Criminal Discourse Podcast

This will be the Criminal Discourse Podcast's final episode.  It has been a journey and we want to thank everyone who took the time to listen in, give us feedback, and reach out with their connections to the stories we covered.  Wendi and I's focus has always been to bring our audience well-researched episodes that honor the victims and their families.  We hope we have done just that.  Thank you all for spending your time with us.  Remember to be safe, watch out for one another, and be kind. 

Cara Rintala was a woman whose life seemed like any other, a devoted wife, loving mother, and respected paramedic. But behind closed doors, tensions simmered within her marriage to her wife, Annamarie Cochrane Rintala. On the evening of March 29, 2010, police responded to a 911 call from a neighbor of the Rinatals, only to discover Annamarie's lifeless body at the foot of the basement stairs, the victim of a brutal homicide.Years of legal proceedings, including two highly publicized mistrials failed to bring closure to the case. With each passing day, the mystery surrounding Annamarie's death deepened, leaving a community on edge and a family torn apart by grief and suspicion.Join us as we delve into the case of Cara Rintala; a story that defies easy answers, a long pursuit of justice, and just how many times it takes to bring about a verdict.  

Can secrets buried within a small town and the heart of a seemingly ordinary family lead to a haunting mystery that lingers for decades? Join us as we navigate the twisted tale of Kathy Heckel, a Pennsylvania mother whose 1991 disappearance from Lock Haven left a void in her family and perplexed investigators for years. This episode peels back the layers of Kathy's life, revealing a suspected affair, enigmatic financial transactions, and the unnerving lack of physical evidence that would baffle authorities and entangle her co-worker, Lloyd Groves, in a web of suspicion.Feel the weight of uncertainty and sorrow that settled over Kathy's loved ones, paired with the chilling calm exhibited by Lloyd Groves, whose steely demeanor and contradictory behaviors only deepened the enigma of Kathy's fate. We'll walk you through the striking absence of clues left in her abandoned car and the disturbing finds within Lloyd's van, as well as the innovative DNA technology that eventually tied him to her disappearance, painting a harrowing picture of a crime that challenged the very essence of criminal investigation.This episode doesn't just stop at the story of Kathy Heckel. We cast a light on the landmark trial that led to Lloyd Groves' conviction without a body—a testament to the relentless pursuit of justice. Kathy's narrative is a gateway into a broader discussion on the unsolved cases that haunt Pennsylvania, the enduring pain of their families, and the implications of these mysteries on the communities they've left behind. As we analyze the courtroom drama, the family's trials, and the ripple effects of such a profound loss, you'll find yourself gripped by the resilience of those who seek truth in the face of the unknown. Join us for an exploration of a true crime saga that reverberates with the tenacity of the human spirit.

Could your trusted local minister harbor a secret life of malevolence? This episode peels back the veneer of piety surrounding Arthur Burton Schirmer, the "sinister minister," exposing a trail of untimely deaths including those of his two wives and a troubled congregant.  As we share the heart-wrenching narratives of those affected by these tragedies, we also spotlight the relentless pursuit of truth by the families and law enforcement that eventually cast a glaring light on Shermer's shadowy existence.

The last years of Christina Sanoubane's short life were filled with violence and ended in tragedy. She was brutally murdered just days after moving into a new apartment with her toddler-aged son, seeking a fresh start. In her final days, Christina encountered three men who shared a history of violence against women. One was convicted of her murder, but a hasty investigation has left his guilt up for debate. Is Christina's killer in prison where he belongs, or did the real perpetrator get away with murder at the cost of another man's freedom?

Certain cases stand out for the way they impact those who knew the victim along with those investigating their demise.  This case is no different.  When a bright light is extinguished all too soon, all that is left are questions.  The hope is that those questions can be answered quickly but when they are not, those answers and justice may seem out of reach.  Time and technology were the hope for the family of Sarah Yarborough but just how long would they have to wait?

As we piece together the life and untimely passing of Dr. Teleka Patrick, a story emerges that challenges our understanding of the intersection of mental health, online personas, and real-world consequences. The enigma of Teleka's existence, from a high-achieving psychiatrist to a woman ensnared by her own mind's illusions, casts a haunting light on the secrets we keep and the facades we maintain. Our journey through her world uncovers a labyrinth of tweets to an elusive love, the unheeded warnings of her mental struggles, and the paradox of her outward success against an inner turmoil that would ultimately lead to a tragic end.

