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Just days before his arrest for the University of Idaho murders, Bryan Kohberger wrote Washington State University asking to be reinstated as a teaching assistant after the school terminated him from the position. Kohberger had been notified on December 19, 2022 that he was losing his T.A. job in the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology following complaints about his performance and conflicts with faculty. Two days later, he appealed directly to the dean of graduate studies, arguing that the termination process had been unfair and that university officials had failed to properly investigate his side of an alleged altercation. He also made clear that losing the assistantship threatened his ability to remain in the Ph.D. program because the position provided his income, health insurance and financial support.Kohberger's letter showed that, at least on paper, he was still planning to return to Pullman and continue his studies after the winter break. He wrote that losing the job would “virtually upend” his life and said he had grown attached to his classmates, professors and the WSU community. He never received a decision on the appeal before events overtook it: nine days after sending the letter, Kohberger was arrested in Pennsylvania and charged with murdering Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. That same day, WSU imposed an emergency suspension based on the murder and burglary charges, effectively ending any possibility that he would return to the university.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Bryan Kohberger Wrote Letter Begging For Job to Be Reinstated After Idaho Murders
Just days before his arrest for the University of Idaho murders, Bryan Kohberger wrote Washington State University asking to be reinstated as a teaching assistant after the school terminated him from the position. Kohberger had been notified on December 19, 2022 that he was losing his T.A. job in the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology following complaints about his performance and conflicts with faculty. Two days later, he appealed directly to the dean of graduate studies, arguing that the termination process had been unfair and that university officials had failed to properly investigate his side of an alleged altercation. He also made clear that losing the assistantship threatened his ability to remain in the Ph.D. program because the position provided his income, health insurance and financial support.Kohberger's letter showed that, at least on paper, he was still planning to return to Pullman and continue his studies after the winter break. He wrote that losing the job would “virtually upend” his life and said he had grown attached to his classmates, professors and the WSU community. He never received a decision on the appeal before events overtook it: nine days after sending the letter, Kohberger was arrested in Pennsylvania and charged with murdering Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. That same day, WSU imposed an emergency suspension based on the murder and burglary charges, effectively ending any possibility that he would return to the university.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Bryan Kohberger Wrote Letter Begging For Job to Be Reinstated After Idaho MurdersBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
Dr Dominic Willmott is an Associate Professor in Legal and Criminological Psychology at Loughborough University in the UK and Adjunct Professor in Psychology at SWPS University in Poland. His research primarily investigates bias within criminal legal systems, with a particular focus on jury decision-making in rape trials and the influence (and prevalence) of rape myths on societal and legal judgements towards rape complainants. He has published his research widely, authoring more than 100 research outputs to date where he applies robust and innovative psychologically informed methods to evidence bias in legal decision making and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions designed to address these biases. He has received more than £5 million in research funding to carry out this research and is Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Criminal Psychology as well as Chair of the Board of Trustees for Justice is Now, a charity that aims to reduce the bias towards victims of sexual violence. He formerly served as Research Advisor to the UK Victim Commissioner (Dame Vera Baird) and is currently course leader for the Masters degree in Criminology at Loughborough University.References for all texts cited in this podcast are on our Linktree.Presenters: Dr. Sally Tilt and Dr. Kerensa HockenProducers: Andrew Wilkie and Katie StokesYou can follow this podcast on LinkedIn by clicking here.The Forensic Psychology Podcast is a co-production between HM Prison and Probation Service and the Prison Radio Association charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Just days before his arrest for the University of Idaho murders, Bryan Kohberger wrote Washington State University asking to be reinstated as a teaching assistant after the school terminated him from the position. Kohberger had been notified on December 19, 2022 that he was losing his T.A. job in the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology following complaints about his performance and conflicts with faculty. Two days later, he appealed directly to the dean of graduate studies, arguing that the termination process had been unfair and that university officials had failed to properly investigate his side of an alleged altercation. He also made clear that losing the assistantship threatened his ability to remain in the Ph.D. program because the position provided his income, health insurance and financial support.Kohberger's letter showed that, at least on paper, he was still planning to return to Pullman and continue his studies after the winter break. He wrote that losing the job would “virtually upend” his life and said he had grown attached to his classmates, professors and the WSU community. He never received a decision on the appeal before events overtook it: nine days after sending the letter, Kohberger was arrested in Pennsylvania and charged with murdering Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. That same day, WSU imposed an emergency suspension based on the murder and burglary charges, effectively ending any possibility that he would return to the university.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Bryan Kohberger Wrote Letter Begging For Job to Be Reinstated After Idaho MurdersBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.
NCITE consortium member and I-O psychologist Anthony Roberson, Ph.D., speaks with NCITE criminology graduate students Callie Vitro (doctoral) and Camden Carmichael (masters) about their research into ISIS court cases in the U.S., their journeys to graduate work, and "balancing spinning plates". This episode was originally recorded in May 2026.
Lester Kiewit speaks to Professor Nirmala Gopal, Associate Professor in the Department of Criminology at UKZN, about why taverns are far too often the scene of violent crime and mass shootings. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is informative, enlightening and accessible. The team’s ability to spot & share relevant and unusual stories make the programme inclusive and thought-provoking. Don’t miss the popular World View feature at 7:45am daily. Listen out for #LesterInYourLounge which is an outside broadcast – from the home of a listener in a different part of Cape Town - on the first Wednesday of every month. This show introduces you to interesting Capetonians as well as their favourite communities, habits, local personalities and neighbourhood news. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays between 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Good Morning CapeTalk with Lester Kiewit broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/xGkqLbT or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/f9Eeb7i Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Taylor Parker presented herself as a hardworking Texas country girl, a devoted girlfriend, an heiress to a family fortune—and soon, an excited mother-to-be.There was just one problem.Much of it wasn't true.Taylor wasn't an heiress. The millions she promised her boyfriend didn't exist. And despite the ultrasound photos, maternity pictures, growing belly, gender reveal, and nursery, Taylor wasn't pregnant—and couldn't become pregnant.But as her supposed due date came and went, Taylor was running out of ways to keep the deception alive.On October 9, 2020, 21-year-old Reagan Simmons-Hancock—35 weeks pregnant with her second daughter—was murdered inside her New Boston, Texas, home. Taylor then attempted to pass Reagan's baby off as her own.In this episode of Once Upon a Crime, we examine the years of deception that preceded the murder and ask a larger question: What happens when maintaining the person you've invented becomes more important than admitting the truth?We'll explore Taylor Parker's history of fabricating illnesses, wealth, crises, and relationships; the extraordinary lengths she went to in order to convince boyfriend Wade Griffin that she was pregnant; and the prosecution's contention that the fake pregnancy was part of Taylor's desperate effort to keep him from leaving her.We'll also look beyond the Netflix documentary Maternal Instinct to examine Taylor's background and family relationships, as well as the conflicting psychological and neurological testimony presented during the penalty phase of her trial.As Wade Griffin would later say of Taylor:"She painted a pretty picture."But when that picture began to fall apart, Reagan Simmons-Hancock and her daughter, Braxlynn, would pay an unimaginable price.Content Warning: This episode discusses the murder of a pregnant woman, fetal abduction, pregnancy loss, and violence. Some listeners may find the subject matter particularly distressing.Sources & Further ReadingTexas Court of Criminal Appeals — Parker v. State of Texas (2025) The court's opinion affirming Taylor Parker's capital murder conviction and death sentence. This is an especially valuable source for the trial evidence, prosecution theory, testimony concerning Parker's deceptions, and issues raised on appeal. Read the court opinion via JustiaNetflix — Maternal Instinct Jessica Dimmock's 2026 documentary examines the Taylor Parker case through interviews, law-enforcement footage, and people directly affected by Parker's deceptions and crimes. Maternal Instinct — Netflix TudumNetflix Tudum — Maternal Instinct Director Interview Director Jessica Dimmock discusses the case, fetal abduction, and questions surrounding Parker's psychological evaluation. Read the director interviewKTAL/NBC 6 — Taylor Parker Trial Coverage Extensive local reporting from Parker's capital murder trial, including testimony from former boyfriend Wade Griffin and other witnesses. https://www.ktalnews.com/news/crime/taylor-parker-trial/ex-boyfriend-takes-stand-in-taylor-parker-capital-murder-trial/KTLA/Nexstar — Red Flags Revealed During Taylor Parker Trial Reporting on testimony concerning Parker's false pregnancy and the suspicions raised by people close to her and Griffin. https://ktla.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/red-flags-revealed-in-trial-of-woman-accused-of-killing-woman-unborn-child/TIME — The True Story Behind Maternal Instinct Background reporting published in connection with the release of the Netflix documentary. https://time.com/article/2026/06/12/maternal-instinct-true-story-netflix/Yahoo — Taylor Parker Family Guide Additional background concerning Parker's family, relationships, and personal history. https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/taylor-parker-family-guide-everything-181259347.htmlThe Tab — Taylor Parker's Childhood and Family Background Supplemental reporting about Parker's upbringing and testimony concerning her family history. https://thetab.com/2026/06/18/details-about-taylor-parkers-childhood-and-trauma-you-should-know-after-maternal-instinctThe Tab — Taylor Parker Hospital Interrogation Additional reporting concerning Parker's statements and behavior at the hospital following the crime. https://thetab.com/2026/06/17/full-video-of-taylor-parkers-hospital-interrogation-is-worse-than-what-was-in-maternal-instinctAdditional Background Wikipedia — Murder of Reagan Simmons-Hancock https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Reagan_Simmons-HancockSupport Once Upon a Crime on Patreon: patreon.com/onceuponacrimePatreon members get access to monthly bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes content, videos, ad-free episodes, blooper reels, and more—starting at just $5 per month.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
