experience. This case takes the saying a night to remember, way too far.

In the early 1900's someone was breaking into homes in the dead of the night in New Orleans and viciously attacking people. No one felt safe. Many died and those that survived were left with the terrifying image of a dark figure looming over them with a heavy ax, burned into their memories for the rest of their lives. Just as suddenly as he appeared, he vanished and no one has ever solved the mystery of The New Orleans Ax Murderer.

One thing we talk about a lot on this podcast is the vulnerability of being taken advantage of. As if it isn't bad enough harming or murdering someone who didn't see it coming, imagine if you dedicated your life to manipulating them? Today we talk about two men that teamed up with a sick goal they were determined to reach. 

Sometimes the kindest, happiest people are actually hiding a darkness no one could imagine about them. Can anyone snap if pushed far enough? In this case we may never learn the true motives behind a double murder, suicide that shocked an entire community.

Most of us are just trying to live the American Dream which includes the perfect partner, the perfect family, the perfect home and the perfect lifestyle. What if despite having all of that from the outside, looking in secrets were held tight to the chest, secrets that could put you and your loved ones in immense danger. Today I want to tell you about one suburban family's disappearance that no one saw coming.

We talk a lot on this podcast about being vigilant. I stand by that advice, but how are we supposed to really know who to watch out for? How do we stay vigilant of the monsters when they are so often disguised as heroes?

When you hear about a robbery taking place, we usually think of a bank, a gas station or possibly someone's home. Well today we share 5 victims' stories because some of them can't. It's a case that should've never happened, that could've been stopped. And just when you think it's gone too far it goes another step further.

This case is so wild, it sounds more like a movie than real life. It's got all the plot points of a major blockbuster, secrets, love triangles, betrayals, fake identities, blackmail and of course murder. In this case, the killer came so close to getting away with murder but no secrets stay buried forever.

These days we are in a constant state of fear whether it's grocery shopping, going to the movie theater, or sending our little ones off to school. Anyone with a weapon is capable of taking another's life in an instant, it seems nowhere is safe. Today's story is one of many we have all heard over and over. A beautiful teenage girl, robbed of the rest of her life by two twisted individuals whose goal was to become famous. Even at home, she wasn't safe from the betrayal of friends she trusted…

We, like so many others, are outraged by the recent supreme court leaked draft decision regarding Roe v Wade. This is not a debate about pro-choice vs pro-life, it is an attack on women plain and simple. No one should have the right to make your medical decisions without your consent. This attack on our bodies and our rights has been raging for more than a century. Today we are going to highlight four of the many instances of violence and murder in the name of the so called “pro-life” movement.

Do you remember the image that went viral of the little boy with a top hat, in Portland at a Michael Brown protest giving a police officer a hug while appearing to be extremely emotional? Some have speculated that those tears were beyond what was going on that day. After I share with you the Hart children's circumstances you might feel the same.

On a hot July day in Cheshire Connecticut, a light rain fell softly on Jennifer Petit and her 11 year old daughter Michaela as they left their local stop and shop with some groceries. Completely unaware of the creepy stranger that followed them out, they took their groceries home and happily went about their day. The innocent family had no idea they had just been marked for death.

If you were on the internet in 2018 there's no way you missed the memes and videos of the man with the crazy hair representing himself in his own murder trial. For the majority, it was a good laugh watching him shout at the jurors but buckle up conjurers because the true story behind those internet memes is about to leave you enraged.

Some believe a blue moon can wreak havoc with all magical forces, causing witches' powers to become erratic and unpredictable. In 2015, Pensacola Florida police shocked everyone when they claimed the murder of a mother and her two sons was the work of witchcraft, and more specifically the forces of the Blue Moon.

The holidays can be the best time for some and the hardest for others. Crime is at an all time high during the holidays but not usually for murder. It's usually burglary, theft, and sadly suicide. One small town in Washington went from petty crimes to having their world turned upside down by two people who certainly did not make the nice list in 2007.

The holidays are often a time of joy and community, but for people in abusive relationships, the holidays can be stressful and dangerous. For many couples the night before Thanksgiving is spent double checking the pantry and preparing for family to arrive for a joyous day of gratitude. For one couple in 2006 it was spent fighting, and ended with one woman's desperate attempt at escape.

Happy Halloween! What could be better on Halloween than a spooky ghost story? Cultures all over the world have been fascinated by ghosts for as long as people have existed. In the 19th century ghost stories became especially popular and widely believed as fact, shaping much about the era. But what happens when people take ghost stories too far? Come along as we share three real life ghost stories that had tragic consequences.

The blue wall of silence is an informal code among police officers not to report on a fellow cop's misconduct or crimes. Any officers who refuse to lie to protect a corrupt cop may be threatened and ostracized by their fellow police officers. This glorified corruption goes back as far as we can tell to at least the 1800's. In Los Angeles California, that blue code allowed a murderer to escape justice for 23 years. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app