In this episode, we will look into the twisted tale of a woman who got away with her first murder, almost got away with her second, and failed to complete her third.  This woman from the outside looked like an unlucky mother of two whose two husbands died far too young and whose daughter tried to commit suicide.  Betrayal, deception, and ultimately murder were the hallmarks of the Black Widow's calling card.  

DNA evidence can crack even the coldest, hardest-to-convict cases, including the 1998 murder of 13-year-old Christina Williams.  Investigators suspected just one man from the beginning, but it wasn't until 2017 that they finally had enough evidence – through a DNA match – to make an arrest.  Charles Holifield is a repeat sex offender with links to more assaults, disappearances, and murders that are still unsolved. Although there may be no such thing as “closure” after losing someone so tragically, pursuing their cases until someone is held responsible is worth it, and Christina's story is a case in point. 

In this episode, we will delve into a budding serial killer's dark and twisted world. We will unravel the sinister tale of Tim Boczkowski, a man whose charisma masked a malevolence that claimed the lives of not one, but two innocent victims.   As we examine the evidence, motives, and the web of deceit meticulously woven by Tim Boczkowski, we confront the unnerving question: How does a man harbor such darkness beneath a veneer of normalcy?

We've made it to the third and final episode diving deep into toddler Corey Edkin's disappearance and other related cases.  People who have been interviewed in recent years about Corey's case say they were also asked about individuals connected to the 1986 murder of Rickey Wolfe and the 1989 disappearance and presumed murder of Barbara Miller.  Join us as we wrap up this fascinating & multi-layered case.  ScroodNews, politics improv podcast about gett'n SCROOD by the system--facts, laughs &...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Join us for part two as we bring our timeline to the present day, following the developments in Corey's cold case and the suspicious coincidences and charges that continue to pile up around his family members. That will include the unsolved homicide of his mother's future boyfriend and his grandmother's conviction for poisoning her third husband.  More twists and turns to come!Perpetrator UnknownIn the realm of true crime, there are mysterious, disturbing cases where the...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify The Friday Fix: Powerscourt PerspectivesEver wondered what its really like on the ground at the UN Climate Summit?Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Two-year-old Corey Edkin disappeared from his central Pennsylvania home in October 1986 and is still missing. His grandmother, Myrle Rovenolt, was accused of poisoning his grandfather two months later, and this past summer she was sentenced to life in prison for the poisoning death of her third husband.  Corey and Myrle have connections to three other local cold cases – two homicides, and one disappearance presumed homicide – and that's why we're diving into the first of three episodescovering them. We'll attempt to detangle an extensive web of information and get closer to a resolution nearly 40 years later.

Join us as we journey into the heart of Midwestern America, where the echoes of a chilling crime reverberated for decades.  In this episode, we delve into the haunting mystery surrounding the life and tragic death of 18-year-old Michelle Martinko, a vibrant young woman whose promising future was brutally extinguished six days before Christmas in 1979.  As we unravel the threads of this perplexing case, we'll explore the enigma of Michelle herself—her dreams, her passions, and the profound impact she had on those around her. We'll follow the tireless efforts of law enforcement officers and her family and friends, who had dedicated years to seeking justice for Michelle.

What would you do if your family member went missing and the police wouldn't help you find them? Andre Daigle's family reached out to a psychic medium for help, and her visions led them straight to Andre's murderers. She even ended up testifying at trial, helping Andre's family secure justice and preventing his killers from continuing their criminal plans.  Security UnfilteredCyber Security can be a difficult field to not only understand but to also navigate....Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Listen to part two of our Halloween month spotlight on The Toolbox Killers; Lawrence Bittaker and Roy Norris.  One of their trials made true crime history in the state of California.  Make sure to check it out.  

In this installment, we delve into one of the most horrifying and infamous cases: the gruesome tale of the Toolbox Killers.  Join us as we explore the harrowing story of Lawrence Bittaker and Roy Norris, an evil duo whose reign of terror in the late 1970s sent shockwaves through Southern California and beyond.  We will step back in time to explore the background and motivations of these killers, and the horrifying details of their crimes so listener discretion is advised. 