John Maytham speaks to criminologist Professor Irvine Kinnes about last week's series of mass shootings that left almost 40 people dead. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In July 2022, 17-year-old Mackenzie Shirilla was behind the wheel of a car that slammed into a brick building in Strongsville, Ohio, at nearly 100 miles per hour. Her boyfriend, 20-year-old Dominic “Dom” Russo, and their friend, 19-year-old Davion Flanagan, were killed. Mackenzie survived.What initially appeared to be a horrific accident soon became a double-murder investigation.Mackenzie maintained that she couldn't remember the moments before the crash, and her defense raised the possibility that a medical condition caused her to black out. But investigators pointed to surveillance footage, vehicle data showing full acceleration and no braking in the final seconds, and troubling evidence from Mackenzie's relationship with Dom. She was ultimately convicted of murder and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.The 2026 Netflix documentary The Crash introduced the case—and Mackenzie herself—to a much wider audience. But in this episode of Once Upon a Crime, we look beyond the question of accident or murder to examine the contrasting images of Mackenzie Shirilla.There was the Mackenzie she presented on social media: a fashion-loving, rebellious would-be influencer seemingly devoted to her longtime boyfriend.There was the Mackenzie investigators and prosecutors said existed behind the screen: a volatile and controlling girlfriend whose private messages and recorded interactions with Dom told a much darker story.And then there is the Mackenzie the public sees today—the convicted murderer whose old TikToks, behavior after the crash, and first prison interview have been dissected by millions of strangers searching for evidence of guilt, innocence, or remorse.Who was the real Mackenzie Shirilla? And how much can social media—or even a documentary—really tell us about the person behind the image?****truecrimepodcast.com - For links to all our social media channels and Patreon. Support the show by visiting our sponsors! Vinted - Ready to clean out your closet and make some extra money? Download the Vinted app for free and start listing!Talkiatry - Go to talkiatry.com/ONCE to complete a short assessment and get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. Jones Road - Head to jonesroadbeauty.com and use code ONCE at checkout to receive a free full-sized mascara with your first purchase.ResourcesNetflix — The Crash The 2026 documentary examines the crash, investigation, trial, and competing accounts of what happened, and includes Mackenzie Shirilla's first public interview from prison. https://www.netflix.com/title/81941710Netflix Tudum — The Crash: The Case and Documentary Background on Dominic Russo and Davion Flanagan, the investigation, surveillance and vehicle evidence, trial, and interviews featured in the documentary. https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/the-crash-release-date-newsNetflix Tudum — Mackenzie Shirilla Speaks from Prison More about Mackenzie's interview for The Crash, her claim that the collision was not intentional, the POTS defense, and the role her social-media history played in perceptions of the case. https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/the-crash-where-is-mackenzie-shirilla-nowNetflix Tudum — Mackenzie and Dom's Text Messages The filmmakers discuss thousands of text messages and recorded calls released by Strongsville police and what they reveal about the relationship between Mackenzie and Dom. https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/the-crash-mackenzie-shirilla-text-messagesOhio Court of Appeals — State v. Shirilla, 2026-Ohio-830 The March 2026 appellate decision affirming the dismissal of Shirilla's petition for post-conviction relief. https://law.justia.com/cases/ohio/eighth-district-court-of-appeals/2026/115101.htmlTime Magazine - “The Harrowing True Story Behind ‘The Crash'” https://time.com/article/2026/05/15/the-crash-true-story/People - “Mackenzie Shirilla Loses Last Chance to Appeal Murder Conviction at State Level” https://people.com/mackenzie-shirilla-loses-last-chance-to-appeal-murder-conviction-state-level-12094674Criminally Obsessed - “Mackenzie Shirilla ‘Loves Being Hated”: Forensic Psychologist Reacts to Netflix's ‘The Crash' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPoybP5gE8YIf you or someone you know is experiencing dating abuse: National Domestic Violence Hotline https://www.thehotline.org Call 800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.Sources and additional reading: Netflix/Tudum, Ohio Eighth District Court of Appeals, court records and materials cited in the episode.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Aubrey Masango is joined by Professor Christiaan Bezuidenhout from the Department of Social Work and Criminology at the University of Pretoria to unpack the reality of operational policing and what it reveals about the number of police officers actually deployed to fight crime on our streets. Tags: 702, Aubrey Masango show, Aubrey Masango, Bra Aubrey, Professor Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Police officers, SAPS, Crime The Aubrey Masango Show is presented by late night radio broadcaster Aubrey Masango. Aubrey hosts in-depth interviews on controversial political issues and chats to experts offering life advice and guidance in areas of psychology, personal finance and more. All Aubrey’s interviews are podcasted for you to catch-up and listen. Thank you for listening to this podcast from The Aubrey Masango Show. Listen live on weekdays between 20:00 and 24:00 (SA Time) to The Aubrey Masango Show broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and on CapeTalk between 20:00 and 21:00 (SA Time) https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk Find out more about the show here https://buff.ly/lzyKCv0 and get all the catch-up podcasts https://buff.ly/rT6znsn Subscribe to the 702 and CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfet Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Criminology professor Vincent Hurley spoke to John Stanley to address gender-based violence and evaluating current prevention strategies. Listen to John Stanley live on air from 8pm Monday to Thursday on 2GB Sydney and 4BC Brisbane See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Clarence spoke to Dr Tara Farrer Harris from the Department of Social Work & Criminology at the University of Pretoria about a recent opinion piece she penned ‘The solution to violence against women cannot be for women to become more proficient in avoiding danger. Views and News with Clarence Ford is the mid-morning show on CapeTalk. This 3-hour-long programme shares and reflects a broad array of perspectives. It is inspirational, passionate and positive. Host Clarence Ford’s gentle curiosity and dapper demeanour leave listeners feeling motivated and empowered. Known for his love of jazz and golf, Clarrie covers a range of themes including relationships, heritage and philosophy. Popular segments include Barbs’ Wire at 9:30 am (Mon-Thurs) and The Naked Scientist at 9:30 on Fridays. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Views & News with Clarence Ford Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays between 09:00 and 12:00 (SA Time) to Views and News with Clarence Ford broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/erjiQj2 or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/BdpaXRn Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this bonus episode, Esther shares the complete interview with journalist Annette McGivney, author of Plastic Shaman: The True Story of a Deadly Self-Help Retreat and America's Misguided Quest for Wellness, expanding on the 2009 Sedona sweat lodge tragedy and self-help guru James Arthur Ray. McGivney details Ray's rise from 1990s business motivational speaking to fame via The Secret and Oprah, his blending of secular “prosperity gospel” with spirituality, and prior warning incidents of heat illness before 2009. They discuss why attendees stayed in the dangerously hot lodge (cost, credibility, coercion, impaired thinking), staff dynamics, and profiles of victims Kirby Brown, Liz Newman, and James Shore. The conversation also covers commercialization and appropriation of Indigenous ceremonies, the term “plastic shaman,” Ray's post-prison comeback and lack of regulation, his 2025 death, McGivney's personal wellness journey, red flags, and the Seek Safely resourceSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jerry opens the show with his thoughts on former Ontario premier Kathleen Wynne's column about the key issues facing voters in the upcoming municipal elections. A threatening letter linked to the Bishnoi gang has raised fresh concerns about organized crime in Canada. Jerry speaks with Kelly Sundberg, Professor of Criminology at Mount Royal University and former CBSA officer. A judge has ruled that billionaire businessman Frank Stronach will not receive a jail sentence. Jerry speaks with Gavin Tighe, Senior Partner at Gardiner Roberts LLP. The invasive spotted lanternfly has been detected in Canada for the first time. Jerry speaks with Paul Speck, President and Co-Owner of Henry of Pelham Winery, about the threat the insect poses to vineyards.
Jason Agnew joins Jerry at the party table today on Party for Two, where they discuss the top stories of the day. Explosive corruption allegations within the Toronto Police Service have been detailed in newly unsealed court records. Jerry speaks with Patrick Watson, a professor of Criminology & Socio-legal Studies at the University of Toronto about this. It's Thursday, which means Tom Korski is here for this week's Blacklock's Report! Jerry shares his thoughts about a Toronto Star column about a columnist's experience at the investment summit.
