Keystone Cold Cases

In the rush of our daily routines, we rarely stop to consider how quickly life can change. Most of us are simply trying to keep pace with the relentless grind of the clock. So when Joshua Maddux left for a walk one day in May 2008—a normal, everyday habit—no one imagined it would be the last time he was seen. His quiet disappearance left behind no clues, no trail… just questions. And while it might seem rare, vanishings like Joshua's happen more often than you'd think. According to NamUs, at any given time, as many as 100,000 people are reported missing in the U.S., with up to 600,000 reported each year. Most are eventually found—many alive. But in Joshua's case, the outcome was far from hopeful. In August 2015, his remains were discovered, reopening wounds and dividing a community with theories, confusion, and even more unanswered questions.

In Downingtown, Chester County, Pennsylvania, the Valley Creek Road Twin Tunnels were long known for eerie local legends and ghost stories. But in 1995, the folklore turned frighteningly real when a body was discovered there. The chilling find linked the tunnels to an actual, gruesome crime—and more than 30 years later, the case remains unsolved.

When looking at the Twin Tunnels in Downingtown, PA a feeling of unease appears. Is it because you can't peer inside the tunnel and see the other end? Or is it because you heard a strange sound and just aren't quite sure if it was natural or not? Or did you turn too fast and see something out of the corner of your eye? The Twin Tunnels are infamous throughout SEPA. I guarantee you probably know someone who has a story. Whether it be a local, someone just passing through, or the avid paranormal enthusiasts so many stories are tied to the Twin Tunnels.  In this episode we are going to touch on the local lore and a cold case that is tied to these tunnels. Buckle up because we are covering outlandish ghost stories all the way to a brutal murder that left a woman unidentified for just over 30 years. 

In 1973, 9-year-old Lisa Ann French of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, went out trick-or-treating on Halloween night but never returned home. Her neighbor, Gerald Turner, lured her into his house, where he assaulted and murdered her. He disposed of her body in a rural area, where it was found the next day. Turner was convicted and sentenced to prison, and the crime had a lasting impact on how communities approached Halloween safety.

We all love a good horror movie—the kind that gets your heart racing, makes you bury your face behind a blanket, and delivers that perfect jump scare. While many of these films are wild, over-the-top creations born from twisted imaginations, some are rooted in chilling reality. In this episode, we're diving into one of those eerie tales: the story of Annabelle. And no, we're not talking about the creepy porcelain doll from the popular horror franchise. The real Annabelle existed—but her appearance and story are far more unsettling than Hollywood would have you believe. Join us as we uncover the true origins of Annabelle and explore her eerie connection to the Keystone State.

In the coal region of Pennsylvania in 1893, a Hungarian miner stricken with consumption becomes convinced that the spirit of his former boss is squatting on his chest, draining his life. His fear leads him to a desperate, macabre act — exhuming the man's corpse and cutting out its heart, hoping to free himself. This case reveals how vampire superstition persisted among immigrant communities in America. The story reminds listeners that folklore and fear once provided frameworks for life and death — until science (eventually) caught up.

The Perkasie Train Tunnel is more than a forgotten stretch of railroad—it's a monument to both ambition and loss. Beneath its rough-hewn stone and cold, dripping walls lingers a tale few are willing to whisper. A tale of tragedy, obsession, and something that still haunts the tracks under the glow of the moon. So lower the lights. Slip on your headphones. And listen carefully. Because once you step inside the tunnel… you might not come back the same.

It's officially spooky season, which means we're bringing you chills, thrills, and maybe even a few things that go bump in the night. So grab your blanket, light a candle, and settle in—because this October, we're serving up fright with every episode, starting with the Gettysburg Murder House!

Shannon is joined by special guest Chris from the Drunk Phils Fans Facebook community and the podcast DPF on Tap to close out the regular baseball season with a look at the weird and wild side of Major League ballparks. From freak injuries and shocking falls to promotions that went off the rails, we're diving into the risky side of America's pastime. Join us as we gear up for Red October (IYKYK).

