Secrets True Crime

On Friday October 13th, 2023, after 8.5 long years, arrests have finally been made in the horrific murder of Eric Cates and his loyal and faithful dog Gypsy.  2 people have been charged with murder.  The Aniah's Law bond hearing revealed many new details about what happened to Eric & Gypsy and who was involved.Support the showPatreon: https://patreon.com/secretscrime Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretscrimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretscrime/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@secretstruecrimepodcastJeremy Abbott Petitionhttps://chng.it/4NpDWLPpyv

In 2021, an inmate signed a confession and said he'd lead investigators to Jessica Hamby's remains.  As Jessica's dad, Keith, said, while what has happened since is shocking, it's not surprising.Support the showPatreon: https://patreon.com/secretscrime Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretscrimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretscrime/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@secretstruecrimepodcastJeremy Abbott Petitionhttps://chng.it/4NpDWLPpyv

Red herrings often take investigations off track and we believe that Jessica's case has some significant ones that have impacted progress in the investigation over the last 5 years.Support the showPatreon: https://patreon.com/secretscrime Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretscrimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretscrime/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@secretstruecrimepodcastJeremy Abbott Petitionhttps://chng.it/4NpDWLPpyv

Anthony "Tony" Mitchell's tragic death occurred just two weeks after he was incarcerated at the Walker County Alabama Sheriff's Office Jail. Despite his ongoing struggle with addiction, Tony's downward spiral was reportedly exacerbated by the recent passing of his father. By the time a concerned family member called 911 seeking medical help for Tony, he had lost a staggering 100 pounds and was in a delusional and agitated state.Unfortunately, the events that followed resulted in Tony being charged with attempted murder and ultimately dying. While a spokesperson for the sheriff's office claimed that Tony left the facility "alert and conscious" for further evaluation at a nearby hospital, a whistleblower from within the department leaked a video that painted a much different and more disturbing picture. As additional details emerged, the global community was left wondering how a modern American jail could allow a man to freeze to death in its custody.Support the showPatreon: https://patreon.com/secretscrime Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretscrimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretscrime/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@secretstruecrimepodcastJeremy Abbott Petitionhttps://chng.it/4NpDWLPpyv

Jeremy's death and Jessica's disappearance weren't the only mysterious events that occurred in the Marion, Winston, Franklin County area, among victims that knew each other, socialized with the same circles of people, and had addiction and other issues in common.  In this episode, we review 8 other cases and examine any connections or links to Jeremy or Jessica.Support the showPatreon: https://patreon.com/secretscrime Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretscrimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretscrime/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@secretstruecrimepodcastJeremy Abbott Petitionhttps://chng.it/4NpDWLPpyv

The numerous people rumored to have involvement in Jessica's disappearance seem to have been treated as separate theories and some have been mostly ignored.  As we discuss some other names that have long been rumored to have played a part in Jessica's disappearance, you'll find that the connections between all these different people are strong.Support the showPatreon: https://patreon.com/secretscrime Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretscrimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretscrime/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@secretstruecrimepodcastJeremy Abbott Petitionhttps://chng.it/4NpDWLPpyv

We are digging deeper into the connections between the large number of people whose names often surface in Jessica's case.  Some of these people lived in Hamilton, some lived in the Haleyville/Winston County area and some lived in Franklin County in Russellville and Phil Campbell.  Generally speaking, these theories seem to have been viewed as separate theories and not as potentially connected but some of the connections might surprise you.Support the showPatreon: https://patreon.com/secretscrime Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretscrimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretscrime/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@secretstruecrimepodcastJeremy Abbott Petitionhttps://chng.it/4NpDWLPpyv

It's been almost 5 years ago to the day that Jessica Hamby got kicked out of her house and she spent her last holiday season without her family.  In this episode you'll learn new information and hear more about the turmoil in her life in the weeks leading up to her disappearance.  Support the showPatreon: https://patreon.com/secretscrime Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretscrimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretscrime/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@secretstruecrimepodcastJeremy Abbott Petitionhttps://chng.it/4NpDWLPpyv

A friend of Jessica's mom and cousin took the search for Jessica into his own hands and his communications regarding what he knew are quite revealing on many levels including about the ransom demands that were sent to Lynn.  As these communications show, things aren't always what they seem.Support the showPatreon: https://patreon.com/secretscrime Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretscrimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretscrime/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@secretstruecrimepodcastJeremy Abbott Petitionhttps://chng.it/4NpDWLPpyv

Jessica's mom received a ransom demand shortly after Jessica was reported missing.  You'll hear the beginning of this story as a prelude of what's to come in the next episode which you won't want to miss and also the 2nd and final part of the Q&A.Support the showPatreon: https://patreon.com/secretscrime Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretscrimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretscrime/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@secretstruecrimepodcastJeremy Abbott Petitionhttps://chng.it/4NpDWLPpyv