What happens when childhood bullying ends, but your body still acts like you're under threat?In this episode of Smart Sex, Smart Love, Dr. Joe Kort sits down with award-winning sociologist and author Dr. Trevor Hoppe to explore the long-lasting effects of childhood bullying — not only on our mental health, but on our bodies, relationships, and sense of self.Dr. Hoppe introduces the idea of “embodied vigilance”: the ways repeated bullying and childhood trauma can leave the body stuck in a state of protection long after the danger has passed. Drawing from his ongoing research and his own experience of being bullied as a child, Trevor explains why something that happened in middle school can still affect us decades later.Joe also shares his own experiences with severe childhood bullying, including what happened when he confronted some of his former bullies as an adult.Together, Joe and Trevor discuss who is most vulnerable to bullying, why gender and sexuality are so often policed by peers and institutions, whether fighting back actually helps, and the different ways kids learn to survive — from making themselves invisible to embracing the very qualities they're being targeted for.Most importantly, they explore something surprisingly powerful: the difference one supportive adult can make in the life of a bullied child.Dr. Trevor Hoppe is an Associate Professor of Sociology, Criminology & Justice Studies at UNC Greensboro. His work explores sexuality, public health, consent, stigma, and the law.MORE FROM DR. TREVOR HOPPEPick up a copy of Unsafe Words: Queering Consent in the #MeToo Era, co-edited by Trevor Hoppe and Shantel Gabrieal Buggs.Trevor is also currently researching his forthcoming book on bullying, tentatively titled Kick Me If You Think I'm Gay, examining the long-lasting effects of gender and sexuality-based bullying on people's bodies and minds.
In 2009, self-help superstar James Arthur Ray invited dozens of followers to a six-day retreat near Sedona, Arizona, promising a life-changing journey of spiritual transformation. Instead, his Spiritual Warrior program ended in tragedy when three participants—Kirby Brown, James Shore, and Liz Neuman—died following an extreme sweat lodge ceremony.Once Upon a Crime first covered the case in 2019 as part of our Deadly Therapy series. Now, Esther revisits the story with new insight from journalist and author Annette McGivney, whose new book, Plastic Shaman: The True Story of a Deadly Self-Help Retreat and America's Misguided Quest for Wellness, takes a deeper look at the tragedy and the culture that allowed it.Throughout the episode, Annette discusses her years of research into the case, the warning signs that preceded the deaths, the psychological pressure that kept participants pushing past their physical limits, and Ray's appropriation of Indigenous spiritual traditions. The case also raises a question that remains relevant today: When does the pursuit of self-improvement cross the line into exploitation—and how do we recognize a dangerous guru before it's too late?Patreon Bonus: You'll hear excerpts from Esther's conversation with Annette throughout this episode. Once Upon a Crime Patreon members can hear the complete, uncut interview with Annette McGivney, where she shares more about her investigation, the people at the center of the tragedy, and what the Sedona case can teach us about today's self-help and wellness industry.Become a member starting at just $5 per month at patreon.com/onceuponacrime.Featured Book: Plastic Shaman: The True Story of a Deadly Self-Help Retreat and America's Misguided Quest for Wellness by Annette McGivneyhttps://www.torreyhouse.org/plastic-shaman https://azdailysun.com/flaglive/annette-mcgivney-dives-into-impacts-of-self-help-schemes-with-new-book-plastic-shaman/article_42b52fe1-5d6d-4c40-9693-dd2dd468307e.htmlSupport the show by visiting our sponsors! Vinted - Ready to clean out your closet and make some extra money? Download the Vinted app for free and start listing!Talkiatry - Go to talkiatry.com/ONCE to complete a short assessment and get matched with an in-network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. Jones Road - Head to jonesroadbeauty.com and use code ONCE at checkout to receive a free full-sized mascara with your first purchase. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode of Criminology, Mike and Morf explore the mysterious Bennington Triangle in southern Vermont, examining a series of disappearances and deaths dating back to the 1940s. The cases include hunters Carl Herrick and Middie Rivers, college student Paula Jean Welden, World War I veteran James Tedford, eight-year-old Paul Jepson, hiker Frieda Langer, and the disappearance of Martha Jeannette Jones, who was eventually found alive.Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the Bennington Triangle. Explanations range from accidents and getting lost in the rugged wilderness to abduction and foul play. Also examined is the area's eerie reputation, the legendary Bennington Monster, and Native American stories of cursed land. You can help support the show through Patreon.We'd love to connect with listeners on social media. We are available on the following platforms:Facebook - Facebook Discussion group - Instagram - Threads - X Formerly Twitter - Blue Sky - Twitch - Tik Tok Criminology is an Emash Digital production hosted by Mike Ferguson and Mike Morford. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The last time that Taipei elected a mayor from the Democratic Progressive Party was Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) in 1994. At the time it seemed like some kind of a breakthrough because Taipei is known to be a Chinese Nationalist Kuomintang stronghold. During his tenure as mayor of Taipei, Chen Shui-bian had a very high public approval rating of over 70% to nearly 80%. In spite of this he was not reelected for a second term. Instead, the Chinese Nationalist Kuomintang candidate Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) was elected mayor of Taipei. Now nearly 30 years have passed and none of the DPP mayoral candidates have been able to get elected in Taipei since. Will this year's DPP candidate Puma Shen (沈伯洋) be able to break the spell? Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/puma-shen-%e6%b2%88%e4%bc%af%e6%b4%8b-dpp-taipei-mayoral-candidates-vision-for-taipei-city-our-full-interview-ep-361/ In this episode you'll learn about more about who Puma Shen (沈伯洋) is and what his vision for Taipei City is. Puma is an Associate Professor at National Taipei University's Graduate School of Criminology, Co-Founder of Doublethink Lab, Co-Founder of Kuma Academy, and this year's Taipei City mayoral candidate for Democratic Progressive Party. Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/puma-shen-%e6%b2%88%e4%bc%af%e6%b4%8b-dpp-taipei-mayoral-candidates-vision-for-taipei-city-our-full-interview-ep-361/
In July Puma Shen (沈伯洋) who's currently a Legislator in Taiwan's Legislative Yuan came to the U.S. for an eight-day trip. Puma is an Associate Professor at National Taipei University's Graduate School of Criminology, Co-Founder of Doublethink Lab, Co-Founder of Kuma Academy, and this year's Taipei City mayoral candidate for Democratic Progressive Party. Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/meet-puma-shen-%e6%b2%88%e4%bc%af%e6%b4%8b-the-democratic-progressive-party-legislator-running-for-taipei-mayor-ep-360/ It's been nearly 30 years since Taipei has elected a DPP mayor and Puma most definitely has an uphill battle because Taipei voters usually vote for politicians from the Chinese Nationalist Kuomintang. According to a poll released by Taiwan Brain Trust in May, the incumbent Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) led DPP Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen (沈伯洋) by more than 20 points. Puma gave a talk when he was in New York on July 24th and many people showed up to hear him speak. We were at his talk and wanted to share some translated highlights from it. We recorded Puma's entire talk on July 24th and it's on Talking Taiwan's YouTube channel if you'd like to watch it. Incredibly the video now has over 60,000 views! More exciting news for us… I've been following Puma's career since he founded Doublethink Lab in 2019, so I was excited to finally have a chance to sit down with him for an interview just 2 days after he officially registered as the DPP candidate for Taipei Mayor. We will share a short clip from the interview at the end this episode before we release the entire interview soon. Related Links: https://talkingtaiwan.com/meet-puma-shen-%e6%b2%88%e4%bc%af%e6%b4%8b-the-democratic-progressive-party-legislator-running-for-taipei-mayor-ep-360/
Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack (Note: Recorded for members Aug 28th) In this Tortoise Shack episode, NUI Lecturer in Criminal Law, Policing and Criminology, Cian ó Concubhai, rejoins us to discuss his report, The Role of Crime and Security Journalism in Irish Democracy. We explore recent (and not so recent) cases, the relationships between crime correspondents and Policing Authorities, surveillance issues, and the influence of funding on journalistic independence. Cian discusses systemic challenges, legal protections, and the risks faced by journalists in Ireland and Northern Ireland. They also discuss the Justice Minister's reaction to the tragic events on the M9. Report is here:https://www.iccl.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/The-Role-of-Crime-and-Security-Journalism-in-Irish-Democracy-MU.pdf The Case for Left Wing Populism:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-168936278 The Fagersta School attack:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-168854108
This episode uses Mindhunter's dramatized conversation between a young FBI agent and Ed Kemper to explore a deceptively simple question: does explaining your own violence in calm, articulate detail mean you actually feel anything about it? Drawing on research into psychopathic communication and impression management, the discussion breaks down why fluent self-analysis can come across as honesty even when remorse is absent. It closes by asking what we're really measuring when we find a killer's account of himself convincing.
“You don't just wake up one day caught up in this. There's usually a long line of needs not being met that result in a kid being in this situation.”When a young person finds themselves involved in the juvenile justice system, their defense attorney has the crucial responsibility of considering the challenging circumstances that may have played a role in how they got there. Their job is to help the judge and jury consider the human being—and the child—behind the crime.My guest for this conversation strives to see beyond the exterior and understand how early trauma, social disadvantages, and family dynamics have shaped a young person's current circumstances. Then, he works to ensure their voice, their story, and their unmet needs are heard fairly in court.Le'Otis Boswell Johnson is a Juvenile Defense Attorney and the co-founder of Sons of Sophistication. His experience includes a double major in Criminology and Psychology, serving as a Guardian ad Litem for youth in both Child Protective Services (CPS) and the Juvenile Justice System, and working as a Staff Attorney with Foster Care Advocacy Center. He strives to create spaces that give all kids, regardless of their circumstances, a fighting chance to discover and reach their full potential.This episode is a powerful listen for anyone involved in the foster care community, because we know that foster care is not an isolated issue. Multiple factors often overlap with involvement in the child welfare system, including family instability, incarceration, poverty, and homelessness. Understanding those intersections is an important part of understanding what children and families need, and how we can respond more effectively.In this episode, you'll hear about the connection between trauma and a child's involvement with the legal system, the importance of humanizing everyone in the courtroom, how education can play a crucial role in providing life skills, and much more.Find the show notes and links to anything we discussed here: https://riversideproject.org/podcast/leotis-boswell-johnson-53
Have you ever watched the person you love most get everything you ever wanted? Did you harden around envy, or shrink with comparison? Were you able to find happiness for their success? Philippa Northeast, Logie nominated and lead of Netflix’s My Brilliant Career, is a star quickly rising. Her most significant role? The little sister of our producer, Bridge.
