Going West: True Crime

In January of 2001, two wonderful and married German-born Dartmouth College professors were stabbed to death inside the study of their New Hampshire home. An investigation into their brutal homicides began, with police initially believing it was a crime of passion. But after sifting through numerous false leads, a bloody footprint and two distinctive knife sheaths led them to their unassuming culprits. These are the murders of Doctors Susanne and Half Zantop, also known as The Dartmouth Murders.

In January of 2017, a 20-year-old aspiring actress in Los Angeles went missing after abruptly leaving her boyfriend's Calabasas home in the early morning hours after seemingly suffering a panic attack. Days later, her car turned up on the Pacific Coast Highway in nearby Malibu, but she was nowhere to be found. Investigators are still hoping that the multiple clips of surveillance footage available and the strange happenings on her phone in those early hours will help bring much-needed resolution. This is the story of Elaine Park.

In the 1970s, shortly after the horrific reign of the Zodiac Killer, another serial killer wreaked havoc on San Francisco, killing as many as seventeen men he'd met at bars and nightclubs across the city. Intriguingly, the killer reportedly sketched his victims before stabbing them and leaving their bodies to be discovered in public places - most commonly on a beautiful beach along the city's edge. This is the story of The San Francisco Doodler.

WE LOVE YOU LA. WE ARE SAFE from these fires right now, but staying aware here in Los Angeles of the developing chaos. Our hearts go out to the firefighters, the first responders, the animals, and all the people who have lost their homes or loved ones and are experiencing this. Everyone in LA is being affected by these fires right now. It's absolutely devastating. This episode was recorded before the fires began. In February of 2020, a successful 38-year-old sex therapist was strangled and thrown over the balcony of her Hollywood Hills home, leading to her death in a hospital shortly afterward. As police dug deeper into the home invasion that led to her tragic fate, they discovered a man who had a disturbing history of stalking and obsessing over her. This is the story of Dr. Amie Harwick.

In December of 1994, a 23-year-old Italian actress headed to New Orleans to explore the city and write a novel. But shortly after arriving, she mysteriously vanished without a trace after leaving a hotel. And suspiciously, in the days leading up to her disappearance, she had been staying with a much older man there; one whom she was reportedly afraid of, who she wrote in her diary had practiced voodoo. This is the story of Ylenia Carrisi.  

In October of 2024, a 51-year-old San Antonio mom went missing after visiting an exclusive supper club with her husband. When word spread of her disappearance, her personal banker revealed that, before her disappearance, she had said ominously, “If I go missing, look for me in the lake.” When her husband was spotted on camera dumping garbage bags the day after she vanished, police narrowed in on him. This is the story of Suzanne Simpson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Between 1971 and 1983, an unknown perpetrator committed dozens of kidnappings, rapes, and murders, wreaking havoc on the state of Alaska. The assailant was elusive, striking against area women during the freezer winter temperatures, and the extended daylight hours of Alaska's Midnight Sun alike. But eventually, they uncovered the monster behind it all, who posed as a respected and unassuming father and bakery owner in Anchorage. This is the story of Alaska's most infamous serial killer, a man named Robert Hansen, now known as The Butcher Baker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Between 1971 and 1983, an unknown perpetrator committed dozens of kidnappings, rapes, and murders, wreaking havoc on the state of Alaska. The assailant was elusive, striking against area women during the freezer winter temperatures, and the extended daylight hours of Alaska's Midnight Sun alike. But eventually, they uncovered the monster behind it all, who posed as a respected and unassuming father and bakery owner in Anchorage. This is the story of Alaska's most infamous serial killer, a man named Robert Hansen, now known as The Butcher Baker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In December of 1996, a 12-year-old girl went missing from her New Jersey home overnight. Her family fell under suspicion when they took 24 hours to report the disappearance, and then weeks to publicize it. But investigators were even more wary of her family when it was revealed that they operated a religious cult, and later, were casually informed that this 12-year-old victim was pregnant. This is the story of Celina Mays. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In November of 1978, four young employees of the Speedway, Indiana Burger Chef restaurant mysteriously vanished at the end of their shift. When police investigated the scene that night, it was clear something had happened to them. But the case wasn't taken seriously until almost two days later, when all their bodies were found - proving they had died by homicide. This is the story of Jayne Friedt, Ruth Ellen Shelton, Mark Flemmonds, and Daniel Davis. Also known as the Burger Chef Murders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In December of 2022, a 27-year-old woman met a stranger in a bar in her small, West Virginia hometown, only to disappear after leaving with him. As an investigation into her disappearance began, it was revealed that the man she was last seen with is an ill-mannered ex-cop who had recently changed his name. Countless women have come forward since to describe their disturbing and unsettling encounters with this man - from his days as a food delivery driver and local. So what happened that night, and where is she? This is the story of Gretchen Fleming. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In December of 1974, just two days before Christmas, three girls, ages 17, 14, and 9, disappeared while shopping at a mall in Fort Worth, Texas. 50 years into the investigation, thousands of leads have been followed up on, and hundreds of people have been interviewed, but none of the girls have ever been found. What happened to them, and does the person responsible for their disappearance have more victims? This is the story of the Fort Worth Missing Trio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a strange and eerie coincidence, in autumn of this year, two young nurses working at the same hospital in Portland, Oregon were murdered by different men in separate parts of the world. A 32-year-old woman was murdered in her Beaverton apartment in an act that has been described as “deliberately cruel.” Then, just two months later, her 31-year-old colleague was murdered while on vacation in Hungary. When police discovered her body, they also came upon disturbing Google searches from her suspected killer, including, “How reliable are the police in Budapest?” and “What does a corpse smell like after it decomposes?” These are the murders of nurses Melissa Jubane and Mackenzie Michalski in this episode we're calling, The Killings of Two Portland Nurses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In November of 2002, a 20-year-old man left a party at his Minnesota university and seemed to vanish into thin air. Police originally believed that he had simply fallen into a nearby lake and drowned by accident. But when they couldn't find any trace of him, they began to suspect that he was met with foul play after walking home alone. Especially as they unraveled the disturbing accusations against University members and the interesting finds on his computer. This is the story of Joshua Guimond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Friday, November 8, 2024, a 30-year-old Maui woman on her way to New York missed her connecting flight in Los Angeles. While attempting to get on a standby flight for the weekend, she ventured out into Los Angeles, having been spotted around the city. But when Monday arrived, her family received some strange text messages from her before she was caught on surveillance footage with an unknown man Downtown. Her family is adamant that she is in danger, as she hasn't been heard from since. GOFUNDME: https://www.gofundme.com/f/4fmxej-support-the-search-for-hannah-kobayashi If you have ANY information regarding her whereabouts, PLEASE contact the Los Angeles Police Department at 1-877-527-3247. Those wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or go to lacrimestoppers.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the fall of 2011, a 41-year-old California woman set out for a new life on a beautiful island in Panama. But what seemed like an adventurous fresh start quickly took a turn for the worse when she suddenly disappeared without a trace. As her family's concern grew, a horrible story of abuse and manipulation began to surface. As investigators looked for any sign of her, they soon uncovered a trail of lies, fake emails, hidden relationships and shocking evidence that pointed to a murder. This is the story of Yvonne Baldelli. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Thanksgiving, 2018, a 29-year-old woman went missing in Colorado after last being spotted in a grocery store with her daughter. When investigators found traces of blood at her abandoned townhome, a sinister plot was uncovered that involved poisoned coffee, numerous road trips, and a baseball bat. This is the story of Kelsey Berreth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In November of 1988, a nine-year-old girl was abducted in broad daylight from the parking lot of her local corner store. Despite there being witnesses who relayed the assailant's appearance to police, years passed without any significant movement in the case. But once DNA technology became advanced enough to provide a match from a fingerprint left on the girl's scooter, a suspect was arrested. Sadly, she was not his only victim. This is the disappearance of Michaela Garecht. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Part 1 posted on October 29, 2024 - Episode 449. On October 10, 2024, a 35-year-old Montana man was murdered in his tent while camping in a secluded Montana site. Thanks to DNA found on a beer can in his tent, police arrested his killer three weeks later, on October 31, 2024. This is the updated story of Dustin Kjersem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the early night hours of August 11, 2003, a 19-year-old Indigenous woman set off on a walk through the rain alone after spending time with friends in her home of Nome, Alaska. But when her roommate noticed her absence the following morning, she reported her missing. And just a day after doing so, her nude body was found shot to death in a gravel pit by an abandoned gold mine. As police put the puzzle pieces together, an unexpected suspect emerged - and fast. This is the story of Sonya Ivanoff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In October of 2001, a 52-year-old man was found bludgeoned to death in his East Hampton home after missing a work meeting in the city. Just days before finalizing their divorce, investigators were keen on questioning his wife, along with her suspicious electrician boyfriend. But were they involved, or was someone else out to get the powerful investment banker? This is the story of Ted Ammon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On October 12, 2024, the friend of a 35-year-old Montana man stumbled upon his body in a tent when he didn't show to their agreed meeting spot for a weekend camping trip. When police arrived at the scene along Moose Creek, they initially wondered if it was a brutal bear attack. But upon closer inspection it was clear that it was no animal mauling, and instead, a vicious believed-axe murder. This is the story of Dustin Kjersem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On October 31st, 1993, a beloved 39-year-old teacher was found strangled to death inside her car in a quiet suburb of Sacramento. As police investigated her final movements, they started to believe that someone she knew was behind her murder. But now, over 30 years later, we're still left in the dark about what really happened to her that night. Many are left wondering if hers is connected to a similar cold case from the area, and whether both are victims of the infamous Golden State Killer. This is the story of Cherilyn Hawkley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On an early morning in September of 2022, a 25-year-old woman vanished without a trace after leaving her Salinas, California apartment. Later, her beloved car was found abandoned along Highway 1 in Big Sur, with all of her belongings locked inside. Surveillance video showed her last known movements, but where did she go afterwards? And where has she been since? This is the story of Arelie Garcia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the winter and early spring of 1946, a series of moonlight attacks and murders occurred along Lovers Lanes in Texarkana, Texas, leaving the small city terrified of a maniac in their midst. As police, the FBI, and Texas Rangers tried to find the assailant responsible for 5 murders and 3 survivor attacks, a slew of suspects presented themselves in the area - making investigators wonder: Who really is this masked, senseless killer? This is the story of the Texarkana Moonlight Murders, and the Phantom Killer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In August of 1989, two brothers entered their parents' Beverly Hills mansion, and shot them multiple times, killing them almost instantly. When police arrived, the men maintained that the murders had taken place while they were at the movies, which police initially believed. But after a painstaking, months-long investigation, and a guilt-ridden confession to a therapist, the men were arrested for the murders. There seemed to be no question whether or not they had committed the crime, but the real question was why. Did the horrific abuse they alleged to suffer at the hands of their mother and father justify their parents' brutal end, or were the brothers just out for their family's fortune? These are the murders of Kitty and Jose Menendez, and the stories of Lyle and Erik Menendez. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In August of 1989, two brothers entered their parents' Beverly Hills mansion, and shot them multiple times, killing them almost instantly. When police arrived, the men maintained that the murders had taken place while they were at the movies, which police initially believed. But after a painstaking, months-long investigation, and a guilt-ridden confession to a therapist, the men were arrested for the murders. There seemed to be no question whether or not they had committed the crime, but the real question was why. Did the horrific abuse they alleged to suffer at the hands of their mother and father justify their parents' brutal end, or were the brothers just out for their family's fortune? These are the murders of Kitty and Jose Menendez, and the stories of Lyle and Erik Menendez. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In October of 2019, a 28-year-old engineer vanished from her Missouri home, prompting her parents to fly to the United States from China to begin looking for her in desperation. But when there was no trace of her, suspicions turned toward someone very close to her, with discreet recordings recovered from her phone casting this person in an even more villainous light. This is the story of Mengqi Ji. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On a misty October evening in 1998, a 14-year-old girl arrived at her cousins Oregon home to babysit her twins. But when she returned from a night out, the evening before Halloween, she found her cousin gone. While her twins were safe in their cribs, her teenage cousin was missing - with no signs of a struggle or forced entry into the house. Although they had already been speculating foul play, when her remains were eventually found amongst thick woodland, her case was officially considered a homicide. This is the story of Stephanie Condon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In October of 1992, a 22-year-old man was found brutally murdered inside his Iowa home. Years passed with no answers, until a witness, who had been just nine years old at the time, came forward about her witnessing a black candlelit confession... Then finally, a previously eliminated suspect was arrested. This is the story of Corey Wieneke. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In September of 1988, a 19-year-old woman went missing while riding her bike near her New Mexico home. With signs of a struggle left behind, suspicions were raised that she had been kidnapped. The case grew even more perplexing when, the following year, a Polaroid photo was found in a Florida parking lot depicting a young woman bound and gagged in the back of a van, and it was quickly connected to her case. This is the story of Tara Calico. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In September of 2015, a 35-year-old woman was beaten to death by a masked man inside her secluded home in the woods of Upstate New York. Her young children were the only witnesses, and her daughter was able to reveal a surprising detail about the intruder, leading to a suspect that would devastate her tight-knit family. This is the murder of Kelley Stage Clayton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1996, a woman vanished along Route 29 in Virginia, and dozens of others came forward to say they had been followed in their cars by a man in a dark colored truck, always telling them that there was something wrong with their vehicles and that they needed to pull over. Possibly active as recently as 2014, the list of his potential victims grew long. Some of them were eventually proven to be linked to unrelated culprits, but his identity remains unknown. Who is this mysterious highway phantom, and how many victims does he truly have? This is the story of the Route 29 Stalker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In October of 2005, a 52-year-old woman was brutally murdered in her home in suburban San Francisco, bludgeoned and disemboweled. As police investigated the case, an unsuspecting person of interest entered their frame of view: her 16-year-old neighbor. This is the murder of Pamela Vitale. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In August of 1995, a 23-year-old woman was sunbathing on a Kentucky riverside when an unknown man grabbed her by the hair and dragged her off into the woods. The only person to witness this was a man who was observing her from his telescope, all the way across the river. An investigation began immediately, with police receiving incredibly helpful clues regarding possible suspects. So, what happened to her? This is the story of Heather Teague. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In September of 1996, a 15-year-old girl was found assaulted and drowned near a fishing access site in Montana. Though they initially suspected it to be an accident, police spent decades trying to catch her killer, until the search finally concluded in July of this year. This is the murder of Danielle Houchins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In September of 2017, a 19-year-old woman headed to a party at a Chicago hotel, only to be found dead in one of their unused hotel freezers under suspicious circumstances, just hours after being reported missing. This is the story of Kenneka Jenkins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In September of 2015, a Los Angeles apartment building full of UCLA sorority sisters caught on fire. Luckily, no one was killed in the flames, but to the surprise of its residents, a 21-year-old woman's remains were revealed inside. The manner of death was ruled homicide after it was determined she had been stabbed 19 times, and as police reviewed surveillance footage in the area and interviewed locals, a suspect emerged. This is the murder of Andrea DelVesco. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In September of 2015, a 31-year-old man spent his evening at a Minnesota nightclub before being dropped off at a gas station by a friend. Shortly afterwards, around 2:30am, his wife received a phone call where he groaned in pain, and potentially even claimed to have been shot. But strangely, when his body was found in a lake two months later, there was no sign of a gunshot wound. So what really happened to him? This is the suspicious death of Henry McCabe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In September of 2016, a 25-year-old Private in the Army suddenly vanished from Tennessee. Weeks later, her skeletal remains were found, with all signs pointing to murder. With the discovery of an upcoming court date regarding assault charges against another soldier, police narrowed in on a partial suspect, only to find out that they had gotten help. This is the story of Shadow McClaine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In August of 1993, a 12-year-old girl vanished while riding her bicycle home from the Upstate New York church where her father worked as a pastor. Police dove into her case, fearing she'd been abducted, but came up empty…until the perpetrator struck again just a few months later. And he had more than one child's blood on his hands. This is the story of Sara Anne Wood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the 1970s and 1980s, two teenage girls were brutally murdered on a San Diego beach six years apart, mere yards away from each other. An investigation just as twisted as the murders themselves brought three suicides, more questions than answers, and the possibility that a serial killer is still on the loose. These are the Torrey Pines State Beach Murders, otherwise known as the murders of Barbara Nantais and Claire Hough. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In September of 2023, a 32-year-old woman left California to embark on a solo cross-country road trip, headed for a wedding in Connecticut. When the journey proved too troublesome, she called her parents to tell them she was heading back. But after racking up a few strange encounters with locals in Arizona, and two slashed tires, she was never heard from again. This is the story of Chelsea Grimm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On September 11, 2001, amongst the unforgettable terrorist attacks, a 35-year-old mother went missing under suspicious circumstances across the state of New York. When her car was found at the bottom of her winding driveway, the keys still in the ignition, she was reported missing. With an important meeting she missed the following day, police recognized motive for why someone could want her dead. But is that what happened? Or would a last-minute witness account be the key to solving her case? This is the story of Michele Harris. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In August of 2013, a 19-year-old man drove down the state of California allegedly heading to his parent's house. After speaking to his mom numerous times throughout the day, it was determined that for much of that time, he wasn't driving at all - but instead, sitting on the side of the road in his car, rarely progressing, with an incredibly eerie timeline. The next morning, his car was found to have driven into Castaic Lake, but he was nowhere to be found. This is the story of Bryce Laspisa.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In May of 1996, two women set off into the wilderness of the Appalachian Mountains for a hike, and never came back out again. Strange details at the scene of their murder lead many to wonder who their killer was, brutally slaying them in their tent. But eventually, the investigation named a suspect. These are the murders of Julie Williams and Lollie Winans, also known as the Shenandoah National Park Murders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In January of 2013, a 52-year-old high school librarian from Florida headed out on his boat for a quick afternoon ride. When he didn't return home, an intense search ensued, leading investigators to his remains tied to an anchor. His body was found floating in the water, but he hadn't drowned...he had been shot. And with the circumstances around his strange death, his family pushed for justice. This is the story of Patrick Mullins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In May of 2024, a 39-year-old California woman vanished without a trace, and no one, including her husband, seemed to be able to account for her whereabouts – even after her truck was founded abandoned in a deserted location. But the public quickly turned on her husband when they learned that he was under investigation for domestic violence, and that the couple were due in court just 11 days after she vanished. And then, lusciously, an intentional fire started burning outside their Northern California home. This is the story of Nikki Cheng Saelee McCain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you asked his coworkers, his family, or his wife, they would have told you that Richard Evonitz was a stand-up guy; a Navy veteran, a hard worker, and a devoted husband who was known by friends and neighbors to lend a hand when something needed to be fixed. Only a few young women knew the truth about him, but sadly found out after it was already too late. That is, until his last victim used her cunning survival skills to stop him from ever committing his heinous acts of depravity against anyone else. These are the crimes of Richard Evonitz, also known as the Spotsylvania Killer, and the stories of Sofia Silva, Kristin Link, Kati Link, and Kara Robinson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In July of 2008, a 45-year-old woman was found dead in the swimming pool of her rural Pennsylvania home, having been savagely beaten and strangled. Between an unusual call to 911 and a computer chock full of motive to murder, police narrowed in on a suspect fast. This is the story of Jan Roseboro. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In October of 2005, a 27-year-old woman vanished after leaving a California casino. But when police pored over surveillance footage from the property, they saw a man escorting her through the parking lot. In the video, she can be spotted pushing the man away before disappearing from the camera's view, never to be seen again. But was he responsible? Or was it someone else entirely? This the story of Christie Wilson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices