The Signal 51 Chronicles

Bill McLean and Sneed murder trials still more insane than ‘Tiger King'.  W.P. McLean, the second, was again a winner, scruples be damned.

The responding Metro Nashville Police Department officers are undoubtedly heroes.  On this episode, two former SWAT officers and firearms instructors analyze the video and explain the "how's and why's" of the responding officers actions. 

What was once a hobby for many kids has turned into a big business.  Similar to anything else that has seen tremendous economic growth, crime quickly creeps in.  The sports card industry has turned into a multi-billion dollar industry.  The vast majority of the sports card stores are owned by small business owners.  They are falling prey to smash and grab burglaries and losing thousands of dollars worth of cards.

Darrell "Dimebag" Abbott, a legendary rock musician was senselessly murdered while performing a club in Columbus, Ohio. The derainged fan, by friends described as Pantera's biggest fan, believed Abbott was partially responsible for the break up of the legendary heavy metal band Pantera. Unfortunately, Abbott was not the only person killed that evening. Several other people supporting the band were also murdered. This is a case of another mass shooting that ended the life of a heavy metal icon. It also ended the career of a Columbus, Ohio cop who bravely put a stop to the violent act.

Taken Hostage: An iconic location is making a return to the area. However, almost 35 years ago, tragedy struck at one of the locations. In this story, we talk about the hostage, the hostage takers, and the controversial death penalty.

This is a true tale of Texas tragedy. A gunman accused of the most heinous crime was confronted by police in a quaint Texas town square. However, before his run in with the law, a brave deputy confronted this evil. Also, find out about your very own co-host's run-in with this same violent criminal.

Crime in Cowtown was at an alltime high in the late 80's and early 90's. Year after year, the murder rate soared above 125 people killed. Many of them were solved, but many were not. The brutal murder of a 91-year-old, defenseless lady in west Fort Worth bears the question, "Was there a serial killer on the loose?"

What is going with the college quarterback in and around Fort Worth? Stetson Bennett was in town for a training session. While here, he was arrested in that big city just to our east. Several years prior, Johnny Manziel, AKA “Johnny Football” accused of assaulting his girlfriend from Fort Worth. Trevone Boykin, TCU QB, arrested multiple times during and after his career at TCU. Is Fort Worth the cursed QB town?

Was it a stroke of luck or maybe a purposeful act that kept an unsuspecting woman alive? This episode highlights another case of scorned lover.

This is a tragic tale about two lives taken far too soon and for such trivial need. Two teenagers who had spent an evening hanging out with friends decided to stop at a fast-food restaurant. This was the last time they were seen alive. Sadly, we see the same senseless tragedies in communities across the country.

Temple Jernigan was to wed Sherrie Cummings. A young couple living in Tarrant County, but the wedding never happened. On October 9, 2008, the body of Temple Jernigan was found in an industrial area in Haltom City, Texas. Jernigan lay dead with a gunshot wound to the chest and head. Who committed such a violent act is likely not the person you would think!

A hospital executive is found deceased in his east Fort Worth home. Initially, police wanted to question the former roommate. However, two new suspects emerged after a few days. The motive was robbery. The penalty was death.

A tragedy unfolded at a cafe on the outskirts of downtown Fort Worth. Long past its prime of serving hot meals, the cafe turned to an underground operation to generate revenue. Was it the new method of making money that caused one of the most deadly murders in Fort Worth?

A tragedy unfolded at a cafe on the outskirts of downtown Fort Worth.  Long past its prime of serving hot meals, the cafe turned to an underground operation to generate revenue.  Was it the new method of making money that caused one of the most deadly murders in Fort Worth?

Fort Worth Socialites. A kidnapping. A murder. This a real who done it! In part 1, we introduce a tale of mystery. Does wealth play a role in this case?

Fort Worth Socialites. A kidnapping. A murder. This a real who done it! In part 1, we introduce a tale of mystery. Does wealth play a role in this case?

Nothing was more synonymous with early Fort Worth than Hell's Half Acre, the notorious rest stop on the cattle trails featuring all things red light that appealed to fatigued cowboys needing a break, including, but not limited to, saloons, gambling and bordellos.  In this episode, we explore Hell's Half Acre through the eyes of the champion long-distance walker of the world.  We also explore the new Hell's Half Acres in Fort Worth.