Can you guess the most-cited book in America's founding-era politics? Hint: it wasn't Montesquieu. It was Deuteronomy. Historian Daniel Dreisbach joins Unscrolled to reveal just how deeply the Bible shaped the Constitution, from checks and balances to due process and the treason clause. Listen in for a conversation that will challenge what you thought you knew about America's founding… and maybe even reframe how we think about the roots of self-government. Guest bio: Dr. Daniel Dreisbach, author and Professor of Justice, Law and Criminology at American University Show Notes: American University Professor of Justice, Law, Criminology & Security Dr. Daniel Dreisbach's X Books - “Reading the Bible with the Founding Fathers,” “Thomas Jefferson and the Wall of Separation Between Church and State” Stay up to date with Museum of the Bible on social media: Instagram: @museumofBible X: @museumofBible Facebook: museumofBible LinkedIn: museumofBible YouTube: @museumoftheBible
The One With a Mother of Five Turned Sexy Mormon Single, a Catfish, and a Vulcan Ex! AKA A COLD DECEMBER MORNING! Official Description from NBCU: The death of a mother of five tests a family's loyalty. Keith Morrison reports. Go subscribe to the DNA ID podcast! It's hosted by way smarter than us lawyer Jess Bettencourt, produced by legendary podcaster Mike Morford of Criminology, and it's the only podcast about cold case homicides and John and Jane Doe identifications solved by genetic genealogy. Check it out! Check out our Patreon or Supercast and get instant access to over 80 bonus full length true crime episodes, our monthly livestreams, ad free episodes released a day early, and MORE! patreon.com/datedateline datedateline.supercast.com Or gift a Patreon subscription to a friend! https://www.patreon.com/datedateline/gift Kimberly wrote a musical! Help her out by signing up for the email list at snippedthemusical.com and following on instagram at snippedthemusical! Shopping with our sponsors is an easy way to support our show! Amplify your summer look with Thrive Causemetics. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DATELINE for an exclusive offer of 20% off your first order. Chew smarter with Larine gum! Right now, Larineco is offering our listeners up to 50% off at BuyLarine.com/DATEDATELINE! If you're ready to sell smarter, run faster, and stress less, right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at square.com/go/datedateline. Run your business smarter with Square. Get started today. Machine Washable Rugs, Made Better. For a limited time only, our listeners get 10% off + free shipping at Tumbleliving.com/DATEDATELINE. After you purchase, they will ask you where you heard about them. PLEASE support our show and tell them our show sent you! Ready to give your liver the support it deserves? Head to dosedaily.co/DATEDATELINE or enter DATEDATELINE to get 35% off your first subscription. Your body does so much for you—let's do something for it. To advertise on this podcast please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com Or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/ADatewithDateline
Notes: Ms. Aybar traces her interest in criminal justice, government and politics back to childhood. She recalls her father having her choose a current event from the Sunday newspaper and then discussing it with him, and says she already knew by seventh grade that she wanted to attend John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Her route into cybercrime came through advertising and political campaigns. As digital advertising became increasingly important, she encountered problems with advertisements being directed toward bots rather than people and became involved in applying fraud-prevention techniques to campaigns. This experience sparked a wider interest in cybercrime. After beginning her PhD, Ms. Aybar worked on a research assignment involving USAID and DAI focused on enhancing Ukraine's cybersecurity posture. The work led her further into the national-security side of cybersecurity and into studying nation-state, non-state and other cyber actors. Ms. Aybar and her dissertation chair, Dr. Rob T. Guerette, used environmental criminology and rational choice theory to examine whether state-sponsored and non-state cyber actors demonstrate different behavioural signatures. Rather than focusing only on the tools used in an attack, the approach considers the choices attackers make around risk, reward, effort, visibility, operational security and what they are ultimately trying to accomplish. The study uses data from the European Repository of Cyber Incidents (EuRepoC), allowing the researchers to look for patterns across a large number of publicly documented cyber incidents over time. Ms. Aybar notes that this scale is useful, but also stresses that the data only represent incidents that are visible, recorded and attributable rather than the full universe of cyber activity. Changes in the threat landscape, actor names and APT naming conventions also create challenges for classification and consistency. The clearest distinction in the study was that non-state actors were more associated with high-visibility and immediate-impact activity, including ransomware, disruption, doxxing and publicly confirming responsibility for an attack. State-sponsored or state-affiliated actors were more associated with lower-visibility strategic activity, particularly data theft and reduced operational disruption. From a rational choice perspective, Ms. Aybar suggests these differences reflect different incentives. Non-state actors may benefit from visibility, pressure or immediate financial gain, while state-linked actors may have reasons to preserve access, avoid attention and quietly collect intelligence or strategically valuable data. She emphasizes that, regardless of the category of actor, there are still people behind the screens making these choices. Not all of the study's expectations were supported. The researchers expected state-sponsored actors to be more likely to target state and political systems, but this was not supported in their first theoretically guided model. Ms. Aybar suggests this may reflect strategic indirection: a state-linked actor can pursue a state-level objective by targeting contractors, universities, infrastructure dependencies, supply-chain intermediaries or private companies rather than attacking a government agency directly. Ms. Aybar's planned dissertation consists of three studies. The first will develop behavioural baselines for state-linked cyber operations associated with China, Iran, North Korea and Russia and compare their operational and visibility patterns. The second will examine time to public attribution and whether behavioural characteristics are associated with how quickly an actor is publicly named. Her third dissertation study will examine ransomware crime scripts in the biotechnology and life sciences sector compared with general enterprise cases. The aim is to identify points in the ransomware process where situational crime-prevention techniques could potentially disrupt an attack. This work has also led Ms. Aybar toward the emerging area of cyber biosecurity. She is interested in what happens when cyber threats intersect with biological data, laboratory systems, pharmaceutical research, AI and the wider bioeconomy, approaching these issues from a cybercrime and national-security perspective. About our guest: Priscilla F. Aybar, M.A. Florida International University — International Crime and Justice PhD Program https://ccj.fiu.edu/people/ph.d.-students/ Papers or resources mentioned in this episode: Aybar, P. F., & Guerette, R. T. (2026). Rational choices in cyberspace: Quantitative insights into targeting and attack behavior among cyber offenders. Journal of Criminal Justice, 103, 102621. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2026.102621 Pixalate & The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC): How the DCCC used Pixalate to reduce ad fraud A case study featuring Ms. Aybar's work using invalid-traffic detection and advertising analytics to reduce ad fraud in political digital campaigns. https://www.pixalate.com/case-study-dccc-ad-fraud-protection European Repository of Cyber Incidents (EuRepoC) https://eurepoc.eu/database/
In this bonus episode of Once Upon a Crime, we ask a disturbing question: did the Scott Peterson case inspire other men to murder their wives?We examine the cases of Lori Hacking, Jennifer Corbin, and Teresa Lane, three women whose murders shared striking similarities with the Peterson case. In some instances, the connection went beyond coincidence. One killer reportedly followed Peterson's trial closely, while another allegedly referenced Peterson directly before murdering his wife.We also turn the question around: could Scott Peterson himself have been influenced by earlier disappearances and murders that occurred while he was a college student in San Luis Obispo?From staged accidents and disappearances to the dangerous myth of “no body, no crime,” this bonus episode explores how high-profile murder cases can become cautionary tales... or, in the wrong hands, criminal blueprints.Sources: Erased: Missing Women, Murdered Wives, Marilee Strong, Jossey-Bass Publishers, 2008. “Death and the Dentist,” Rob Stafford for NBC News, October 18, 2006https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna15253153“Thomas Lane, convicted of wife's murder, sentenced to death,” Jared Boyd, AL.com, June 7, 2016. https://www.al.com/news/mobile/2016/06/mobile_man_accused_of_killing_3.htmlThomas Robert Lane v. State of Alabama, Feb. 5, 2010, accessed on Findlaw.com. https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/al-court-of-criminal-appeals/1507261.htmlSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In part two of their look at vigilantism, Carlos and retired FBI profiler Andrew Bringuel dig into what actually motivates someone to bypass the justice system and act on their own. Using the PEPS model — personal, economic, power/political, and social motives — they break down real cases, including the Bernhard Goetz shooting, to separate the myth of the vigilante from the psychology behind it. The conversation also turns practical, weighing what "good" versus destructive vigilante behavior looks like when communities feel the system has failed them.