The tragic and unsolved murder of Donna Barkon Friedman remains a haunting mystery. In this episode, we dig into the chilling details of her case, exploring the events leading up to her death and the unanswered questions that still linger. Who was responsible for this brutal act?

The Murder of Miss Hollywood/ The Murder of Jill Ann Weatherwax - She was beautiful, ambitious, and carried the nickname “Miss Hollywood.” But Jill Ann Weatherwax's dreams of stardom came to a haunting end in 1998, when she was found brutally murdered in a lonely field. Who was behind the killing of this aspiring starlet—and what secrets followed her into the shadows? Join Melissa and Chelsea as they unravel the mystery of the Murder of Miss Hollywood.

Today, we are joined by the hosts of the Corrupt Podcast, Angela and Paige! We are traveling back to 1993 — to Shenango Township, Lawrence County. It was a quiet area, the kind of place where violent crime seemed unthinkable… until 35-year-old Julie Rae Conway was found dead in a limestone quarry. She had been fatally shot, and her death was quickly ruled a homicide. But more than three decades later, her killer has never been caught.

For our August Monthly Mood, Chelsea is back with another important summer safety topic—this time focusing on low-head dams: what they are, why they exist, and the hidden dangers they create in the water. Join the KCC team as they discuss these important water structures.

Tonee Turner, a 22-year-old artist from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, disappeared on December 30, 2019. She was last seen getting off a bus near her home. Later that evening, her belongings—including her backpack, shoes, and a ceramic pot—were found abandoned on the Homestead Grays Bridge. Despite investigations, no evidence of foul play has been found, and her case remains unsolved.

Cleashindra “Clea” Hall was a bright 18-year-old honor student from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, with plans to attend college and pursue a medical career. On the evening of May 9, 1994, she called her mother from her part-time job at a local doctor's home office, saying she'd need a ride soon—but that second call never came. The doctor claimed she left with someone in a car, but no one ever saw or heard from Clea again. Despite searches, interviews, and renewed interest over the years, her case remains unsolved. What really happened to Clea Hall that night—and who might still be keeping a secret?

Listener discretion is advised due to the sensitive nature of these cases. This week's episode explores two heartbreaking cases of missing children from Pittsburgh — Mary Ann Verdecchia and the Fowler twins. In 1962, 10-year-old Mary Ann Verdecchia vanished near her home and has never been found, despite decades of investigation. And In 2016, Allegheny County's Office of Children, Youth and Families (CYF) directed Pittsburgh police to remove all six of Patricia Fowler's children from her home. Four were placed safely in protective custody—yet after several weeks, officials discovered that her 17-year-old twins Ivon and Inisha, were missing and had not been seen in years.

In this fun and slightly chaotic episode, we unpack the rise of “brain rot”—those bizarre, hyper-online expressions like “rizz,” “delulu,” “mid,” and “it's giving,” that are flooding TikTok, Twitter, and beyond. Where do they come from? How do they spread so fast? And what does it say about internet culture and the way younger generations are reshaping language? Whether you're fluent in the lingo or constantly confused, this episode will clear things up as best as two Gen Xers can!

Join the team for the conclusion of the case of Edna Posey. In this gripping episode, we discuss the haunting 1984 murder of Edna Posey, a case that captivated Pennsylvania and led to a wrongful conviction. Edna's dismembered torso was discovered along the Juniata River, and after months of uncertainty, she was identified through distinctive physical marks. Her ex-sister-in-law provided crucial details, including a unique belt buckle and moles on Edna's body, which matched the Jane Doe found earlier.  

Lisa Gurrieri and Brandon Rumbaugh set out on a romantic anniversary camping trip in the Arizona desert—but by morning, both were dead, shot execution-style in the bed of their borrowed truck. A disposable camera, found discarded near the scene, held haunting snapshots of their final moments—and one eerie, overexposed photo that may have captured their killer. Nearly two decades later, there are no arrests, no clear suspects, and more questions than answers. Who would target a young couple with no known enemies? And what secrets are still buried in the quiet desert where they took their last breath?

