Direct Appeal

Ep10: We'll learn whats next in Ryan's appeals process, and is there any possible explanation for what happened that night in the bathroom. Finally, Amy and Meghan give their thoughts on Ryan's guilt or innocence and whether he got a fair trial. If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499. If you'd like to support Ryan Widmer you can visit the following pages: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028875264608 Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/9wsur-ryan-widmer-an-innocent-man Change.org: https://www.change.org/p/ohio-attorney-for-justice-release-the-dna-in-the-ryan-widmer-case Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg  Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg Editing by Jose Alfonzo Music and underscore by Dessert Media Special Thanks to: Jessica Henry and her book, Smoke but No Fire: Convicting the Innocent of Crimes that Never Happened Janice Hisle and her book, Submerged: Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep09: A new mystery witness for the prosecution has everyone wondering who it is... and would they have any information that could seal Ryan's fate? If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499. Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg  Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg Editing by Jose Alfonzo Music and underscore by Dessert Media Special Thanks to Janice Hisle and her book, Submerged: Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep08: Ryan has one more chance at fighting for his freedom, but will his new legal team be able to achieve a different outcome this time around? If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499. Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg  Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg Editing by Jose Alfonzo Music and underscore by Dessert Media Special Thanks to Janice Hisle and her book, Submerged: Ryan Widmer, his drowned bride and the justice system Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep07: In this episode we have a verdict, Ryan is found guilty, but someone comes forward with information that may turn the case upside-down. And Ryan builds a new legal team to take on the challenge ahead. If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499. Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg  Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg Editing by Jose Alfonzo Music and underscore by Dessert Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep06: The Defense makes their case that Sarah's death was a tragic accident, but will Ryan take the stand and defend himself? Also, we talk to a 3rd party pathologist and get their thoughts on the autopsy and manner of death. If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499. Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg  Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg Editing by Jose Alfonzo Music and underscore by Dessert Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep05: The Prosecution calls the rest of their experts, including the "star witness". Just before the Prosecution rests their case, a new theory emerges of what might have happened between Ryan and Sarah that night. If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499. Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg  Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg Editing by Jose Alfonzo Music and underscore by Dessert Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep04: Ryan begins to grieve as he plans Sarah's funeral, but he also is planning for the battle of his life both in the courtroom and in the public eye. The Prosecution will present its case to the court. If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499. Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg  Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg Editing by Jose Alfonzo Music and underscore by Dessert Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

03: In the days following Sarah's death, the media begins to paint their own picture of what may have happened. Ryan is still trying to cope and realizes that he is now coming under suspicion. If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499. Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg  Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg Editing by Jose Alfonzo Music and underscore by Dessert Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep02: On this episode, you'll hear Ryan's full account of the night of August 11th, 2008, when he found Sarah dead in their upstairs bathtub, along with the 911 call that will be used in court against him. Also, what happened in the hours and days after Ryan found Sarah? If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499. Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg  Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg Editing by Jose Alfonzo Music and underscore by Dessert Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 01: On season 2 of Direct Appeal, we examine the murder conviction of Ryan Widmer for the death of his wife, Sarah Whitmer. Looking at the evidence that was presented, that which was not, and the evidence that may have seemed insignificant at the time, we form our own conclusion about Ryan Widmer's Guilt. It was night like any other. August 11th, 2008, Ryan and Sarah Whitmer married just four months. Were in the beginning-stages of building their new life together. Sarah wasn't feeling well that day, so she decided to go upstairs after dinner to take a bath. Ryan stayed downstairs in the living room a little while longer, and continued to watch the game. Sometime after 10:00 PM Ryan was ready to call it a night, so he headed upstairs to get ready for bed. When he opened the door to the upstairs bathroom, he walked in to find a terrifying scene. Sarah was in the bathtub and didn't appear to be breathing. A panicked Ryan called 911. If you have any information regarding this case, you can still submit it by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail at (570) 844-0499. Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg  Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks & Amy Shlosberg Editing by Jose Alfonzo Music and underscore by Dessert Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In August 2008, Sarah Widmer, a healthy 24 year-old is found dead in her bathtub, just four months after marrying her husband Ryan… the only person at home with Sarah that night.  Suspicion quickly fell on Ryan, leading to his arrest and conviction for Sarah's murder. But could this have been a tragic accident?  Ryan has adamantly maintained his innocence for the last 16 years, but now, two seasoned criminologists examine the very controversial conviction of Ryan Widmer, for the murder of his wife Sarah.   Is Ryan a murder or did something else happen in that bathroom? Join us for the season 2 premiere, May 1st, to find out.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After more than one year since the last episode of Direct Appeal, we are back to discuss the recent media attention, to answer audience questions, and address potential tips sent in. We’ll update you on what’s next in Melanie’s legal battle, and what supporters of Melanie say they are doing to help. We might even sneak in a word about season 2……

From the creators of Direct Appeal comes our new project, Women & Crime. Each episode we cover a new female focused true crime case. Enjoy this full length sample, and if you like it – Subscribe Now. Imette, a Boston native who moved to NYC to study Criminal Justice at John Jay University. She wasContinue reading Women & Crime: Imette St. Guillen →

As criminologists, we study females who have been victims of crime, those who have committed crimes, and those involved in the criminal justice system through their work. In this podcast, we tell the stories of these women, but we also look at the causes of female crime, and victimization.  We will cover cases in whichContinue reading Introducing Women And Crime →

This season’s final episode of Direct Appeal brings you audience tips and alternate theories. Also, Amy and Meghan will reveal their conclusions. To help and participate in our research project, please take our short survey which can be found at: http://directappealpodcast.com/survey If you would like to hear more from Amy and Meghan, check out ourContinue reading Deliberation →

Direct Appeal is back after a brief hiatus to follow up on listener tips. We return with three interviews from those who knew Melanie best: a friend from her past, a friend from her present and a surprise interview with a key witness for the prosecution. If you have any information regarding this case, youContinue reading The Best Friends →

15: We ask Melanie the your Questions in the second round of Q&A. Thank you for staying tuned during our mid-season break! We are busy following up on your leads and theories and will be sharing them soon. If you have a tip, please contact us at tips@directappealpodcast.com Credits: Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and AmyContinue reading Melanie Q&A (part 2) →

Melanie is sentenced and transferred to prison. She begins the long process of appeals and holds out hope that her conviction will be overturned. Will the courts grant an appeal or will her life sentence stand? Credits Hosted by: Meghan Sacks and Amy Shlosberg Produced by James Varga Written by Meghan Sacks Recorded, mixed, and editedContinue reading Direct Appeal →

13: Listen to Melanie’s answers to your questions in part 1 of our question & answer episodes. If you have a question to ask and didn’t hear it in this episode, you have one more chance! Be sure to submit it to us by 7/31/19 by emailing us at tips@directappealpodcast.com or leaving a voicemail atContinue reading Melanie Q&A (part 1) →

12: Both sides make their closing arguments, but an act of God gives one side an advantage. Afterwards, Melanie agonizes while the jury deliberates. The verdict is read and Melanie is sentenced, will she be shown any mercy? Also, we discover that Joe may have had personal reasons to rush things along… If you haveContinue reading The Verdict →

11: Financial documents reveal suspicious transactions in and out of the McGuire’s joint bank account while lab reports reveal untested DNA and hair and police reports raise shocking new accusations.  The prosecution alleges that two anonymous letters containing information about Bill’s murder were written by Melanie while Melanie’s camp denies that she wrote these letters.Continue reading A Gamble →

10: Now that the State has rested, it’s time for Melanie’s Defense to present their case.  Several key witnesses emerge but will Melanie’s lawyers call them to the stand? At least two critical witnesses who testify for Melanie are not permitted to share their whole story but we share what they could not say onContinue reading The Best Defense →

08: The State’s witness testifies that there is forensic evidence linking Melanie to trash bags found with the body. However the defense gets lucky and happens across their own expert with a different opinion about what the evidence shows. If you have any information regarding this case, you can submit it by emailing us atContinue reading Garbage Science →

08: The prosecution says that Melanie drove Bill’s body to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in Virginia, where she disposed of his remains but Melanie says she was in Delaware furniture shopping.  Does Melanie have an alibi witness to support her claim and if so, why didn’t this witness testify? Also, the prosecution introduces damning InternetContinue reading Unfaithfulwife.net →

07: The prosecution introduces the sedative, chloral hydrate, found in Bill’s car. To fit their timeline, the Prosecution suggests Melanie kept Bill drugged for days before he was shot, but is there a less sinister explanation? Also, Melanie’s friends are pressured to betray her. Who will stay loyal? If you have any information regarding thisContinue reading Mickey Finn →

06: The trial against Melanie McGuire begins on March 5, 2007, live on Court TV, and Melanie finds herself in the middle of a media circus.  Lead prosecutor, Patricia Prezioso, makes a forceful opening argument but will her first witnesses help her case or hurt it? The prosecution also claims that the firearm Melanie purchasedContinue reading Opening Arguments →

05: While Melanie tries to plan Bill’s funeral and move on with her life, the Police begin their Investigation. Eventually, Melanie is indicted. Her bail was eventually raised to $2 million dollars. The search for a defense team begins, and after several trial-and-errors with attorneys, Melanie eventually believes she hit the jackpot. As Melanie andContinue reading Human Sawdust →

04: Melanie claims that on the evening of the closing, she and Bill had a big fight that lasted into the early morning of April 29th, and concluded with Bill walking out on her.  Melanie’s moves over the next few days would cast doubt on her story though. The prosecution says Melanie was establishing aContinue reading Life After Bill →

03: Bill and Melanie manage to piece together their relationship after dealing with tumultuous times.  They forge ahead with their dreams of owning a home in the suburbs of New Jersey even though their relationship is not entirely a happy one.  They find a home and close on it April 28th, 2004, but Bill McGuireContinue reading The Closing →

02: Bill and Melanie each end their other relationships and begin a life together.  However, this may not be storybook ending they had hoped for. Their marriage is a volatile relationship, filled with infidelity, lies and acts that would results in criminal convictions for both.  Melanie describes the ups and downs, and details the fightContinue reading The Perfect Marriage →

Direct Appeal: Melanie McGuire, launches May 6th!Continue reading Teaser: Direct Appeal →