Karyn is an Associate Professor and Chair of Sociology at the University of Maine. She earned her Ph.D. in criminology and criminal justice at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and is an expert in qualitative and life history research methods, with a focus on hidden and marginalized populations. Her recent work examines violent extremism and terrorism prevention, emphasizing the experiences of family members of individuals involved in ideological extremism and targeted violence. Karyn's research is grounded in in-depth life history interviews with family members, allowing her to examine early warning signs, non-ideological risk factors, and how families and communities respond when they see someone mobilizing toward violence. Her work has informed policy and practice at the federal, state, and local levels, and she is a core member of Maine's Threat Assessment Group, where she contributes research-based insights to prevention and early intervention efforts. Karyn was one of this year's 5 Minute Genius speakers at the 2026 Maine Science Festival. This conversation was recorded in June 2026. ~~~~~The Maine Science Podcast is a production of the Maine Discovery Museum. It is recorded at Discovery Studios, at the Maine Discovery Museum, in Bangor, ME. The Maine Science Podcast is hosted and executive produced by Kate Dickerson; edited and produced by Scott Loiselle. The Discover Maine theme was composed and performed by Nick Parker. To support our work: https://www.mainediscoverymuseum.org/donate. Find us online:Maine Discovery MuseumMaine Discovery Museum on social media: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Bluesky YouTubeMaine Science Podcast on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTubeMaine Science Festival on social media: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube© 2026 Maine Discovery Museum
Weight management is often reduced to a simple equation: calories in versus calories out. But is it really that simple? In this episode of the NTI PodTalk, we are joined by NTI instructor, Lauren Friarson, to explore the many factors that can influence weight and metabolic health.Dianne and Lauren discuss why calorie counting doesn't tell the whole story and how weight management is so multi-faceted. Listen in as they challenge some common assumptions about weight loss and explore why an individualized, sustainable approach may be more helpful than continually jumping from one diet or fitness trend to another. Lauren also shares practical strategies for developing a healthier relationship with food and finding an approach that works for your individual body and stage of life.If you're interested in understanding weight management from a holistic perspective, this episode offers a broader look at the factors that influence metabolism and why sustainable health involves much more than counting calories.About Lauren:Certified Master Nutrition Therapist and Fitness Professional, Lauren Friarson has been practicing nutrition, coaching one-on-one, and educating others for nearly two decades. Lauren's greatest passion is assisting people to eat and move well in order to embrace their fullest life possible. She has undergraduate degrees in both Psychology and Sociology, a graduate degree in Criminology, and numerous nationally recognized fitness certifications. She is the author of “Why Can't is a Four-Letter Word” and “Get Off The Curb: From Flight or Fight to Activated Achiever”.She is a top motivational speaker, industry influencer, and leader in both health and wellness and personal development. Lauren has used her training and experience working with a variety of people to help change lives through the power of knowledge and inspiration. In her free time, you will find Lauren working out on her Peloton bike or tread, hiking with friends, golfing, traveling, or even the occasional food and wine tasting. She is recently married, a step mom of two amazing kids, and truly prides herself in always wanting to get better in order to impact as many lives as possible along the way.Connect with Lauren:Instagram**Timestamps for the topics discussed can be found on this episode's NTI PodTalk page: https://ntischool.com/holistic-weight-management/Are you ready to start your journey as a Nutrition Therapist Master? To learn more about NTI's Nutrition Therapist Master Certification, visit ntischool.com for more information, or call 303-284-8361 to speak with our admissions team.This discussion is not intended to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy, nor in any way imply that Nutrition Therapists who graduate from NTI are qualified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy. The scope of practice for graduates of NTI is to deliver therapeutic nutrition guidance to our clients which helps support their natural biology to achieve optimal function in whatever wellness path they are on.
Dr. Arelia Johnson is a nationally recognized sociologist, strategist, speaker, consultant, and writer with nearly 20 years of experience advancing equity, justice, and inclusion. She earned her Ph.D. in Sociology and Criminology from Howard University in Washington, D.C. and currently serves as the first Chief Officer of Human and Civil Rights in Harris County, Houston, Texas. Her innumerable contributions include co-founding Beyond the B.A.R. Consulting & Strategy and creating the R.E.D.I. Lexicon and Language Matters. Arelia calls Houston, Texas home.
South Africa is rolling out body-worn cameras as a potential tool to improve police accountability and public trust. Criminologist Jean-Piere Roux argues that cameras alone cannot deliver accountability if police retain control over when footage is recorded, accessed and reviewed. He discusses the independent oversight, operational rules and safeguards needed to ensure body cameras actually hold police to account. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In Part Two of Scott Peterson Revisited, Esther is joined by her sister Yolanda to take a closer look at the claims now being made on behalf of convicted murderer Scott Peterson.In 2024, the Los Angeles Innocence Project announced that it was investigating Peterson's claims of actual innocence. The following year, his attorneys filed a habeas corpus petition arguing that new evidence and scientific analysis undermined key elements of the prosecution's case. A judge rejected those claims in April 2026, but the LA Innocence Project has said it plans to appeal.Now Esther and Yolanda reopen the case for themselves.Together, they examine the major arguments being presented as evidence of Peterson's innocence: the burglary across the street from the Peterson home, witnesses who claimed they saw Laci walking her dog after Scott left that morning, new theories about where Laci and Conner entered San Francisco Bay, evidence suggesting Laci may have known about Scott's fishing boat, and questions surrounding when Conner died. They also revisit allegations that investigators developed tunnel vision and ignored evidence that didn't fit their theory of the crime. What actually caused detectives to focus their attention on Scott? Were other leads adequately investigated? And does the so-called “new evidence” meaningfully change the circumstantial case that led a jury to convict him?More than two decades after Laci and Conner Peterson were murdered, Esther and Yolanda separate what's new from what has been argued before, challenge each other's assumptions, and ask the question at the heart of Scott Peterson's latest bid for freedom:Is there truly new evidence of innocence — or simply a new way of presenting an old defense?Content warningThis episode discusses the murder of a pregnant woman and the death of an unborn child.Links to our original episodes:This episode revisits research originally presented in Episodes 71 and 72 of Once Upon a Crime in 2017, along with subsequent court rulings and the claims presented by the Los Angeles Innocence Project in Scott Peterson: The New Evidence.https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s2-ep71-the-12-crimes-of-christmas-laci-peterson-part-1/https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s2-ep72-the-12-crimes-of-christmas-laci-peterson-part-2/Other resources: People Magazine article (with photos of van, “Laci note” with handwriting comparison, etc.) https://people.com/pieces-forensic-evidence-could-lead-scott-peterson-freedom-exclusive-12014816?hid=bc2984855ed727914fef22dff40e20764d844358&did=24648672-20260713&utm_source=ppl&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ppl-true-crime_newsletter&utm_content=071326&lctg=bc2984855ed727914fef22dff40e20764d844358&lr_input=f39d77450fcf063cdc7d94fda7ecdf5efd39306fc49121111e7af41f018cc829&campaign=18955543 For Laci: A Mother's Story of Love, Loss, and Justice, Sharon Rocha, Crown Publishers, 2006. YouTube: Crime & Justice, “Scott Peterson Case: Lead Detective Dismantles “New Evidence” Claimshttps://youtu.be/a5qvh_KVvW0?si=hSlZWEh6DcvzcgY_YouTube: East Idaho News, “Homicide Detective Jon Buehler and legal analyst Beth Karas on the truth about Scott Peterson”https://youtu.be/U8OlJsSdWxM?si=t7mRvJluYIhjv8LBhttps://www.stanislaus-da.org/pdf/news/2026/press-release-05-12-2026-SPeterson.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawTJwBZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR573on0mjwU15IxHrPF2s_dROtgKY4mxWsO_FbqPJzGzGd_qwChWikSZPIFiw_aem_UvmC6ZEk7nqxD9jDoOFt7ALos Angeles Innocence Project Court Filings: Notice of Motion for DNA Testing, Jan 17, 2024 https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ev6pivmu5f34w0f4fsj4c/1405-DNA-Motion.pdf?rlkey=3a2im5v5osa1b6jxjb739b3hj&e=1&dl=0Notice of Motion for Post-Conviction Discovery, Jan 17, 2024https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/wa5itop6v4mxgx5bdojqc/1054.9-Discovery-Motion_Redacted.pdf?rlkey=api1iepe8sw96utwe2aiy3j1x&e=1&dl=0See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Nine years after Belgium, in the English countryside, a military-trained parachute instructor jumped from four thousand feet with both her main and reserve chutes disabled — and lived. Behind it sat a husband, a life insurance policy, and a marriage already in freefall long before she was. This part covers the near-impossible survival, the motive, and what two cases a decade apart reveal about this method of killing.
In this bonus episode of Scott Peterson Revisited, we look beyond the evidence to examine the man at the center of the case. Was Scott Peterson capable of murdering his pregnant wife, Laci, and their unborn son, Conner?We explore Scott's family history, childhood, relationships, repeated infidelities, and carefully cultivated image as the family's “Golden Boy” and “Mr. Perfect.” We also consider the patterns of deception and compartmentalization that emerged throughout his life and ask whether they offer clues to how he could commit such a devastating crime—and continue to deny responsibility more than two decades later.Unmasking Scott Peterson examines the man behind the carefully constructed image and asks: What happens when maintaining the mask becomes more important than confronting reality?Content warningThis episode discusses the murder of a pregnant woman and the death of an unborn child.Sources and further listeningInside the Mind of Scott Peterson, Keigh Ablow, M.D., St. Martin's Press, 2005.Till Death Do Us Part: Love, Marriage, and the Mind of the Killer Spouse, Dr. Robi Ludwig and Matt Birkbeck, Atria Books, 2006.When the Husband is the Suspect, F. Lee Bailey with Jean Rabe, A Forge Book, 2008. Witness for the Prosecution of Scott Peterson, Amber Frey, Regan Books, 2005. For Laci: A Mother's Story of Love, Loss, and Justice, Sharon Rocha, Crown Publishers, 2006. Blood Brother: 33 Reasons My Brother Scott Peterson is Guilty, Anne Bird, Regan Books, 2005. “Fun and unpredictable, that was the real Laci,” Diana Walsh for The San Francisco Chronicle, May 30, 2004. “William “Kent” Gains - December 8, 1972 - August 21, 2021, Epilogg.com. Links to our original episodes: This episode revisits research originally presented in Episodes 71 and 72 of Once Upon a Crime in 2017. https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s2-ep71-the-12-crimes-of-christmas-laci-peterson-part-1/https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s2-ep72-the-12-crimes-of-christmas-laci-peterson-part-2/Sponsors: See a list of our sponsors and discount codes on our website:https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/sponsors/Links: Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com OUAC Merchandise Shop - https://onceuponacrime.dashery.comYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Blood on the Sawdust: The Brutal World of Victorian Boxing Episode Overview In this 9th Anniversary Special, we step out of the West End drawing rooms and into the blood-flecked, sawdust-covered floors of 19th-century “Fancy” public houses. Inspired by the depiction of East End street culture in A Thousand Blows, this episode explores the history of Victorian boxing—from the illegal bare-knuckle bouts of the Regency era to the gentrified, gloved sport codified under the Marquess of Queensberry Rules. We examine how prizefighting evolved from a brutal survival strategy into a national obsession, the legal cat-and-mouse games played across county lines, and the medical and physical toll extracted from the fighters. We also dive into the remarkable life of international combat instructor Colonel Thomas Hoyer Monstery and uncover the overlooked history of 19th-century female prizefighters. Key Topics Covered: Housekeeping & AI Voice Policy: Why the podcast is permanently stepping away from AI-generated voice models in favour of human research, along with updates on replacement recording equipment and audio access. The “Sweet Science” & Prizefighting History: How bare-knuckle fighting functioned as a mix of martial arts, local wrestling, and survival in an era where the body was often a worker’s sole asset. The Structural Cage of the Law: The jurisdictional loopholes that allowed fights to flourish on county borders, and the evolution of legal precedents from R v Billingham (1825) to R v Coney (1882). The Aristocratic “Fancy” & Early Pioneers: The rise of sports journalism via Pierce Egan's Boxiana, and landmark international contests like the 1810 bout between Tom Cribb and former American slave Tom Molineaux. Case Study – The Ruin of Harry Broome: Following the career arc of Harry Broome from his controversial match at Acorn Bridge to his defeat by Tom Paddock and his eventual death in poverty. The Queensberry Transition: Why the introduction of gloves in 1867 was viewed with suspicion by working-class fighters, and how padded gloves inadvertently increased the long-term risk of chronic brain injury. Gentlemen, Self-Defence & Martial Arts: Highlights from Colonel Thomas Hoyer Monstery's C19th treatise Self Defence for Ladies and Gentlemen, including his views on boxing over firearms and his praise for female swordmasters. Women in the Ring: The subversion of Victorian gender norms, focusing on the 1888 world championship bout between Hattie Leslie and Alice Leary, and the legal outrage that followed. Sources & Footnotes Academic Articles & Published Journals Anderson, Jack. “The Right to a Fair Fight: Sporting Lessons on Consensual Harm.” New Criminal Law Review, vol. 17, no. 1, 2014, pp. 55–75. Betts, John Rickards. “Sporting Journalism in Nineteenth-Century America.” American Quarterly, vol. 5, no. 1, 1953, pp. 39–56. Brayne, Hugh, Lincoln Sargeant, and Carol Brayne. “Could Boxing Be Banned? A Legal and Epidemiological Perspective.” BMJ, vol. 316, no. 7147, 1998, pp. 1813–15. Burnett, John. A History of the Cost of Living. Penguin Books, 1969, pp. 219–220. Cone, Carl B. “The Molineaux-Cribb Fight, 1810: Wuz Tom Molineaux Robbed?” Journal of Sport History, vol. 9, no. 3, 1982, pp. 83–91. De la Cova, Carlina. “Cultural Patterns of Trauma among 19th-Century-Born Males in Cadaver Collections.” American Anthropologist, vol. 112, no. 4, 2010, pp. 589–606. Di Méo, Grace. “Women, Gangs, and Criminal Networks: A Social Network Analysis of the Forty Elephants Gang.” Social Science History, vol. 50, 2026, pp. 1–25. Early, Gerald. “The Black Intellectual and the Sport of Prizefighting.” The Kenyon Review, vol. 10, no. 3, 1988, pp. 102–17. Godfrey, Emelyne. “Urban Heroes versus Folk Devils: Civilian Self-Defence in London (1880–1914).” Crime, Histoire & Sociétés, vol. 14, no. 2, 2010, pp. 5–30. Gorn, Elliott J. “John L. Sullivan: ‘The Champion of All Champions’.” The Virginia Quarterly Review, vol. 62, no. 4, 1986, pp. 614–33. Gorn, Elliott J. “The First American Championship Prizefight.” OAH Magazine of History, vol. 7, no. 1, 1992, pp. 19–23. Huggins, Mike. “Reading the Funeral Rite: A Cultural Analysis of the Funeral Ceremonials and Burial of Selected Leading Sportsmen in Victorian England, 1864–1888.” Journal of Sport History, vol. 38, no. 3, 2011, pp. 407–24. Juengel, Scott J. “Bare-Knuckle Boxing and the Pedagogy of National Manhood.” Studies in Popular Culture, vol. 25, no. 3, 2003, pp. 91–110. Kerr, Douglas. “The Straight Left: Sport and the Nation in Arthur Conan Doyle.” Victorian Literature and Culture, vol. 38, no. 1, 2010, pp. 187–206. McCrory, Paul. “Boxing and the Risk of Chronic Brain Injury.” BMJ, vol. 335, no. 7624, 2007, pp. 781–82. McLeod, Hugh. “The ‘Sportsman’ and the ‘Muscular Christian’: Rival Ideals in Nineteenth-Century England.” Gender and Christianity in Modern Europe, edited by Patrick Pasture et al., Leuven University Press, 2012, pp. 85–105. Monstery, Thomas Hoyer. Self-Defence for Ladies and Gentlemen: A Nineteenth-Century Treatise on Boxing, Kicking, Grappling, and Fencing with the Cane and Quarterstaff. Edited by Ben Miller, Blue Snake Books, 2015. Moore, Louis. “Fit for Citizenship: Black Sparring Masters, Gymnasium Owners, and the White Body, 1825–1886.” The Journal of African American History, vol. 96, no. 4, 2011, pp. 448–73. Obi, T. J. Desch. “Black Terror: Bill Richmond’s Revolutionary Boxing.” Journal of Sport History, vol. 36, no. 1, 2009, pp. 99–114. Oswell, George E. “Antedatings of Some Prize-Fighting Terms.” American Speech, vol. 32, no. 2, 1957, p. 155. Reynolds, Margaret. “‘In Chancery’ Again: Dickens and Prize-Fighting.” Dickens Studies Newsletter, vol. 14, no. 2, 1983, pp. 48–50. Ross, Ellen. “‘Fierce Questions and Taunts’: Married Life in Working-Class London, 1870–1914.” Feminist Studies, vol. 8, no. 3, 1982, pp. 575–602. Ross, Macintosh. “The Boxing Boys in Blue: Gloved Sparring and Bare-Knuckle Prizefighting in the Union Army, 1861–65.” Journal of Sport History, vol. 44, no. 3, 2017, pp. 438–55. Ryan, James Emmett. “Fight Club, 1880: Boxing, Class, and Literary Culture in John Boyle O’Reilly’s Boston.” Journal of American Studies, vol. 54, no. 4, 2020, pp. 706–36. Sandhu, Sukhdev. “London Calling.” AA Files, no. 49, 2003, pp. 50–56. Siegler, J. “The Dangers of Boxing.” BMJ, vol. 307, no. 6900, 1993, p. 379. Standen, Jeffrey. “The Manly Sports: The Problematic Use of Criminal Law to Regulate Sports Violence.” The Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology, vol. 99, no. 3, 2009, pp. 619–42. Wood, Michael T. “Review of Prizefighting and Civilization… by David C. LaFevor.” Mexican Studies/Estudios Mexicanos, vol. 37, no. 3, 2021, pp. 479–81. Legal Cases Cited R v Billingham (1825) R v Perkins (1831) R v Hunt (1845) R v Coney (1882) Digital & Regional Archival Sources Chevallot, Isabelle. “18th and 19th Century Fight Club: The Beginnings of British Boxing.” Guildhall Library Blog, 2014. Cox, Sarah Elizabeth. “A Quick Note on A Thousand Blows, Black Boxers in 1880s London, and ‘Woke History’.” Rediscovering the Wrestlers and Boxers of Late-Victorian London, 2025. Faith-Kelly, Killian. “The True Story of A Thousand Blows‘ Boxing Behemoth Sugar Goodson.” British GQ, 2025. Shrivenham Heritage Society. “The Prize Fights at Acorn Bridge.” Shrivenham Heritage Archive, Access Date May 2026. WBAN Member Archive. “Hattie Leslie vs. Alice Leary: The Prizefight That Sent Victorian Era Buffalo into an Uproar.” Women Boxing Archive Network. The post 9TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL 2026 “Put ’em up!” appeared first on AGE OF VICTORIA PODCAST.