In 1984, Edna Posey — a young mother with her whole life ahead of her — was found brutally murdered near the Juniata River in Pennsylvania. A suspect was arrested and convicted, but that conviction was overturned just a few years later, leaving Edna's case wide open once again. Decades have passed, but the question still echoes: Who killed Edna Posey? In this episode, we revisit the details of the case, the trial, and the lingering mystery that still haunts her family and community.

This month's mood dives into the intense pressure law enforcement faces from the public to quickly solve cases—especially violent ones—and what happens when that pressure leads to tunnel vision in investigations. We also explore the power of the “court of public opinion,” where social media and the internet let everyone play judge and jury, often ignoring the facts in favor of outrage and speculation.

Have you ever come across one of those rare true crime cases that keep you scratching your head. Things just don't add up and it seems helpless not having more answers. Well, this case will leave you asking questions for sure. Today KCC discusses the case of a Jane Doe who has been nameless for almost 40 years. She was discovered at the scene of a semi-truck crash. The twist, she was found under the trailer. So many theories surround this case and how she ended up underneath a tractor trailer. It was recently thrust back into the media because Fayette County is determined to give her back her name. 

This month on Beyond the Keystone: Two dismembered bodies. A scenic Alaskan coastline. And a known sex trafficker with ties to both victims. Join Melissa as she dives into the brutal, unsolved murders of Desiree Lekanoff and Michelle Rothe—two women failed by the system and forever silenced. Alaska holds its secrets tight… but someone out there knows the truth.

Join us for the conclusion of the story of Dana Gates!

In this episode, Chelsea and the team discusses the hidden risks that come with a day at the beach. While the sun, surf, and sand may seem harmless, there are a number of dangers every beachgoer should be aware of. Whether you're a local surfer or a first-time beach visitor, this episode will help you stay smart and safe under the sun.

This week, we're diving into the chilling story of Dana Gates—a young woman whose life was violently taken, leaving behind countless unanswered questions. Found brutally injured in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, Dana's case shocked the local community and became a haunting mystery.

In the gripping inaugural episode of Beyond the Keystone, host Melissa takes us deep into the heart of Alabama, unraveling two haunting cases that still echo through the state. First, she explores the heartbreaking 2001 abduction and murder of 11-year-old Shannon Paulk in Prattville—a case that shocked the community and remains unsolved. Then, she turns to the tragic and perplexing 1990 Tuscaloosa homicide of 18-year-old Paula Lee Ellis, a young woman whose life was cut short under mysterious and frustrating circumstances. Two lives, two stories, one unforgettable episode. #Unsolved #Alabama #KCC #KCCPod #BeyondtheKeystone #TrueCrimeStory #truecrimepodcast #unsolvedmysteries #TrueCrime #UnsolvedCases #AlabamaTrueCrime #ColdCaseFiles #MissingAndMurdered #CrimeInTheSouth

On August 9, 1990, Donna Dickey's Thursday began like any other. The 32-year-old mother followed her usual payday routine: cashing her check, grabbing a meal from Burger King, and enjoying her food while feeding ducks at Silver Lake Park. Tragically, this would be the last time Donna followed this routine. The next morning, her strangled, half-naked body was discovered near Lower Bucks Hospital in Bristol, with her 1973 gold Ford Pinto close by. What transpired in the hours after Donna left the park, and who could commit such a heartless act?

Everything came to a head on May 22nd, 1992 when Betty came home and found Jack brutally murdered. It was not long before 3 arrests were made which included Betty and her twin sister Peggy. Join us as we discuss this wild case.

Welcome to our first Monthly Mood episode! Our monthly mood episode will be a different host every month gushing about what they are currently obsessed with. Anything from a true crime case, a show, a conspiracy, another podcast episode, etc. The sky's the limit...we even venture out of PA for these episodes! For our first episode of our monthly mood, Chelsea discusses the case of Tracey Nix, which occurred in the state of Florida. 

