Speaking of Crime

This season we will be bringing you the case of a young man by the name of Pravin Varughese. The trauma his family went through and the trial that was a slam dunk. Or was it. Sometime when you think you have gotten all the answers you find you are left with more questions. Questions you should never have to ask yourself as you deal with the death of your child.  ----------------------------------- Like any typical college night, students at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale were heading to a house party. It was February 12th, 2014, a Wednesday, and just a couple of days before Valentine's Day.  Pravin Varughese, a 19-year-old sophomore, wasn't planning on going to the party – it was mid week, not the weekend – and he had a test the next morning. But his friends were going to the party, and they persuaded him to come along.  That party would be the last time anyone would see Pravin alive. ---------------------------------- Music in this episode provided by Artlist: Yotam Haimovitch - Whole Moon One Man Bend - Last Stretch DANSHA - Grab the Sky Episode written by Jia Wertz Episode produced by Studio G Your Hosts: Jia Wertz and John Gully  

On Saturday, January 22nd, a reception was held at the Grand County Public Library in Moab, where artist Ekaterina Tatarovich unveiled a handmade metal sculpture forming a sunflower and a rose wrapped around each other as though in an embrace. The piece of art is titled “In Memory of Kylen and Crystal.”  Ekaterina had the piece partially completed in time for the memorial service that was held back in September as well.  Sean-Paul and Jason both traveled to Moab for the unveiling. ​​ Music in this episode provided by Artlist: Gradient by Philip Daniel Better Now by Philip Daniel When I Held You by Ben Winwood Finding My Memories By Sivan Talmor Flight of the Inner Bird By Sivan Talmor Music also provided by: Sean-Paul Shulte - Run Lizzy Run Episode written by Jia Wertz Episode produced by Studio G Your Hosts: Jia Wertz and John Gully

This interview will conclude our season. We will be releasing it in two-parts over the next couple of weeks because we spent hours talking to Sean-Paul. He opened up his heart, and shared so much – and we want to share the entirety of that conversation with you.  While these episodes will bring our season to a close, as new information develops in Kylen and Crystal's case, we will be sure to cover it and update all of you.   Music in this episode provided by Artlist: Birthplace by Ardie Son Hum by Lance Conrad Dawn Before Time by Victor Spiegel Short Love Story by Claudio Laucci Quiet By Eleven Tales Oval Window by Yehezkel Raz Wind By Swirling Ship Episode written by Jia Wertz Episode produced by Studio G   Your Hosts Jia Wertz and John Gully

On January 20th, 2022, Gabby Petito's family spent 8.5 hours meeting with the FBI. The case is officially closed and the family had to endure the final process of obtaining Gabby's belongings that were recovered from her van and from the Laundrie home. They left the FBI offices in Tampa with several boxes of her belongings – a nightmare no parent can fathom. Ever since Brian's remains were found in Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park, along with his notebook, we have all wondered what, if anything, would be revealed in that notebook. It was found submerged in water, making it even less likely that the contents of the notebook would be legible – but there was, at least, some hope that Gabby's family may get some answers.   It has now been revealed that Brian admitted in the notebook that he killed Gabby.  Music in this episode provided by Artlist: Quiet by Eleven Tales Ex-Voto by Bottega Baltazar An Invitation to Silence by Shahead Mostafafar Misty Mountain by Tilman Sillescu Faith by Simon Wester Episode written by Jia Wertz Episode produced by Studio G Today's Sponsor: Sprung On Food Your Hosts Jia Wertz and John Gully

Kylen and Crystal had many friends in Moab. One of those friends worked with Crystal at McDonald's and her name is Shay. She is devastated. And five months later, she is still struggling to deal with the loss of her friends who she says she was so blessed to have known, even for the short period of time she was able to spend with them before their lives were brutally cut short.  Music in this episode provided by Artlist: SHe's a Gift by Borrtex Birthplace by Ardie Son Missing You by James Paul Mitchell Short Love Story by Claudio Laucci My Blues(Inst.) By Moody Bear Episode written by Jia Wertz Episode produced by Studio G   Your Hosts Jia Wertz and John Gully