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Cinda Gault, author of the book Everything I Hope For. Cinda has demonstrated an enduring interest in women's lives. An undergraduate degree in Psychology led to her founding an agency to help victims of domestic violence. She followed up a stint as a prison guard with an M.A. in Criminology focused on domestic violence. Inspired to become a writer and learn about the literary tradition she wanted to join, she completed a doctoral dissertation on Canadian women's writing during the “identity years” of 1965-1980. In 1988, she published her first novel as a Harlequin Superromance set in Guelph. Her first historical novel, This Godforsaken Place, was published in 2015. In between these novels, she won third prize in an international short story contest, earned a Ph.D. in English, and raised two sons. In 2023, she published A Small Compass, welcomed two granddaughters, and has a new novel, Everything I Hope For, set in the 1970s. In my book review, I stated Everything I Hope For is a young adult late 20th century historical fiction by Cinda Gault. Although it is difficult for me to believe that 1970s is now historical, Cinda does an excellent job thrusting us into the world of Jesus Freaks and hippies. In this coming of age story, we meet Belinda who is a senior in high school who has always been a good student and honest with her parents - especially her open-minded mother. But as her parents' relationship disintegrates and Belinda begins dating, everything she thought to be true about her relationship with her mother turns upside down. At seventeen, she finds herself on her own and making adult choices she's not quite ready to make. We watch as she navigates familial bonds, romance, lust, friendship, higher education, finding a job, and true love. Throughout it all, Belinda is simply hoping to find what she's always wanted - to be accepted for who she is and to be allowed to grow and become. I enjoyed this book and think you will too! Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1 You can follow Author Cinda Gault Website: www.cindagault.com FB: @Cinda Gault IG: @gaultcinda LinkedIn: @Cinda Gault X: CindaGault Purchase Everything I Hope For on Amazon: Ebook: https://amzn.to/4xagglK Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1 Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors #cindagault #everythingihopefor #YAfiction #historicalfiction #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Twenty-three years after the murders of Laci Peterson and her unborn son, Conner, the case against Scott Peterson is once again under scrutiny.In January 2024, the Los Angeles Innocence Project announced that it was representing Peterson and investigating his claims of actual innocence. Since then, his attorneys have filed new challenges to his conviction, arguing that previously overlooked evidence and new scientific analysis undermine the prosecution's case.In July 2026, A&E aired the two-part documentary Scott Peterson: The New Evidence, produced by the Los Angeles Innocence Project, bringing many of these claims back into the national conversation.In Part One of this two-part series, we'll revisit the case from the beginning and examine the evidence that originally led investigators to focus on Scott Peterson.We review the timeline surrounding Laci's disappearance on Christmas Eve 2002, Scott's secret relationship with Amber Frey, the investigation that followed, and the discovery of Laci and Conner's remains months later near the area where Scott said he had been fishing.We'll also look at the legal history of the case after Scott's conviction, including the California Supreme Court's decision to overturn his death sentence, his resentencing to life without parole, and the more recent efforts by the Los Angeles Innocence Project to reopen the case.Content warningThis episode discusses the murder of a pregnant woman and the death of an unborn child.Sources and further listeningThis episode revisits research originally presented in Episodes 71 and 72 of Once Upon a Crime in 2017, along with subsequent court rulings and the claims presented by the Los Angeles Innocence Project in Scott Peterson: The New Evidence.Links to our original episodes: https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s2-ep71-the-12-crimes-of-christmas-laci-peterson-part-1/https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/s2-ep72-the-12-crimes-of-christmas-laci-peterson-part-2/Coming nextIn Part 2, Esther and her sister, Yolanda, evaluate the new innocence claims one by one and discuss whether any of them materially change the evidence against Scott Peterson.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A former CIA officer sat down to write a "fun airport novel" and ended up putting a 20% probability on America actually splitting apart. James Telfer joins me to talk about what he saw from the inside that made him think the unthinkable, and why he's not laughing at his own fiction anymore. James Telfer is a retired CIA officer. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Florida, then his Master of Science in Criminology from Florida State University. He traveled the world in service to the country, retiring in December 2025. Get a copy of his book, The National Divorce: A Story of a Fractured Superpower Anthony Scaramucci is the founder and managing partner of SkyBridge, a global alternative investment firm, and founder and chairman of SALT, a global thought leadership forum and venture studio. Pre-order my next book, All the Wrong Moves: How Three Catastrophic Decisions Led to the Rise of Trump, out on the 17th of September in the UK and the 22nd of September in the US: https://www.scaramucci.net/allthewrongmoves Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Christian MacLeod is the Director and Lead Investigator of the American Cryptid and Paranormal Society (A.C.A.P.S.), bringing more than 25 years of experience researching cryptids, hauntings, UFOs, and unexplained phenomena throughout North America. A lifelong student of Native American history, culture, folklore, and legend, Christian has dedicated his career to exploring the mysteries that exist at the crossroads of history, the paranormal, and the unknown. His research also delves into the occult, forbidden archaeology, the Knights Templar, Freemasonry, secret societies, and longstanding allegations of government cover-ups and conspiracy theories. With degrees in Psychology, Criminology, Education, and American History, he combines academic scholarship with decades of hands-on field investigations.Through A.C.A.P.S., Christian has worked closely with renowned paranormal researcher Joshua P. Warren, blending scientific inquiry with real-world investigations in an effort to better understand fringe phenomena. Their collaboration has led to numerous successful expeditions, including the discovery and investigation of a hidden tunnel system beneath Asheville, North Carolina. Whether pursuing reports of Bigfoot, examining haunted locations, uncovering forgotten history, or investigating high-strangeness events, Christian brings a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to some of the world's most enduring mysteries, making him one of today's most respected voices in cryptid and paranormal research.Spaced Out Radio is your nightly source for alternative information, starting at 9pm Pacific, 12am Eastern. We broadcast LIVE every night. #UFO #UAP #AlienDisclosure #UFOSightings #UFOCoverUp #Aliens #SpacedOutRadio #Paranormal #UFOCommunity #disclosure -------------------------------------------------------You can now join the Space Traveler's Club;Join us at https://www.patreon.com/sor_space_travelers_club --------------------------------------------------------Grab Our Latest Spaced Out Radio Gear At:http://spacedoutradio.com/shop It's a great way to support our show!--------------------------------------------------------OUR LINKS:TWITTER: https://www.twitter.com/spacedoutradio FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/spacedoutradioshow SPACED OUT RADIO - INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/spacedoutradioshow DAVE SCOTT - INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/davescottsor TWITCH: https://www.twitch.com/spacedoutradioshow WEBSITE: http://www.spacedoutradio.comGUEST IDEAS OR QUESTIONS FOR SOR?Contact Klaus at bookings@spacedoutradio.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spaced-out-radio--1657874/support.
More than twenty years after Laci Peterson's murder captivated the nation, one of America's most infamous true crime cases is back in the spotlight.In this upcoming special two-part series, Once Upon a Crime host Esther Ludlow revisits the case with fan-favorite co-host Yolanda, taking a fresh look at the investigation, the evidence, and the questions that continue to divide the public. Originally covered by the podcast in 2016, this updated series examines what's changed, and why so many people are debating Scott Peterson's guilt once again.The disappearance of eight-months-pregnant Laci Peterson on Christmas Eve 2002 sparked a media frenzy unlike anything seen before. As investigators uncovered Scott Peterson's affair with Amber Frey and his shocking lies about his marriage, public opinion quickly turned. Months later, the bodies of Laci and her unborn son, Conner, were discovered along the shores of the San Francisco Bay, leading to Scott's arrest, conviction, and death sentence.But the story didn't end there.With new legal challenges from Scott Peterson's defense team, renewed attention from the Los Angeles Innocence Project, and recent documentaries reigniting debate, the case has become the subject of fresh scrutiny. Could key evidence have been misunderstood? Were important leads overlooked? Or does the original investigation still point to the same conclusion?Subscribe to Once Upon A Crime so you don't miss this upcoming series. Next episode drops Monday August 10, 2026See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Although we aren't covering a new case this week, we wanted to bring you this replay episode from the Criminology vault. It's the Mississippi Burning case which originally aired on episode 49 in 2019. We will be back soon with an all new episode of Criminology. In the summer of 1964, three civil rights workers went missing in Mississippi. They were in the state working to help African Americans get registered to vote. Their station wagon was found burned and then their bodies were found after a 44-day search. The murders sparked a national outcry for justice and led to the first successful federal prosecution in a Mississippi civil rights case. There was a tremendous amount of media coverage on this case. The individuals responsible included members of the KKK as well as local law enforcement. But it wouldn't be easy to get convictions on all involved, and the fight for justice would take many years. You can help support the show through Patreon. We'd love to connect with listeners on social media. We are available on the following platforms: Facebook - Facebook Discussion group - Instagram - Threads - X Formerly Twitter - Blue Sky - Twitch - Tik Tok Criminology is an Emash Digital production hosted by Mike Ferguson and Mike Morford.