Join the KCC team for the conclusion of the Craig Rice case!   If you have been listening to our most recent stories you will see we have been slightly dabbling in cases that have controversies. Such as deaths ruled suicide and should have been homicide or even wrongfully convicted. Today we will touch on a wrongfully convicted case with a twist. It involves a murder that was part of a hate crime and an innocent being charged with minimal evidence. I don't think we have ever done a case that was part of a hate crime. Hate crimes are specifically tricky to convict. Today's story is going to be a wild ride.

Who doesn't love a good love story right? It's really what everyone hopes for. A connection, a partner in crime, your other half if you will. But what happens when love isn't the driving emotion. What if love is a disguise for control and obsession. When love is so “passionate” it invokes intense reactions. Reactions that are volatile and are irreversible. Today we are going to talk about the case of Terri Lynn Brooks. She was betrayed by the person who was supposed to protect her. He tricked everyone for years until the advancement of DNA which busted this case wide open. 

If you have been listening to our most recent stories you will see we have been slightly dabbling in cases that have controversies. Such as deaths ruled suicide and should have been homicide or even wrongfully convicted. Today we will touch on a wrongfully convicted case with a twist. It involves a murder that was part of a hate crime and an innocent being charged with minimal evidence. I don't think we have ever done a case that was part of a hate crime. Hate crimes are specifically tricky to convict. Today's story is going to be a wild ride. 

Carol Ann Dougherty was the older daughter of a “wonderful family”, a happy nine-year-old, who loved to read and frequently rode her bike to her town's library, usually stopping at St. Mark's Catholic Church to pray on her way home. On October 22, 1962, Carol Ann was found dead in the church's loft, having been sexually assaulted and strangled. What monster could have committed such a heinous act to a sweet child, in the most holy of places?

Join KCC with the conclusion of the case of Dolores Della Penna, the 17-year-old that was horrifically murdered July 12, 1972.

In 1972, 17-year-old Dolores Della Penna, a high school student from Philadelphia, vanished just blocks from her home. Known for her kind nature and bright smile, her disappearance shocked her tight-knit community. Days later, disturbing discoveries pointed to a horrifying fate. To this day, questions linger about who was truly behind her tragic end and why justice remains elusive.

In today's episode, we discuss the case of the West Manchester John Doe. Found in 2013, the remains could have been in their resting pace for up to 20 years. The Bureau of Justice Assistance estimates that 4,400 unidentified remains are discovered annually in the United States. At any given time, there may be up to 40,000 unidentified remains across the country. It's truly heartbreaking to think about. How do families and friends not claim these remains?

KCC delves into the tragic and unsolved murder of Holly Branagan, a high school senior from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. On March 28, 1979, Holly was brutally stabbed to death in her own home. The police pieced together Holly's timeline through phone calls she made that day, but despite their efforts, they have never caught her killer. Over 40 years later, the question remains: who killed Holly Branagan?

Jason Andrew Knapp, a young man from York, Pennsylvania, vanished without a trace on April 12, 1998. Jason was a sophomore at Clemson University, excelling academically and involved in the ROTC program. He was last seen on Easter weekend, and his car was found a week later at Table Rock State Park in South Carolina, but Jason himself was never located. What could have happened to this accomplished student?

Jennifer Higgins was an accomplished a young woman.  A field hockey star in high school, she attended Temple University on scholarship. Toward the end of her sophomore year, just ahead of summer break, Jennifer was found hanged by a necktie in her bedroom, her death ruled a suicide. But was it? Jennifer's story is one of profound sadness and unanswered questions, as her sudden death left her family and friends in shock and grief.

A young girl's skeletal remains were discovered on November 25, 1984, in a wooded area near Collom Street in Philadelphia. The remains, which included a skull, jaw, and three other bones, were found by a resident's dog. Authorities believe the Jane Doe was a Black girl between the ages of 4 and 6, who died approximately one year before her remains were discovered. Join the KCC team as they discuss the details of this case and the theories around the identity of this little angel.