For months now family, friends, and people following the case have been urging the public to share Kylen and Crystal's story and reach out to anyone who may have been in Moab in mid-August to share photos or videos that could hold the clues that are needed to solve this horrific crime.    But, of course, we never know who has sent anything in and what photos or videos have surfaced – until now.   Music in this episode provided by Artlist: Life by Kevin Graham From Root to Crown Seven Chakras by Neon Ridge Dawn Before Time by Victor Spiegel Noises by David James Terry Farewell By Anbar Episode written by Jia Wertz Episode produced by Studio G   Your Hosts Jia Wertz and John Gully

Much has been speculated about whether or not Brian Laundrie could have been involved in the double homicide that took the lives of Kylen and Crystal. There are many oddities and coincidences between Brian and Kylen and Crystal – such as Brian's close proximity to Kylen and Crystal, the overlapping dates in the small town of Moab, and the fact that three women were murdered within a couple weeks of each other. The last point especially stands out considering that there were only three murders in Moab over a span of 14 years – from 2006 to 2019. To have three murders within a couple of weeks seems very suspicious – especially with Brian in the vicinity. Music in this episode provided by Artlist: Upstreet Rodney by Sean-Paul Shulte What Dreams May Come by Jameson Nathan Jones Finding My Memories by Sivan Talmor Hum by Lance Conrad Bleak Desert by Falconer Roanoke River (Inst.) by the Ghosts of Liberty Too Much by Michael Vignola Landing on the Ground by Sivan Talmor Full by Oak and Cherry Walking in Forests by Ben Winwood  Episode written by Jia Wertz Episode produced by Studio G   Your Hosts Jia Wertz and John Gully

Just a couple days ago Sean-Paul posted some updates on social media. One said this, “A big tip from this week changes our satellite dates.  We are now adding August 10th and August 11th to our search criteria.  We believe the creeper was there earlier than the dates we previously released.  New evidence suggests he was first there on Wednesday or sooner even.  So go back and check dash cams again please!!  Any car sedan or smaller vehicle coming or going off FR4651 just off Loop Road up on South Mesa. And one more thing. We want to know who the couple was at Woody's that Crystal played pool with. We want to question EVERYONE PLEASE.” Music in this episode provided by Artlist: Forsaken by Piotr-Hummel The Tree who Grew on Water by Yoav Ilan Mysa by Laurel Violet Choral-no. 59 (Bach) by Ardie Son  Faith by Simon Wester Fade to Black by Michael Vignola The Land that Time Forgot by Claire Kelly Episode written by Jia Wertz Episode produced by Studio G   Your Hosts Jia Wertz and John Gully We will be taking next week off unless something breaks in either of the 2 cases we have covered this season. Have a safe and fun Holiday season!

New details have emerged about Crystal and Kylen's last days, the creepy guy that was lurking around their camp, and other things we were quite shocked to learn. We spoke to Crystal's cousin, Diane, who tracked down all of the friends that Crystal and Kylen spent time with the night they went missing – they opened up to her and shared information we have not heard, until now.  Also here is a link to help fund the investigation further set up by our guest in this episode Diane. https://www.gofundme.com/f/syezh3-homicide-expense?member=15473551&sharetype=teams&utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook   Music in this episode provided by Artlist: Bleak Desert Dusk by Falconer Grey by Kyle Preston Gnossienne No. 1 by Romi Kopelman Oval Window by Yehezkel Raz Breath, Eyes, Memory (Instrumental) by Lance Conrad Faith by Simon Wester Follow Me Nowhere by Michael Vignola Walking in Forests by Ben Winwood Give and Take by Michael Vignola Episode written by Jia Wertz Episode produced by Studio G   Your Hosts Jia, Jeff and John  

The case of Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie has left us all with many more questions than answers.  Why didn't the FBI ever name Brian as a suspect in Gabby's murder?  Did Brian have a gun? Why didn't Brian or his parents cooperate with law enforcement?  Did Chris and Roberta know of Brian's whereabouts when he left their home, never to return?  Are the remains that were found in Myakkahatchee Park really those of Brian Laundrie?  What did he write in the notebook that was found? Does it contain a written confession? How many of these questions would be answered, or are there just more questions to ask? Music in this episode provided by Artlist: Faith by Simon Wester Waiting for Tomorrow by Marek Jakubowicz Gnossienne No. 1 by Romi Kopelman Oval Window by Yehezkel Raz Episode written by Jia Wertz Episode produced by Studio G   Your Hosts Jia and Jeff   Special thanks to: Popcorn Planet Dr. OZ  