Laureen Rahn's disappearance has puzzled anyone investigating it for more than four decades. With each new piece of information, there are only more questions. Did she run away? Was she abducted or trafficked? Is her case connected to other missing local women or her serial killer neighbor? In this episode, we'll examine all the mysterious clues and theories, hopefully drawing us closer to a resolution. 

In this episode, we turn our attention to the haunting case of the Newman family murders, a tragic event that rocked the city of Anchorage, Alaska in March 1987.  Join us as we journey back to uncover the unsettling details surrounding this heinous crime.   As we navigate through the evidence, witness testimonies, and tireless law enforcement efforts, we will piece together the puzzle surrounding the murders of wife and mother Nancy Newman and her two young daughters Melissa and Angie.  This episode is heartbreaking as it is intriguing and serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the relentless pursuit of the truth.  This Canadian ThinksThis Canadian Thinks is a political and news commentary opinion editorial podcast...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

In June 2009, Martinsburg, West Virginia lost a beloved resident to domestic violence, an all too common occurrence in the United States and abroad. And for an all too common reason: Donald Surber couldn't accept that his girlfriend, Kathy Sharp, had ended their relationship. Today's episode examines Kathy's case, how it impacted her community, how her killer was punished, and the roles of victim protection and violence prevention. 

In this episode, we unravel the perplexing case of Ira Einhorn, better known as the "Unicorn Killer." Ira Einhorn was a charismatic and enigmatic figure, emerging as a countercultural icon during the 1960s and 1970s.   Join us as we unravel the disturbing details of the tragic fate of his ex-girlfriend, Helen “Holly” Maddux.  We examine the impact of Einhorn's flight from justice and eventual capture after living as a fugitive for decades.  

In 2003, South Jersey became a serial predator's hunting ground.  Attempted assault escalated to murder when 24-year-old Krista DiFrancesco was discovered brutally raped and stabbed on her front lawn, just feet away from the home where her husband and baby were sleeping.  It would take a year and two more assaults before police finally caught her killer.   

In this episode, we delve into the chilling case of John Reginald Christie, a notorious serial killer whose heinous crimes shook London in the mid-20th century.  Join us as we navigate the sinister world of the sex strangler of Notting Hill, a seemingly unassuming neighbor whose true nature proved to be far more sinister. Throughout his reign of terror, Christie preyed upon vulnerable individuals, luring them into his home under the guise of providing safety and solace.  Beyond the ShadowsJoin us as we delve into our favorite dark tales and paranormal mysteries. Venture with...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Three to four million people hike part of the Appalachian Trail every year.  Rebecca Wight was one of them, and in 1988, Stephen Carr immortalized her in another statistic: the dozen trail hikers who've been murdered.  Her girlfriend, Claudia Brenner, survived the attack to share their story. 

In May 1984, Murfreesboro, Tennessee was shaken by the brutal murder of Laura Salmon.  At the time, Laura was an 18-year-old college student attending Middle Tennessee State University.  Her murder shocked the community and left investigators with plenty of circumstantial evidence but not much hard proof.  The case remained unsolved for over sixteen years until new DNA evidence led to the arrest and conviction of their prime suspect. The murder of Laura Salmon remains a tragic reminder of the impact of dating violence on individuals and communities, and a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement to bring justice to victims and their families.History Nerds UnitedLet's make history fun again! Come listen to interviews with today's best authors.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

 Two couples were murdered four months apart in Washington state, the women were both sexually assaulted, with tube socks tied around their necks. Could it be a serial killer? Other cases in the area bearing similarities have since been closed, but these two remain connected and unsolved. Is the Tube Sock Killer already in prison? Is he dead? Or is he still out there, waiting to be discovered? History Nerds UnitedLet's make history fun again! Come listen to interviews with today's best authors.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

In this episode, we delve into the chilling case of Helle Crafts, a wealthy Connecticut woman who disappeared under mysterious circumstances in 1986.  Her husband, Richard Crafts, claimed that she had gone to visit her sick mother in Denmark.  But as investigators dug deeper, they uncovered a twisted web of lies, deceit, and betrayal that would lead to the infamous "wood chipper murder" case.