Vanished in Broad Daylight is the story of a well known and beloved educator in Fort Worth.  Two days before Super Bowl XXXVIII, Laura Crane went to a local grocery store but never returned home. There are predators who roam our city and this story gives you a glimpse of how they attack their prey.

Vanished in Broad Daylight is the story of a well known and beloved educator in Fort Worth.  Two days before Super Bowl XXXVIII, Laura Crane went to a local grocery store but never returned home. There are predators who roam our city and this story gives you a glimpse of how they attack their prey.

The mission of this 89-year-old Fort Worthian was to make sure his city was clean.  Mr. J. Harry Wynne proposed a change to the way Fort Worth collected garbage.  It was this proposal that could have ultimately cost J. Harry Wynne his life.

The mission of this 89-year-old Fort Worthian was to make sure his city was clean.  Mr. J. Harry Wynne proposed a change to the way Fort Worth collected garbage.  It was this proposal that could have ultimately cost J. Harry Wynne his life.

Barry Leatherman died of a gunshot wound at Billingsley Field House. His killer walked free. To this day the case remains unsolved. Jake, John and guest host Sean Firke take a closer look at the cold case on this weeks episode of the Signal 51 Chronicles.

Barry Leatherman died of a gunshot wound at Billingsley Field House. His killer walked free.

Was she a ruthless killer, a “pistol packing mama” who “reveled in the carnival of high living” and sought a financial death benefit, as prosecutors asserted? Or a woman who defended herself against an abusive husband, as she and her defense attorney, W.P. McLean, contended?  In this episode we examine the shooting death of George Bradshaw on November 11, 1945.

In Part II, we discuss how a stolen car recovered in Fort Worth lead California investigators to a heinous crime.  Coming back to Outlaw Country, a.k.a. Fort Worth, the home of an iconic outlaw country musician is the scene of a brutal murder.  The trail of death and the elusive outlaws involved, is proof that history can and does, give us a glimpse into the future

A look at the criminal underworld of Fort Worth in the 1950's and 1960's.  From outlaws to outlaw country musicians, this story takes listeners down the road of crime and violence in Fort Worth, Texas.  Fort Worth: Outlaw Country describes the battles between gangsters and police, the innocent victims who were at the wrong place at the wrong time, and how a small group of criminals terrorized the city. 

Signal 51 Chronicles focuses on crimes past and present.  The suspect, the victims, and the motives are all examined.  However, as a true crime podcast, we believe it is important to educate our community on issues involving crime of the present day.  In this episode, Jake White, a retired Fort Worth Police Department sergeant with significant experience in drug investigations, assembled a roundtable of guests to discuss an issue, a drug that is plaguing our city.  This episode focuses on the fentanyl crisis in Fort Worth and beyond.  Regardless of age, gender, or race, this drug is on the streets of Fort Worth and destroying lives.  Children are dying.  Those who are plagued with an opioid addiction are dying. Worst of all, it can be as small as 2mg to cause a lethal overdose.  The experts include a retired drug investigator who trains law enforcement across the country in detecting fentanyl.  A local drug investigator who actively investigates fentanyl overdose deaths.  A brave mother who has turned into an advocate to help educate parents, teachers, etc…on how one fentanyl pill can change generations.  With something so toxic, “There's no learning from mistakes.”

John Henry sits down with powerhouse attorney Francisco Hernandez to discuss the ongoing murder trial of Atatiana Jefferson. They talk the law, trial delays, and much more on this weeks episode of Signal 51 Chronicles.

John and Jake discuss a recent tragedy that occurred June 24th, 2022 where a 64 year old woman was caught in the crossfire of a drug deal gone wrong.

Three young men entered Kubes Jewelers on West Berry with ill-intent. Their plan was to carry off back to southeast Texas thousands of dollars worth of stolen loot. Then Fort Worth Police Officer David Sears showed up and changed their plans. 

Part 2: Nikki Blahitka's volatile relationship with a younger paramour takes a deadly turn in the days leading up to the new year. 

Nikki Blahitka's volatile relationship with a younger paramour takes a deadly turn in the days leading up to the new year.  Part 1 of 2 signal51chronicles.com