There is a photo of Crystal Turner with her wife, Kylen Schulte, at their wedding in April of 2021.  As is only right, both women look radiant with joy.  It stands in stark contrast to the tragic end of their lives at the hand of some random “creepy guy” this past August at their campsite in the mountains near Moab, Utah.  Crystal was 38, and Kylen was 24.  Far too young to lose their lives. Kylen's family has been very open about both their desire for justice and their heartbreak at the loss of these two young women.  But no one has yet heard from Crystal's family. Until today…. Music in this episode provided by Artlist: Bleak Desert Dusk by Falconer Ponte San Giovanni Delle Navi by Bottega Baltazar These Moments by Ben Winwood Waiting for Tomorrow by Marek Jakubowicz Landing on the Ground by Sivan Talmor (Instrumental) Dark Hollows by G Yerro Grey by Kyle Preston Your Hosts Jia, Jeff and John    

Cindy Sue Hunter ventured out into the La Sal Mountains searching for Kylen and Crystal after learning of their disappearance through a Facebook post that Kylen's dad, Sean-Paul, had made.  Cindy Sue didn't know the women well, but saw them around town often and felt a spiritual connection to them. Feeling compelled to go search for them, through forces she can't fully explain, she headed out on a search-and-rescue mission into the vast mountains – without even knowing specifically where the two women may have been camping. The La Sal Mountain Scenic Drive alone is a 103 mile loop trail, and the mountainous area has boundless spots to set up campsites. It would be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Music in this episode provided by Artlist: Deep Waves by Bottega Baltazar The Carpenter by Mark Grundhoefer Faith by Simon Wester  Quiet by Eleven Tales Landing on the Ground by Sivan Talmor (Instrumental) Submersed by Eleven Tales Your Hosts Jia, Jeff and John   Show Sponsor Pomcare  

We have been learning more about the double homicide of Kylen Shulte and Crystal Turner through family members, like Kylens Aunt, Bridget Calvert, Kylens' half Brother, William, and we've even had a chance to speak with family friend Cindy Sue Hunter who located both of their bodies. More recently, we had the opportunity to talk with Jason Jenson, Private Eye who has been looking closely at the events leading up to and surrounding this most recent horrific crime that has the town of Moab on edge.   Music in this episode provided by Artlist: Reminiscing by Yehezkel Raz Calme by Borrtex First Steps by Be Still the Earth  Deep Blue Sea by Sivan Talmore How Can the World Contain You by The Soundkeeper Street Walking by Mostafafar White Dream by Yehezkel Raz Your Hosts Jia, Jeff and John

Human remains were found at Myakkahatchee Park – now the question on everyone's mind is: could they be Brian's remains? Following the FBI press conference at the park, Bertolino released this statement, “Chris and Roberta Laundrie were at the reserve earlier today when human remains and some of Brian's possessions were located in an area where they had initially advised law enforcement that Brian may be. Chris and Roberta will wait for the forensic identification of the human remains before making any additional comments.”

The manhunt for Brian has been underway for over a month, with not much coming to fruition – up until now. Chilling new discoveries and Chris and Roberta's peculiar behavior will leave you pondering whether or not they've actually known the whereabouts of their fugitive son. New details paint a clearer picture of how controlling and abusive Brian actually was towards Gabby – with his anger escalating throughout their trip, and what happened in her final moments. Music in this episode provided by Artlist: Access Granted by The Bows Iris by Denys Horokhovskiy Fade to Black by Michael Vignola Give and Take by Michael Vignola What Dreams May Come by Nathan Jones Hum by Lance Conrad Solstice by Lance Conrad Deep Waves by Bottega Baltazar Ponte San Giovanni Dell Navi by Bottega Baltazar Distant Light by Salt of the Sound Grey by Kyle Preston Darkness by Onyx Music Also provided by Arches Audio: Sunrise

Kylen Shulte and Crystal Turner had their lives cut very short at the hands of a ruthless murderer. Now the quiet town of Moab near the Colorado River in Grand County Utah is growing extremely concerned that there is a murderer roaming the area in the wake of the girls deaths and the murder of Gabby Petito not far from them. Grand County Sheriff's say not to be worried. Many residents don't understand how they can make such a claim.   Music in this episode provided by Artlist: The Carpenter by Mark Grundhoefer Follow Me Nowhere by Michael Vignola Give and Take by Michael Vignola Too Much by Michael Vignola Parallel Room by Alon Ohana On the River by James Paul Mitchell Missing you by James Paul Mitchell Wild by Swirling Ship She's a Gift by Borrtex Music also Provided to us by Gigi Love: Lullaby For Desert Girls   This Episode sponsored by Sonderlier  