In 1998, Patricia Rorrer was convicted of murdering her ex-boyfriend's new wife, Joann Katrniak, and her infant son, Alex, and sentenced to life in prison without parole. The case against her was solid but also largely circumstantial. Today, Patricia and her advocates argue that the single piece of forensic evidence used against her was junk science and accuse law enforcement of conspiring to convict her. Is this case truly closed, or does Patricia Rorrer deserve another day in court? 

In May 1996, two Navy petty officers were murdered in Virginia Beach, Virginia.  Investigators had to figure out if one of the murder victim's allegations against the Navy was the reason behind their murder or if there was something more nefarious going on.  Was the murder scene staged?  Was the intruder truly an intruder or were they invited in?  Listen to this twisty tale of deception and greed and then join in the discourse by letting us know your thoughts.  

“Ireland's Vanishing Triangle” refers to a geographic area surrounding Dublin, in eastern Ireland, where a number of women have been abducted, raped, and murdered. Many of these are missing person cases that remain unsolved thirty or so years later. Who are they, how are they connected, and who might be responsible? 

Listen to the story of La Pistolera Sharon Kinne who in December 1969, escaped a Mexican prison.  How did she end up there?  Not for the murder of her dead husband or the murder of her lover's wife.  No, there was another victim who unfortunately ran into Kinne while she was out on bond having left the United States for Mexico with her newest male paramour.  This unbelievable tale resulted in the longest outstanding felony warrants ever issued by Missouri.  

When you think of a stereotypical school shooter, you probably don't picture Dr. Amy Bishop, a middle-aged mother and biology professor. In 2010, she executed three of her colleagues at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), where she had recently been denied tenure. Initially, many thought Amy had just “snapped,” but investigators discovered that she had a history of workplace problems, and this wasn't the first time that she had killed someone. 

In October 1992, a young woman was in an examination room at Kipling Memorial Hospital.  She is upset so the doctor suggests a sedative to help her calm down.  The young woman agrees not knowing that for the next seven years, she will have to fight for authorities to not only believe her but to bring her perpetrator to justice.  Will she succeed in time or will others suffer due to a manipulative man's ability to outsmart authorities?  

We've covered many cases where prosecutors make a so-called “deal with the devil” – giving the accomplice to a crime a lighter charge in exchange for information against a “bigger fish.”  Even though Mel Ignatow admitted to the sexual torture and murder of Brenda Schaefer, he never served a day in prison for it. This episode is about a case of getting away with murder and how Mel Ignatow became “the most hated man in Louisville.”  

In 1975, in the midlands of the United Kingdom, the elusive Black Panther struck again.  Only this time it was a kidnapping of a young heiress.  In this week's episode, we cover the crimes of Donald Neilson who went from a home invader to a kidnapper murderer in a short period of time.

After Robert Rowlingson discovered his teenage brother Anthony's connections to the Ku Klux Klan, he threatened to report Anthony to the police.  On July 15, 2007, Anthony executed his brother to protect his secret. His teacher, the Klan leader who mentored him, helped dispose of the body.  This is the Queensland, Australia case of the Rowlingson brothers and the deadly consequences of extreme ideology coupled with young, impressionable minds.

Pets don't just make good companions they also can play a vital role in convicting killers.  This episode highlights two such cases with a cat named Snowball and a dog named Chief who were the first to provide evidence in criminal cases in Canada and the United States.  

On November 7, 2022, James Krauseneck Jr. was sentenced to 25 years to life for the second-degree murder of his wife, Cathleen Krauseneck, in 1982. James and Cathleen's only child was just three years old and home with her mother when she was axed to death.  But could a convicted rapist be the real murderer?  In 2012, convicted rapist Ed Laraby confessed to Cathleen's murder.  Listen to the Brighton Ax Murder case and decide for yourself. All Things Military and VeteranUS Veterans and Active Duty Military discuss everything that concerns us.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

You've heard of the Scream movies, but did you know that in 2006 two teenagers tried to emulate one of their favorite movies?  Listen to the case of how two boys wanted to become more famous than the movies and killers they idolized and how one innocent victim paid the ultimate price.