We answer YOUR questions plus we had a surprise caller to the Q&A line.  Through your questions, we discuss some of the finer points in depth and reveal some new details.Support the showPatreon: https://patreon.com/secretscrime Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretscrimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretscrime/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@secretstruecrimepodcastJeremy Abbott Petitionhttps://chng.it/4NpDWLPpyv

There's been much contention about Eric Edward's Chevrolet Tahoe and if he was driving it during the hours prior to Jessica Hamby's disappearance.  The vehicle was allegedly stolen about a month after Jessica was last seen.  We also expose some other members of the Edwards & Cochran family's inconsistent and misleading statements.Support the showPatreon: https://patreon.com/secretscrime Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretscrimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretscrime/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@secretstruecrimepodcastJeremy Abbott Petitionhttps://chng.it/4NpDWLPpyv

There's some startling connections between the group of people Jessica was with in Hamilton and the group rumored to be involved in Jeremy Abbott's murder that may indicate that Jessica's destination and the group of people she was with that night was anything but random.Support the show

In the weeks leading up to Jessica's disappearance, friends have described Jessica as scared.  A woman named Mary spent a lot of time with Jessica in the week prior to Jessica entering Journey detox.  You'll hear a lot from Mary and she will tell us why Jessica wrote that she told her her who killed Jeremy Abbott.  There have been many rumors and accusations swirling around Mary and Mary will answer them all.Support the show

Kim's brother, Cary, told her what he claimed his son Jesse Abbott said happened to Jeremy.  Kim will also reveal what Cary told her about Jessica Hamby's disappearance.  While Kim initially believed Cary was trying to help her, time and new information have led her have a lot of suspicions.  Support the show

Jessica Hamby's friend, Jeremy Abbott, had been missing for over a month when she told them where to find his body.  Despite that and numerous other red flags and suspicious circumstances, Jeremy's death was quickly ruled a suicide. Hear Jeremy's mom relate the conflicting information she received from every direction, and the shocking revelation that her own family could be involved.  You'll also learn how an elected official and law enforcement failed Jeremy's family, the public, and left a lot of questions unanswered. Join us as we share these appalling details, and how Jeremy's mother finally learned a big piece of the secret behind Jeremy's death.Support the show

Jessica Hamby knew something about the death of her friend, Jeremy Abbott.  From the time Jeremy disappeared, everything changed in Jessica's life.  Jessica's mom & dad divulge what Jessica told them about the disappearance and death of Jeremy.  Jeremy's mom reveals all the strange occurrences surrounding his disappearance. Support the show

The geofencing done at Gilbert's camper revealed a device that traveled to the area from Mississippi and it made a very interesting stop along the way.  At first glance, the presence of this person at that location might've been easily explained but closer scrutiny of the timing, the route and the detour made along the way leave many questions and some very strange coincidences, at best.  Jessica's friends and family have all described an event that had upset Jessica and many described her as scared in the months and weeks prior to her disappearance.  Could her communications with Marcos reveal why Jessica was so scared?  You won't want to miss this episode!Support the show

The group of people with Jessica Hamby in the hours before her disappearance have always maintained that Jessica left walking from the Edwards' home while everyone else was asleep.  While people do lie, evidence doesn't.  In this episode, the lies are exposed and you'll learn about Jessica's movements right up until she vanished.  Support the show

Jessica Hamby was last reported to be seen on the morning of January 3, 2018.  In the hours before her disappearance, Jessica spent much of her time messaging friends and acquaintances on Facebook.  In this episode, we'll begin to discuss the content of these messages.  You'll also hear what one of the last people to see Jessica told Private Investigator Michael Fleming about that night. Support the show

On the night of January 2, 2018, Jessica Leeann Hamby and another woman checked out of a detox facility in the rural Alabama town of Haleyville.  She caught a ride to another town to stay with a childhood friend.  Over the next 9 hours, Jessica spent much of her time sending texts and messages to friends and acquaintances via Facebook Messenger in search of a ride.  Her ride never came and all the activity on Jessica's phone came to an abrupt halt.  Jessica has never been reported to be seen again and the large group of people with her all night have lied and changed their stories repeatedly.  What happened to Jessica?  Some of her last messages reveal that Jessica had a secret and was scared.  Join me, private investigator Michael Fleming with Echo 7 Foxtrot Private Investigations and special guest, private investigator Jeff Means with Sound Mind Investigations, as we investigate what really happened to Jessica. Support the show

June 7, 2021 update on the case.  Law enforcement has named a person of interest.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/secretscrime)

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Charity Tessener was another one of the 3 persons of interest that the Walker County Sheriff's Office was looking for shortly after Hayden disappeared. In this episode, she shares what details she knows about that night and why the sheriff's office wanted to speak with her.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/secretscrime)

Hayden was planning for his friend, Tommy, to pick him up the night he disappeared.  Tommy tells us about that night and another person surprised us with some new information.

6 weeks after Hayden Mayberry walked out of the back door of his home on Pine Drive, his body was discovered just off the road on...Pine Drive. 