Gabby Petitos case created a media frenzy. But there were other crimes that took place in Moab around the same time frame. Kylen Shulte and her wife Crystal Turner were brutally murdered and very little press has covered it with the gusto that Gabby's murder was and still is being covered. We want to make sure that the killer in both crimes gets brought to justice. In this episode, we focus on the murder of Kylen and Crystal where there seems to be few leads in the case. We hope you can share this episode to keep the girls' names out there until their murderer is apprehended.   Music in this episode provided by Artlist: Bumble Bee by Sean-Paul Shulte Gimme the Wings by Sean-Paul Shulte These Moments by Ben Winwood Too Much by Michael Vignola Ex-Voto by Bottega Baltazar Hum by Lance Conrad Solstice by Lance Conrad Distant Light by Salt of the Sound   And From Arches Audio: What a Time to be Me

Brian Laundrie is on the run. There is much speculation on where he may be, the people to claim to have encountered him have all made formal reports of their experiences and the Laundrie Family is still as elusive as ever when it comes to answering any questions about his whereabouts. Jia, Jeff and John take you through this maze of information in the hopes that we will finally learn where Laundrie is so he can be apprehended and face the consequences of his behavior, whatever that may be.   Music in this episode provided by Artlist: Darkness by Onyx Music  Dwell Among Us by Salt of the Sound (Vocal and Instrumental) Landing on the Ground by Sivan Talmor (Instrumental) On the River by James Paul Mitchell Oval Window by Yehezkel Raz Roanoke River by the Ghosts of Liberty ( INstrumental) And From Arches Audio: Lament  

Brian Laundrie is a wanted man. Wanted for using a credit card without permission. Of course we also know he was likely the last person to see Gabby Petito alive. Since his arrival back in North Port, Fl., he has gone missing and a federal warrant has been issued for his arrest. Among the LEA's actively looking for him around the country, he is being tracked by the FBI, North Port Police and Duane Lee Chapman. That's right, Dog the Bounty Hunter. Time to find Brian Laundrie.

In this second bonus episode we have created a timeline of Brian Laundrie's movements in this investigation. As of this publishing we learned that there has finally been a warrant issued for his arrest. But not for what you might think. The warrant is for using a debit card fraudulently. At least there is an actual warrant. 

BONUS EPISODE: Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie set out to live out of their converted van so they could explore the country and live freely. But their ill-fated trip ended with them both missing.

Jeff and Jia closeout season 2 remembering who Dugan's victims were in this ghastly case. thanks for taking the ride with us for our second full season.

Jeff spends some time talking with Richard Schmack about his involvement with the Jeanine Nicarico Case and Brian Dugan.

Jeff and Jia wrap up their interview with Tom McCulloch who served as Brian Dugans defense attorney where Dugan had been charged in other murders and not that of Jeanine Nicarico, even though he had confessed to her kidnapping and murder. 

Tom McCulloch served as Brian Dugans defense attorney where Dugan had been charged in other murders and not that of Jeanine Nicarico, even though he had confessed to her kidnapping and murder. Jeff and Jia discuss his interactions and experiences defending Dugan in part 1 of a 2 part interview.

John Hanlon is back with the second part of this interview to discuss his role with the Innocence Project. John was Executive Director for the Illinois Innocence Project and was part of the team that helped get Rolando Cruz exonerated from his conviction in the Nicarico Kidnapping and Murder case from 1983.

We welcome John Hanlon back to discuss his role with the Innocence Project over the next 2 episodes. John was Executive Director for the Illinois Innocence Project and was part of the team that helped get Rolando Cruz exonerated from his conviction in the Nicarico Kidnapping and Murder case from 1983.

Rolando and Jeff wrap up this 4 part interview on todays episode. We hope you have found it interesting hearing from Rolando about his ordeal with being wrongly convicted. His experience was but one part of the disturbing case of Jeanine Nicarico's kidnapping and murder.