In this episode of Once Upon a Crime, we revisits the murder of Sheila von Wiese Mack through the new book When Lambs Become Wolves by retired Sergeant Rasul T. Freelon, who knew Sheila and her daughter Heather years before the Bali killing. Freelon recounts how a 2010 theft report led to repeated police contact, revealing escalating child-to-parent violence: Heather's manipulation, financial fraud, and assaults that included breaking Sheila's arm and later a brutal attack. Despite diversion programs, mentoring, probation, and numerous calls for service, Sheila often refused to press charges, focused on saving her family, and ultimately told Freelon, “She's going to kill me.” When Lambs Become Wolfs. https://www.amazon.com/dp/0809339943?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallbackResorting to Murder: The Body in the Suitcase: https://art19.com/shows/once-upon-a-crime/episodes/eef34649-e83a-47cb-a960-5403629b2295 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In the early twentieth century, Chicago was a city already familiar with violence and corruption, but in 1946, a new case hit the headlines that introduced a whole new level of shock and scandal to the hardened city residents. Savage murders, a message scrawled across the wall in lipstick at one of the scenes and the dismemberment of a young girl gave rise to a case that would in time become known as “The Lipstick Killer.” When seventeen-year-old William Heirens was arrested, authorities declared the mystery solved, but the reality was seemingly much, much different.SOURCES Dolores Kennedy (1991) William Heirens: His Day in Court. Bonus Books, Chicago, IL, USA. Freeman, Lucy (1977) Before I Kill More… . Pocket, London, UK. Rosewood, Jack & Walker, Dwayne (2016) William Heirens: The True Story of The Lipstick Killer. Createspace Independent Publishing. Foster Kennedy, Harry R. Hoffman, William H. Haines (1948) Psychiatric Study of William Heirens. 38 J. Crim. L. & Criminology 311 (1947-1948). Chicago Tribune (1945) Widow Is Found Slain In Home, Suitor Quizzed. Chicago Tribune, Wed 6 June 1945, p7. Chicago, IL. USA. Chicago Tribune (1945) Ex-WAVE Slain, Plea Written In Red On Wall. Chicago Tribune, Tues 11 Dec 1945, p1. Chicago, IL. USA. Chicago Tribune (1946) Child Stolen From Her Bed During Night. Chicago Tribune, Tues 8 Jan 1946, p1. Chicago, IL. USA. Chicago Tribune (1946) Degnan Child Slaying Unsolved After Four Month Enquiry. Chicago Tribune, Tues 7 May 1946, p16. Chicago, IL. USA. Chicago Tribune (1946) Student Seized In Fight After Revolver Fails. Chicago Tribune, Thurs 27 June 1946, p7. Chicago, IL. USA. Chicago Tribune (1946) FBI Reports Palm Print Matches Ransom Notes'. Chicago Tribune, Tues 2 July 1946, p7. Chicago, IL. USA. Chicago Tribune (1946) How Heirens Slew 3. Chicago Tribune, Tues 16 July 1946, p1. Chicago, IL. USA. ------ For almost anything, head over to the podcasts hub at darkhistories.com Support the show by visiting our Patreon for bonus episodes and Early Access: https://www.patreon.com/darkhistories The Dark Histories books are available to buy here: http://author.to/darkhistories Dark Histories merch is available here: https://bit.ly/3GChjk9 Connect with us on Facebook: http://facebook.com/darkhistoriespodcast Or find us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/darkhistories & Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dark_histories/ Or you can contact us directly via email at contact@darkhistories.com or join our Discord community: https://discord.gg/cmGcBFf The Dark Histories Butterfly was drawn by Courtney, who you can find on Instagram @bewildereye Music was recorded by me © Ben Cutmore 2017 Other Outro music was Paul Whiteman & his orchestra with Mildred Bailey - All of me (1931). It's out of copyright now, but if you're interested, that was that. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Part 2 of the Sylvia Likens case examines the heartbreaking final hours of Sylvia Likens, one of the most horrific child abuse and murder cases in American history. On October 26, 1965, after months of unimaginable torture inside a home in Indianapolis, Indiana, 16-year-old Sylvia was carried upstairs for a bath before she was discovered unresponsive. As Gertrude Baniszewski scrambled to cover up the abuse with a fabricated confession letter, investigators immediately recognized the devastating evidence of prolonged torture. Including severe burns, starvation, countless injuries, a fatal subdural hematoma, and the chilling message carved into Sylvia's abdomen.The investigation took a dramatic turn when Sylvia's younger sister, Jenny, courageously told police, "Get me out of here, and I'll tell you everything." Her testimony unraveled Gertrude Baniszewski's lies and led to the arrests of Gertrude, several of her children, and neighborhood teenagers who participated in or witnessed the abuse.Sources:https://www.indianapolismonthly.com/longform/likens-looking-back-indianas-infamous-crime-50-years-laterhttps://www.indystar.com/story/news/history/retroindy/2013/10/24/sylvia-likens/3178393/House of Evil: The Indiana Torture Slaying - John DeanTorture Mom: A Chilling True Story of Confinement, Mutilation, and Murder - Ryan Green, 2018.The House from Hell: The True Story of Gertrude Baniszewski, Genoveva Ortiz, Sea Vision Publishing, 2024. https://www.history101.com/sylvia-likens-the-family-she-left-behind/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Sylvia_Likens#Gertrude_Baniszewskihttps://murderpedia.org/female.B/b/baniszewski.htmhttps://www.history101.com/sylvia-likens-the-family-she-left-behind/https://www.theindianalawyer.com/articles/35446-lawyers-book-retraces-indys-infamous-sylvia-likens-murder-caseSponsors: See a list of our sponsors and discount codes on our website:https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/sponsors/Links: Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com OUAC Merchandise Shop - https://onceuponacrime.dashery.comYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Police arrived at the New York Street house and quickly realized the story didn't add up. Within hours, Gertrude Baniszewski, her children, and neighborhood teens were arrested in the torture of 16-year-old Sylvia Likens. In court, everyone pointed fingers—mother against children, children against mother. Leaving one question: who was lying?Subscribe and listen to Once Upon a Crime for part two.Episode drops Monday July 13, 2026. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Some crimes are so shocking that they force us to ask a question that seems impossible to answer. Not 'Who did it?' We know who did it. Not even 'Why?' Though we'll spend this series trying to understand that. The question is this:How did an entire neighborhood watch a teenage girl disappear in plain sight?Over three months in the fall of 1965, dozens of people entered a small house on East New York Street in Indianapolis. Children played there. Teenagers gathered there. Neighbors stopped by. A minister visited. Police responded to the home. A public health nurse knocked on the door.Yet sixteen-year-old Sylvia Likens remained trapped inside…starved and tortured. By the time anyone finally listened, it was too late.Sources:https://www.indianapolismonthly.com/longform/likens-looking-back-indianas-infamous-crime-50-years-laterhttps://www.indystar.com/story/news/history/retroindy/2013/10/24/sylvia-likens/3178393/House of Evil: The Indiana Torture Slaying - John DeanTorture Mom: A Chilling True Story of Confinement, Mutilation, and Murder - Ryan Green, 2018.The House from Hell: The True Story of Gertrude Baniszewski, Genoveva Ortiz, Sea Vision Publishing, 2024. https://www.history101.com/sylvia-likens-the-family-she-left-behind/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Sylvia_Likens#Gertrude_Baniszewskihttps://murderpedia.org/female.B/b/baniszewski.htmhttps://www.history101.com/sylvia-likens-the-family-she-left-behind/https://www.theindianalawyer.com/articles/35446-lawyers-book-retraces-indys-infamous-sylvia-likens-murder-caseSponsors: See a list of our sponsors and discount codes on our website:https://www.truecrimepodcast.com/sponsors/Links: Patreon - www.patreon.com/onceuponacrime Our Website - www.truecrimepodcast.com OUAC Merchandise Shop - https://onceuponacrime.dashery.comYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnceUponACrimePodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
How does an ordinary home become the scene of extraordinary evil, and how does a community fail to save a sixteen-year-old girl? This week on Once Upon a Crime, we begin a two-part series on the murder of Sylvia Likens, examining the heartbreaking facts of the case and the psychological forces that turned one Indianapolis home into an innocent girl's torture chamber, drawing seemingly ordinary children into unimaginable cruelty. Follow Once Upon a Crime, new episodes drop every MondaySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In the summer of 1965, 16-year-old Sylvia Likens was left in the care of a mother of seven while her parents traveled for work. What should have been a temporary arrangement turned into one of the most horrifying child abuse and torture cases in American history. As the abuse escalated behind closed doors, an entire neighborhood witnessed signs of cruelty, manipulation, and neglect. Yet Sylvia's suffering continued in plain sight.Next week, Once Upon a Crime takes a deep dive into one of the most infamous true crime cases of the 20th century. A story of abuse, torture, manipulation, and the tragic death of Sylvia Likens that continues to haunt America decades later.Subscribe to Once Upon A Crime so you don't miss this gripping two-part series. New episodes drop every MondaySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.