The holidays at the end of the year are supposed to be joyous. We celebrate traditions that run in our culture and families. Plus we celebrate another year around the sun. I know for me I personally enjoy my days off, time with family, and yummy food. In 1992 Lancaster PA suffered a horrific loss of their community. It was the Monday before Christmas and a class of 6th grade kids of Rohrerstown Elementary School were gathering for the start of school. Problem was their teacher Christy Mirack did not show up. This was totally out of character. The principal was so concerned about this no show he drove to her house. He walked into a nightmare that would rock this town for 32 years. 

Betty Jane McClellan was a respected and deeply religious woman from Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. In March 2009, Betty and her husband, Jake McClellan, were brutally attacked in their trailer during a home invasion. While Jake survived with serious injuries, Betty tragically lost her life. Despite extensive investigations, the case remains unsolved, casting a shadow over the small community of Greene County.

According to World Population review this year in PA there are 504 open missing person cases and 320 unidentified. I was astonished at that staggering number because that seems steep right? But the rate is only 3.9 per 100K which seems lower. According to NamUs most cases are resolved and the percentage that aren't is under 1%. The people that are found were either lost, made the conscious decision to leave, or were taken. The case we are covering today is over 20 years old. Police were never able to locate her living or dead. No one has heard a word from her since June 24th, 2002. Unfortunately, Sabrina Mae Kahler is part of that 1%.

Noble's name wasn't the only thing unique about the man nor was the mystery surrounding his death.  The 82-year-old man from Greene County, Pennsylvania, was tragically murdered in 2008. Initially, it seemed like he died from a house fire, but an autopsy revealed he was actually shot before the fire was intentionally set. Who killed Noble Wine and why?

KCC delves into the baffling disappearance of Corinna Slusser, a young woman from Bloomsburg, PA, who vanished without a trace in September 2017. Join us as we uncover the events leading up to her disappearance, the extensive search efforts, and the ongoing investigation into what happened to Corinna.

In this episode, we delve into the heartbreaking story of Peter Romano, a 14-year-old boy from Bensalem, Pennsylvania, whose life was tragically cut short on Halloween night, 2023. Peter was one of three teenagers shot during a violent altercation at a shopping center on Bristol Pike. The incident, which started as a fight, escalated into a deadly shooting, leaving Peter fatally wounded and two others injured.

The General Wayne Inn is a historic building located in Merion Station, Pennsylvania. Originally established as a tavern in 1704, it has undergone several name changes before being renamed in 1793 in honor of General “Mad” Anthony Wayne. The inn is known for its rich history, including rumors of being haunted and its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. In 2005, the building was converted into an Orthodox Jewish synagogue, now known as Chabad of the Main Line. The inn has also been the site of notable events, including a murder in 1996 that led to a high-profile investigation and conviction.

The legend of the Black Lady of Minooka is a well-known ghost story from the Minooka neighborhood in Scranton, Pennsylvania. According to local lore, the Black Lady is the spirit of a woman who died tragically in the area. She is often described as wearing a long black dress and a veil, wandering the streets and the nearby woods. The Hotel Jermyn, located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, is a historic building with a rich past. Built in 1895, it was once one of the grand hotels in downtown Scranton, hosting famous performers, historical figures, and travelers. Circumstances surrounding the construction as well as incidents involving guests at the hotel only strengthen the stories of hauntings.

The legend of the Pig Lady of Cannelton is a well-known local folklore from Beaver County, Pennsylvania. The story revolves around Barbara Davidson, an early resident of the area, who was murdered, and her body found in the crawlspace of her parents' home. Over time, the tale evolved, with some versions describing her as a headless ghost, while later versions added the eerie detail of her having a pig's head instead of a human one.

Graterford Prison, officially known as the State Correctional Institution – Graterford (SCI Graterford), was a maximum-security prison located in Skippack Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. It opened in 1929 and was Pennsylvania's largest maximum-security prison, housing around 3,500 inmates at its peak.