You might not remember the name of serial killer Michael Gargiulo – also known as the ‘Hollywood Ripper,' for his California knifings, ‘The Boy Next Door Killer,' because he lived so close to his victims, and the ‘Chiller Killer,' for using his job as an air conditioning repair man to gain his victims' trust – but I bet you remember that case where actor Ashton Kutcher's date was murdered or recall Ashton testifying at the killer's trial a few years ago. Today, we'll go beyond the celebrity aspect of this case to examine how Mike Gargiulo got away with murder for 15 years, even after his DNA turned up on one of his victim's fingernails, starting with the woman who survived him and finally put him in handcuffs.

On March 3, 1993,  a sister would discover a horrible scene no family member should come upon.  It would take two and a half years for Lawrence Horn and the hit man he hired to be brought to justice.  During that time, investigators had to unravel a complicated trail of conspiracy and how one book aided the shooter in trying to get away with murder.

When our listeners hear “August 1969,” they probably think of The Manson Family murders. Today we'll examine another chilling crime spree from that era on the other side of the United States: the Dreamland Park murders. In August 1969, outlaw bikers murdered a young couple at their abandoned amusement park-turned-clubhouse, and those same bikers may be responsible for the unsolved murders of two sisters in August 1968 as well. While two of the men involved died in prison, it's likely that two more killers were allowed to walk free, and that's just one symptom of an organized crime problem that has plagued the area for generations and lies at the heart of today's case.

November 1992, an unsuspecting mother and her two small children return home late at night only to be met by an intruder with a gun.  What did he want?  Why was he there?  Listen to the story of how greed and a thirst for power brought ruin and murder to one young family in Georgia.   

What happens to victims who aren't killed or visibly injured, but who are left in the wake of a crime to pick up the broken pieces and carry on with life? What happened to Columbine student and school shooting survivor Brandi Jo Malonson, who was last seen around Christmas 2006? Who killed her friends and classmates Nick Kunselman and Stephanie Hart-Grizzell less than a year after Columbine?  In this episode, we will look at these and other lesser-known cases from Littleton, Colorado, the community where the infamous school shooting took place.

Listen to the story featured on the first episode of Snapped.  Celeste Beard Johnson was tried for the murder of her husband in Texas.  Did she do it or was she set up by her twin daughters and lover?  Listen and decide for yourself.  

Google “Dominique Dunne” and you'll see references to the movie Poltergeist and her tragic death.  Some results include her murder as evidence of a curse associated with the Poltergeist film series.  Beneath this clickbait is an all too familiar story about domestic violence escalating to murder.   As is also far too common in these cases, it doesn't seem like the victim and her family received the justice they deserved.  Listen to the first episode of season 4 and decide for yourself.  

Michelle Jones contacted her aunt and uncle as Hurricane Ivan was bearing down on Florida in September 2004. Since they lived in the Florida Keys Michelle invited them to stay with her in Orlando until the danger passed. Little did she know that she had just summoned pure evil into her home. Listen to the story of her uncle Charlie Brandt who authorities would come to suspect was involved in a number of unsolved murders in the Florida area.  

In 2021, detectives in Florida announced that DNA connected Brazilian national Roberto Fernandes to the murders of three Miami-area sex workers in 2000 and 2001.  During this investigation, authorities discovered Fernandes had also been charged with his wife's 1996 murder and was suspected in numerous unsolved assault and homicide cases in both countries. Today, we'll take a deep dive into Fernandes's known crimes, the international, decade-long manhunt to bring him to justice, and the unsolved cases for which he may be responsible.

Two separate mysteries all tied to one man who went by many names.  Listen to the story of serial killer Terry Rasmussen who died under the name Curtis Kimball.  This is a twisted tale of false identities, a living Jane Doe and the Bear Brook Four with one victim yet to be identified and one still missing.  

Losing a child to murder is unthinkable – a parent's worst nightmare. A child being murdered by their friends is even more shocking. Kimberly Dotts's so-called friends ended her life on Mother's Day 24 years ago, and while two of the people who were involved are behind bars, their community is still processing the tragedy and an important question: how do we punish kids who kill?

Could you ever imagine that your neighbors would turn out to be serial killers? Well, this became reality for the people who lived on Moorhouse Street in Perth, Australia in November 1986. Listen to the story of how one couple kidnapped five unsuspecting women over a five-week period. One brave girl survived leading to the police capturing the notorious Moorhouse Murders killer couple Catherine and David Birnie.