Picking up from last weeks interview with Rolando, Jeff continues the conversation and Rolando talks about the 3rd trial he faced in the next attempt to overturn his conviction.

Jeff continues to discuss Rolandos wrongful conviction and incarceration, his time behind bars and on death row, and life after being released from this 12 and a half year long horrifying nightmare.

This is the first in a series of episodes with Rolando as Jeff and Jia discuss his wrongful conviction and incarceration, his time behind bars and on death row, and life after being released from this 12 and a half year long horrifying nightmare.

This episode wraps up our interview with John Hanlon, the attorney who stuck with Rolando Cruz through his appeals until, after 12 and a half years in prison, Rolando was eventually freed for a crime he did not commit.

Jeff and Jia sit down with Defense Attorney John Hanlon and discuss Rolando's case, the death penalty and what's the new breed of Prosecuting Attorneys are bringing to the table.

Our interview with Defense Attorney Gary Johnson concludes this week as we learn more about the Jeanine Nicarico case and Garys defendant Steven Buckley.

Jeff and Jia interview Gary Johnson who presented a defense for Steven Buckley, one of 3 men charged in the Kidnapping and Murder of 10 year old Jeanine Nicarico in 1983. This is one of 2 parts of this interview with Gary about his role in this case.

Welcome to season 2 of Speaking of Crime! This season begins with a comprehensive look at the Jeanine Nicarico Case. On February 25, 1983, before the family returned home that day, Jeanine was abducted from her house during a home invasion and burglary. The fallout from this case would prove unimaginable for so many. Jeff and Jia will navigate this story for a good part of our new season. We are glad to be back!

This is an update to the story we covered at the end of March this year. Very happy to report some good news!

Jeff and Jia are joined with Colin Zack. He is is dire need of information of his recently abducted daughters. Please, if you have any information you can contact any RCMP in Alberta. Lets help find his girls and get them back home.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all! A short episode for our season finale! We hope you enjoy it. Make sure to listen all the way to the end for a special reading of "The Night Before Christmas" (True Crime Style) see you in 2021!

We are wrapping up our first season and there are so many to thank for where we are today. We will have a special Christmas episode on Christmas day in lieu of an episode today. Enjoy this short message and check in on the 25th!

Rena Zacher's son Cory is missing and was last seen September 1st 2020. There is next to nothing in terms of information or clues about his disappearance. There have been searches, investigations by the local police and a small army of volunteers canvassing with fliers. No one is talking. Lets get her some help in locating Cory. 

I sit down with Blaine Lee Pardoe and discuss his book "Tantamount" who he wrote with his daughter Victoria Hester. This is a story of young girls between the ages of 10 - 18 who were abducted from their neighborhoods, assaulted and left on the side of the 295 in Washington DC back in the early 70's. This case is still not officially closed.

A case that has become part of American Pop Culture. Spawning Movies, Books, Urban Legends, TV characters and of Course Podcasts. Take a trip back to 1946 with us as we cover some of the details of this notorious serial killer who never saw life from behind bars for these ghastly murders.

What you are about to hear is a case about an unsolved murder. One that has so much mystery surrounding it and has so many unanswered questions regarding the circumstances. It is our hope that among all our listeners, maybe you have some information that could bring this case to a close. 

** This episode contains topics and incidents that are sensitive and may be disturbing to younger listeners. Listener discretion is strongly advised** In this episode we wrap up the story of Aziza Kabibi and her journey from abuse to survivor to advocate for victims of Child Abuse. She is continually making a difference in countless lives and hope to encourage other to not be afraid to tell someone their story.

** This episode contains topics and incidents that are sensitive and may be disturbing to younger listeners. Listener discretion is strongly advised** The Story of Aziza Kabibi and her journey from abuse to survivor to advocate for victims of Child Abuse. She is continually making a difference in countless lives and hope to encourage other to not be afraid to tell someone their story.

The Story of Jeffrey Deskovic and his fight for innocence after a wrongful conviction for rape and murder of a 15 year old classmate, Angela Correa.

Join us with our guest Kris Sumner for a tale from the past that still lives in the present!

Did you ever wonder about self storage facilities and what gruesome discoveries you might find there? We we did. Take a listen!

We wrap up our interview with Richard Jones Best Selling author and Ripper Tour Guide in Whitechapel. 

Get ready Oct 31st has your name on it! Its Halloween MWAHAHAHAHA!