26 year old Hayden Mayberry went missing on November 19, 2019. He reportedly walked into the woods in the Boldo area of Walker County, AL from a home he was staying at on Pine Dr. His remains were found on February 2, 2020 under some unusual circumstances.  Join us as we dig into the details of Hayden's disappearance and death. Episode 1 of a bonus mini-series.

Tobbie's had some unnerving and downright alarming experiences since Eric & Gypsy were murdered.

It seems that the offices of the Walker County District Attorney, the Walker County Coroner's Office, the Walker County Sheriff's Office and the Alabama State Fire Marshal's Office all had just a fraction of Eric Cates' autopsy for almost 5 years and no one noticed.  How is it possible for this to happen and when will they begin an official investigation into how this occurred?  It seems there is a lack of accountability and transparency to the people of Walker County who voted most of these people into the offices they hold.

Eric's mom Tobbie has been adamant that the autopsy she was recently allowed to see was not a complete autopsy.  In this episode, you'll hear a shocking update.

Tobbie reveals that her struggle to get Eric's case investigated is an ongoing battle.

Randy Hicks was one of the most commonly rumored to have been responsible for the murders of Eric & Gypsy.  In July 2016, Randy Hicks went missing and then was found deceased in the woods under very mysterious circumstances.  What really happened to Randy Hicks?

Numerous items were missing from Eric's truck.  What happened to them?  As Eric's family continued to get tips, there were numerous meetings with informants who provided information.

Eric's dad was given a letter shortly after Eric and Gypsy were murdered.  The letter details what the author says happened to Eric and names people who were allegedly involved.     Huge thanks to Podcorn for sponsoring this episode. Explore sponsorship opportunities and start monetizing your podcast by signing up here:   https://podcorn.com/podcasters/

We were given the surveillance footage from the Blue Store for Eric's last day.  The Blue Store was the last reported sighting of Eric and Michael made a very significant discovery as he poured over this video.  Be sure to visit our Facebook page to see the video.  

We continue to investigate the most common theories in Eric and Gypsy's murders and we go through the timeline of Eric's last day.  Huge thanks to Podcorn for sponsoring this episode. Explore sponsorship opportunities and start monetizing your podcast by signing up here: https://podcorn.com/podcasters/

So many tips came in the day Eric & Gypsy were found murdered.  In this episode you'll hear directly from a man who was the subject of one of these tips.  The murder of Eric & Gypsy and the events that followed set off a chain reaction that has forever changed the lives of his entire family.

Eric's family began to receive tips about what happened to Eric and Gypsy the same day their remains were found.  One of the first and most interesting tips is about a house where a BBQ was held.  Join us as we explore this lead and more.

After Eric & Gypsy's bodies were found at the school, Eric's family is given access to the crime scene and are shocked at what they found.

On March 21, 2015, 32 year old Eric Cates and his beloved dog, Gypsy, were found murdered behind the old Empire School in the tiny Walker County town of Empire, AL. Hunters found their bodies burned in the cab of Eric’s truck. Their murders remain unsolved even though the crime is rumored to have been witnessed by a large crowd of people. In Season 2 of Secrets True Crime, Amber and private investigator, Michael Fleming with Echo 7 Foxtrot, LLCwill be digging into this case to help find who murdered Eric and Gypsy.

On March 21, 2015, 32 year old Eric Cates and his beloved dog, Gypsy, were found murdered behind the old Empire School in the tiny Walker County town of Empire, AL. Their murders remain unsolved even though the crime is rumored to have been witnessed by a large crowd of people. In Season 2 of Secrets True Crime, Amber and private investigation firm Echo 7 Foxtrot, LLC will be digging into this case to help find justice for Eric Cates.

Podcast listener tips led us to an infamous Elmore County location.  Our searches here were filled with surprises.

Thanks to the many tips from podcast listeners, the searches for Susan and Evan continue.  Amid triple-digit temperatures, the search teams worked at 4 of our top places of interest.  You'll hear the details of our most recent searches and hear about one of our special helpers, Pink.

The foremost expert on no-body prosecutions, Tad DiBiase, talks about what it takes to successfully prosecute a no-body murder case.

This is the 1st of 2 episodes discussing no-boy homicides and why Jerry is still free.

The private investigator investigating Susan and Evan's disappearance describes areas of interest in the search for them.

Was the disappearance of Susan and Evan planned?  Also, new information has become available on the Starr Mulder disappearance.

Susan and Evan aren't the only missing people from Elmore County.  Starr Mulder has been missing since June 11, 2016.  Hear the never released before details the investigator assigned to her case shared with me and I'll explain the odd connection I noticed to Susan and Evan.  Also, you'll hear about a new development in the search for Susan and Evan.

Several pieces of new information have been discovered as Susan & Evan's family and I attend a dedication for Evan at Holtville High School.

To date, investigators have said they only have one person of interest.  What do we know about Jerry and his past?

Hear Susan Osborne's own words as she describes her tumultuous life and marriage to Jerry Osborne.